Finalized Changes On-site Sewage Disposal Systems Technical Guidelines
Summary Document April 2013
NS On-site Sewage Disposal Systems Technical Guidelines:
Finalized Summary of Changes April 2013
PRIMARY CONTACT:
Leah Boutilier, P. Eng, PhD
Acting On-site Services Program Coordinator
boutilld@gov.ns.ca
(902)722-5185
5151 Terminal Road
P.O. Box 442
Halifax, NS
B3J 2P8
Targeted consultations were performed in January and February 2013 with EMC Staff and the
On-site Sewage Industry on proposed changes to the Nova Scotia On-site Sewage Disposal
Systems Technical Guidelines. Please refer to the Summary of Changes document that outlines
the proposed changes. This document summarizes the finalized changes including justification
based on the comments that were raised during the consultation period. Once approved by NSE,
an updated version of the Technical Guidelines will be posted to the Nova Scotia Environment
website and available for purchase through your local NSE Office.
A number of comments and recommendations outside of the proposed changes were received
during the consultation period. This document focuses on finalizing the proposed changes only
as changes cannot be made without consultation. Although these comments may not be
addressed in this revision of the Guideline, they will be considered for future analysis and
improvement.
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Finalized Changes On-site Sewage Disposal Systems Technical Guidelines
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1. Subject: Replacement of a malfunctioning system with a sloping sand filter, irrelevant
bullet points removed or modified
During the last revision of the guidelines in 2009, the sloping sand filter was permitted for use on
any lot, not just for a malfunction replacement. Bullet points discussing sand filter application as
a replacement for a malfunction were removed from section 2.9 based on a recommendation
from EMC staff as these points were missed during the last revision of the guidelines.
This change was overall supported during the consultation period with minor wording revisions
recommended.
2.9
REPLACING A MALFUNCTIONING SYSTEM
First bullet removed. Second bullet was edited to remove the specific reference to a sloping sand
filter design.
Bullet 2 (previously) now bullet 1 reads:
 If a Qualified Person level II cannot select a system to fit on the lot, then a Qualified
Person Level I may be able to design a system for the lot.
Bullet 4 (previously) was edited, now bullet 3 reads:
 When a sloping sand filter or innovative system is utilized as the replacement system and
results in a point surface discharge, the replacement system can only be designed for the
existing sewage loading from the structure. Point surface discharge will only be permitted
where subsurface distribution of effluent is not possible and risk to public health is
minimal.
Last bullet removed:
 If the replacement system being proposed is to include an increase in sewage loading than
a sloping sand filter or innovative system cannot be utilized. In these cases an on-site
system as described elsewhere in these guidelines, excluding a holding tank or privy,
must be employed and will be considered providing the system is designed or selected for
the proposed loading and the meets the requirements of the Regulations Respecting Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems. REMOVED
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Finalized Changes On-site Sewage Disposal Systems Technical Guidelines
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2. Subject: Septic tank size requirements increased to accommodate peak flows (tank to be
sized based on 4 day retention time at average flows) based on a recommendation from a
consultant report.
In general EMC Staff and Industry supported the proposed increase in minimum tank size; 3 out
of 17 respondents were opposed to the proposed change. Those in support of the increase in
minimum tank size raised concerns surrounding additional costs, ability to install larger tank
sizes due to confining geological conditions and/or machinery capability. Questions were also
raised as to whether there is a problem with our current tank sizing guideline? Additional
research suggests the current 2 day retention time calculation is standard in residential septic tank
design. Considering research findings and the septic tank effluent filter addition, the proposed
increase in minimum septic tank capacity has been excluded. Larger tank sizes are still
recommended in the guideline.
Other recommendations include the ability to use multiple tanks in series or parallel to achieve
the required capacity in limiting conditions. This should be allowed regardless of the increase in
tank size, wording has been revised to accommodate the option of utilizing multiple tanks to
achieve the desired capacity.
3.1.1 Septic Tanks
Any septic tank is required to meet the following specifications: (Figure 3A)
1.
2.
3.
