New Programs to Help Nova Scotia Manage Waste Water

The Department of the Environment and the Waste Water Nova Scotia Society will launch programs to help train the industry and educate the public about on-site septic systems.

Environment Minister Michel Samson and Gary Hines, acting chairman of Waste Water Nova Scotia, signed a memorandum of understanding at the society's first annual meeting in Truro today.

"Over the past 25 years, this province has made substantial improvements in waste water management, but we still have a long way to go," said Mr. Samson. "Today's announcement is a positive step in our efforts to improve the way private septic systems are installed and managed."

Waste Water Nova Scotia is made up of contractors and technologists involved in the industry. It was formed in response to new regulations that enabled private-sector companies to design and install on-site septic systems. The department continues to review and approve permit applications.

"There's no question that sewage disposal systems need to be properly managed to ensure safe, reliable, long-term operation," Mr. Hines said. "In addition, many older systems no longer function adequately and need to be replaced. Our joint industry training and public education programs will help to address these challenges."

Funding for industry training will come from fees the department now charges to certify the private sector in on-site sewage installation. About 715 installers have already been trained and certified, with another 50 qualified persons working within the industry.

Educational materials will also be developed and distributed to people who need to install or update their sewage systems. About 450,000 Nova Scotians are served by private on-site sewage disposal systems, and more than 5,000 approvals to install new systems are issued every year.

The province is undertaking other initiatives associated with waste water management. This summer it will release a discussion paper prepared with input from the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities and the Department of Housing and Municipal Affairs. That paper will outline the issues around treatment plants, raw sewage discharges and on-site sewage systems. The paper will explore options, define potential roles of the various levels of government and community groups, and identify partnerships. This paper will also include information on public education, financing approaches and new technologies.

A public consultation will follow the release of the discussion paper. Feedback from this process will be used to develop a long-term strategy to deal with the issues around waste water management

In addition to work on a discussion paper, the department is partnering with Nova Scotia companies to develop and manufacture waste water treatment systems. Previously expensive solutions are becoming affordable realities to help meet the challenges associated with waste water management.