44Performance standards for operation of system of sewage management

44 Performance standards for operation of system of sewage management

44 Performance standards for operation of system of sewage management

(1) A system of sewage management must be operated in a manner that achieves the following performance standards—

(a) the prevention of the spread of disease by micro-organisms,

(b) the prevention of the spread of foul odours,

(c) the prevention of contamination of water,

(d) the prevention of degradation of soil and vegetation,

(e) the discouragement of insects and vermin,

(f) ensuring that persons do not come into contact with untreated sewage or effluent (whether treated or not) in their ordinary activities on the premises concerned,

(g) the minimisation of any adverse impacts on the amenity of the premises and surrounding lands,

(h) if appropriate, provision for the re-use of resources (including nutrients, organic matter and water).

(2) Failure to comply with subsection (1) is not a breach of that performance standard if the failure was due to circumstances beyond the control of the person operating the system of sewage management (such as a fire, flood, storm, earthquake, explosion, accident, epidemic or warlike action).

(3) A system of sewage management must be operated—

(a) in accordance with the relevant operating specifications and procedures (if any) for the sewage management facilities used for the purpose, and

(b) so as to allow the removal of any treated sewage (and any by-product of any sewage) in a safe and sanitary manner.