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Regulation of Septic Systems & Sewage Treatment Systems
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Regulations by Various Agencies
POST a QUESTION or COMMENT about who else may regulate local septic system design, installation & maintenance
Septic design & installation regulations for septic tanks, cesspools, drainfields, soakaway beds and other onsite wastewater treatment & disposal systems.
This page lists & provides copies of septic & wastewater treatment codes, guides, regulations for various countries including Australia, Canada, India, Italy, the U.K., the U.S., New Zealand, We include other model septic design regulations illustrating the regulation of wastewater treatment by other agencies including the United Nations U.N. or O.N.U.
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Septic System & Off-Grid Onsite Septic System & Wastewater Treatment Regulations
Academic, University, & International Septic Codes & Wastewater Sites
National & International Septic & Wastewater Industry Associations & Standards
Australia Septic Codes & Regulations , Australian Government Department of Health
Code of Practice for Onsite Sewage Management Western Australia, [draft] [PDF] (November 2012), Government of Western Australia Department of Health, Public Health, retrieved 2016/06/26, Original source: http://www.public.health.wa.gov.au/cproot/4918/2/ Draft_COP_for_Onsite_Sewage_Management_Nov_2012.pdf
Environmental Health Practitioner Manual: A resource manual for Environmental Health Practitioners working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities, retrieved 2016/06/26, Original source: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/ ohp-enhealth-manual-atsi-cnt-l Provides a series of chapters including
The Canadian Building Code and Act can be obtained from Service Ontario, the Ontario Government Bookstore Tel: 416-326-5324
BC BRITISH COLUMBIA SEWERAGE SYSTEM REGULATIONS [PDF] (2005-2018) with amendments through 2018, retrieved 2018/12/04, original source: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/waste-management/sewage/onsite-sewage-systems
and http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/crbc/crbc/326_2004
Excerpts
The Sewerage System Regulation replaced the old Sewage Disposal Regulation in 2005.
The new regulation is outcome based, meaning it allows different approaches to achieving regulatory requirements.
This is a change from the old prescriptive approach, and allows for greater flexibility in how sewage systems are regulated.
The Sewerage System Regulation was amended in June 2010 to enhance the system of onsite wastewater management in British Columbia. For more information, see SEWERAGE SYSTEM REGULATION AMENDMENTS(2010) (PDF, 23KB)
The Sewerage System Regulation covers:
Systems that process sewage flow of less than 22,700 litres per day.
Single-family systems or duplexes.
A combination of sewage 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 sewage systems.
Authorized persons must meet the training and certification requirements set by the Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) before installing and maintaining wastewater systems.
Authorized persons must meet the training and certification requirements set by the Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) before installing and maintaining wastewater systems.
Sewage systems are designed in accordance with the regulations, including adherence to strict performance standards.
The authorized person files applications with the regional 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.
Ongoing system records are kept, ensuring industry and owner accountability.
BC Septic & Sewage regulations www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/waste-management/sewage/onsite-sewage-systems also provides links to the following:
BC COMPOSTING TOILET MANUAL & GREYWATER PRACTICE [PDF 2MB] (2016), BC British Columbia Canada Ministry of Health, Ian Ralston et als., retrieved 2018/05/30, original source: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/ waste-management/sewage/ provincial-composting-toilet-manual.pdf
BC SEWERAGE SYSTEM STANDARD PRACTICE MANUAL (Ver 3) [PDF, 7.6MB), Ralston, Ian, B.Sc., Pg.Dip.Ag.Eng., ROWP, Eng.L &
Michael Payne, M.Eng., P.Eng., P.Geo., retrieved 2018/05/30, original source: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/ gov/environment/waste-management/ sewage/spmv3-24september2014.pdf
In this excellent guide to BC regulations, Table II-19 pp. 11-31, shown just below, provides Minimum requried horizontal separation distances from septic tank or dispersal system to various building components
Table II-20, pp. 11-33 gives horizontal separation for BC Zero discharge [septic] lagoons.
