Draft Sewer Use By-Law
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
By-Law Changes
Surveys and Prevention Plans
Discharges and Samples
Inspections and Analysis
Reporting Spills and Fines
Additional Information
By-Law Changes
What are the major changes to the by-law?
Major changes include the addition of 19 organic parameters to sanitary discharge limits and 15 parameters to storm limits. Clauses on installation and upkeep of oil/sediment interceptors and amalgam separators have been added.
Requirements for Pollution Prevention Plans have been added for companies with persistent problem discharges. Limits on metals, such as Lead and Mercury, have also been changed.
Two types of Waste Survey Reports will be available for companies to fill in, one short and one longer comprehensive version.
Who does the by-law apply to and when will it come into effect?
The by-law applies to industrial, institutional and commercial facilities in Peel.
Current surcharge agreements will be extended via letter until new agreements can be sent in July 2007. The surcharge fee is developed by Finance under a separate by-law, as required by the Municipal Act.
All clauses will remain consistent with current agreements. New discharge limits will come into effect July 1, 2007.
How is the by-law enforced?
For determining compliance with by-law limits, samples are taken at property line manholes. These samples can be either composite samples or grab samples. Other violations may arise from not filling out forms when requested, parking on manholes or not reporting spills to give a few examples.
Staff of Environment Control will enforce the sewer use by-law; however all Region of Peel staff are able to enforce by-laws.
Why has the by-law been changed?
The changes are the result of modifications in legislation for environmental discharges that have been occurring over the past few years. Since the Region of Peel’s by-law came into effect in 1990, various substances have been banned and put on elimination and restricted lists, such as the CEPA toxicity lists.
Will the new by-law be the same as other GTA municipalities?
The majority of the new by-law will be similar to the other GTA municipalities. However, there will be minor differences as Peel Region has unique circumstances to better protect sewage infrastructure and sewage treatment plants.
Discharge limits for some parameters are not as low as other municipalities due to the fact that we do not land apply our sludge.
How do I comment on the changes to the by-law?
Comments on the changes are encouraged and can be made by filling out a feedback form. You can also comment on the by-law in person at an upcoming information session. You can also mail comments into the Environmental Control section.
All feedback will be considered before the final by-law goes to Council for approval.
Surveys and Prevention Plans
Who has to submit a Waste Survey Report?
Any person/industry discharging to the sewer system is required to complete and submit a Waste Survey Report to the Commissioner within 60 days of written notification from the Commissioner.
All dischargers notified to complete a report are required to complete a short report. Environmental Control staff determines significant discharges who may be required to complete the comprehensive Waste Survey Report.
What are the Pollution Prevention Plans and who has to complete one?
Pollution Prevention Plans are in the by-law but not all companies need to submit one at the beginning. Organizations with frequent violations, frequent spills, or on-going problems, need to submit and implement a plan. This ensures that action plans are in place to control problem discharges and bring the discharges into compliance with the by-law.
Discharges and Samples
Do I need a permit to discharge?
A permit to discharge is not required, although a Waste Survey Report should be submitted prior to discharging to the sewer system.
A Sewer Discharge Review should be submitted when applying for a sewer connection permit, when changes are being made to an existing connection or where characteristics of the discharge have changed due to a change in a manufacturing process.
How often is my discharge sampled?
Depending on the type of industry and what is discharged, companies may be sampled four to 12 times per year, with most being visited monthly or bi-monthly.
Why are composite and grab samples done?
Composite and grab samples are done to determine compliance with the by-law, as the facility must be in agreement with the by-law at all times. Grab samples give a determination of the discharge at one point in time and composite samples give an overall view of the discharge over a set period of time.
What limits are going to be affected and what storm limits apply?
The sanitary limit for pH has changed and set limits have been added for organic compounds in Table 1 and 2 of the draft by-law. The limits for Lead, Cadmium and Mercury have been lowered in the proposed by-law.
Storm limits for many parameters have been added, such as BOD, Cyanide, Organic compounds, as well as others. Some Metals limits have been increased, while others have been decreased.
If your storm discharge goes to a Region of Peel storm sewer, Section 4 of the Region of Peel by-law applies. If the storm discharge is to a city storm sewer, the appropriate city by-law applies.
A parameter that I discharge is not listed, what do I do?
If a parameter is not listed, contact Environmental Control at 905-791-7800, ext. 3101 or speak to your area inspector.
Inspections and Analysis
How often is my company inspected?
Inspections of industrial facilities occur at least once every two years, while some companies that are considered significant industrial dischargers will be inspected more often.
A company that is considered a major industrial discharger may also have their effluent sampled on a regular basis. The frequency is based on the industry and sampling may occur monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly or bi-annually.
What methods are used for analysis?
The analysis required by the by-law shall be in accordance with the procedures as described in Standard Methods, the United States Environmental Protection Agency methods or the Test Methods Manual, produced by the Region.
Standard methods are a procedure or method set out in the latest edition of the “Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater” published jointly by the American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association and the Water Environment Federation.
Reporting Spills and Fines
Do spills need to be reported?
Spills are required to be reported immediately to the Peel Region Spill Co-ordinator, with a detailed written report to follow within five days of the occurrence.
Has the fine structure changed?
The fine structure will remain unchanged:
- Every person, not more than $10,000 for first offence and $25,000 for any subsequent conviction
- Every corporation, not more than $50,000 for first offence and $100,000 for any subsequent conviction
The fine structure is set under direction of the Municipal Act and if changes are made there, updates to the fine structure in this by-law would be updated.
Additional Information
Where do I get more information
More information can be obtained by contacting the Environmental Control office at 905-791-7800, ext. 3101 or send an e-mail to environmentalcontrol@peelregion.ca