Earthquake damage to septic tanks information

Following the September 4 earthquake and its aftershocks, Environment Canterbury is encouraging people whose properties have a septic tank to check their wastewater system for any signs of earthquake damage.

Environment Canterbury is posting the enclosed leaflet to rural properties in the Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri areas, including farmers and lifestyle block owners, with instructions on how to check their septic tank systems.

“It’s often difficult to spot damage to a wastewater system, because the tanks are underground and the soakage lines are also buried,” said Environment Canterbury’s environmental protection manager Brett Aldridge. “If people notice, for example, an unusually bad odour, a low level of water in the septic tank, or water ponding at the surface near their soakage lines, it could mean that their wastewater system has been affected by the quake.”

Brett Aldridge said that if a system is damaged, there is potential for it to affect human health or to contaminate water supplies.

“Anyone who has checked their wastewater system and is still not sure whether it has been damaged should get their system checked by a certified competent service provider.”

Damage to wastewater systems should be covered by the Earthquake Commission provided that people have household insurance cover and their domestic wastewater system is within 60 metres of their home. Claims must be lodged with the Earthquake Commission before December 4, 2010 to be eligible for that cover. Environment Canterbury will fast-track earthquake-related resource consents if they are needed to fix any damage.