Sewage Systems
Legislation
The Sewerage System Regulation
The Sewerage System Regulation replaces the old Sewage Disposal Regulation. This regulation — along with the companion document, the Sewerage System Standard Practice Manual — shifts the focus of managing onsite sewerage systems by using an outcome-based approach to wastewater management. This allows for greater flexibility in how the systems are regulated.
Note: The Sewerage System Regulation was amended on June 25, 2010 to enhance the system of onsite wastewater management in British Columbia. For more information, see Amendments to the Sewerage System Regulation (PDF 23K).
The Sewerage System Regulation covers:
- Systems that process a sewage flow of less than 22,700 litres per day.
- Single-family systems or duplexes.
- A combination of sewerage systems that addresses different buildings on a single parcel of land.
- Structures that serve one or more parcels on strata lots or on a shared interest of land.
The regulation requires that:
- Discharges do not cause or contribute to a health hazard.
- Authorized Persons or homeowners under Authorized Persons’ supervision can construct and/or maintain Type1 or Type 2 onsite sewerage systems. Authorized Persons must meet ASTTBC training and certification requirements before installing and maintaining wastewater systems.
- Systems must be designed in accordance with the regulations, including adherence to strict performance standards.
- The Authorized Person files applications with the health authority for constructing or altering a system .
- The Authorized Person establishes maintenance requirements for the system.
- Ongoing system records are kept, ensuring industry and owner accountability.
Onsite sewage applications must also comply with requirements of the Public Health Act’s Transitional Regulation; the Local Services Act's Subdivision Regulations and any applicable municipal or regional district bylaws.
Larger wastewater systems are addressed by the Ministry of Environment through the Municipal Sewage Regulation, under the Environmental Management Act. For more information on the management of municipal systems, or systems with flows greater than 22,700 litres per day, please refer to Municipal Sewage Regulation and Amendments.
Related Legislation
Transitional Regulation
Section 42 requires that wells be set back at least 100 ft from possible sources of contamination (onsite septic systems should be placed an equivalent distance from any well).
Organic Matter Recycling Regulation
Subdivision Regulations
Section 6 (Parcels) outlines the requirements for parcel sizes for subdivisions. This section applies to subdivided land that requires both onsite water and waste disposal systems, which is common in areas not under regional district or municipal boundaries.
Public Place Sanitary Facilities Regulation
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