BC HEALTH INFORMATION: GREY WATER RE-USE (PDF, 409KB) retrieved 2018/05/30, original source: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/ waste-management/ sewage/onsite-sewerage-systems/ what_is_grey_water.pdf
BC HEALTH HAZARD COMMUNICATION GUIDELINE (PDF, 406KB) retrieved 2018/05/30, original source: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/ waste-management/sewage/ health-hazard-communication-guideline.pdf
Excrerpt:
This guideline clarifies the roles of the health officers, health authorities, the Association of
Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC) and Applied Science
Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC); and the communication processes
that may arise between those individuals and organizations.
The policy below is intended to provide clarification regarding how Section 3.1 applies to sewerage
systems requiring repairs or alterations (as deemed necessary by authorized persons or homeowners).
This policy also addresses the requirements for septic tanks based on property redevelopment or
expansion proposals.
British Columbia, Canada BCOSSA British Columbia Onsite Sewage Association, Victoria BC tel: 250-391-8442 Website: http://www.bcossa.com/home.html email: info@bcossa.com : news, training, standards, conferences on onsite wastewater disposal
The Ontario Building Code (OBC)
regulates design, construction, operation
and maintenance of on-site septic
systems for most single-family homes. In
most areas, the local municipality’s
Building Department examines plans,
issues permits, and does inspections for
systems regulated under the OBC. In
some areas, this approval responsibility
has been delegated to local
Conservation Authorities or Health Units.
The Municipal Building Department will
be able to redirect inquiries.
Proper approvals under the OBC must
be obtained by the homeowner before
installing any of the suggestions for
improving system performance, or the new
design ideas presented in this booklet.
A New Homeowner's Guide to Septic Systems, Ontario New Home Warranty Program, 1998
Table 11-19 Minimum Required Horizontal Separation Distances from Septic Systems in BC, Canada
Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Management [Website] Great Resource in Canada - Website: http://www.tuns.ca/wwater/
Caribbean Septic System Design Guides
Universities Water Information Network [Website] includes Directory of Water Resources from Caribbean, Central America, and Database of international water research
Treatment and Land Disposal Systems for Domestic Wastewater from Households, Commercial Premises and Similar Facilities Third Edition, August 2004
GUIDELINES FOR ON-SITE WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT Gisborne NZ [PDF], Gisborne District Council (2012), retrieved 2016/06/26, original source: http://www.gdc.govt.nz/assets/Files/Planning-Policy/Regional/Discharges/On-site-Wastewater-Guidelines.pdf
SEPTIC TANKS - in New Zealand, [PDF] retrieved 2016/06/26, original source: http://www.level.org.nz/water/wastewater/ on-site-wastewater-treatment/septic-tanks/
WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT, A UN-WATER ANALYTICAL BRIEF, [PDF], retrieved 2016/06/26, original source: http://www.unwater.org/fileadmin/ user_upload/unwater_new/docs/UN-Water_Analytical_Brief_Wastewater_Management.pdf
Excerpt from Background:
This report looks at some of the problems caused by
the neglect of wastewater management, but also at
the benefits and opportunities that can be realized
through proper attention to this area, and highlights
why it is crucial that wastewater management and
water quality stop being the ‘poor relations’ and receive
attention in their own right.
Wastewater can have a number of definitions.
The
approach taken in this report is a very broad definition following
that outlined in the UNEP/UNHABITAT document
‘Sick Water?’.
Thus, wastewater is defined as “a combination of one
or more of:
• domestic effluent consisting of blackwater (excreta,
urine and faecal sludge) and greywater (kitchen and
bathing wastewater); .
• water from commercial establishments and institutions,
including hospitals;
• industrial effluent, stormwater and other urban run-off;
• agricultural, horticultural and aquaculture effluent, either
dissolved or as suspended matter” (Corcoran et al. 2010).
