Land Capability Assessment (LCA)
What is a Land Capability Assessment (LCA)?
An LCA evaluates whether a property can effectively treat and manage wastewater using an onsite system (e.g., septic tanks, aerated wastewater treatment systems etc.) without causing environmental or health risks.
Why is an LCA required?
Most councils require an LCA as part of either the planning permit or septic tank permit application, for developments not connected to a mains sewer system. The purpose is to ensure that wastewater can be safely treated and absorbed by the land. It is best to check requirements with your local council beforehand.
When is an LCA required?
An LCA is typically required for the following developments in unsewered areas:
What is the difference between an LCA report and a Soil Site Classification Report?
An LCA assesses land’s ability to manage onsite wastewater. Whereas a Soil Site Classification Report determines soil reactivity for foundation design. We provide both of these services, and it is often more economical for us to complete both reports at the same time.
What factors are considered in an LCA?
Key factors include:
What information do I need to provide for an LCA?
Key information includes:
Does an LCA guarantee council or water authority approval for a wastewater system?
No, but it provides essential information to support an application. The report may be scrutinised by the relevant council or water authority.
Can I use an old LCA report, or do I need a new one?
Some council's may accept previous LCAs if they are recent (typically within 5 years), so long as site conditions and the proposed development haven’t changed significantly. Otherwise a new report is generally required. If the relevant on-site wastewater codes & standards change, this may also mean a new or revised report is required. We can revise any old reports that require updating.
What happens if my site is severely constrained?
If the site has limitations (e.g., poor drainage, shallow rock, steep slope, proximity to waterways), we may recommend:
Can an LCA be revised if my site is not suitable?
Yes, we can consider alternative wastewater management strategies to meet the relevant council, water authority or catchment management authority requirements.
An LCA evaluates whether a property can effectively treat and manage wastewater using an onsite system (e.g., septic tanks, aerated wastewater treatment systems etc.) without causing environmental or health risks.
Why is an LCA required?
Most councils require an LCA as part of either the planning permit or septic tank permit application, for developments not connected to a mains sewer system. The purpose is to ensure that wastewater can be safely treated and absorbed by the land. It is best to check requirements with your local council beforehand.
When is an LCA required?
An LCA is typically required for the following developments in unsewered areas:
- Building a new home or development.
- Subdividing land where new lots will need individual wastewater treatment systems.
- Extending an existing dwelling if it increases the wastewater load (e.g., adding bedrooms or bathrooms).
- Replacing or upgrading a wastewater system.
What is the difference between an LCA report and a Soil Site Classification Report?
An LCA assesses land’s ability to manage onsite wastewater. Whereas a Soil Site Classification Report determines soil reactivity for foundation design. We provide both of these services, and it is often more economical for us to complete both reports at the same time.
What factors are considered in an LCA?
Key factors include:
- Soil type & characteristics.
- Size of the property and the proposed development.
- Proximity to nearby waterways (eg. creeks, dams, reservoirs etc.).
- Site slope and topography.
- Flood risk and drainage.
- Vegetation cover.
- Climatic conditions.
What information do I need to provide for an LCA?
Key information includes:
- Confirmation of the property address.
- Nature of the proposed development, including proposed number of bedrooms (and studies / rumpus areas).
- Architectural/concept drawings, sketches etc. (if any of these have been completed).
- Any preferences for onsite wastewater systems.
Does an LCA guarantee council or water authority approval for a wastewater system?
No, but it provides essential information to support an application. The report may be scrutinised by the relevant council or water authority.
Can I use an old LCA report, or do I need a new one?
Some council's may accept previous LCAs if they are recent (typically within 5 years), so long as site conditions and the proposed development haven’t changed significantly. Otherwise a new report is generally required. If the relevant on-site wastewater codes & standards change, this may also mean a new or revised report is required. We can revise any old reports that require updating.
What happens if my site is severely constrained?
If the site has limitations (e.g., poor drainage, shallow rock, steep slope, proximity to waterways), we may recommend:
- An advanced treatment system.
- Relocation of the proposed wastewater land application area.
- Additional land application methods (e.g., raised systems, mounds, evapotranspiration beds)
Can an LCA be revised if my site is not suitable?
Yes, we can consider alternative wastewater management strategies to meet the relevant council, water authority or catchment management authority requirements.