2014 Septic Re-Inspection Program Report

Transcription

1 2014 Septic Re-Inspection Program Report Prepared For: Township of Rideau Lakes Prepared By: Eric Kohlsmith, Septic Inspector December 3, 2014

2 Table of Contents Executive Summary Introduction Program Initiation Criteria for Selection of Properties Re-Inspection Protocol Results and Discussion Distribution of Sewage System Re-Inspections Age & Class of Sewage System Wells and Drinking Water Tank Inspection Separation Distances Sewage System Status Follow-up and Enforcement Program Participation Recommendations Program Review Conclusions 16 Figures Figure 1 - Properties Inspected 7 Figure 2 - Property Use 8 Figure 3 - Septic System Class Distribution 9 Figure 4 Water Source Distribution 10 Figure 5 - Tank Material 11 Figure 6 - Tank to Water 12 Figure 7 - System Status 14 Tables Table 1 - System Deficiencies* 15 Table 2 Program Results Illustration Illustration 1 - Concrete Corrosion Around Outlet Baffle 11 Appendix Appendix A: Property Owner Information Package 18 Appendix B: Description of Site Inspection 23 Appendix C: Lake Selection Schedule 27 Appendix D: Ontario Building Code References 28 2 Page

3 Executive Summary During the 2014 re-inspection program 77 properties were inspected on Clear, Loon, Lower Beverly, Newboro, Upper Rideau and Whitefish Lake. Property Owner Information packages were mailed out to 826 property owners with. All properties inspected were either seasonal residential or farm use. Participants were asked to return the questionnaire included in the information package to the Mississippi Rideau Septic System Office (MRSSO). Once received, the administration staff entered the questionnaire in our database as being returned. If an appointment was not booked the property owner would be contacted via phone or , to notify them of an inspection date, with at least one week s notice. The inspections began on June 10, 2014 and the last inspection was completed on October 17, Most of the inspections were completed in June, July, and August; the months when cottagers are most likely to be present. The table on the right breaks down the number of inspections completed per lake. As a result of the program 28 systems were identified as having no concern, 42 requiring remedial work, 6 system replacements required and 1 properties were requested to provide more information. The MRSSO participated in the 2014 Lake Links Workshop to promote septic re-inspection of existing onsite sewage systems in the area. Lakes Properties Inspected Clear 1 Loon 7 Lower Beverly 37 Newboro 15 Upper Rideau 1 Whitefish 16 Total 77 In conclusion the MRSSO was able to: Conduct 77 septic re-inspections in a timely and effective manner Meet with 57 (74%) waterfront property owners to provide information regarding the maintenance and operation of their sewage system; Complete 12 inspections on water access properties 3 Page

4 1.0 Introduction A working sewage system is an integral part of any home or cottage not serviced by the municipal sewer. As such, proper maintenance and operation of the sewage system is essential to the continued life of the system. A Septic Re-Inspection Program provides: 1. Participants with information and advice regarding the proper operation and maintenance of their septic system; 2. A proactive approach to identifying risks to human health or the natural environment 3. A database of inspected existing septic systems that can be used as a planning tool for municipalities Malfunctioning on-site sewage systems can have both human health and environmental impacts beyond the property on which it is located. Nutrient and bacteria-rich effluent can travel through soil and rock fractures to surface water bodies, and ground water sources. Contamination of surface water can cause excessive aquatic plant growth, depletion of oxygen in lakes, and impact the natural habitat for aquatic species. Ground water contamination can cause illness and even death. This makes it crucial that property owners be aware of the location and operation of their sewage system. Under the Ontario Building Code (OBC) it is the property owner s responsibility to ensure that their sewage system is working properly, not only for their health, but also that of the surrounding community and environment. The authority for the Mississippi Valley Conservation and Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, and other enforcement agencies, to conduct inspections of potentially unsafe sewage systems is provided by BCA s.15.9(1). The program Authority can be found in Appendix D. A site visit was made and a tank inspection and visual inspection of the leaching bed were completed if the property owner returned correspondence to the Mississippi-Rideau Septic System Office (MRSSO). If the homeowner was insistent that their septic tank should not be excavated, only a visual inspection of the property was completed. In situations requiring further attention, the CBO will be mailed a copy of the re-inspection report form, for enforcement at the CBO s discretion. The results for the 77 inspections completed in 2014 were compiled and this report is the culmination of those efforts. 4 Page

