Public Consultation of Sewage Disposal Regulations

New technology, more flexibility and a shorter approval process are some of the things being considered under proposed septic sewage disposal regulations.

Kerry Morash Minister of Environment and Labour is encouraging Nova Scotians to participate in the 30-day consultation on on-site sewage disposal regulations.

"The proposed changes improve turnaround time for the applicants and free up more time for our staff to inspect these systems," said Mr. Morash. "This is a good example of the department's commitment to better regulation for Nova Scotians, while at the same time increasing environmental protection."

Currently, the department requires an approval for on-site sewage disposal systems. The proposed regulations will streamline system approvals, allow qualified persons to install on-site systems and make use of technological advances.

The proposed regulations were updated after a successful pilot program was held in the Department of Environment and Labour's Bedford and Bridgewater offices in 2005. The turnaround time for approvals was shortened from an average of 18 days to four days or less.

The shorter process allows owners to proceed immediately when they use a qualified person for installation. The department then focuses on auditing key files and inspecting the work in the field.

The pilot determined that the formal review and approval process for on-site sewage disposal systems could be more efficient. The change allows more flexibility, without affecting consumer and environmental protection.

Mr. Morash said the pilot program decreased the amount of time staff had to spend on paper work and, in turn, increased field inspections. Inspections conducted during the pilot revealed the on-site systems were properly installed and that environmental protection was intact.

More information on the pilot program is available on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/enla or by calling 1-800-567-7544.

An on-site sewage disposal system includes a septic tank, disposal fields and interconnecting pipes, as well as a holding tank, an outhouse, or a system that meets the specifications established by the department.

Responses to the proposed regulations can be sent to On-site Sewage Disposal Regulations Review, Policy Division, Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour, P.O. Box 697, 5th floor, 5151 Terminal Rd., Halifax, N.S. B3J 2T8. Comments may also be faxed to 902-424-0575, or e-mailed to [email protected] .

The deadline for responses is Monday, March 6.