Development of Potential
Technical Standards for Reinspection of Onsite Sewage Systems |
Lead Researcher: Doug Joy - djoy@uoguelph.ca
Prepared for: Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing
Partners: Rideau Valley Conservation Authority |
| In recent years, increasing attention
has been paid to onsite systems and their possible role in contributing
to ground and surface water contamination. This is particularly
true in Ontario since the events in Walkerton. Prior to that
and especially since then a number of provincial enquiries (Sewell
Commission, Walkerton Enquiry) and expert committees (Implementation
Committee and the Technical Experts Committee) have recommended
the consideration of some form of reinspection of onsite systems
to ensure that these systems continue to operate properly and
protect water resources and human health.
Provincially, there is currently no requirement for reinspection
of onsite systems beyond initial installation inspections.
However, in the past decade twenty-three municipalities have
initiated their own reinspection programs to ensure they are
protecting public health and the environment. Additionally,
new legislation (Bill 43) has recently been introduced to
facilitate the expansion and financing of these programs at
the municipal level.
As part of this study, sixteen municipalities were surveyed
to help describe the range of existing reinspection programs
across the province and the degree of their acceptance and
success. A number of recommendations were made regarding the
nature and extent of potential reinspection programs based
on the literature and the experiences in Ontario municipalities.
A key recommendation is as follows:
• reinspection of any onsite system should focus on
making sure that the current operation of the system protects
human health and the environment and not whether the system
meets the code of the day
• programs should include tank pumping as part of the
initial reinspection, where possible
• the existing system of contract staff for the reinspection
is sufficient and that opportunities may exist to advantageously
involve other parts of the onsite industry (e.g. septage haulers)
in regional reinspection programs.
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