5 2.0 Program Initiation 2.1 Criteria for Selection of Properties In spring 2007, Township of Rideau Lakes approached the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and requested a proposal for conducting a Re-Inspection pilot program for the Township. The proposal was accepted by the Township of Rideau Lakes and the initial voluntary re-inspection program was started. A mailing list of selected properties for participation is provided to MRSSO by staff from the Township of Rideau Lakes. 2.2 Re-Inspection Protocol After receiving the participant list, a Property Owner Information package is mailed out to each property owner informing them of the re-inspection program, what their participation would entail, a description of the inspection to take place and a two sided questionnaire to be completed by the property owner and returned to our office (Appendix A). Once a participant has contacted our office either by returning the questionnaire, calling, faxing, or ing, the information is recorded in the database under four different categories. The categories are: Questionnaire returned with appointment Questionnaire returned without appointment No Questionnaire with appointment Removed from list (permit number or reason recorded) As stated in our information package (Appendix A) appointments are first come first served. Once the appointments made by property owners are scheduled, returned questionnaires without appointments are scheduled and the property owner notified of the scheduling at least one week in advance. The MRSSO target is to schedule 10 appointments per day. The tank inspection was deemed to be a highly invasive component of the re-inspection program, one which could potentially result in controversy if conducted without the permission of the homeowner. Permission was considered granted by receipt of a completed questionnaire. A detailed description of a visual and a tank inspection can be found in Appendix B. If any doubt remained about the location of the sewage system then more information was requested of the property owner. During the 2014 season two mail outs were performed for a total of 1282 packages sent: May 30, 2014 Initial mail out August 8, 2014 Reminder mail out 5 Page

6 In most seasons a reminder mail out is required to reach the target of 100 inspections. The intention of a reminder mail out is to encourage property owners to participate. If their property does not qualify for the program or they choose not to participate we ask them to contact our office so the information can be recorded. The inspections in Rideau Lakes were conducted from June 10 to October 17, Page

7 3.0 Results and Discussion 3.1 Distribution of Sewage System Re-Inspections The re-inspection program resulted in 77 site visits in 2014 on 6 different water bodies. The water bodies which had inspections completed on their shores in 2014 are shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 - Properties Inspected Clear 1 Whitefish 16 Loon 7 Upper Rideau 1 Newboro 15 Lower Beverly 37 From information collected through site visitations, records of mailing addresses, and observations at the time of the inspection, the 77 properties were designated to be cottage, house, farm or business (figure 2). While residential properties generate more wastewater, and have the potential to contribute more nutrients to surface water bodies, seasonal properties often have older sewage systems more likely to be contributing nutrients. Therefore a mix of both seasonal and residential properties is desirable. 7 Page

8 Figure 2 - Property Use The 2014 program generated responses from primarily cottage properties. A property was deemed cottage (seasonal) if the mailing address for the owner was different from the property address, unless indicated otherwise on the questionnaire. Farm 1% House 21% Cottage 78% 3.2 Age & Class of Sewage System There are 5 primary classes of wastewater treatment systems identified in Part 8 of the OBC as outlined below. Class 1 - Earth Pit, Vault, Pail, Portable Privies and Composting toilets Class 2 - Greywater Systems Class 3 - Cesspools Class 4 Septic Tank and Leaching field Class 5 Holding tanks 8 Page

9 Number of Systems Figure 3 displays the primary type of on-site wastewater system for each property where it was known, either from the visual inspection, or from information provided by the property owner. A Class 4 sewage system was most prevalent; and was found on 59 of the properties inspected. Class 5 7% Figure 3 - Septic System Class Distribution Class % Class 4 59% Class 2 14% 0 Lower Upper Clear Loon Newboro Beverly Rideau Whitefish Class Class Class Class Class Class 3 1% It is not uncommon, and many times necessary, for properties to have more than one class of system present on the property. For instance, if the primary class of system is a privy (Class 1), then generally a Class 2 system is required for greywater treatment. It is strongly recommended that property owners with a Class 4 or Class 5 system, direct all sources of greywater to that system unless they have an approved Class 2 system. Twenty one properties were found to have more than one class of system in use. 9 Page