All tanks must conform to the latest edition of Standard CAN/CSA-B66-00 or the
latest revision, published by the Canadian Standards Association.
It must include a watertight access for purposes of maintenance, inspection, and
pump-out.
Septic tanks for dwellings must have a total capacity not less than that stated in
Table 3.1. For larger systems the minimum capacity should be:
●
For average daily flows up to 9000 l/day: Vtank(1) = 2Q
Where: Q - average daily flow in litres
Vtank - total tank volume in litres*
●
For average daily flows 9000 l/day or more: Vtank(2) = 9000 + Q
Where: Q - average daily flow in litres
Vtank - total tank volume in litres*
*Vtank may be achieved by one or multiple tanks in series or parallel; design
volume represents total minimum capacity.
The minimum required septic tank capacity is 2800 L. Septic tank capacities larger than
the required minimum may reduce problems and extend the life of an on-site system.
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TABLE 3.1
MINIMUM CAPACITY OF SEPTIC TANKS FOR DWELLINGS
Number of Bedrooms
Minimum
Liquid Capacity (litres)
Up to3
4
5
2800
3300
4500
3. Subject: Required septic tank effluent filter based on recommendation from a consultant
report.
All respondents were in favor of the change to require a septic tank effluent filter but it was
recommended to be accompanied by an extensive homeowner education campaign as filters
require on-going maintenance. Lack of maintenance could potentially result in sewer back-ups;
therefore it is crucial that homeowners understand their responsibility with respect to filter
maintenance. It was recommended that documentation be required stating that the homeowner
acknowledges their septic tank has an effluent filter and requires maintenance. Most QPs who
specify an effluent filter as part of their system already include this type of documentation as part
of their homeowner package; an example letter should be developed to assist industry in this
transition.
Other recommendations include easy at grade access to pump and siphon chambers as well.
Bullets 5 through 7 in section 3.1.1 were edited to address clarity with respect to easy access to
the septic tank including the effluent filter. Text was also added to section 3.1.3 to encourage
bringing the pump or siphon chamber riser to grade; see change #5 (dosing and pump chamber
capacity).
3.1.1 Septic Tanks
5.
Access to a tank must be provided by a single opening at the outlet of the tank to provide
effluent filter access, but two openings—over the inlet and outlet—are recommended for
easier service. The dimension of any opening shall meet CSA requirements.
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6.
A riser shall be extended to the ground surface and the cover fitted with a suitable locking
mechanism. The area around the riser should be graded to divert surface water away from
the riser.
7.
The top of a septic tank must be at least 150 mm and not more than 1500 mm below
finished grade or as specified by the manufacturer’s instructions.
12.
All residential septic tanks are required to have a septic tank effluent filter that meets
NSF Standard 46 (components of wastewater treatment systems) and has easy access at
finished grade over the outlet of the septic tank for filter maintenance. A properly fitted
effluent filter will decrease the risk of solids entering the disposal field and prolong life
of the system.
4. Subject: Use of recycled crushed glass as a replacement for imported or filter sand
All respondents supported the proposed change with questions surrounding the need for the
unused crushed glass to be removed from the site. A review of local recycled crushed glass
product safety information suggests that crushed glass manufactured to meet sand permeability
specifications does not present more of a safety hazard than sand. Additional minor wording
changes were needed to repair a previous error in the guideline (particle size corrected,
previously read 25mm, should be 2.5mm).
Questions were also raised with respect to future considerations for failed septic systems
containing crushed glass and whether the product would be considered acceptable for burial on
residential properties. Discussions with NSE’s Solid Waste branch confirmed that the use of
recycled crushed glass in on-site system construction would not be considered a means of
disposal and therefore acceptable. In the event of a malfunctioning on-site system containing
crushed glass, materials should be handled in a similar way if the field were constructed with
sand.
3.3.2 Imported Sand Fill
The following requirements apply to:
●
the buffer in a distribution system, i.e., C2 and raised C2
●
the construction of all above ground systems, i.e., a C3 and a mound
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This material shall:
●
if it is a naturally occurring or manufactured sand or recycled crushed glass, have
a permeability, as placed on site, between 0.00003 and 0.0005 m/sec, as
determined by the falling head permeability test (Appendix B) and have a
maximum particle size of 2.5 mm.
