Stage 2 Regulatory changes regarding the Proposed Strategy for the Five-Year Phase-Out of the Land Application of Untreated Septage

This notice was originally posted in the old Environmental Registry under number RA02E0035.

Description of regulation

This initiative is part of the Stage 2 regulatory initiative under the Nutrient Management Act. The government has made a number of commitments to ban the land application of untreated septage over a five-year period. Components of the proposed strategy include:

• an immediate ban on the land application of portable toilet waste
• a five-year phase out of the issuing of Certificates of Approval for the land application of untreated septage
• extension of the winter spreading restrictions and land application standards included in the proposed Stage 2 Regulatory requirements under the Nutrient Management Act
• requirement that municipalities prepare a strategy on how they will manage untreated septage produced within their area

Traditionally, the private sector has collected and managed the disposal of untreated septage, with much of the septage spread on agricultural land. The other standard disposal method for untreated septage is to take it to a municipal sewage treatment plant for treatment. Municipalities would be given the responsibility to ensure adequate treatment for septage generated within their area.

In order to implement the proposed strategy, regulatory changes will be required under the Environmental Protection Act.

Purpose of regulation

The phase-out of the land application of septage will have an impact on some municipalities as they may be required to develop the infrastructure to manage untreated septage. For some municipalities, this may mean an upgrade and/or expansion to their sewage treatment plant. The banning of untreated septage over a five year period will allow municipalities to work co-operatively to accommodate this additional material and to develop municipal septage strategies. It will also provide a period of adjustment for septage haulers and individuals with septic systems.