A septic tank is a key component of a septic system, a small-scale sewage treatment system common in rural areas not serviced by a municipal sewerage treatment system.
Victorian Environment Protection Act 1970
Sections 53J through 53O of the Victorian Environment Protection Act 1970 deal with septic tanks.
53J. Definitions
53K. Declaration of area by municipal council
53L. Permit required
53M. Application for a permit
53MA. Compliance with permit
53MB. Approval of septic tank system
53N. Maintenance of septic tank systems
53O. Annual return
Section 53K of the Victorian Environment Protection Act 1970 notes that:
A municipal council—
(a) may declare; or
(b) if required by the Authority, must declare—that, within any specified part of the municipality, all septic tank systems proposed to be installed for the purpose of treating waterborne wastes, where discharge of effluent from premises is proposed, must be of a type that treats all sewage.
Section 53MB states that "a septic tank system must not be used until the municipal council has inspected the septic tank system and issued a certificate approving its use."