●
when designing or selecting a system with a specified fill permeability within the
acceptable range of 0.00003 and 0.0005 m/sec; the Qualified Person shall ensure
that fill with the specified permeability range required by the selection or design
is used in system construction.
3.3.3 Filter Sand and Sloping Sand Filter Material
The following requirements apply to:
●
The layer of sand (filter sand) installed under the crushed rock in all systems
●
The sand used to construct a sloping sand filter
This material shall:
●
be a manufactured sand that meets the current ASTM-33 or CSA A23.1
specifications or
●
be a naturally occurring or manufactured sand or recycled crushed glass having a
permeability, as placed on site, between 0.0001 and 0.0005 m/second as
determined by the falling head permeability test (Appendix B) and have a
maximum particle size of 2.5 mm.
3.3.4 Safety Considerations for use of Recycled Crushed Glass
When using recycled crushed glass as a replacement for imported or filter sand in an on-site
sewage disposal system, the QP must ensure its permeability meets the requirements outlined in
Sections 3.3.2 & 3.3.3 for its intended use.
Qualified persons and installers intending on using the crushed glass in on-site sewage disposal
systems in Nova Scotia shall be knowledgeable of the material safety information provided by
the manufacturer.
5. Subject: Clarification Table 3.2: Maximum Dosing Volumes and Pump Chamber
Capacity
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Only 5 comments were received on this minor change; 4 were from EMC Staff, and one from
Industry. Comments from EMC Staff included questions around the need for the “below any
horizontal seam” note and suggestions that the “Dosing Amount per Discharge Event” column
should be considered the maximum dose volume and more frequent dosing at lower volumes
should be encouraged. The Industry representative’s comments recommend micro dosing (at
least 20 times per day), highlighted potential problems caused by dosing infrequently at large
volumes and questioned the need to specify siphon/dosing chamber capacity. Additional analysis
would be required to specify dosing volumes for selected systems but slight wording changes
have been made to encourage more frequent dosing at lower volumes.
3.1.3 Pump and Siphon Chambers
The pump or siphon chamber discharge capacity must be sized to distribute effluent over the
entire disposal field during each dose. This allows utilization of the entire field and minimizes
the possibility of breakout of effluent in a localized area. Periodic dosing also allows the
infiltrative surface to drain between doses. These cycles of alterative dosing and resting may
maintain higher infiltration rates in the clogging mat and thus extend the life of the system.
The normal dosing frequency should be a minimum of two times per day for a system that is
selected. More frequent lower volume doses are recommended.. The discharge volume must be
large enough to flood the entire distribution pipe. Unless the level 1 or 2 qualified person
specifically selects the pump to be used, it is the installers responsibility to ensure that the pump
has the proper capacity of achieving equal distribution throughout the field.
A typical pump chamber is shown in Figure 3.C and shall conform to Canadian Standards
Association specification CAN/CSA-B66-00 or the latest revision.
Requirements for a pump chamber include:
1. The liquid capacity of the chamber shall provide storage equal to one days flow.
2. The chamber shall be equipped with an audible and visible high level alarm, level
controls, and other accessories required to assure its effective and reliable operation.
3. If the top of the tank is more than 150 mm below finished grade, a riser must be provided
to extend to within 150 mm of finished grade. Extending the riser to ground surface is
recommended and must include a cover and locking mechanism.
…..
Requirements for a siphon chamber include:
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Finalized Changes On-site Sewage Disposal Systems Technical Guidelines
1.
3.5
Summary Document April 2013
If the top of the tank is more than 150 mm below finished grade, a riser must be
provided to extend to within 150 mm of finished grade. Extending the riser to
ground surface is recommended and must include a cover and locking
mechanism.
PUMPS AND SIPHONS
3.5.1 General
When a pressure distribution system is required, the siphon or pump should be designed to flood
the disposal field a minimum of twice per day. More frequent lower volume doses are
recommended - ensure the entire pipe is completely filled and under pressure.
