Regulation of Septic Systems & Sewage Treatment Systems
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
Article Series Contents
- SEPTIC & SEWAGE TREATMENT CODES & REFERENCES
- SEPTIC & SEWAGE TREATMENT REGULATIONS, OTHER
- SEPTIC INSPECTION & TEST LAWS & PROCEDURES
- SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS - home
- SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN ALTERNATIVES - home
- 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
- Acknowledgements, Foreword, Introduction
- Chapter 1 Term Theory & Parasites
- Chapter 2 Sewage System Management
- Sewage
- Sewage Disposal
- Disesase from Sewage
- Pit, bucket and Chemical Toilets
- Flushing Toilets
- Plumbing
- Unblocking pipes and fixtures
- METHODS of SEWAGE TREATMENT [PDF]
- THE SEPTIC TANK [PDF]
- EFFLUENT DISPOSAL DRAINS (leach and French drains) [PDF]
- SEWAGE LAGOONS [PDF] - Note: also see LAGOON SEPTIC SYSTEMS at InspectApedia.com
- Communities without a sewage disposal system [PDF] includes combination grease trap & soakage pit design & Pit Toilets
- Chapter 3 Healthy People, Homes, and Dogs
- Chapter 4 Rubbish storage, collection and disposal and environmental management
- Chapter 5 Pest Control
- Chapter 6 Water Supply
- Chapter 7 Environmental Health Program Management and Community Education
- Wide World of Activated Sludge extensive information.
- Bioremediation Discussion Group
Canadian Septic System Regulations & Codes
- Canadian Environmental Protection Act, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 358: SEWAGE SYSTEMS [PDF] under Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.19, retrieved 2016/06/26, original source: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/900358
- 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.
- BC SEWERAGE SYSTEM POLICY FOR SETBACK FROM WELLS BASED ON REPAIRS OR ALTERATIONS (PDF, 53KB) retrieved 2018/05/30, original source: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/ assets/gov/environment/waste-management/ sewage/sewerage-system-repair-policy.pdf
Excerpt:
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
- NEW IDEAS FOR HOUSEHOLD SEPTIC SYSTEMS ON DIFFICULT SITESs, [PDF] retrieved 2016/06/26, original source: https://www.rrca.on.ca/_files/file/Septic%2520Smart%5B1%5D.pdf
Discusses sand and wood-chip filters, effluent filters
also see FILTERS SEPTIC & GREYWATER
ATUs (Aerobic Treatment Units), and
Leaching Bed Remediation using the Terralift System Really?
See TERRALIFT QUERY and also see our more general article
about DRAINFIELD RESTORATION APPROACHES
Excerpts:
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.
- ONTARIO BUILDING CODE EXPLAINED, SEPTIC SYSTEM REGULATIONS, [PDF] retrieved 2016/06/26, original source: http://ontarioseptictank.ca/new-installation/ontario-building-code-explained/
- 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
- India Septic Laws, Codes, Regulations
New Zealand Septic Codes & Regulations
- Ormiston, A.W., & Floyd, R.E., AUCKLAND NZ ON-SITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM DESIGN MANUAL CH. 1-8, [PDF] Auckland Regional Council, (2004), retrieved 2016/06/26, original source: http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/council/documents/technicalpublications /TP58%20On-site%20wastewater%20systems %202004%20Chapters%201-8.pdf
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
- WASTEWATER CONSENT COMPLIANCE, A GUIDE FOR CONSENT HOLDERS, AUCKLAND [PDF], retrieved 2016/06/26, original source: http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/ratesbuildingproperty/consents /buildingstructures/Documents/wastewaterconsentcomplianceguide.pdf
- WASTEWATER FACTS, GUIDELINES FOR 'ONE-OFF' CONSENT REQUIREMENTS, AUCKLAND NZ [PDF], retrieved 2016/06/26, original source http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/ratesbuildingproperty/ consents/buildingstructures/Documents/wastewaterconsentoneoffrequirements.pdf
- GUIDELINES FOR ON-SITE SEWAGE SYSTEMS IN THE WELLINGTON NZ REGION [PDF] retrieved 2016/06/26, original source: http://www.gw.govt.nz/assets/council-publications/Environment%20Management_20010223_154203.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/
- SEWAGE TREATMENT STANDARDS, MARITIME NEW ZEALAND, [PDF] retrieved 2016/06/26, original source: http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/ Environmental/Sewage-discharge/Treatment-standards.asp
- Dakers, Andrew, and Jacqui Evans. "WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT IN RAROTONGA: IT IS NOT JUST A MATTER OF A TECHNOLOGICAL FIX" [PDF] In Proceedings of the Workshop on Innovation and Technology for On-site Systems ed by RA Patterson, Armidale, pp. 1-8. 2007.
