Onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems includes treatment of wastes of domestic origin, from toilets, showers, kitchen sinks and laundry. Approval for inground sewage disposal is required in all parts of Ontario, including the unorganized lands.
The concern of Thunder Bay District Health Unit is the presence of toxic elements, disease carrying bacteria and nutrients in the form of nitrogen and phosphorous compounds.
Sewage Systems - Land Development Program
Under Part VIII of the Ontario Building Code, The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is responsible for the issuance of permits for the construction and use of Sewage Systems (also referred to as septic systems). The Health Unit issues Certificates of Approval to construct/install Class 2 through 5 sewage systems for new homes, camps, businesses, etc and for the addition or replacement of existing systems serving existing dwellings.
Under the Planning Act, the Health Unit is requested by local Municipalities in organized territories, and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs in the unorganized territories, to comment on proposed severance's, subdivisions, minor variances, zoning amendments, official plans etc. from an inground sewage treatment and disposal viewpoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sewage System Inspection and Approval | Land Development Inspections | Miscellaneous Services | Links of Interest
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The Health Unit is charged with the responsibility of implementing Part VIII of the Ontario Building Code. The Code specifies the minimum requirements for:
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Site evaluation regarding local soil conditions, sewage design flows and clearance requirements for various types of sewage systems.
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Application of tanks used to collect, treat, hold or store sanitary sewage, as well as the construction and installation of sewage systems.
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The operation and maintenance requirements.
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Severance's - an inspection performed to determine the suitability of a proposed piece of land from an inground sewage treatment and disposal viewpoint.
( 3 lots or less)
Subdivisions - same as above. (4 lots or more)
Lot Inspection for Advice - an inspection performed on a lot already created to determine suitability for inground sewage treatment and disposal
Real Estate Inspection - an inspection performed on an existing sewage system to facilitate a Real Estate transaction when the system was installed/constructed without Agency approval or a permit was not found in the information provided.
Compliance Inspection - an inspection performed to facilitate mortgage requirements etc when present owner is unable to provide documentation indicating the system was installed/constructed with Agency approval.
Complaint/Enforcement Inspection - All complaints or inquiries regarding sewage treatment systems are investigated. If and when a contravention of the Ontario Building Code has been identified, the party in question is given every opportunity and technical assistance to achieve compliance. Enforcement of the Code through legal means is usually employed when all other avenues have failed.
*Contact the Health Unit for details and procedures regarding the inspection process*
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File Searches - a procedure requested by the public to search the Health Unit files to determine if the property in question is serviced with an Agency approved sewage system. If a permit is found, a copy is generated and is made available.
House Addition Review - this service is performed to determine if a proposed addition to a dwelling will reduce the performance level of the sewage system (Performance Level Review). In other words, if the proposed addition is expected to increase the daily wastewater flow beyond the capacity of the sewage system, the system may have to be enlarged.
* Other services may be performed upon request*
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Ontario Ministry of Municipal Housing and Affairs
Ontario Rural Wastewater Association
Canadian Water and Wastewater Association
Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association Newsletter