Envirocycle assists homeowners, builders, and developers in securing Section 68 Approvals – mandatory under the NSW Local Government Act 1993 – to install, construct, alter, or operate on-site sewage systems (e.g., septic tanks, pump pits, AWTS, irrigation works) across Newcastle, Hunter Valley, NSW, and QLD. These approvals are separate from Development Applications and must be obtained before any sewage-related work begins.
The Section 68 approval process includes:
- Completing the Application via NSW Planning Portal, including Section 68 form and OSMS checklist.
- Submitting supporting documents - scaled site plans showing tanks, pipes, setbacks to watercourses/boundaries, soil reports and system specifications.
- Council assessment, involving local Environmental Health and compliance with health, environmental and engineering standards.
- Issuance of Approval - a legal requirement before installing or operating any on-site sewage system.
Envirocycle supports you through every step: from preparing site plans and soil evaluations, completing forms, liaising with council, to obtaining final sign-off – reducing delays and ensuring compliance.
FAQs: Section 68 Approvals
1. What types of systems need a Section 68 Approval?
All installations, alterations, or operations of onsite sewage systems such as septic tanks, AWTS, pump pits and irrigation or disposal works require approval.
2. Can I install before getting approval?
No. NSW law requires that approval from your local Council be granted prior to installation or any alteration.
3. What documents are required in the application?
You need site plans (with setbacks), soil assessments, system specs, OSMS checklist and potentially soil permeability or borehole test reports.
4. How long does approval take?
Council review times vary but typically take 2 – 6 weeks, depending on submission completeness and council workload.
Get in Touch With Us
You can be confident that water treated using an Envirocycle unit is clean, odourless and safe for your family and the environment. Why not give is a call today and see what we can do for you!