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Policy Id:

SPR/SPA:

Risk:

SWG-5

Central Lake Ontario, Credit Valley, Toronto

Significant

Implementing Body

Legal Effect

Policy Tool

Threat Type

Status

Comment

MMAH

Strategic

Specify Actions to be taken to implement plan or achieve its objectives

Future

Implemented: Policy outcome(s) evaluated - No further action(s) required

The Building Code already regulates on-site wastewater systems with a focus on pathogen control. Systems operating as designed and installed in compliance with the Building Code should deliver performance that provides adequate bacterial digestion to avoid pathogen intrusion into groundwater resources. The Building Code also contains provisions specifying the condition when a septic tank should be pumped out. In areas designated as “vulnerable areas”, the Building Code also requires principal authorities to conduct regular maintenance inspections of on-site wastewater systems every five years.

Policy Text:

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is requested to amend the Building Code Act to permit municipalities to require higher standards for septic systems governed under the Building Code Act to deal with nitrate and pathogen threats where they would be a significant drinking water threat in any of the following areas:

WHPA-A (future); or
WHPA-B (VS = 10) (future); or
WHPA-E (VS = 10) (future); or
the remainder of an Issue Contributing Area for Nitrates or Pathogens (future).

Timeline:
T-18: The policy shall be implemented immediately upon the date the Source Protection Plan takes effect.

Monitoring Text:

MON-4: The provincial ministry shall, by February 1 of each year, prepare and submit a report to the Source Protection Authority on the actions taken in the previous calendar year to achieve the outcomes of the source protection policy. Reporting shall include information related to the effectiveness of the policies in ensuring a threat ceases to be, or does not become significant, and any actions required to respond to a drinking
water threat during the reporting period.