TABLE 3.2
MAXIMUM DOSING VOLUMES AND PUMPCHAMBER CAPACITY
Flow
MAX Dosing Amount per
Discharge Event in Litres
Minimum Pump
Chamber Capacity*
1000 L
500 L
1000 L
1350 L
675 L
1350 L
1500 L
750 L
1500 L
*More frequent lower volume doses are recommended
6. Subject: Alternative/Innovative On-site Wastewater Treatment Technologies
The majority of respondents supported the proposed requirements for alternative technologies
but a number of questions were raised surrounding clarity of the requirements. Wording changes
were made throughout this section to clarify questions raised during the consultations. Industry
representatives recommended a mechanism be established to ensure continuity of the operation
and maintenance contract for subsequent homeowners. This will require discussions with
municipalities and should be explored further.
3.9
APPROVED PRODUCTS
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Finalized Changes On-site Sewage Disposal Systems Technical Guidelines
Summary Document April 2013
Products for use in on-site sewage disposal must be approved by Nova Scotia Environment, and
system installations shall meet the requirements outlined in Section 3.10. Manufacturers or
suppliers who wish to market their product in NS are asked to submit a product summary and
manual to the On-site Services Program Coordinator. The On-site Coordinator will confirm the
product meets requirements and classify the product before adding it to the Province’s list of
approved products.
Keep second paragraph in this section as is.
3.10 ALTERNATIVE/INNOVATIVE ON-SITE SEWAGE TREATMENT
TECHNOLOGIES
On-site sewage system installations including an alternative wastewater treatment technology
must satisfy all of the following requirements to be marketed in Nova Scotia :

A proven on-site wastewater treatment technology that has undergone third party testing
and is recognized by at least one of the following certifications:
o BNQ Standard NQ 3680-910 Stand-alone Wastewater Treatment Systems CLASS
II Secondary treatment minimum requirement.
o NSF 40 Residential Wastewater Treatment System Class I
o Alternatively, third party testing may be completed (e.g. NS On-site Wastewater
Research Centre, Truro, NS) for a minimum of 12 consecutive months. The
manufacturer or supplier is responsible for the cost of testing and shall submit a
report to Nova Scotia Environment summarizing treatment performance. Treated
effluent must meet or exceed the BNQ and NSF effluent quality requirements.

Flow equalization is provided either as part of the treatment unit or incorporated into the
system design to ensure peak and intermittent flows do not disrupt treatment
performance.

Application for on-site approval must be submitted by a Professional Engineer licensed to
practice in Nova Scotia.

System must be installed by an installer certified by the Province of Nova Scotia.

Complies with the Nova Scotia On-site Sewage Disposal System Regulations.
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Finalized Changes On-site Sewage Disposal Systems Technical Guidelines
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
Meets Nova Scotia Environment’s On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems: Technical
Guidelines.

Manufacturer or supplier provides the department and on-site industry with a design and
installation manual that includes operation and maintenance instructions. Manual must
contain sufficient information for the installer to construct the system properly and
according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Active systems (treatment units including any mechanical/moving components: e.g.
pumps, aeration) must include an Operation and Maintenance (O&M) contract between
the homeowner and a designated professional to ensure proper function for the life of the
system. The designated professional must be trained and deemed qualified by the product
manufacturer or supplier and have an understanding of on-site sewage treatment. It is the
responsibility of the homeowner and the manufacturer/supplier to maintain the
O&M contract after the system has been constructed.

No point surface discharge of treated effluent will be permitted; treated effluent must be
discharged subsurface and the dispersal bed area (infiltration area) design based on the
requirements outlined in the manufacturer’s engineering/design manual or as described in
Table 3.3. Surface discharge may be considered when replacing a malfunction only if the
proposed lot cannot accommodate subsurface disposal and only upon approval by NSE.

Table 3.3 Max Vertical Hydraulic Loading of Treated Sewage Effluent is for
dispersal bed area design of vertical flow systems only:
o Dispersal bed area design shall be based on the lowest permeable soil and have a
minimum of 600 mm of permeable soil. Imported sand fill may be used to achieve
600 mm of permeable soil and/or improve infiltration in low permeable soils.

