Newee Creek Property
Primary wastewater treatment for new home on a lifestyle property
PROJECT DETAILS
Location:
Newee Creek, NSW
Product:
Primary septic tank with ETA beds
Capability:
Consult, design, and construct STP
True Water have provided a primary wastewater treatment solution for a new four-bedroom home on the mid-north coast of NSW. The owners engaged Coral Homes who referred them to us for an onsite wastewater solution. We worked together to deliver the system within the project timeline. We assisted with everything from the council Development Application, to the supply and installation of the system.
Location is always a critical consideration. This 1.78-hectare lifestyle property is situated in Newee Creek, within the Nambucca Shire Council region. The size of the house is another key factor, as the number of bedrooms determines the required treatment system size. Additionally, the absence of nearby waterways was significant in this case.
Treated water disperses slowly through the soil, but when a property is close to a creek, dam, or even a gully, secondary treatment is necessary to prevent nutrients from reaching waterways and causing algal blooms or contamination. Fortunately, this block was clear of such concerns. Each council has its own management plans and strategies. However, we recognised that Nambucca Shire Council is more favourable towards septic tank systems than other administrations.
True Water assisted in obtaining all necessary approvals for a 4,000-litre Polymer septic tank that could accommodate a flow rate of 720 litres per day.
ETA beds are used to disperse wastewater that has been treated in a primary septic system.
The Evapotranspiration Absorption (ETA) beds are terraced to accommodate the sloping site.
The watewater treatment system for the new home is down slope and out of site.
The client now benefits from a well-designed and correctly installed system that provides reliable primary wastewater treatment.
Optimal site conditions for sewage treatment design for new home
Our environmental consultants proposed primary wastewater treatment for the new home site. During a site visit, our team gathered measurements, photos, and soil samples for analysis. The assessment revealed that the site was mostly clear of vegetation, with a predominantly flat terrain and a moderate slope. Ideal conditions for wastewater management. Moreover, there were no waterways, dams, or groundwater bores on or near the lot, ensuring minimal impact on local water sources.
Additionally, the ground surface was dry, and there were no signs of pooling or wet spots on the lot, indicating good drainage potential. Our team excavated boreholes in the proposed area and identified the soil samples as Pine Creek. The profile was consistent with strongly structured light clay, revealing no significant constraints in the designated building site area.
Using this critical data, we developed an Effluent Management Report (EMR) outlining the management, treatment, and disposal of on-site sewage wastewater. Our team submitted this technical document to the local council for approval, along with an Onsite Wastewater Management Application. The report highlighted that the property’s ample size, appropriate setbacks, and strongly structured soils made primary-level wastewater treatment a viable recommendation.
Choosing the right septic treatment system for your home
Most new properties nowadays require advanced secondary treatment systems, like Home Sewage Treatment Plants (HSTPs). These provide much higher levels of treatment than traditional septic tank systems. However, while septic tank systems are becoming less common, we still install them. On the right property, they can still be a good solution. Many systems referred to as ‘septic’ today are actually aerated or secondary treatment systems.
Typically, the type and size of a septic tank are influenced by factors such as soil characteristics, wastewater flow rates, and available space. In this case, we suggested a minimum capacity of 3,500 litres for a six-person equivalent (6EP) household. However, when we found that this tank size was not locally available, we assisted in obtaining all necessary approvals for a 4,000-litre Polymer septic tank that could accommodate a flow rate of 720 litres per day.
At this stage, our expertise made a significant difference. The presence of clay soil, which retains and absorbs water at a slower pace, meant that the preferred Land Application Area (LAA) method for this project was Evapotranspiration (ETA) beds. As a result, it was critical to design the beds with the correct dimensions, spacing, and depth to deliver the effluent further underground. Specifically, the design included four beds, each 20 meters long and 1.8 meters wide, draining via gravity feed to a total LAA of 144m². This approach reduced excavation work, improved drainage, and guaranteed long-term performance and reliability.
Expert project management and installation
Although relatively straightforward, this project benefited from our environmental stewardship and project management expertise, enabling us to deliver a high-quality installation. Moreover, our strong and trusted relationships with key industry stakeholders allowed us to provide an effective treatment solution that prioritizes public health and environmental protection.
As a result, the client now benefits from a well-designed and correctly installed system that provides reliable primary wastewater treatment. This has reduced the need for frequent maintenance and repairs, resulting in significant cost savings over the system’s operational lifespan.
True Water completed all aspects of the wastewater treatment requirements for this new home project. Specifically, this included everything from initial consultancy and design, to council development applications, and through to full system supply and installation. By being involved with each stage, we ensured a smoother and more cost-effective process. Ultimately, our industry experience is why homeowners, architects, and national builders depend on our team to meet their home onsite wastewater treatment requirements.
