Septic Design and Septic System Essentials in Ontario by Elmid Design Inc.

Embarking on a septic system project in Ontario can be a complex task. Our comprehensive guide on Septic Design and Septic Systems simplifies this process for you. From understanding the fundamentals of septic systems, navigating the permit process, to exploring advanced design techniques, this article is your go-to resource for all things related to septic systems in Ontario

Septic systems are a vital part of rural living in Ontario, where municipal sewage lines don’t reach. Understanding the intricacies of septic design and obtaining the right permits is crucial for homeowners and businesses alike. These systems are not just about waste management but about preserving our environment and ensuring public health. In this article, we dive deep into the world of septic design and permits in Ontario, unraveling the complexities and guidelines you need to know.

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Key Takeaways

• Septic systems are essential for rural properties in Ontario.
• Understanding the Ontario Building Code is crucial for septic system compliance.
• Professional Engineers play a significant role in the septic permit process.
• Advanced septic systems offer environmental benefits and efficiency.

Septic Design Essentials: Understanding Septic Systems in Ontario

Ontario’s septic systems history is a tale of evolving environmental awareness and technological advancement. Initially, these systems were rudimentary, but over time, regulations have tightened, reflecting a growing understanding of environmental impact and public health concerns. Today, the Ministry of Environment and Municipal Affairs and Housing play pivotal roles in ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly septic systems. These bodies enforce regulations and guide property owners through septic system design and maintenance complexities.

Navigating the Ontario Building Code for Septic System Compliance

The Ontario Building Code, particularly Part 8, is the bible for septic system design and installation in Ontario. It sets out specific standards for construction, ensuring that systems are effective in treating wastewater and safe for the environment. Compliance with these standards is non-negotiable. Whether you’re installing a new system or upgrading an existing one, understanding and adhering to these regulations is key to a successful project. From soil percolation tests to tank size calculations, these rules govern every aspect of septic design.

Septic System Design Principles: A Guide for Ontario Homeowners

In Ontario, septic system design is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s tailored to each property’s unique characteristics, such as soil type and daily wastewater output. The most common systems include conventional septic tanks and leaching beds, but variations exist. Designing these systems requires a careful balance of engineering principles and environmental considerations. Soil testing, for instance, is critical to determine the absorption rate, which in turn influences the leaching bed design.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Septic Permit in Ontario

Securing a septic permit in Ontario is a step-by-step process that demands attention to detail. The journey begins with a detailed plan of your property, including the proposed septic system design. This plan must comply with the Ontario Building Code and local municipal guidelines. Professional Engineers play a crucial role here, providing the expertise needed to navigate this process successfully. Their involvement ensures that your septic system is compliant, efficient, and safe.

Advanced Septic Treatment Systems and Technologies

Ontario is witnessing a shift towards more advanced septic treatment systems. These systems, such as aerobic treatment units, offer enhanced treatment capabilities, minimizing the environmental impact. They are particularly beneficial for properties with limited space or poor soil conditions. While these systems are more complex and costly, they represent a significant advancement in septic technology, aligning with Ontario’s environmental protection goals.

Installation and Maintenance of Septic Systems

Installing a septic system in Ontario is a meticulous process that requires professional expertise. Once installed, regular maintenance is key to ensuring its longevity and efficiency. This includes routine inspections, pumping the tank every 3-5 years, and being mindful of what goes down the drains. Proper maintenance extends the life of your septic system and protects the environment.

Septic Design FAQs: Key Insights into Septic Systems in Ontario

What are the common types of septic systems in Ontario? A: In Ontario, the most common types include conventional septic tanks with leaching beds and advanced treatment systems like aerobic units.

 How often should a septic system be inspected? A: Septic systems should be inspected at least once every three years and pumped out as needed, typically every 3-5 years.

Can I install a septic system myself in Ontario? A:  it’s advised hiring professionals is highly recommended due to the complexities and legal requirements involved.

Septic System Design Considerations

Factors Influencing Septic System Design

Understanding the factors that influence septic system design is essential. The two primary considerations are the maximum daily wastewater output and the specific soil/site conditions​​. A thorough geotechnical investigation, including soil testing, is crucial to ensure the septic system aligns with the site’s requirements​​. Factors such as soil conditions, groundwater table height, nature of the wastewater, and daily sewage flow significantly impact the design​​.

Challenges in Septic System Design for New Construction

Designing a septic system for new construction can be challenging due to space constraints and required setbacks from property lines and structures​​. This necessitates innovative and adaptable design strategies to use the available space while adhering to regulatory requirements efficiently.

