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| The regulation describes three different types of systems: |
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| Type 1 System |
 treatment by septic tank only (very minimal treatment due to the inefficient nature of the microorganisms that can live in a septic tank) |
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| Type 2 System |
treatment by package treatment plant or treatment process
wastewater (called effluent) leaving the treatment plant/process can be expected to have treated the waste to a particular level,
which is defined as less than 45mg/l of total suspended solids and less than 45mg/l of biological oxygen demand
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| Type 3 System |
treatment by specialized package treatment plant or treatment process
wastewater (called effluent) leaving the treatment plant/process can be expected to have
treated the waste to a particular level, which is defined as less than 10mg/l of total suspended solids, less than 10mg/l of biological
oxygen demand and a median fecal coliform (fecal bacteria) density of less than 400 colony forming units per 100ml
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Simply put, Type 3 is the most complex style of onsite system and is used where there are concerns about how highly treated the wastewater
needs to be before it enters the environment. A Type 1 system is the least complex and is used when there is less concern about how well
treated the wastewater is before it enters the environment.
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| Improved Systems |
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Because systems must now be designed to match site conditions and use, the SSR encourages the design and installation of quality onsite systems.
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As the new approach encourages higher quality to ensure long life-spans, and as private contractors are taking responsibility
previously taken by government, some systems are now more expensive than in the past. In other cases, the increased flexibility under
the SSR leads to reduced costs. A quality onsite system is now seen as a real estate asset.
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REGULATION AND PROGRAM
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The Sewerage System Regulation (SSR) applies to all smaller onsite wastewater treatment systems, including those for houses, small businesses and even small communal systems.
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Compared to the previous Sewage Disposal Regulation, the SSR represents a significant change in approach. Responsibility for the proper design and installation of onsite systems has been transferred from Health Authorities to ‘Authorized Persons’ as defined by the SSR.
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Now, all work on new onsite wastewater systems, repairs to systems and any maintenance on systems constructed after the SSR came into effect in 2005, must be performed by an ‘Authorized Person’. Once a system is installed, upgraded or repaired, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to ensure the system is maintained by an Authorized Person, and is operated within the capabilities and limitations of that system.
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| What is an Authorized Person? |
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The Sewerage System Regulation (SSR) provides for two types of ‘Authorized Person’: a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner and a Professional.
No others may plan, install or maintain systems in British Columbia. Doing so is illegal and considered an offense under the Regulation.
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| Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner |
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Depending on training and qualifications, a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP) plans, installs, maintains and/or inspects onsite
systems. They are registered with the Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC). To be registered, individuals must
complete the required education, a Professional Practice & Ethics exam, provide references, and demonstrate experience by successfully completing a
Practice Assessment.
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ROWPs must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and also follow the Ministry of Healthy Living & Sports’
Sewerage System Standard Practice Manual which sets out best practices.
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ASTTBC has four main classifications of ROWP:
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Planner – performs site and soil assessment; works with owner to establish needs; designs system; reviews installation; and creates
maintenance plan to ensure proper operation.
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Installer – installs system as designed by a planner.
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Maintenance Provider – monitors and maintains system according to maintenance plan.
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Private Inspector – inspects and assesses existing systems.
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Except for Private Inspectors, registration is mandatory under the SSR. ROWPs can be registered in more than one category, eg: the same ROWP may
plan and install a system.
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When you receive a report from an ROWP, they are required to stamp and sign their report, Filings, plans or similar documents. An ROWP may carry a
restriction on their registration that prevents them from carrying out specific work as not all ROWPs have the same level of experience and/or
training as others.
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| Professional |
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A Professional Engineer may design, install, and maintain all types of onsite systems. They are often involved when the site or use requires design
services beyond the specific scope of an ROWP. Often Professionals will use the services of an ROWP and supervise them in the installation and
maintenance of complex systems.
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Where registered to do so, ROWPs may also undertake work on more advanced systems (such as a ‘Type 3’) and are considered to be a Professional under
the SSR where they have met specific education and experience requirements. Some Professional Engineers (PEng) registered with the
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (APEGBC) have also become ROWPs.
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| Improved Environment & Health Protection |
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Over the last 20 years there has been an increasing realization that many onsite systems were designed to dispose of sewage, rather than to treat
and disperse it. Although a system may have functioned without evidence of sewage coming to the surface, it was possible that effluent may have been
contaminating the environment through the groundwater.
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As development increases and more homes are built in rural subdivisions, environmental impacts and the potential for contamination of drinking water
increases. With this comes a demand from the public for safe systems, as well as recognition by local governments that onsite systems are an
integral part of a long-term waste management strategy. Modern systems are designed to treat the effluent fully, disperse it with little or no
impact to the environment, and have a long, effective life.
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| Role of the Health Authorities |
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Health Authorities still play a role in onsite systems, holding records related to sewage systems and enforcing the Regulation
to protect public health. However, they do not approve or inspect new installations.
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| Role of ASTTBC |
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We are the Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC. Our role within this new program is to register and govern the
practice of Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioners who are Authorized Persons. For more information about those functions,
please see How to become an ROWP and
Making a Complaint.
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| Improved Consumer Protection |
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In the past, untrained contractors or homeowners planned and installed systems in accordance with the
regulation provided by the provincial Ministry of Health. This was done with the understanding that Health
Officers would approve the plan, inspect the installation at various stages, and sign a final approval
allowing for the operation of the system. Due to limited options available under the previous regulations,
the onsite system component and location choices available to the consumer were limited as well.
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Today, we have a regulation designed to be used consistently around the province by ROWPs who have
considerably more training than offered by any other program in Canada.
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ROWPs are:
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subject to verification of their competency through the Practice
Assessment Program (link to PAP section of OWRP website),
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are subject to the ASTTBC Code of Ethics and Practice Guidelines (link),
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are subject to investigation and discipline when a complaint is made.
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ASTTBC is committed to ensuring that the good reputation of this industry is upheld, that its Registered Onsite
Wastewater Practitioner members meet all practice requirements and that they act with integrity. If you have concerns
or wish to make a complaint to ASTTBC about an ROWP, please refer to the section on
filing a complaint.
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For the first time in BC, the consumer has options available to them to resolve disputes with the contractor
who planned, installed, maintained, or inspected their system without necessarily having to resort to legal
action.
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| Consumer Information Line |
| Have a question or need assistance? Call our Toll Free number: 1.877.456.ROWP (7697) |
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