Township of Algonquin Highlands Septic Re-Inspection Program: What can you Expect?

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1 Township of Algonquin Highlands Septic Re-Inspection Program: What can you Expect? Presentation by: Kathryn Stasiuk, EIT Project Coordinator

2 Outline Introduction of Firm Re-Inspection Program Overview The Re-Inspection Process Results from Past Programs Questions

3 Introduction WSP is a consulting firm with approximately 8,300 employees in Canada, and 36,000 world-wide WSP has worked for approximately 30 years in the on-site sewage industry

4 Introduction WSP s Project Team Senior Project Manager: Michael Varty, P.Eng. Director, Environment Project Coordinator: Kathryn Stasiuk, EIT Environmental Consultant Credential Summary Education: Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Engineering Active members of the Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association (OOWA) Registered designers with Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) Good standing with the Professional Engineers of Ontario (P.E.O.) Other team members: Scheduling Assistant, Qualified (BCIN) Inspectors

5 Re-Inspection Program Overview

6 Re-Inspection Program Overview Policies The Clean Water Act (2006): Identifies 21 potential significant drinking water threats, including septic systems (S.O. 2006, Chapter 22). The Ontario Building Code (2012): The Building Code Act (O.Reg. 332/12): A municipality may establish and govern a Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program. Division C, Section 1.10 describes Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Programs, including Discretionary Programs. A Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program shall apply to all sewage systems in the affected area, in this case the Township of Algonquin Highlands. The systems will be inspected for compliance with the requirements of Section 8.9 of Division B.

7 Re-Inspection Program Overview Program Objectives Re-Inspecting all classes of systems within the Township of Algonquin Highlands. Inspection for compliance with Section 8.9 of the Ontario Building Code. Intended to protect lake water, drinking water resources, public health, and the environment. Lake water health will be a focus of discussion for annual reports. Provide education and learning opportunities to system owners. Owners are required to be present at their inspection.

8 Re-Inspection Program Overview WSP s Responsibilities Implement the Septic Re-inspection program on behalf of the Township of Algonquin Highlands: Our role will include: Notifying property owners about the program; Scheduling the inspections; Completing the inspections; Issue follow-up documents based on the inspection; and, Generate meaningful information based on the results of the program. This will be included in an Annual Report to the Township.

9 Re-Inspection Program Overview Past WSP Projects Discretionary Maintenance Programs: WSP evaluated 5,208 properties in the Town of South Bruce Peninsula between 2013 and 2016 WSP will evaluate 217 properties in the Township Of Springwater between June August 2017 Majority of properties were seasonal homes near to surface water features (lakes) Programs were established by the Townships Mandatory Programs under Clean Water Act: WSP evaluated 602 properties in the County of Wellington during 2015 and 2016 WSP evaluated 36 properties in the Town of Caledon during 2015 and 2016 The properties in these areas are required to be inspected every 5 years by provincial regulation

10 The Re-Inspection Process

11 Re-Inspection Process Scheduling WSP will send an information package to affected zones each spring containing: WSP contact information (Phone, Fax, ) Outline the process for booking a desired inspection time Information about the program WSP has a dedicated Scheduling Assistant During the start of the program it may take up to a day for WSP to return phone messages in the order they are received Inspections will be completed between June and August each year Weekday and weekend dates available (first come first serve) Inspections will be approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour in duration Owner or a representative over the age of 18 is required to be present for the inspection

12 Re-inspection Process Scheduling Designated Inspection Years Approximately 4,500 inspections will be completed over a four year period ( ), and have been subdivided into four (4) main inspection zones. Each zone is intended to be inspected during its designated inspection year. Inspections will be booked by WSP on a sequential basis as we receive responses Non-responsive properties will be assigned an inspection time

13 Re-inspection Process Zone 1 (2018) DRAFT

14 Re-inspection Process Zone 2 (2019) DRAFT

15 Re-inspection Process Zone 3 (2020) Dorset DRAFT

16 Re-inspection Process Zone 4 (2021) DRAFT

17 Summary Scheduling: Boat Access Only Properties WSP will endeavor to meet with representatives from Lake Associations/Cottage Associations to discuss scheduling Where possible, WSP will seek to arrange inspections for lakes or parts of lakes on the same day Neighbours are encouraged to coordinate, and can act as representatives for each others inspections Lake Association/Cottage Association representatives may be consulted for information on how to best contact property owners

18 Re-Inspection Process Review of Information and Benefit of Owner Presence With a property owner or representative present, WSP will: Meet with owner to discuss system maintenance and signs of stress. Conduct a discussion with the owners to obtain: An understanding of the construction characteristics of the system Dwelling characteristics (number of bedrooms, floor area, etc.) Water supply details Additional information may be reviewed: Maintenance contract for tertiary systems Haulage agreement for holding tanks WSP s experience may provide the property owners with additional insights as to the required frequency for routine system maintenance and could ultimately save the owner unnecessary costs.