10 3.3 Wells and Drinking Water During the field inspection, information was also collected with regards to the water source, and water testing practices of the homeowners. During the visual inspection, if a pipe pumping water from the water body was visible, and no well was located on the property then the water source was assumed to be the lake (or river) and recorded as such. If no pipe was visible and a well was located, then the water source was recorded as a drilled well. Information provided by the property owner is the most accurate. Figure 4 shows the percentage of systems for each category of water source. Information was asked for regarding the level of treatment of the water before consumption (water softener, UV filter, reverse osmosis, iron filter, etc.) if the property owner was present on site. Figure 4 Water Source Distribution Dug Well 4% Unknown 7% Lake 21% Drilled Well 45% Lake & Imported 23% Although The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Health Unit has free water testing available for residential properties, and water bottles are available for pick up at their office in Smiths Falls, many property owners do not test their drinking water regularly. 10 Page

11 3.4 Tank Inspection The material of the tank was observed during the tank inspection. If the tank was not uncovered for the re-inspection, the tank material was determined by using a soil probe to locate the tank. The probe was then used to determine the construction material by the sound/feel it created. Of the 77 properties inspected, 66 of the properties had Septic or Holding Tanks. Figure 5 shows the breakdown for the common tank materials found: concrete, plastic, and metal. Figure 5 - Tank Material Fiberglass 3% Metal 5% Plastic 20% Concrete 72% As a result of the re-inspection program, it was noticed that 49% of concrete septic tanks had signs of corrosion (Illustration 1). Concrete corrosion can be caused by a buildup of gases, from normal operation, reacting with the concrete. The corrosion can cause baffles to fall off and/or effluent to escape around the outlet pipe. Illustration 1 - Concrete Corrosion Around Outlet Baffle 11 Page

12 Effluent filters are a plastic screen which allows the effluent to pass through large slots that reduce the turbulence as the sewage exits the tank. The reduction in turbulence allows additional solids to settle, reducing the amount of solids entering the bed, and therefore increasing the life of the septic bed. The OBC requires an effluent filter in every new system installed since 2006 and many septic installers will retrofit one into an old tank upon request. These relatively inexpensive additions (~$150) to a septic tank can prolong the life of a septic bed, which is an expensive component of a Class 4 system to replace (~$6,000 -$15,000). 3.5 Separation Distances Horizontal separation distances are measured from the dwelling, lot line, well and shoreline to the sewage system components. Figure 6 represents the separation distance measured from septic/holding tanks and distribution pipes to the surface water. The measurements were sorted into three categories: Less than 15m (<15m) Does not meet OBC or Official Plan requirements Between 15m 30m Meets OBC but does not meet Official Plan requirements for new development Greater than 30m (>30m) Meets OBC and Official Plan requirements for new development. Figure 6 - Tank to Water 9% 50% 41% <15m 15m - 30m >30m 12 Page

13 Distribution Pipe to Water 9% 27% <15m 15m - 30m >30m 64% Although a reduced separation distance does not necessarily provide evidence to ground or surface water contamination, it is important to recognize that these systems are present. 3.6 Sewage System Status When completing an inspection of the existing sewage system the MRSSO has developed the following terms to identify the overall septic system status or condition, as shown in Figure 7: No Concern At the time of inspection there were no operational and/or maintenance issues identified. Remedial Work Required At the time of inspection operational and/or maintenance issues were identified, but generally do not require a permit to remedy. More Information Required At the time of inspection one or more questions arose regarding the class of system, location of components, water source, pumping, maintenance and/or operation of the system. System Replacement Required At the time of inspection is it was determined that the on-site system was not being maintained or operated properly and was posing or could pose a risk to human health or the environment. 13 Page

14 Figure 7 - System Status 18 System Replaceme nt 8% More Information 1% 16 No Concerns 36% Remedial Work 55% Number of Properties Clear Loon Lower Beverly Newboro Upper Rideau Whitefish No Concerns Remedial Work System Replacement More Information Every septic system requires regular maintenance to ensure it is operating efficiently and safely. System deficiencies are generally classified as a remedial work items. Table 1 illustrates the most common deficiencies found during the re-inspection program. 14 Page

