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Consultation has concluded
Posted July 29, 2020 | Updated September 11, 2020
UPDATE: The comment period is now closed. Thank you.
Oxford County is taking steps to modernize the Sewer Use By-law (SUB), which regulates wastewater discharge into the sanitary sewer system and storm sewers on County roads. The original by-law, which dates back to 1987, establishes acceptable wastewater parameters for industrial, commercial and institutional customers to support the County’s wastewater systems and protect our natural environment.
Modern Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) are primarily designed to treat human waste through a largely biological treatment process. They are not designed to remove industrial metals or persistent organic pollutants. The best solution, to safeguard the environment and ensure proper operation of municipal WWTPs, is to prevent these types of contaminants from ever entering the sewer system.
Proposed updates to the Sewer Use By-law include:
Adding storm sewers on County roads, with unacceptable pollutants identified;
Adding new substances (pesticides, ammonia);
New industry-specific requirements (motor vehicle repair, food premises, dental offices);
New requirements for spill response, pre-treatment, sampling and analysis and reporting;
Revisions to the range of acceptable pH; and
A revised enforcement process.
These updates will ensure the by-law is better aligned with current standards of practice and will support the long-term effectiveness of Oxford County’s wastewater treatment plants.
The Sewer Use By-law primarily impacts industrial and commercial customers. If you have questions or feedback about the proposed by-law, please submit them below. We are accepting feedback until September 4, 2020.
UPDATE: The comment period is now closed. Thank you.
Oxford County is taking steps to modernize the Sewer Use By-law (SUB), which regulates wastewater discharge into the sanitary sewer system and storm sewers on County roads. The original by-law, which dates back to 1987, establishes acceptable wastewater parameters for industrial, commercial and institutional customers to support the County’s wastewater systems and protect our natural environment.
Modern Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) are primarily designed to treat human waste through a largely biological treatment process. They are not designed to remove industrial metals or persistent organic pollutants. The best solution, to safeguard the environment and ensure proper operation of municipal WWTPs, is to prevent these types of contaminants from ever entering the sewer system.
Proposed updates to the Sewer Use By-law include:
Adding storm sewers on County roads, with unacceptable pollutants identified;
Adding new substances (pesticides, ammonia);
New industry-specific requirements (motor vehicle repair, food premises, dental offices);
New requirements for spill response, pre-treatment, sampling and analysis and reporting;
Revisions to the range of acceptable pH; and
A revised enforcement process.
These updates will ensure the by-law is better aligned with current standards of practice and will support the long-term effectiveness of Oxford County’s wastewater treatment plants.
The Sewer Use By-law primarily impacts industrial and commercial customers. If you have questions or feedback about the proposed by-law, please submit them below. We are accepting feedback until September 4, 2020.
Please take some time to review the draft Sewer Use By-law and submit your questions or feedback here.
Share What are the regulations/bylaws surrounding discharging in to open ditches in Oxford County? on FacebookShare What are the regulations/bylaws surrounding discharging in to open ditches in Oxford County? on TwitterShare What are the regulations/bylaws surrounding discharging in to open ditches in Oxford County? on LinkedinEmail What are the regulations/bylaws surrounding discharging in to open ditches in Oxford County? link
What are the regulations/bylaws surrounding discharging in to open ditches in Oxford County?
Tim Lobzun
asked
over 4 years ago
Pollutant discharges to ditches fall under the Environmental Protection Act, and these spills are to be reported to the Spills Action Centre (SAC) as per Regulation 675-98. Oxford County reviews and reports on any spills on County-Owned Property, including County Roads, while drainage issues (outside of County property) are the local Municipality’s jurisdiction and not within the scope of the Sewer Use By-law. The Spills Action Centre is aware of Wellhead Protection Areas that were identified as part of the Clean Water Act and will notify Oxford County if spills are reported in these vulnerable areas.
