Town of South Bruce Peninsula

Septic Re-Inspection Program

Information Session Prepared by GENIVAR

May 11, 2013

Welcome

Information Session Outline:

1. Introduction of GENIVAR and the project team

2. Re-Inspection Program Overview

3. Scheduling Process

4. Inspection Process

5. Frequently Asked Questions

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Introduction to GENIVAR

GENIVAR is a Canadian engineering consulting firm with over 15,000

employees and over 300 offices.

GENIVAR has many areas of expertise (10 main business units

segmented into smaller sub-disciplines).

GENIVAR has a Certificate of Authorization with the PEO, APGO and

holds an active BCIN# with the MMAH.

GENIVAR’s Environmental Group has been retained by the Town of

South Bruce Peninsula to complete the Septic Re-Inspection Program.

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GENIVAR’s Project Team

Senior Project Managers

• Michael Varty, P.Eng.

• Jason Murchison, P.Geo.

Project Coordinator

• Kristy Gibson, B.A.Sc., E.I.T.

Credential Summary

• Education: Environmental Engineering, Geology and Earth Sciences

• Dedicated career in wastewater and water supply servicing

• Active Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association (OOWA) members

• Registered on-site sewage system designers with MMAH

• Good standing with professional organizations (PEO and APGO)

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GENIVAR’s Responsibilities

Implement the Septic Re-Inspection program on behalf of the Town of

South Bruce Peninsula:

• Notifying property owners about the program;

• Schedule the inspections;

• Complete the inspections;

• Issue follow-up documents based on the inspection; and

• Generate meaningful information based on the

results of the program.

5

Educate the

property owner

about their

system and the

benefits of the

program

Re-Inspection Program Overview

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Program Objective

The Septic Re-Inspection Program has been designed to meet the

requirements as approved by Council by-law.

The program will include the inspection of all existing, on-site sewage

systems regulated under the Ontario Building Code for signs of

malfunction/disrepair

Program Goals

Help protect the surface water and groundwater quality, and human

health, from sewage related impacts; and

Provide education and learning opportunities to system owners.

Scheduling Process

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2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2011

2012 Inspection Notification

Residents will receive notification of the septic re-inspection program

(GENIVAR’s Introductory Letter issued on April 24, 2013).

Residents will receive an Information Package during the Spring

(April or May) of their designated inspection year.

The Information Package will include:

• Cover Letter

• Inspection Scheduling and Inspection Process Overview

Document

• Sewage System Questionnaire

Scheduling Process (Continued)

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2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2011

2012

Designated Inspection Years

Major inspection zones (A-H) to be

completed over a four year period

(2013-2016). Under the current by-law, each

zone will be inspected during its

designated inspection year.

Inspections will be booked by

GENIVAR on a sequential basis as we

receive responses (with an emphasis

on completing older systems first).

Scheduling Process (Continued)

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2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2011

2012

Proposed Scheduling By-Law Amendments

Re-assign inspection zones (C-F) to

different geographical areas.

Remove the designated years in favour

of moving through the zones alphabetically

to achieve 1172 inspections per year.

Scheduling Process (Continued)

Sewage System Questionnaire

The Questionnaire must be filled out to the best of the owners

knowledge.

The Questionnaire must be returned to GENIVAR in order to schedule

your inspection.

The Project Coordinator will attempt to contact the property owner to

schedule their inspection in the order that the Questionnaires are

received.

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Scheduling Process (Continued)

Inspection Windows

Inspections will be completed from June to October each year.

Inspection windows are four (4) hours in duration (ex. 8 am – 12 pm);

however the inspection will be approximately one (1) hour in duration.

There are a limited number of weekend and evening spots available.

These will be booked on a first come, first served basis.

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Inspection Process

GENIVAR’s Inspection Process Includes:

Review existing septic system documentation with

owner/representative and answer any questions;

Complete visual inspection of septic or holding

tank for signs of malfunction and structural integrity

(material, sludge and liquid levels, filter, etc.);

Complete visual inspection of leaching

bed (if present) for signs of malfunction;

Complete visual inspection of grey water pit/privy/cesspool

(if present); and

Review inspection report with the owner/representative.