15 Table 1 - System Deficiencies* Pump out required 17 Non compliant Privy 5 Non - compliant greywater disposal 7 Baffles require maintenance (broken/missing) 11 Effluent above/below operating level of tank 4 High Level Alarm required 4 Roots to be removed from system 7 Tank Corrosion 19 Total 74 *note, some systems have more than one maintenance issue. 3.7 Follow-up and Enforcement For 2014 carbon copies of the re-inspection form were either left with the property owner onsite or in a protected location on-site, i.e. between doors. Properties that the Mississippi Rideau Septic Office feels are of significant threat to the environment and public health have been forwarded to the Rideau Lakes Building Department for enforcement. Enforcement of violations on the properties identified by the re-inspection report will be at the discretion of the Rideau Lakes Building Department. 3.9 Program Participation The Township of Rideau Lakes Re-inspection programs goal is to complete 100 reinspections; 77 inspections were completed. 9% of property owners that were mailed a property owner package, volunteered to participate in the 2014 program. 74% of homeowners were present during the inspection, allowing the inspector to provide valuable information about the maintenance and operation of their septic system. 4.0 Recommendations The following recommendations are a result of opportunities identified during the 2014 septic re-inspection program: Continue a maintenance inspection program of existing sewage systems on waterfront properties o Review amendments to the Ontario Building Code Discretionary Maintenance Inspection Program Vs. Voluntary Re-Inspection Program. Online forms for property owners to access and submit. Provide public meeting for Lakes involved in the program. Promote the involvement of water access properties. 15 Page

16 Subsidy for tank pump outs or effluent filters as an incentive for participating property owners, similar to other re-inspection programs. With the implementation of these recommendations we will be able to uphold our commitment to the property owners of Rideau Lakes Township in providing fair, accurate and timely service. 5.0 Program Review Since 2007 the MRSSO has been administering the Voluntary Sewage System Re-Inspection. The following table is the results of the inspection over the seven years of the program. Table 2 Program Results Year No Concerns Remedial Work Required System Replacement Required More Information Required Total Conclusions Total The 2014 program completed a full inspection on the 77 properties. 36% of these systems had no septic system concerns. It should be noted that age was not a significant factor in the system deficiencies identified. In turn, the diligence of the property in regards to the operation and maintenance of their system had a greater impact on the deficiencies identified. Interaction with property owners during the re-inspection program this year was very positive. 74% of property owners that returned a questionnaire were able to be present during the reinspection. Most of the property owners encountered were very supportive of the re-inspection program. Some effort needs to be made to bring local residents, particularly campgrounds and cottage rental locations, on board with the re-inspection program. Further education will hopefully remedy this. Having homeowners excavate their tanks will be continued in the 2014 re-inspection season. This enabled a much more efficient re-inspection process. 16 Page

17 We look forward to conducting the program in When systems are inspected year after year, we will begin to have a better idea of the status of on-site wastewater treatment in the Township of Rideau Lakes. We hope that the momentum of the on-site wastewater disposal system inspection program continues in the coming years, as we believe it is a valuable asset to the health of the environment for our community. 17 Page

18 Appendix A: Property Owner Information Package 18 Page

19 19 Page

20 20 Page

21 Phone: (613) ext. 254 Fax: (613) septic Mailing address July 8th, 2014 Voluntary Sewage System Re Inspection Program Procedure 1. The first step in your participation is completing and returning the questionnaire. Please fill in, sign, and return the questionnaire by fax, or mail as soon as possible, to the number or address provided. Do not feel as though the form must be fully completed to return it to us, every bit of information is useful. 2. The intention of the Questionnaire is to provide our office with basic information regarding your septic system and its location on your property. Unfortunately the township does not have this information for every property. Classes of Sewage Systems: Class 1 Earth Pit Privy, Composting Toilet Class 2 Greywater Pit Class 3 Cesspool Waste from a Class 1 Class 4 Septic Tank & Leaching Field Class 5 Holding Tank 3. Appointments are not required but can be made between 8 am 4 pm on a first come, first served basis, by contacting the MRSSO. If an appointment is not arranged, the MRSSO will schedule the re inspection and notify you one week in advance. 4. The MRSSO requests that you expose both sewage tank lids on your sewage tank (most tanks have 2). The MRSSO will re cover the tank when the inspection is completed, unless it is determined that a pump out is required. 5. The septic re inspection will include the following items: Determining location of all systems Measurement of separation distances to key lot features Visual inspection of tank structure Measurement of tank contents Visual inspection of bed Briefing the homeowner on proper system maintenance and operation. 6. A copy of the septic re inspection report will be left on site. The primary role of the MRSSO, as the administrators of the re inspection program, is to educate property owners about their onsite waste treatment system and any deficiencies with 21 P age

22 it. Our secondary role is to ensure that unsafe systems are reported to the appropriate Authority, based on the requirements of Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code. You, as the property owner, can expect the re inspection, communication of results, and all inquiries to be dealt with in a professional manner. Thank you in advance for your co operation. We know you share the Township s desire to protect our water resources and ultimately the value of waterfront property around the lakes within the watersheds. Your participation in this program will assist in providing continued enjoyment of a clean, healthy waterfront environment for generations to come. Yours Truly, ext.254 septic Eric Kohlsmith Re inspection Program Coordinator inquiries@mvc.on.ca 22

