New Sewerage Application Process

The Sewerage System Regulation that came into force May 31, 2005 changed the old permit process into a filing process; the health authorities no longer approve the construction and maintenance of onsite septic systems. With the new filing process, the owner retains the services of an authorized person who will assess your needs and design, install, and maintain the septic system; while these three functions are separate, they may be done by a single authorized person if s/he is so qualified.

An authorized person may be a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP) with the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) or a Professional Engineer (PEng) registered with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (APEGBC).

As for the filing process, the authorized person (planner) assesses the site, determines your needs, and designs an appropriate system being in general conformance with the Standard Practice Manual. The authorized person then submits the design to the health authority for filing. Once an authorized person (installer) installs the system as designed, the planner then submits a letter certifying that the construction is in accordance with the filed design as well as an as-built drawing of the installation and a maintenance plan/manual for the system. The owner should get a copy of all the documents that are given to the health authority for filing, especially the as-built drawing and maintenance plan/manual for future reference.

The links below are for more information regarding ROWPs (including a list of ROWPs on ASTTBC's website at the bottom of the page) as well as the Ministry's Land Use website. Please remember that a PEng may be able to assist a homeowner as well.

www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/protect/sewage.html
www.bcossa.com
owrp.asttbc.org

Carl Wong, BSc., CPHI(C)
A/Project Manager, Land Use
Ministry of Health.


Is it necessary to get a Sewage Disposal Permit for an undeveloped lot?
You are legally required to get approval from your local health authority BEFORE installing any kind of sewage disposal system (such as a septic field). These sewage disposal system permits are NOT a right of ownership. The lot must have the appropriate soil and drainage characteristics that will safely support an on-site sewage disposal system, and adequate "set back" distances from property lines and water courses.

What does this mean for someone buying an empty lot?
Never assume that ANY undeveloped lot will automatically qualify for installation of a sewage disposal system. Anyone buying an undeveloped lot as a future home site is responsible for finding out if that lot will qualify for a sewage disposal permit. Always remember the rule of "buyer beware." If you make an offer to purchase a bare lot with the intention of building a house on it, you should consider including a "subject to" clause which makes successfully getting an on-site sewage disposal permit a condition of the sale. Discuss this with your realtor and/or lawyer.

Keep in mind that just because neighbouring lots may have existing sewage systems, that fact does NOT guarantee that a new permit will be granted for YOUR lot. Standards are much stricter now than they used to be. The only way to find out if you can get a proper permit for your planned sewage system is to go through a properly authorized person/planner.