ECCC is proposing amendments to the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations (WSER)
The Department of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is proposing amendments to the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations (WSER).
The WSER required communities to meet the standards of the Regulations by 2015. Taking into consideration the level of risk posed to the environment, ECCC allowed owners of wastewater systems, mostly communities, a one-time opportunity to apply for an extension (transitional authorization) beyond 2015 to meet the effluent quality standards if their existing infrastructure was not designed to meet these standards.
ECCC is proposing to allow eligible communities another opportunity to receive a transitional authorization to the end of 2030 or 2040 based on the existing eligibility criteria of the Regulations. A Notice of Intent has been published in the Canada Gazette Part I to notify the public of this proposal. You can access the notice using the following link: Notice of intent to amend the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations
ECCC is also proposing to expand the existing temporary bypass authorizations to include planned releases of wastewater from overflows points when municipalities need to maintain, repair, and/or upgrade their wastewater treatment plants and sewer systems.
ECCC is planning to initiate early discussions with Indigenous peoples, interested parties and the general public through the summer on potential amendments to the Regulations. Suggestions and ideas collected during the period will inform a proposal that will then proceed to a formal consultation process in the Fall.
To learn more about early engagements, to access relevant information, and to provide feedback – click here.