By MELISSA MEEHAN
SEPTIC systems failing to meet treatment standards in Monbulk could be replaced with a sewerage scheme expected to be rolled out over the next 12 months.
More than 900 properties have been identified by the Yarra Ranges Council for further assessment to determine the need for sewerage services after septic tanks used to manage domestic wastewater have been identified as potentially failing to meet standards.
This failure to cope with the domestic wastewater could create health and environmental problems.
Residents including Monbulk’s Bronwyn Slagter received a letter from Yarra Valley Water, notifying them of the planned works along with a fact sheet for frequently asked questions.
“Our septic tank was installed about 10 years ago and since then we have not had a single instance of odour or spillage,” Ms Slagter said.
“Because of this, we don’t believe that Yarra Valley Water should make us participate in the sewerage scheme.”
Ms Slagter said the added costs for having mains sewerage would create added pressures on already struggling households in the area.
“I understand that some people have had problems, but for those of us who are happily using the septic systems, I don’t think we should have to pay for something that isn’t broken,” she said.
“Their website currently lists the annual residential sewerage system charges as $343.90 – it’s money some of us might not have.”
Yarra Valley Water’s managing director Tony Kelly said his team were investigating a number of traditional and alternative sewerage options for the community.
“The least cost and most sustainable solution will be selected based on the unique conditions and constraints in Monbulk,” Mr Kelly said.
“We have started our investigations and once we have some preliminary options identified, we will be in touch with residents to explain the project and seek their feedback.”
He said the Sewerage Backlog Program was primarily funded by Yarra Valley Water and customers would need to pay the costs of any on property plumbing works to connect to the new sewerage system.
“If the pressure sewer system is selected as the most appropriate solution, the costs of power to run the pump is payable by the property owner,” he said.
“We estimate that in the majority of cases, the electricity cost is approximately $40 per year; however owners will not incur any cost for repairs or maintenance in relation to the normal operation of the pressure sewer system.”
