use of soakage systems and subdivision in brisbane
Regarding post by Wylie,
My understanding is that soakage systems can be used for existing houses in Brisbane for example where you need to capture storm or roofwater from a new renovation. However, soakage systems cannot be used for new (residential) subdivision.
For subdivision approval (eg. splitter blocks etc), you need to demonstrate that you can drain to council drainage assets such as the kerb, gully pit or an existing council stormwater line. You also cannot connect to existing foulwater lines or old private drainage lines which exist on some properties.
In terms of soakage systems, the new provisions for stormwater drainage in the Brisbane area are outlined in the infrastructure planning scheme policy under the Brisbane City Plan 2014. See Chapter 7.
http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/plan...document/schedule-6/infrastructure-design-psp
Under this policy, the requirements for Lawful point of discharge (LPD) for residential and other development are set out under 7.6.1.
Overall, it states that soakage systems (eg. absorption trenches, rubble pits) may only be used as a Lawful point of discharge for a single dwelling house (see 7.6.8).
My reading of the policy is that a residential subdivision will not be approved if you dont obtain permission from neighbours for a lawful point of discharge.
The reference to the single dwelling seems to infer that you can only use soakage systems for an existing dwelling (eg roof water from renovations) where you were unable to obtain a lawful point of discharge by other means.
You might need to get some clarification from council but that's how i interpret the policy.
Pump systems etc, can only be used for unit, industrial and commercial development and buildings.
One good point is that council has now added a provision (see 7.6.5) so that developers and builders are to now provide connection points so upstream properties can drain to a LPD. This will avoid all this hassle with seeking permission from downstream owners.
Something that should have been done years ago as probably half of houses in Brisbane are built on rear sloping lots.
RM