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Complete

Inspection

Report

Inspection Process (Continued)

Owner (or Representative) Responsibilities:

Shall be at the property during the duration of their inspection window.

Shall have septic tank lids/ holding tank lid exposed (buried lids must be

unearthed prior to the inspection).

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Inspection Process (Continued)

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Examples of Visual Signs of Leaching Bed Malfunction

Pooling Sewage on top of leaching bed Breakout from Leaching Bed

Inspection Process (Continued)

15

Liquid Level above outlet pipe – sign of clogged

pipe/weeping tile

Holding tank full of sludge

Examples of Visual Signs of Failure within Tanks

Inspection Process (Continued)

Inspection Follow-Up:

Systems that are not exhibiting signs of failure or malfunction will be

issued an Inspection Certificate.

Systems that are exhibiting signs of failure or malfunction will be issued

a Remedial Action Letter.

• The Remedial Action Letter will be mailed to the owner after the

completion of the inspection.

• This letter will describe in full the deficiencies observed during the

inspection, recommended corrective action, and remedial time

frame.

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Inspection Results

GENIVAR will prepare an annual report to

summarize the inspection (such as number

of properties assessed, number of

pass/fails, and number of orders

issued, etc.)

Statistical data and trends will

be summarized using charts, graphs,

and GIS mapping.

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Summary

The Septic Re-Inspection Program has been implemented by the Town

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 GENIVAR providing education to

all system owners.

The Town and GENIVAR are working cooperatively on this project to

meet the Town’s Strategic Plans :

• Goal 3: Sustainable Infrastructure and Built Environment

• Goal 5: Protection, Promotion and Preservation of Natural

Environment and Agricultural Lands

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Frequently Asked Questions

I am on a holding tank, is my system exempted from the program? No.

Holding tanks can also pollute the environment if they are not regularly

pumped out, or are structurally unsound.

I have a new system that was recently installed, is my system

exempted from the program? Not under the current by-law. Surprisingly

enough even recently installed systems can fail prematurely if they are used

incorrectly (paints, heavy grease, excessive use).

An amendment to the current By-Law has been proposed which would defer

the inspection of systems less than five (5) years old (installed and

inspected) until the end of the program, or such a time that the system is

greater than five (5) years old.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have to dig up my own lids? Unfortunately GENIVAR cannot dig

up the lids on your tank for three reasons:

• Health and Safety (buried utilities)

• Liability issues (we do not want to damage your system with our

equipment)

• Logistics (time and cost implications)

Why isn’t the First Nations land being inspected? The Ontario Building

Code does not apply to First Nations land as it is under Federal jurisdiction.

Why do I need an inspection completed if the Health Unit already

completed an inspection a few years ago? Your septic system, like many

items that you use everyday, wears over time with use (even if you regularly

maintain your system). The condition of your system a few years ago does not

necessarily reflect its current state.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out when my property will be inspected?

The current by-law indicates what year you will be inspected. Under the

proposed by-law your inspection year may change.

Regardless of the proposed by-law amendment, you will be sent the

information package during the Spring of your inspection year in order to

notify you in advance.

Why is my system being inspected before others? The framework for the

inspection zones and timing was set by the Town in keeping with source water

protection parameters. It is important to understand that all the systems will be

inspected within the next 4 to 5 years. Logistically it is not possible to inspect

all the systems at once, therefore some will be before others.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will the inspectors be qualified? Yes. All GENIVAR inspectors will

have passed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s On-Site

Sewage System Designer/Legal exams and have a valid BCIN#.

What happens if I do not schedule an appointment? GENIVAR will

first attempt to follow up with you to ensure that you have received the

information package and are aware of the inspection program

requirements. Should you refuse to have an inspection completed,

GENIVAR will notify the Town about your refusal. At that time, the Town

will contact you and may choose to complete the inspection by

exercising the powers of a Regulatory Authority under the Building

Code Act.

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THANK YOU