Italy Septic Codes & Design Regulations
U.K. Septic Regulations & Guides
United Nations / UN / ONU Septic Systems, Onsite Waste Disposal, Sewage Treatment
- United Nations Environment Program, Alternative Technologies for Freshwater Augmentation, Wastewater Treatment Technologies and Reuse [Website]
- Corcoran, E., C. Nellemann, E. Baker, R. Bos, D. Osborn,
H. Savelli (eds). 2010.
SICK WATER? THE CENTRAL ROLE OF WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. A RAPID RESPONSE ASSESSMENT , [PDF] United Nations Environment Programme,
UN-HABITAT, GRID-Arendal. www.grida.no
ISBN: 978-82-7701-075-5 retrieved 2016/06/26, original source: http://www.unep.org/pdf/SickWater_screen.pdf
- 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
- U.S. SEPTIC AUTHORITIES & DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS - alphabetical list of U.S. states with links to septic codes, regulations, design guides
- SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN REGULATIONS - onlilne at InspectApedia.com, model septic code based on New York State septic regulations
- ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers [Website]
- ATSDR: NITRATE/NITRITE TOXICITY [PDF] U.S. Government ATSDR Science Corner - 2.5MB big PDF file
- Florida: Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Univ. of Florida Onsite Sewage Disposal Influence of Soil Densities on Water [Website] Quality 1987 article but an important one.
- Minnesota: University of Minnesota Septic System Web Septic System Owner’s Guide [Website]
- 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
- NEW ENGLAND ONSITE WASTEWATER TRAINING PROGRAM [PDF] training, testing, and alternative wastewater treatment systems
- NEMO Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials [Website] nonpoint source pollution and online publications order page
- 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
- North Dakota State Univ: Individual Home Sewage Treatment Systems [Website]
- Purdue Univ. SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR [Website] including a questionable article on additives
- SEPTIC & SEWAGE TREATMENT REGULATIONS, OTHER - [Website] onlilne guide at InspectApedia.com
- SEPTIC SOIL & PERC TESTS - onlilne guide at InspectApedia.com
- Texas A&M Cooperative Extension, [Website] Onsite Wastewater Treatment & Re-use
- US Army Corps of Engineers [Website] Information Network
- U.S. EPA Ennvironmental Protection Agency Septic System Design Resources
- University of Wisconsin, The Consortium of Institutions for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment [Website] Dr. Jerry Tyler, 608-262-0853; E-mail - ejtyler@facstaff.wisc.edu
- Washington: PUMPING YOUR SEPTIC TANK [PDF] Washington State University Sea Grant Program
- West Virginia: National Small Flows Clearinghouse, [Website] West Virginia University, 800-624-8301
- 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.
© A local health department may not adopt standards less stringent
than the State standard unless a General Waiver has been issued by the
State Commissioner of Health or his designated representative as
provided in Part 75 of this Title, or the local health department is
otherwise legally authorized to adopt such standards.
(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)
- 75-A.0 NEW YORK STATE REGULATION OF PRIVATE SEPTIC SYSTEMS includes septic system construction details:
- 75-A.1 INTRODUCTION TO SEPTIC SYSTEMS, DEFINITIONS OF SEPTIC SYSTEM TERMS
- 75-A.2 REGULATION OF SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEMS BY OTHER AGENCIES
- 75-A.3 SEWAGE FLOWS AND DESIGN FLOW ESTIMATES
- 75-A.4 SOIL AND SITE APPRAISAL FOR SEPTIC SYSTEMS
- 75-A.5 HOUSE OR BUILDING SEWER LINE SPECIFICATIONS
- 75-A.6 SEPTIC TANK CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS, INSTALLATION, AND PLACEMENT (conventional septic tank and septic drainfield)
- 75-A.7 DISTRIBUTION LINES, DISTRIBUTION BOXES, GRAVITY FLOW, PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION, DOSING, SIPHONS
- 75-A.8 SUBSURFACE TREATMENT OF EFFLUENT, ABSORPTION FIELD REQUIREMENTS, LEACH FIELD DESIGN CRITERIA (conventional septic tank and septic drainfield)
- 75-A.9 ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGNS mound systems, raised bed septics, sand filter bed septics, evaporation/transpiration septic systems. others.
- 75-A.10 OTHER SYSTEMS
- 75-A.11 NEW SEPTIC SYSTEM PRODUCT / SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN INTERIM APPROVAL
- SEPTIC & SEWAGE TREATMENT REGULATIONS, OTHER
Septic System Design Codes & Regulations
...
Continue reading at 75-A.0 NEW YORK STATE REGULATION OF PRIVATE SEPTIC SYSTEMS - example of detailed septic system design specifications for most septic system types, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.
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Citations & Reviewers
In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.
- New York State Department of Health, APPENDIX 75-A WASTEWATER TREATMENT STANDARDS - INDIVIDUAL HOUSEHOLD SYSTEMS , [PDF] New York State Department of Health, 3 February 2010, retrieved 3/1/2010, original source: https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/nycrr/title_10/part_75/appendix_75-a.htm
- 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.
- 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 STANDARDS
- SEPTIC MAGAZINES
- 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.
- 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
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