Onsite Sewerage Management Systems (OSMS)

If your property can't connect to the Bellingen sewer network, you'll need to install and operate an Onsite Sewage Management System (OSMS).

You need Council approval in the way of a Local Government Application (LG) before you install, use, or make changes to an onsite sewage management system.

As a homeowner, it's important that you protect your health and the environment by understanding how to effectively maintain and operate your system.

On-site sewage management systems treat and dispose of waste water, they are also designed to;

  • prevent the spread of disease by micro-organisms
  • prevent the spread of foul odours
  • prevent the contamination of water
  • prevent degradation of soil and vegetation
  • discourage insects and vermin
  • ensure people don't come into contact with untreated sewage or effluent (whether treated or not) in their ordinary activities at the site
  • minimise any adverse impacts on the site and surrounding land's amenity
  • if appropriate, provide for the reuse of resources (including nutrients, organic matter and water).

Different types of onsite sewage management systems can include:

  • septic tank systems
  • aerated waste treatment systems
  • composting systems
  • greywater irrigation systems