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Sewage System Inspection Fact Sheet

Common Questions

Why do we need to have our sewage systems inspected again?

Some cottagers have pointed out that sewage systems were inspected through a joint project of APRA, MNRF, North-Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority and the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit between 2007 and 2010, and wonder why they have to be inspected again.

Many municipalities within Ontario have implemented regular mandatory sewage inspection programs to ensure that systems continue to perform properly and do not impact water quality and other environmental values. These programs are conducted on a five year interval. Based on the significant aquatic environments in Algonquin Provincial Park, and input received during consultation, MNRF decided that a similar program would be required for cottage lots within the park, and this requirement is identified in the approved Algonquin Provincial Park Cottage Lot Policy (2018-2038).

Further, during the 2015 cottage lot inventory MNRF noted a significant number of issues related to sewage systems on cottage lots. These included more minor issues such as structural deficiencies for outhouses (missing vents, doors or screening etc.) but also a number of more significant issues including sewage systems too close to the lake, systems that were not functioning properly and contaminating the ground surface, grey water systems draining onto the surface of the ground or directly into the lake, and flush toilets and sinks draining into outhouse pits. An inspection combined with any required remediation during the eligibility period will assist MNRF and cottagers in ensuring that all sewage systems are functioning properly and meet code prior to issuing occupational authority for the period of 2023-2038.


Why do systems less than 15 metres to the water’s edge have to be relocated?

The Ontario Building Code (OBC) requires a minimum setback of 15 metres from the water’s edge for most types of sewage systems. This setback helps to ensure that sewage will not seep into the adjacent water body and impact water quality. This setback has been in place for several decades, and thus any systems that were installed on cottage lots under the authority of a permit, would have been required to be set back at least 15 metres.

Aside from the building code requirements, many municipalities have started to require a 30 metre setback for new or replacement sewage systems, especially in central Ontario where the bedrock geology is not as efficient at absorbing and filtering sewage. Within Algonquin Provincial Park, Cottagers will be required to set back any new sewage systems at least 30 metres unless topography or other factors preclude it. Existing sewage systems that are at least 15 metres from the water’s edge and are functioning properly, however, will be grandfathered in their current location.


What systems have to be inspected?

Sewage systems include all systems that deal with human waste or household waste water. Septic inspections shall investigate and evaluate ALL sewage systems on the cottage lot including outhouses, composting toilets, grey water pits, septic tanks and leaching beds and holding tanks. Existing systems that may no be longer used but have not been decommissioned must be included. Cesspools should be identified and will be required to be removed/decommissioned. It is important to ensure that you identify all systems to the inspector as MNRF will compare notes from the 2015 cottage lot inventory to the inspection reports.


Who is a qualified sewage system inspector?

For the purposes of the inspection, a qualified inspector is deemed to be an individual who is registered with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to conduct sewage system inspections and has a current Building Code Identification Number (BCIN). You may hire any inspector that you choose, so long as they meet this requirement. The inspection must be conducted by the qualified inspector and must not be done by an un-registered assistant.

You can find qualified individuals working for a number of different types of companies. For example, companies who install septic systems have to be registered and have a BCIN. Some (but not all) Home Inspectors are also qualified as sewage system inspectors. Sewage system pumping companies are also often registered.