Lateral flow contour system area must be designed based on soil permeability and
Darcy’s law, as described in Chapter 5 of this Guideline. Unless designed for disinfection
quality effluent (E. coli = 0 CFU/100mL), dispersal beds receiving treated effluent from
an alternative/innovative technology as described in this section, must maintain vertical
and horizontal regulatory separation distances (Table 2.5A).
TABLE 3.3
MAXIMUM VERTICAL HYDRAULIC LOADING OF TREATED SEWAGE
EFFLUENT
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Finalized Changes On-site Sewage Disposal Systems Technical Guidelines
Soil Type
Summary Document April 2013
Permeability range
Treated Effluent1
m/s x10-6
MAC2 30 mg/L TSS & BOD5
L/d/m2
Medium to coarse sand
80 – 500
45
Fine sandy gravel
20 – 80
45
Silty Sand
8 – 20
22
Sandy Silt
3–8
15
Clayey Silt
0.8 – 3
11
Silty Clay
0.2 – 0.8
8
< 0.8
8
Clay*if deemed permeable


1
NSF 40 Residential Wastewater Treatment System Class I or BNQ Standard NQ 3680910 Stand-alone Wastewater Treatment Systems Class II (minimum) Certification
2
Effluent must be treated to meet the following Maximum Acceptable Concentrations
(MAC); TSS: BOD5 (MAC) = 30:30 (mg/L)
7. Subject: Max design depth of saturation for lateral flow (raised C2, sloping sand filter,
and mound) system design increased from 100 mm to 150 mm.
Very few comments were received on this change; 3 from EMC Staff and 2 from Industry. EMC
Staff were concerned about allowing the increase and raised questions as to whether selection
tables would be modified to reflect the change. It should be noted that this change was intended
to increase the MAX depth of saturation and since selection tables are based on conservative
design calculations, this increase would not affect selected systems. Industry representatives’
indicated that increasing the max depth of saturation without allowing an increased linear
loading rate would be pointless. Industry also recommended pressurizing any raised bed system
with a siphon or pump, especially on slopes of 10% or greater, as incomplete distribution of
effluent in a gravity fed system often results in a malfunction. As discussed under change #5,
required pressure dosing for system selection would require additional analysis.
The proposed change to increase in max depth of saturation was rejected due to feedback
received during the consultation period. A more detailed evaluation of existing design guidelines
would be recommended before implementing any significant change that may affect system
design.
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Finalized Changes On-site Sewage Disposal Systems Technical Guidelines
5.5
Summary Document April 2013
DESIGN OF C2 SYSTEMS
Generally it is not recommended to exceed a linear loading rate of 60 L/day per m for both a
standard and raised C2, even if calculations indicate that shorter system is feasible. A saturation
depth in imported sand fill should be kept around 0.05 m and generally not exceed 0.10 m. There
should be approximately 0.3 m of fill above maximum saturation level in fill.
C2 DESIGN SUMMARY:
3.
Calculate required system length:
Note: For a Standard C2 design; Dsat is normally 0 m
For a raised C2 design; Dsat is not to exceed 0.10 m.
5.7
DESIGN OF MOUND SYSTEMS
There shall be approximately 300 mm of fill above maximum saturation level in the downslope
buffer of the imported sand fill. Saturation depth in fill should not exceed 100 mm. There
should be a minimum of 600 mm of imported sand fill below the distribution trench. The depth
of the buffer should be a minimum of 300 mm at a distance of 5 m.
5.9
SLOPING SAND FILTER
….after equation 13:
The maximum linear loading rate varies based on the intended usage of the system as outlined in
subsequent sections (5.9.2, 5.9.3 and 5.9.4) of the Guideline.
