Changes to Ontario’s building code could result in costly changes for people building in rural areas.
East Ferris Township (near North Bay) is looking for some help.
On Feb. 1, Puslinch councillors reviewed a request for support in a resolution to the province that proposed changes to the Ontario Building Code, not be recommended.
The changes would require installation of a third stage tertiary treatment system for new or replacement septic systems in vulnerable areas as described in drinking water source protection assessment reports where septic systems are deemed to be a significant threat.
East Ferris noted the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority did not support proposed changes to use tertiary treatment systems “as a blanket approach to reducing the significance of threats, particularly in light of the new Building Code requirement for mandatory maintenance inspections for these same systems.”
The resolution talked about conventional and the new tertiary septic systems – and the potential cost to convert them.
Puslinch councillor Wayne Stokley said he did not have the background to properly understand what was being asked.
He asked if would be possible to get more information on potential costs and how they might impact the community, “if that is the direction the new Building Act is going to go.”
Clerk Brenda Law estimated the cost difference would be $20,000 to $25,000 for a tertiary system, as compared to a traditional system of between $5,000 to $10,000.
“So it is definitely going to be big bucks,” Stokley said.
Law said, “But it is a better system.” She noted the change would be for the installation of new systems – not existing ones.
Stokley asked how it would affect systems reaching their limits or needing replacement.
Law believes it would affect them as well.
She speculated the request came from East Ferris because northern municipalities are getting hit with this issue first. “It will take a little while before it hits down here.”
Mayor Dennis Lever asked if the issue came up in any of the source drinking water discussions. “If someone has to replace a septic system, will they have to install a tertiary system?”
Councillor Susan Fielding said, “It looks like that might be the case, but you have to remember they are looking at municipal drinking water systems and specific threats in those areas.”
She said in most of the cases investigated, it was not an issue.
However, she agreed the agricultural representatives spoke a lot about the issue.
She said there was a recommendation, but they are still awaiting public comment.
“I imagine there will be a lot of public comment about this.”
Stokley wondered if this was primarily about systems near urban areas. He asked if this is a cost the municipality would have to incur if there was a belief it would affect the groundwater.
Lever said while places like Guelph have policies to protect their water – Wellington County does as well.
Those policies not only include well head protection areas, but those involving some septic systems as well.
“The answer is, there is no answer right now,” Lever said. “And the discussion continues as to who is responsible and who is going to pay.”
Fielding said, “Municipalities are having a totally tough time establishing standards until they know clearly what the financial obligations are.”
