App D - Effluent

3.5       ERA Equivalent Persons
The Environmental Protection Regulation 2019 (EPR) Schedule 2 Section 63 pertains to large scale onsite
sewage treatment and disposal systems. A property undertakes an Environmental Relevant Activity
(ERA) 63 when the sewerage treatment works capacity is greater than 21 Equivalent Persons (EP). If an
ERA63 is undertaken, the wastewater system must be approved by the Department of Environment and
Science

As per the two calculation methods outlined by the EPR, the number of Equivalent Persons for this
property is determined below.

           Treatment Capacity EP = Volume capacity of treatment system / 200
                                 = (2000L) / 200 = 10 EP

           Phosphorus EP                   = (P loading rate x volume)/2.5
                                           = [(12 mg/L) x (2000L)] / 2.5 = 9.5 EP

The number of Equivalent Persons for sewerage treatment works at this property is less than the ERA63
threshold of 21EP. As such, this wastewater system is Permit Work under the Plumbing and Drainage
Regulation and an ERA63 permit is not required.


4     Maintenance

Property owners have a responsibility to ensure the onsite wastewater treatment and effluent disposal
system is maintained and serviced. The following servicing and precautions are to be undertaken:

      •    Read the Owner's Manual that is provided with the treatment plant
      •    Follow the maintenance requirements specified by the manufacturer and authorised service
           agent
      •    Comply with local authority’s servicing requirements
      •    Do not manipulate the system so that it no longer complies with the Council issued permit or
           the plans located in Appendix A of this document
      •    Maintain the land application area e.g. regularly mowed and ensure that there is no ponding of
           effluent
      •    Vehicles, animals and general access to the land application area is to be generally restricted
           with warning signs erected
      •    Use low sodium biodegradable soaps and detergents as per the label instructions and no paints,
           solvents, chemicals, food scraps, fats, oils or any other solids to be disposed of “down the drain”
      •    It is always good practice to minimise / stagger high wastewater generating activities such as
           laundry over a full week
      •    On-site sewage systems are not designed to cope with the flow from garbage grinders



The design was completed by Chris Taylor (Director, Taylor Environmental (Australia) Pty Ltd, QBCC
Licence Number 150 556 72).



Chris Taylor MEnvMan, BAppSc(Chem), ADCivEng Cert IV DWM003
Director | Taylor Environmental (Australia) Pty Ltd
27 May 2024


Site and Soil Evaluation                                           Proposed Cabins - 486 Tablelands Road, Cooran Qld 4569
Taylor Environmental (Australia) Pty Ltd                                                                      Page 9 of 22