Where :
Q
L
Kfill
Dsat
I
- sewage flow in ( liters)
- length of the sand filter across the slope (m)
- permeability of the imported sand fill (m/sec)
- saturation of the sand (should not exceed 0.10 m) (m)
- slope of the filter bottom (this is not necessarily the same as the surface
slope at the filter location) (m/m)
SLOPING SAND FILTER DESIGN SUMMARY
…. After equation 13:
Dsat is not to exceed 0.10 m.
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Finalized Changes On-site Sewage Disposal Systems Technical Guidelines
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8. Subject: Hydraulic loading rate for sloping sand filter mantle design
Table 5.3 was updated to be consistent with the loading rates permitted for treated effluent from
an advanced treatment unit (outlined in Table 3.3). Only 2 comments were received regarding
this change; one comment from EMC felt this was a significant increase, while one comment
from industry expected higher loading rates since sand filters typically treat to a higher level than
the 30 mg/L BOD & TSS specified in Table 3.3. The loading rates in Tables 3.3 & 5.3 were
under recommendation from a consultant report which included significant scientific and
jurisdictional research; although the proposed loading rates may be conservative for higher
quality effluent a factor of safety should be maintained. Any further increases in loading rates
should be accompanied by supporting data and therefore, this proposed change will remain
without revision.
TABLE 5.3
MAXIMUM HYDRAULIC LOADING RATES FOR SLOPING SAND FILTER
BASAL AREA
Permeable Soil Type
Med. to coarse sand
Fine Sandy Gravel
Silty Sand
Sandy Silt
Clayey Silt
Silty Clay
Clay*If deemed permeable
Refer to Section 6.11 for the construction details.
Maximum Hydraulic Loading Rate
(L/day) /m2
45
45
22
15
11
8
8
9. Subject: Cluster System section revisions intended to remove barriers for in-law suite
development, recommendations from consultant report, Municipalities and EMC staff.
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A number of comments were received from both EMC Staff and Industry representatives
regarding the proposed cluster system section changes with focus on clarity. Some felt the
proposed change will help address issues with in-law suite developments but others thought the
proposed changes would not solve the issue. It was also recommended to mention the option that
Municipalities have to establish a wastewater management district by-law which could provide
some flexibility under the cluster system requirements.
The main objective was to remove the 15% safety factor requirement for design flows in cluster
system developments. Additional wording and section changes were made to address concerns
around clarity. It’s recommended to revisit the cluster system requirements again in the near
future and include collaboration with EMC and Municipalities.
i.
2)
Changed “lot size” requirements to “lot” requirements as not all of the requirements are
actually regarding lot “size”. Replaced section 5.13.3(2) with:
The minimum lot requirements shall be as stated in Section 5.13.8 of the Guidelines.
This change was also made under the following sections: 5.13.4(3)i, 5.13.5(2), 5.13.7(3)
ii.
6)
iii.
8)
iv.
Removed the 15% increase for all cluster systems and replaces it with what should be a
standard design consideration for collection systems. Replaced section 5.13.3 (6) with:
For cluster systems that may have components susceptible to future infiltration and
inflow, consideration should be given to increasing the design flow appropriately.
Added section 5.13.3 (8)
In the case of a cluster system being proposed to immediately address any adverse
effects, the system may be considered a malfunctioning system under the On-Site Sewage
Disposal Systems Regulations and these Guidelines provided the design does not
incorporate any increase in flow over what was legally in place at the time of the
malfunction. If the cluster system incorporates an increase in design flow, the system
must meet the On-site Sewage Regulations and Guidelines (i.e. cannot utilize section
21(2) of the Regulations).
New title 5.13.8 and section (2) breaks down “creation of lot” into its own subsection.
Applies lot size requirements only to those lots created after the subdivision regulations
came into effect. This is consistent with the holding tank section of the regulations in
terms of the concept.
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This proposed change (iv) was excluded due to comments received during the consultations; lot
requirements apply for both the creation of a lot, and existing lots, including those constructed
prior to the subdivision regulations.