23 Questionnaire Please fill out as much information as possible, as best as you can, and return to the above address. Old septic or well records are excellent resources for the more technical questions. Mark any applicable boxes. If you select Other please specify. Please use the space noted as Correction to correct any of the supplied information. On the reverse, please identify the location of your septic system and other property features. Please sign the form to verify the information that has been provided. Property Owner Correction New Property Owner, Spelling of Name Mailing Address Correction New Mailing Address Telephone Number ( ) Alternate Number ( ) Address Length of Ownership Lake Name Re- Inspection Property Location Lake Property Size # Bedrooms Floor Area Roll Number Property Use Residential Cottage/Seasonal Commercial Farm Other Directions to Property Do you require assistance locating/excavating your tank?* Yes No General Location of Tank Sewage System Type Class 1 Privy(Outhouse) Class 2 Greywater pit Class 3 Cesspool Tank Information Concrete Plastic Fiberglass Metal Date of Last Pump out Pump Frequency Out Class 4 Septic Tank & Leaching Field Class 5 Holding Tank Sewage Pump Yes No Separate Pump Tank Yes No Greywater Pit Structure Earth Rock Wood Other- Privy Pit Structure Earth Rock Wood Other- Date System(s) Installed Date System(s) Approved Water Source Drilled Dug Lake Imported Drinking Water Treatment Yes No Type of Treatment Participant Signature: Participant Name: (Signature) (Please Print 23

24 Site Sketch Please include the locations as well as the distances between any septic components (tank, bed, privy, greywater pit), structures (house, shed, garage), water bodies (lakes, rivers, creeks, wetlands), farming activities, or wells. Participant Signature: Participant Name: (Signature) (Please Print) 24

25 Appendix B: Description of Site Inspection Tank Inspection The septic tank is located first by visually inspecting the property for signs of a system, using metal probes and information provided by the property owner. Once the tank was located both the inlet and outlet access ports are uncovered, and the soil placed on a tarp for tidiness. The lids are removed using a crow bar to crack it open, or break the seal which forms over time if it is a concrete lid. The lids are lifted off with a J-hook, a long handled hook which allows two people, on either side of the lid to safely and easily lift off the heavy lid. A visual inspection of the tank condition is made, and a measurement of the solids content is taken. A sludge judge is used for to take the measurement and is essentially a clear plastic tube with a ball valve on the bottom and 1 foot increments marked on the side of the tube. The judge is lowered into the first chamber of the tank and a cross section of the contents in the tank is obtained. The judge is then pulled out of the tank and the depth of the solids is noted. Often the ball valve plugs up and the contents run out of the bottom. In that case the solids in the bottom are felt by a change in density and the depth is noted. A visual inspection of the baffles is done as well as a check that the partition wall is in working order. If the solids in the second chamber are as high as the first chamber it can be an indication that the partition wall has suffered some damage. We also check for roots in the tank, and look for the presence of effluent filters before replacing the lids and restoring the area to its original condition. One of the most frequent questions a homeowner asks is How often should I pump my tank? Most government documents and information publications suggest that a septic tank should be pumped out every 3-5 years. Another resource is the OBC, which requires that a septic tank be pumped out when the sludge and scum occupy 1/3 of the working capacity of the tank ( (1)). This will prevent the sewage from traveling too quickly through the septic tank, not allowing the solids and fats to properly separate from the effluent. To give the homeowner, on an individual basis, an estimation of the frequency for pumping out their septic tank, the depth of sludge and scum was measured during the tank inspection. 25

26 Estimated Septic Tank Pumping Interval in Years Tank Size Household Size (Number of People) (L) , , (2,700) (3,600) 4, , , , , , Visual Re-Inspection The visual re-inspection consists of a walk around the property looking for water sources, sewage systems or any suspicious things such as pipes to the surface. Measurements are taken between the sewage system components and water bodies, as well as to water sources. A GPS reading is taken at the shoreline, all sewage system components, and wells. The operation or failure of the bed was assessed by looking for conditions of lush vegetation, wet areas, surface discharge, tree or root growth, side slopes and erosion control. 26

