The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is proposing changes to the Part 8 “Sewage Systems” in the Building Code to add the requirements for Combined Treatment and Dispersal Systems.

Combined Treatment and Dispersal Systems 

Introduction and Background 

The Building Materials Evaluation Commission is an arm’s length regulatory agency that may approve innovative construction products that are not regulated in the Building Code but have demonstrated an equivalent level of performance to the minimum health and safety requirements of the Building Code.

The Combined Treatment and Dispersal System is a sewage technology that combines treatment and dispersal of wastewater into a single onsite system. These systems are presently considered innovative (not regulated in the Building Code) for the purpose of the Building Materials Evaluation Commission (BMEC). As a result, the BMEC has issued authorizations for many of these systems for more than 15 years. 

Proposed Technical and Administrative Changes to the Building Code

Following up from the work undertaken by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) in the Winter of 2022, MMAH is seeking feedback and comment on the proposed changes to the design construction, maintenance, and operation requirements of Part 8 “Sewage Systems” to include Combined Treatment and Dispersal Systems into the Building Code.

The Combined Treatment and Dispersal Systems proposed provisions would be limited to the bed type configuration and not the pressured trench system configuration (i.e., the innovative shallowed buried trench).

Some of the key proposed technical and administrative changes include:

• New Subsection 8.7.9. “Type C Dispersal Beds”
• Extra definitions in Article 1.4.1.2. “Defined Terms” of Division A
• Amendments to Sections 8.2. “Design Standards”, 8.7. “Leaching Beds” and 8.9. “Operation and Maintenance” of Division B, which is meant to incorporate Combined Treatment and Dispersal Systems into Part 8.

The attached Code Change Request form that sets out the proposed amendments to the Building Code.

Summary

MMAH’s proposal related to onsite sewage systems are intended to ensure that the requirements for public health and safety, and the protection of the environment continue to be met. 

These initiatives could also provide options for designers and sewage systems owners by permitting a variety of regulatory frameworks and technical solutions.

Information collected will inform the drafting of the any upcoming and potential changes to Ontario’s 2024 Building Code.

This posting is open for 30 days. 

Analysis of Regulatory Impact:

There are no anticipated financial and resource impacts to MMAH.

Providing additional options to designers, homeowners, and building owners increases competition, improve efficiency, and innovation.