19 Re-Inspection Process Septic Tank Septic tanks provide a good overview regarding the health of the entire septic system The homeowner is required to uncover the septic tank lids prior to WSP visiting the property Most tanks have two lids (one near the inlet and one near the outlet of the tank); both must be uncovered WSP will remove the lid(s), if 35 lbs or less. If lid(s) are more then 35 lbs, then the property owner is responsible for removing the lid(s) WSP will estimate the sludge and scum layer depths through the use of a bailer apparatus The tank does not have to be pumped for the inspection (the owner may pump the tank 1 month in advance of the inspection if desired) WSP can then discuss if the frequency of tank pump outs is appropriate (i.e. too frequent, or not frequent enough)

20 Re-Inspection Process Septic Tank The good.. and the not so good. 9% 10% by market 23% 58%

21 Re-Inspection Process Leaching Bed WSP will complete a non-intrusive surface inspection of the leaching bed area to assess the presence or absence of obvious signs/symptoms of leaching bed stress These may include: Breakout of sewage onto the ground Spongy and very wet areas, typically corresponding to dead or over nitrified vegetation Illegal discharges Visible damage or other immediate concerns (i.e. the presence of above-ground pools or a driveway on the leaching bed surface, etc.) A sewer camera can be used (if required) where the effluent disposal location is unknown WSP will not be assessing the construction of the system versus the current Building Code; only the operation and maintenance Section (8.9)

22 Re-Inspection Process Leaching Bed The good.. and the not so good.

23 Re-Inspection Process Certificates and Remedial Actions When there are no visible indications of an unsafe sewage system, WSP will mail a Inspection Report and Certificate to the property owner Where there are visible indications of an unsafe sewage system, WSP will issue a Remedial Action Letter to the property owner, in additional to the Inspection Report, describing the visual deficiencies observed by the inspector This letter will outline the expected time frame for correspondence with the Township/WSP and for completion of the remedial actions All Inspection Reports and Certificates/Remedial Action Letters will also be forwarded directly to the Township of Algonquin Highlands by WSP

24 Inspection Results Inspection Results WSP will prepare an annual report to summarize the inspection (including number of properties assessed, number of pass/fails, and number of orders issued, etc.) Statistical data and trends will be summarized utilizing charts, graphs and GIS mapping

25 Results From Past Programs

26 Results from Past Programs Certificates and Remedial Actions Approximately 19% of systems in past programs received remedial action letters The majority of remedial actions were associated with poorly maintained systems. (i.e. septic tanks requiring pump outs, etc.) 19% 81% Remedial Action Certificate

27 Summary Summary The Septic Re-inspection Program has been implemented by the Township of Algonquin Highlands as part of an environmental/safety initiative The goals of the program are to help to protect the surface water and groundwater quality from sewage related impacts and protect human health. There will be an emphasis on WSP providing education to all system owners The Township and WSP are working cooperatively on this project

28 Frequently Asked Questions What if I can not dig up the access ports for my septic tank? Both access port lids need to be accessible for the inspection to be performed. The inspector needs to see both chambers in your tank. If you are unable to dig up the access ports, there are a number of private contractors who would be able to provide you with the service for a fee. You may choose to contract a septic maintenance contractor to dig up the access points and install risers for easier access in the future. What is required for a holding tank inspection? WSP will observe the tank for cracks, leaks, and current liquid level. As of 2012, all holding tanks must be equipped with a high level alarm and a haulage agreement. The septic pumping company of your preference will be able to write a haulage agreement for you, and install a high level alarm.

29 Frequently Asked Questions How do I find out when my property will be inspected? Property owners will be sent an information package during the Spring of your inspection year in order to notify you in advance. You will be given a date by which to call, fax or WSP by to schedule an appointment at your preferred time. What happens if I do not schedule an appointment? After the deadline stated on the information package sent the Spring of your planned inspection year, WSP will assign a Mandatory Inspection appointment. This information will be sent in a secondary letter after the deadline. Boat access only properties will be grouped together on certain days, and owners can co-ordinate to be the representative for neighbours properties if desired.

30 Questions?

31 Thank you!