Review of the Septic Tank Effluent Disposal Scheme Program in South Australia.

Analyse financial, engineering and environmental issues associated with the provision of public waste water infrastructure. Septic Tank Effluent Disposal Schemes (STEDS) comprise a network of gravity drains connecting the effluent overflow from the outlet of individual septic tanks to convey it to a common treatment and disposal facility that is owned, operated and managed by the local Council. The STEDS funding Agreement between the State Government and the Local Government Association (LGA) was finalised in December 1994. It formalised the transfer of responsibility for managing the STEDS program to the LGA. The Agreement provided for $3.05 million per annum to the LGA for a period of five years that expired on 1 January 2000. Subsequently the LGA and the State Government have agreed that State Government funding for the STEDS Program will continue at least until the end of 2002-03. The two-year extension provides for a budget of $4M per annum however, a condition of this funding is that the LGA will conduct a review of funding, procurement and technology options for STED Schemes after 30 June 2003. The primary reason for conducting the review is to investigate if new or improved financial, management or construction approaches can be adopted by the STEDS Program in order to reduce the significant backlog of current work.