5.13.8 Minimum Lot Requirements for Cluster Systems:
1)
The minimum lot size requirements for the installation or creation of a
cluster system on an existing lot or for the creation of a lot to be serviced by a
cluster system shall satisfy the following:
(i)
for the first 1500 liters per day of design flow, lot size requirements
shall satisfy Section 7 of the On-site Sewage Disposal Systems Regulations;
(ii)
for every design flow increase of 1500 liters per day, or part thereof,
the lot area shall be increased a minimum of one-half the lot size requirement found
in Section 7 of the On-site Sewage Disposal Systems Regulations;
(iii) notwithstanding (i) and (ii) the lot must have sufficient area and width
to accommodate the proposed cluster system, a location for a replacement field,
roadways, structures, water supply(s).
(iv)
All minimum clearance distances as prescribed in Section 13 of the
On-site Sewage Disposal Systems Regulations shall be met.
i.
Wastewater management district by-law option for municipalities recommendation:
5.13.4 Cluster to Service Buildings, Structures or Dwellings Located on an Existing Lot:
In addition to the requirements set out in section 5.13.3; a person applying for an approval to
construct, install or create a single cluster system on an existing lot shall meet the following
additional requirements:
1)
Demonstration that the property and buildings are owned by an individual or a
business (entity) registered and in good standing with the Registry of Joint Stock
Companies. One individual cannot own a structure and a different individual own
a second structure served by the system, unless they are part of the entity that
owns the system (eg. A Condominium Incorporation);
2)
A copy of any legal agreements indicating that the entity (individual, government,
or business) has been established and is responsible for the common system;
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5.13.9 Municipal Wastewater Management District By-Law Option
Municipalities have the option to develop a Wastewater Management District (WMD) By-Law
where the Municipal Government is designated as the responsible entity. A WMD by-law can
provide a mechanism for continued on-site septic system management and address limitations
around cluster system type developments.
10. Subject: A number of minor changes were made to various forms and appendices within
the Guideline to clarify areas of concern raised by EMC staff and improve consistency
across the Province.
Comments were only received from EMC Staff under section iii; Application for Variance
Checklist and the 3 day notification form and focused on clarity of requirements.
It should be noted that the overall content of the Variance Checklist was not altered under the
proposed changes, wording of Section A was simply modified to become a check list instead of
the original “don’t check list”. Additional wording changes were made to clarify questions
around the intent of the requirements; see section iii for final wording.
The intent of the revisions to the 3 day notification form was to encourage communications
between Industry and EMC Inspection Staff and clarify the meaning of the 3 day notification in
practice. The 3 day notice does NOT mean the system is completed and remains open for
inspection for 3 days; it means the system will be complete at the END of the 3 days. See section
iii for final wording.
i.
Figure 7A On-site Sewage Disposal System Malfunctioning Inspection Form
Changed Lot Category to Lot Area
ii.
Appendix F minor clarifications (F-11 Industrial/Office) & edits (F-4
Medical/Personal Care; F-6 Food Service)
F-4 duplicate flow rate for Hospital (bed) no laundry removed (550 L)
F-6 changes
Food Service
Unit of
measure
Minimum
design flow
Comments
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Finalized Changes On-site Sewage Disposal Systems Technical Guidelines
Facility
Summary Document April 2013
Litres
Bar/Lounge
customer
8
Bar/lounge
seat
125
Restaurant
Not 24 hr.
meal
9
Restaurant
Not 24 hr.
seat
31
Restaurant (Not 24 hr.)
Auto dishwasher - Add
seat
12
Restaurant (Not 24 hr.)
dishwasher and/or food waste
disposer
seat
43
F-11 changes
Industrial/Office
Facility
Industrial buildings
Excluding industrial waste,
cafeteria and showers
Unit of
measure
employee
Minimum
design flow
Comments
Litres
45
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Finalized Changes On-site Sewage Disposal Systems Technical Guidelines
Industrial buildings (NO cafeteria)
Excluding industrial waste,
Including showers
employee
75
Industrial buildings
Excluding industrial waste,
Including cafeteria & shower
employee
132
iii.
