On-Site Sewage Disposal
Septic 101
Presented By:
Robert Palin, I-CBO-SS
On Site Sewage Disposal Program Manager
North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority
Director, Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association
MMAH Certified Part 8 Facilitator
Common Questions
 How can you tell if it is functioning properly?
 Are there new regulations concerning septic systems?
 Are there different rules for waterfront?
 How long does a septic bed last?
 How often does it need to be emptied?
 Can you plant a garden on it?
 Can you cut the grass with a riding lawnmower?
 Can you drive on it?
Site Plan
Types of Septic Systems
 Class 1:
Privies; outhouse,
portable &
composting
toilets
 Class 2:
Leaching pit
(grey water pit)
Cesspool
 Class 3:
 Class 4:
Septic tank
Leaching bed
Aerobic Systems
Biofilter (media)
Chamber Systems
 Class 5:
Holding Tank
Class 4 Septic Systems
Septic Tank
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Wastes from the kitchen, bathroom, toilets, and laundry enter the septic tank were
the separation of liquids and solids occur
The lighter solids float to the top, producing a scum layer which assists in odour
control
The heavier solids sink to the bottom where they form the sludge layer
The organics are broken down by bacteria in your septic tank system
Once the organics are broken down, the liquid part leaves the septic tank
An effluent filter (if installed) will assist in keeping solids in the septic tank
Leaching Bed System
 In the leaching bed system, the
partially treated wastewater
from the septic tank is
discharged into the soil.
 Away from the warmth of the
human body, bacteria and
viruses are killed off and more
nutrients are broken down as
the wastewater passes through
the soil filter system
Sundridge Zoning By-Law
3.15 – Setbacks from Streams and Watercourses
No building or structure shall be permitted within 20m of a stream or watercourse. In addition, the
following provisions apply to lands abutting Lake Bernard.
1. The minimum opening elevation of all new structural development excluding docks and
boathouses near the shoreline of Lake Bernard shall be flood proofed to a minimum
elevation of 330.5m based on Canadian Geodetic Datum.
2. All new structural development, excluding docks and other structures that by their nature must
be located at the shoreline, will be set back a minimum of 20m from the average summer
water level of Lake Bernard or above an elevation of 332.5m based on CGD.
Strong Zoning By-Law
Zoning By-Law 2005-1511 (Amendment to 93-1307):
3.27 - Setbacks from Watercourses and Fisheries Habitat:
•The minimum setback from the top-of-bank of any cold water stream as
identified on Schedule A-1 for any
•building or structure, including septic systems, shall be 30m.
•The minimum setback from the top-of-bank of any other stream or
watercourse as identified on Schedule A-1 for
•any building or structure, shall be 15m.
•Notwithstanding any other shoreline setback specified in this By-Law, on Lake
Bernard, the minimum setback
•from any Type 1 Fish Habitat as identified on Schedule A-2 for any building or
structure, including septic systems, shall be 30m
3.12 – Minimum Opening Elevations – Lake Bernard is 330.5m (CGD)
Be Good to Your System
 Keep the area of the septic bed
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grassed and mowed
Do not plant bushes or gardens
on your bed
Do not drive on or near your
bed
Ensure that surface water flows
away from the septic bed
Keep the area of your septic bed
in direct sunlight
Signs of Failure
Your septic system
may be failing if:
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A foul rotten-egg smell is
noticed
Your tank overflows
The soil around the tank is
soggy
Yours drains are slow or
overflow
There is a gurgling sound
when sinks are drained
A foul smelling liquid leaches
out
There is dark green grass
around your tank and/or bed
There is a wet, black oozy
liquid around the trenches
Your septic system may fail for
any of the following reasons:
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Your leaching bed is not
coping
Your septic tank is full,
get it pumped out!
There is too much water
going into the system,
check for leaks, reduce
water usage,
Toxic substances are
being flushed into your
system killing the
bacteria before
treatment can occur,
eliminate/reduce the use
of harsh chemicals
Your septic system has
out lived it’s life
(approx 20-25 years)
How Your Septic System
Can Impact On The Water Cycle
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If your septic system fails then the
effluent from it may pollute the water
in your well, local streams, rivers and
lakes
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Discharges from failing systems
contain bacteria, viruses and nutrients
that will harm the environment
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These materials can be both bad for
your health and the environment. For
this reason it is vital that your septic
system is maintained and operated
properly and that you do not dispose
of medicines, pesticides, paints,
varnishes, thinners and other harsh
chemicals in your septic tank
Keeping Your Septic System Happy!