Septic System Components and Maintenance

Basic Components of a Septic System

A standard on-site private septic system comprises two main components: a septic tank for solid waste settlement and a leaching bed (tile bed) for liquid waste dispersion​​. Regular inspections and maintenance, such as pumping out the septic tank, are vital for efficient operation and longevity.

Advanced Septic Treatment Systems

Advanced septic treatment systems, using aerobic treatment methods, are increasingly popular, especially for properties with challenging conditions​​. These systems use oxygen to enhance treatment, breaking waste down more effectively and producing cleaner effluent.

Septic System Installation and Maintenance

Importance of Effluent Filters

Effluent filters play a crucial role in improving the quality of effluent discharged to the leaching bed, thereby extending its life. These filters assist in settling particles, slowing down sewage flow, and improving overall effluent quality​​.

Pumps and Siphons in Septic Systems

Pumps and siphons are integral to septic systems, especially for larger installations. They help in distributing the effluent efficiently across the system, ensuring better absorption and treatment by the soil​​.

Area Bed and Shallow Buried Trench Systems

Area beds and shallow buried trenches are alternatives to conventional leaching beds, particularly useful in advanced septic treatment systems. These systems allow for more efficient use of space and enhanced soil absorption capacity​​.

Best Practices and Regulations

Reducing Phosphate Usage

Limiting phosphate-based detergents and cleaners is recommended to prevent potential environmental impacts, such as algae growth in nearby water bodies​​.

Compliance with Standards

Compliance with national standards, like CAN/BNQ 3680-600, is crucial to ensure the reliability and performance of septic systems throughout the year​​.

Professional Engineering Services

Licensed Professional Engineers play a vital role in designing advanced, cost-effective, and efficient onsite septic systems that meet the requirements of the Ontario Building Code and environmental standards​​.

Cost Considerations

The cost of installing a septic system varies significantly based on factors like daily sewage flow and soil type. For instance, a small house on sandy soil might require a less expensive system than a larger one on clay soil​​.

Ontario Building Code Requirements

The Ontario Building Code sets specific septic tank requirements, including capacity, construction, and maintenance access​​.

Professional Fees and Contractor Responsibilities

The cost of preparing residential septic designs, including engineering drawings and obtaining permits, is a key consideration. Contractors must coordinate with local authorities for inspections and assessments​​.

Minimum Distance Requirements for Septic Systems in Ontario

Septic Treatment Units

• Minimum distance from a structure: 1.5 meters (m)
• Minimum distance from a well, lake, pond, reservoir, river, spring, or stream: 15m
• Minimum distance from a property line: 3m

Septic Distribution Piping

• Minimum distance from a structure: 5m
• Minimum distance from a well with a watertight casing to a depth of at least 6m: 15m
• Minimum distance from any other type of well: 30m
• Minimum distance from a well, lake, pond, reservoir, river, spring, or stream: 15m
• Minimum distance from a property line: 3m​​.

Advanced Septic Systems in Ontario

The Waterloo Biofilter System

• Overview: The Waterloo Biofilter is an aerobic trickling filter utilizing a synthetic absorbent filter material, developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo and first installed in 1991​​.
• Functioning: The system supports microbiological growth, responsible for the aerobic breakdown of wastewater. The core synthetic absorbent filter medium is configured as a free-draining attached growth biological trickling filter, treating sewage and process wastewaters​​.
• Advantages: The system requires lower energy, has fewer moving parts, simpler operation, and less maintenance compared to other processes. It is effective even in cold climates (as low as -50°C) and does not slough off microbes as aerobic sludge, maintaining high treatment levels​​.
• Effluent Quality: Waterloo Biofilters provide tertiary sand filter quality effluent that is clear and odourless, suitable for dispersal back into the soil or reuse in applications like irrigation or toilet flushing​​.

Ecoflo Treatment Units

• Examples: Ontario’s common peat filter treatment units include Premier Tech’s Ecoflo and Puraflo systems.
• Ecoflo Biofilter: This system uses harvested peat in an open-bottomed fibreglass shell to treat wastewater. Effluent from a septic tank is delivered to the top of the peat media, either by pump or gravity​​.
• Functioning and Benefits: The peat acts as a medium for aerobic bacteria to treat wastewater as it passes through, and also serves as a physical filter. This method allows for efficient treatment of wastewater with minimal mechanical intervention.

These advanced septic systems represent significant technological advancements in wastewater treatment, offering efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional septic systems. Their ability to handle different climates and conditions makes them suitable for a wide range of applications in Ontario.

Eljen Septic System