USA Academic & Research Septic & Wastewater Systems
Montana: Septic Tank [Website] Inspection and Trouble-shooting, Montana State University - nice description of checking sludge and scum levels
National Association of Waste Transporters (USA) - 1-800-236-6298
National Small Flows Clearinghouse, Web: actat.wvu.edu/about-actat/national-small-flows-clearinghouse [Website] West Virginia University, POB 6064, Morgantown WV 26506-6064 - 800-624-8301, 304-293-4191, 304-293-3161-FAX, WTIE-BBS: 800-544-1936, 304-293-5969. The NSFC provides information, referrals, training, and technical assistance for small communities to aid in solving wastewater problems.
National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) - Pam Franzen, Executive Director 1-800-966-2942; E-mail - 103061.1063@compuserve.com, Web Site - www.nowra.org, - Dr. Kevin Sherman, President - 850-488-3943 - Dr. Ted Loudon, VP/President-Elect - 517-353-3741, - Ken Zoeller, Secretary/Treasurer, 502-778-2731
National Society of Consulting Soil Scientists - soil science pointers. Emphasis on locating standards of practice, criteria (like Hydric Soils) and handbooks
North Carolina State Univ. Septic Systems resources [Website] including Septic System Maintenance, Small Wastewater Treatment Sys. Management, What you nee to know about septic systems
US EPA ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS MANUAL [online copy, free] Top Reference: US EPA's Design Manual for Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, 1980, available from the US EPA, the US GPO Superintendent of Documents (Pueblo CO), and from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. Original source http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm Onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems,
Richard J Otis, published by the US EPA. Although it's more than 20 years old, this book remains a useful reference for septic system designers.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water Program Operations; Office of Research and Development, Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory; (1980)
"International Private Sewage Disposal Code," 1995, BOCA-708-799-2300, ICBO-310-699-0541, SBCCI 205-591-1853, available from those code associations.
"Manual of Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines for Onsite Sewage Systems," Ontario Reg. 374/81, Part VII of the Environmental
Protection Act (Canada), ISBN 0-7743-7303-2, Ministry of the Environment,135 St. Clair Ave. West, Toronto Ontario M4V 1P5 Canada $24. CDN.
Manual of Septic Tank Practice, US Public Health Service's 1959.
Model Septic Code:
Title: Appendix 75-A.2 - Regulation by other agencies - Effective Date: 12/01/90
(a) Where sewage treatment systems are to be located on the watersheds
or well head area of public water supplies, the rules and regulations
enacted by the State Department of Health for the protection of these
supplies must be observed. Where systems are to be located on the
watershed of any stream or body of water from which the City of New York
obtains its water supply, the approval of the New York City Department
of Environmental Protection, Division of Water Resources, must also be
obtained.
(b) This appendix establishes the minimum standards acceptable in New
York State. Other agencies, such as the Adirondack Park Agency or local
health departments may establish more stringent standards. Where such
standards have been established, or approval by another agency is
required, the more stringent standard shall apply.
(d) When individual sewage systems overlay a drinking water aquifer,
local health departments may establish population density limits and
minimum lot sizes for residential development with on-site sewage
treatment systems.
New York State Septic Codes: New York State Septic and Wastewater Treatment Standards, Appendix 75-A - Individual Household Systems (Public Health Law 201(1)(1)
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Onsite Wastewater Disposal, R. J. Perkins;
Quoting from Amazon: This practical book, co-published with the National Environmental Health Association, describes the step-by-step procedures needed to avoid common pitfalls in septic system technology.
Valuable in matching the septic system to the site-specific conditions, this useful book will help you install a reliable system in both suitable and difficult environments. Septic tank installers, planners, state and local regulators, civil and sanitary engineers, consulting engineers, architects, homeowners, academics, and land developers will find this publication valuable.
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, Bennette D. Burks, Mary Margaret Minnis, Hogarth House 1994 - one of the best septic system books around, suffering a bit from small fonts and a weak index. (DF volunteers to serve as indexer if Burks/Minnis re-publish this very useful volume.)
While it contains some material more technical than needed by homeowners, Burks/Minnis book on onsite wastewater treatment systems a very useful reference
for both property owners and septic system designers. We refer to it often.
Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain, Equipment Tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 8271 1302, 7100 Engineering, 2300 Recreation, September 1982, web search 08/28/2010, original source: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/82711302.pdf
Septic System Owner's Manual, Lloyd Kahn, Blair Allen, Julie Jones, Shelter Publications, 2000 $14.95 U.S. - easy to understand, well illustrated, one of the best practical references around on septic design basics including some advanced systems; a little short on safety and maintenance. Both new and used (low priced copies are available, and we think the authors are working on an updated edition--DF.
Quoting from one of several Amazon reviews: The basics of septic systems, from underground systems and failures to what the owner can do to promote and maintain a healthy system, is revealed in an excellent guide essential for any who reside on a septic system. Rural residents receive a primer on not only the basics; but how to conduct period inspections and what to do when things go wrong. History also figures into the fine coverage.
Septic System Owner's Manual, Lloyd Kahn, Blair Allen, Julie Jones, Shelter Publications, 2000 $14.95 U.S. - easy to understand, well illustrated, one of the best practical references around on septic design basics including some advanced systems; a little short on safety and maintenance. Both new and used (low priced copies are available, and we think the authors are working on an updated edition--DF.
Quoting from one of several Amazon reviews: The basics of septic systems, from underground systems and failures to what the owner can do to promote and maintain a healthy system, is revealed in an excellent guide essential for any who reside on a septic system. Rural residents receive a primer on not only the basics; but how to conduct period inspections and what to do when things go wrong. History also figures into the fine coverage.
Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank, Bombeck, Erma: $ 5.99; FAWCETT; MM;
This septic system classic whose title helps avoid intimidating readers new to septic systems, is available new or used at very low prices.
It's more entertainment than a serious "how to" book on septic systems design, maintenance, or repair. Not recommended -- DF.
US EPA ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS MANUAL Top Reference: US EPA's Design Manual for Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, 1980, available from the US EPA, the US GPO Superintendent of Documents (Pueblo CO), and from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. Original source http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm
Water Wells and Septic Systems Handbook, R. Dodge Woodson. This book is in the upper price range, but is worth the cost for serious septic installers and designers.
Quoting Amazon: Each year, thousands upon thousands of Americans install water wells and septic systems on their properties. But with a maze of codes governing their use along with a host of design requirements that ensure their functionality where can someone turn for comprehensive, one-stop guidance? Enter the Water Wells and Septic Systems Handbook from McGraw-Hill.
Written in language any property owner can understand yet detailed enough for professionals and technical students this easy-to-use volume delivers the latest techniques and code requirements for designing, building, rehabilitating, and maintaining private water wells and septic systems. Bolstered by a wealth of informative charts, tables, and illustrations, this book delivers:
* Current construction, maintenance, and repair methods
* New International Private Sewage Disposal Code
* Up-to-date standards from the American Water Works Association
Wells and Septic System, Alth, Max and Charlet, Rev. by S. Blackwell Duncan, $ 18.95; Tab Books 1992. We have found this text very useful for conventional well and septic systems design and maintenance --DF.
Quoting an Amazon description:Here's all the information you need to build a well or septic system yourself - and save a lot of time, money, and frustration. S. Blackwell Duncan has thoroughly revised and updated this second edition of Wells and Septic Systems to conform to current codes and requirements. He also has expanded this national bestseller to include new material on well and septic installation, water storage and distribution, water treatment, ecological considerations, and septic systems for problem building sites.
The NSFC Products List has an excellent list of design manuals/modules National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NSFC) now (2019/12/13) hosted at http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/ Tel: 304-293-4191 e-mail info@mail.nesc.wvu.edu.
The National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NSFC) was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help America's small communities and individuals solve their wastewater problems through objective information about onsite wastewater collection and treatment systems. NSFC products and information are the only national resource of its type, dealing with small community wastewater infrastructure. or by telephone 800-624-8301
In addition to citations & references found in this article, see the research citations given at the end of the related articles found at our suggested
In addition to citations & references found in this article, see the research citations given at the end of the related articles found at our suggested
Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. Tel: (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 Email: info@carsondunlop.com. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Carson Dunlop Associates provides extensive home inspection education and report writing material. In gratitude we provide links to tsome Carson Dunlop Associates products and services.