Summary Document April 2013
Appendix H Submission Standard
On Application for Approval FORM changed “APENS#” to “Engineers NS #”
Changed wording on Site Evaluation of Lot/Proposed System FORM regarding location
of test pit in relation to on-site system, on-site system changed to disposal field to reflect
the intent of the statement. Now reads:
“The test pit location is shown in reference to two fixed points on the property and is
within 6 meters of the disposal field location.”
Application for Variance Checklist added and changed to be consistent with all other
check lists in the Guideline (boxes are intended to be checked):
Application for a Request of Variance to the Regulations Respecting On-site
Sewage Disposal Systems
Owner:____________________________
PID: ____________________________
Community:________________________
Subdivision:________________________
Lot #: _____________________________
This checklist and application is to be included with every variance request. By completing this checklist
the Qualified Person certifies that the variance request and supporting documents conform with the
Environment Act, the On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems Regulations, and the On-Site Sewage Disposal
Systems Technical Guidelines.
Section A
 The minimum lot size requirements, clearance distances and specifications of the On-site
Sewage Disposal Systems Regulations and Guidelines can NOT be met;
 The lot was intended for development including the installation of an on-site sewage disposal
system.
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Finalized Changes On-site Sewage Disposal Systems Technical Guidelines


Summary Document April 2013
The separation distance to a dug or drilled well, cistern or contained water system on all
neighbouring properties as specified under Section 13 of the OSSDS Regulations can be
maintained.
The 1 m separation distance to bedrock, groundwater or soil with permeability greater than
500 x 10-6 metres per second as specified under Section 13 of the Regulations can be
achieved.
Section B (the following documentation MUST be included with variance request):
 Documentation including a sketch that the minimum clearance distances, as per Section 13 of
the Regulations were maintained where possible or otherwise maximized.
 Report completed by the Qualified Person Level 1 that outlines reasons why failure to meet
the regulations will not result in the increased possibility of an adverse effect.
 Documentation that dimensions of any imported sand fill will meet the requirements the
Guidelines and are to be contained within the lot boundary.
 A report from a hydrogeologist licensed to practice in the Province of Nova Scotia if the
request includes a variance of the separation distance from the on-site sewage disposal system
to a dug or drilled well. This report is to confirm that if the variance were granted, it would
not result in an increased possibility of an adverse effect.
 Documentation including a sketch that indicates that the separation distance to a dug or
drilled well, cistern or contained water system on all neighbouring properties are no less
than the separation distances specified under Section 13 of the Regulations.
 All documentation / information on the creation of the lot.
Name (print):_____________________ Name (sign):________________________
Engineers NS #:_______
Date:______________
On-site Sewage Disposal System Completion Three Day Notification FORM updated to
include QP and Installer contact information, also wording in the NOTE was changed to
clarify some inconsistent interpretations of the 3 day notice. NOTE now reads:
“3 day notification is given by the Qualified Person 3 business days prior to covering the
system (i.e. At the end of the 3 days the field is complete but still open for inspection).
For example; if the system installation is to be ready to cover on Thursday, the three day
notification would be given on Monday. After the notice has been submitted to NSE, the
system may be inspected at any stage of completion within the 3 days. Contact QP for
site specific information.”
iv.
Figure labels updated for clarification based on recommendation from EMC staff.
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Finalized Changes On-site Sewage Disposal Systems Technical Guidelines
Summary Document April 2013
Pipe label for distribution trench changed from “perforated pipe” to “distribution pipe” in
Figures; 1C; 4A; 4C; 4D; 4E; 4F; 4G; 4H; 4I; 5A; 5B; All Schedule Cs. This is consistent
with wording used throughout the Guideline.
Pipe label for interceptor trench changed from “perforated pipe” to “optional perforated
pipe” as installing perforated pipe in an interceptor is not required. Updated in Figures;
1B; 4B; 4C; All Schedule Cs.
Figure 3A Septic Tank updated optional effluent filter to required effluent filter.
11. Subject: *Additional Changes* recommended from the Ombudsmen’s Office
i.
Malfunction Inspection Form now required when submitting an application to
replace a malfunctioning on-site system.
The following was added to the Malfunction Inspection form:
*Required form to accompany ALL applications to replace a malfunctioning on-site system
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