 You can put wastewater from your sinks,
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baths, toilets, washing machine, and
dishwasher into your septic system
Be aware that kitchen garbage grinders
will likely overload your system with
solids thus effecting the treatment
efficiency of your septic tank and require
pump-out services more frequently
Water softeners and pool discharges
should not be directed into your septic
system
Typically septic tanks should be emptied
every 3 to 5 years depending on use
Septic disposal beds are designed to last
20 – 25 years depending on use
Happy “IDEAS”
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Scrape your dishes, minimizes fats,
grease, oil and solids from entering your
septic tank
If it doesn’t come out of your body do not
flush it
Ensure hair does not go down the drain
Shake all dirt and sand from your clothes
prior to washing them
Use laundry detergent (phosphate free)
in moderation and spread your laundry
loads throughout the week
Conserve water whenever possible, only
run automatic washers when full
Use water efficient appliances
Divert surface water from the area of
your septic leaching bed
Install an effluent filter on the outlet end
of your septic tank
Learn the location of all the components
of your septic system and how to maintain
them
Wet Wipes Vs. Your Septic System
Just a decade ago the only wet wipes were for baby’s
bums. Now with society’s need for cleanliness and
convenience there has been an explosion of wipes for
virtually every household chore and every part of the
body.
A recent Consumer Report put three wipes, along with
toilet paper, through a disintegration test. It simulates
what may happen when flushing and gives consumers a
look at how the product could affect their pipes. Toilet
paper tends to break down in about eight seconds. In
contrast, "flushable" wipes lasted well beyond 30 minutes.
These flushable wipes performed very poorly in their
disintegration tests and may result in damage or backup of your septic system.
Pharmaceuticals and your Septic System
 Medications can be harmful in septic
systems. Safely dispose of unwanted
medications, protect the septic system,
manage systems during high medication
use
 High concentrations of antibiotics or
chemicals can kill or retard the growth
of the bacteria in septic tanks and in the
soil treatment drain field.
 If the use of strong medications is
extended, it may be necessary to use the
septic tank as a holding tank. This
prevents the drugs from reaching the
drain field and the groundwater.
Dispose of Extra and Expired Medications Safely
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Cleaning the medicine cabinet, and find
expired medications? Take care to protect
personal privacy, prevent theft and protect
water quality. Do not dump extra
medications into the toilet.
•First, check with the pharmacy. Many now
take extra drugs back. If that is not an option,
dispose of them safely as follows.
•Remove all product labels to protect
privacy. If the label is difficult to remove,
either use a heavy black permanent marker,
or try soaking the bottle in water.
•Liquid drugs – add kitty litter, soil, flour,
cornstarch, anything that will absorb the
liquid. Make sure the lid is on tightly.
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Pills – add liquid cleansers, vinegar, lemon
juice or water to dissolve the pills. Acids like
vinegar will ensure the pills dissolve. Be sure
the cap is on securely.
•The destroyed pills or liquid medications
can now be safely put in the trash. For added
protection, put them in a zip-lock food
storage bag. Put the bag in an opaque
container such as a coffee can with lid, empty
yogurt container, or anything that hides the
bottle from view.
Safety Around Your System
 Never enter a septic tank,
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gasses in the tank will kill you
in minutes
Never smoke near septic tank
openings
Ensure that any lids are
securely fastened to prevent
assess from children
Always wear safety glasses and
gloves when working around
your septic tank and wash your
hands thoroughly when finished
Beware of electrical sources
when attempting to locating
your septic system
Locating Your Septic System
 The best way to locate your
septic system is to visit your
local septic permitting office for
a copy of your permit and plans
that may be on file. (NBMCA)
 If a plan is not available contact
your local septic contractor to
assist in locating the system for
you
 Once your system is located
install a riser to grade and a
secured lid to facilitate future
servicing
What’s New
 Ontario Building Code Changes
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Requiring maintenance inspections in Source Protection Areas
Setting up requirements for Discretionary Inspections
14 significant changes to Part 8, coming this fall
Enhanced training requirements, coming this fall
2012 Ontario Building Code effective January 2014
 The world of Sewage Systems is changing
Thank You
Robert Palin, I-CBO-SS
North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority
705 474-5420 ext 2003
Fax 705 474-9793
E-mail robertp@nbmca.on.ca
www.nbmca.on.ca