27 Appendix C: Lake Selection Schedule Primary Lake Secondary Lake Undeveloped Lake Big Rideau Lake Little Crosby Lake Crowe Lake (South Crosby) Upper Rideau Lake Westport Sand Lake Hart Lake (South Crosby) Lower Rideau Lake Bellamy Lake Grady Lake (North Crosby) Crosby Lake Troy Lake Spectacle Lake (North Crosby) Wolfe Lake Pike Lake Tommy Lake (North Crosby) Lower Beverley Lake Mill Pond Canton Lake (South Burgess) Upper Beverley Lake Bass Lake Little Lake (South Crosby) Mud Lake (South Crosby) Otter Lake Newboro/Loon Lake Whitefish Lake Sand Lake Opinicon Lake Clear/Indian/ Benson/Mosquito Lake The schedule below will include 20 inspections annually on Big Rideau Lake, 25 inspections for each Primary Lake, and 5 inspections for each Secondary Lake. The Program will consist of 100 inspections annually Big Rideau Lake, Crosby Lake, Clear/Indian/Benson/Mosquito Lake, Lower Rideau Lake, Bellamy Lake 2009 Big Rideau Lake, Wolfe Lake, Whitefish Lake, Lower Beverly Lake, Mill Pond 2010 Big Rideau Lake, Newboro/Loon Lake, Sand Lake, Upper Beverly Lake, Little Crosby Lake 2011 Big Rideau Lake, Opinicon Lake, Otter Lake, Bass Lake, Westport Sand Lake 2012 Big Rideau Lake, Upper Rideau Lake, Troy Lake, Pike Lake 27

28 Appendix D: Ontario Building Code References OBC Classification of Systems Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 Class 5 all privies (portable, earth pit, vault, chemical, incinerating and composting). a greywater system a cesspool a leaching bed system a holding tank OBC Table Clearance Distances for Sewage Systems (1) Horizontal Horizontal Horizontal Minimum distance (m) distance (m) distance (m) horizontal from a well with from a spring from lake, river, distance watertight casing used as a source pond, stream, property line to a depth of at of portable water reservoir or least 6m or well other than spring not used a well with as a source of watertight casing portable water to a depth less than 6m Earth Pit Privy Privy Vault Pail Privy Greywater System Cesspool to OBC Minimum Clearances for Classes 4 and 5 Minimum Clearances for Treatment Units (m) Structure 1.5 Well 15 Lake 15 Pond 15 Reservoir 15 River 15 Spring 15 Stream 15 Property Line 3 Minimum Clearances for Distributing Piping (m) Structure 5 Well with a watertight casing to a depth of 6m 15 Any other well 30 Lake 15 Pond 15 Reservoir 15 River 15 A spring not used as a source of potable water 15 28

29 Stream 15 Property Line 3 Minimum Clearances for Holding Tanks (m) Structure 1.5 Well with a watertight casing to a depth of 6m 15 Any other well 15 Spring 15 Property Line 3 Program Authority The Building Code Act (BCA)(1992), and Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code (OBC) regulates the design, construction, operation and maintenance of sewage systems. The OBC, however, has powers which only extend to those systems with a design flow of less than 10,000 Litres/day, serving no more than one lot. Systems which do not fall within these parameters are regulated by the Ministry of the Environment, under the Ontario Water Resources Act. The authority for the Mississippi Valley Conservation, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and other enforcement agencies to conduct inspections of potentially unsafe sewage systems is provided by BCA s.15.9(1). This act provides inspectors with the right of entry onto land to determine whether a building is unsafe. Under Part 1 of the OBC an on-site sewage system is treated as a building and BCA s.15.9(3) deems a sewage system to be unsafe if it is not maintained or operated in accordance with the BCA and the OBC. BCA s.18 outlines the powers that an inspector may exercise for the purposes of carrying out an inspection. If the inspector finds the system to be unsafe, he or she may make an order under BCA s.15.9(4) setting out the steps necessary to render the building safe, and may require that the steps be taken within a certain period of time. This enforcement for the Township of Rideau Lakes will be carried out by their Chief Building Official (CBO) or his/her appointed representative. Further authority will be given with amendments proposed to the BCA under the Clean Water Act, This act was passed on October 18, 2006 and will help protect drinking water sources for all Ontarians. A visual inspection of the sewage system can determine if the system is unsafe (defined in OBC as a breakout of effluent onto the surface, contamination of a well or of a surface water source). Clearance distances to the well and surface water from the sewage system can also be verified by a visual inspection. To determine if the system is being maintained and operated in accordance with the OBC and the BCA, a thorough inspection of the tank is necessary. 29