Minister of Environment Chester Gillan has announced changes to the Environmental Protection Act Sewage Disposal Regulations as part of the Province's continuing commitment to protect drinking water quality.
The Sewage Disposal Regulations govern the location, design, construction and installation of septic tanks and other components of systems that handle wastewater. About 46 per cent of Islanders are serviced by this type of sewage disposal system; others are on centralized wastewater collection systems. The changes to the Sewage Disposal Regulations, which came into effect July 12, are part of the Provincial Drinking Water Strategy.
"Onsite sewage disposal systems are a safe and effective way to handle household wastewater. However, if they are not properly designed and maintained, these systems can end up being a major source of drinking water contamination. In fact, 95 per cent of E. coli contamination is the result of leaking or improperly abandoned septic tanks," said Minister Gillan. "By strengthening regulations and continuing efforts to make the general public aware of the importance of proper maintenance, we want to reduce the risk of sewage disposal systems contaminating drinking water."
There are four key changes to the Sewage Disposal Regulations. Risers are required on all new septic tanks. Attached to the top of the tank, these devices extend to ground level, allowing easy access for regular inspection and maintenance. This eliminates the need to dig up the lawn to inspect the septic tank and it serves as a constant reminder that sewage disposal systems need regular maintenance. Abandoned septic tanks or tanks no longer in use must be decommissioned by a licensed contractor within 10 days of the septic tank being abandoned. While this has always been the recommendation, it was not required by regulation until now. Trained site assessors will be licensed to conduct soil assessments for septic systems. The assessments, which are required prior to the installation of an onsite sewage disposal system, are currently carried out by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs. While the department will continue to offer the service, private site assessors will provide the public with more options to have lot assessments completed. A five-day site assessor's training course has been developed in cooperation with Holland College. New sewage disposal systems for restaurants must meet today's improved design standards to more effectively handle wastewater from commercial operations. That includes the installation of effluent filters and interceptor tanks to remove grease from wastewater.
The changes to the Sewage Disposal Regulations come on the heels of amendments to the Water Well Regulations. Those changes were designed to ensure that new wells meet the highest construction standards to help ensure that contaminants do not reach the water supply. Both sets of regulatory changes are key components of the Drinking Water Strategy to protect water in Prince Edward Island.
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment has a number of resources on proper installation and maintenance of wells and sewage disposal systems. For further information, contact the Water Management Division at 368-5044 or toll free 1-866-368-5044, or visit the department Web site at www.gov.pe.ca/fae.