Wastewater: What’s Coming Down the Pipe
Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations Amendments
Environment and Climate Change Canada has, as a direct result of MNL’s advocacy work, amended the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations (WSER). The amended regulations and information about them can be found here.
What you need to know
The WSER, as per Environment and Climate Change, “aim to reduce the threats to fish and their habitat, and to human health from fish consumption. They decrease the level of deleterious substances from wastewater effluents deposited into waters frequented by fish. They also set achievable national effluent quality standards for owners and operators of wastewater systems that collect and discharge up to 100 cubic metres or more of effluent per day.”
During the consultation process for amendments to the regulations, MNL and its members advocated for two main things:
- The opportunity to apply for a transitional authorization
- A reduced administrative burden
These proposed changes were accepted, alongside changes to Temporary Bypass Authorizations.
For an overview of amendments, please consult these factsheets on:
- changes to Transitional Authorizations
- changes to Temporary Bypass Authorizations
- administrative changes
The most important thing that municipalities with wastewater systems subject to the regulations can do right now is to apply for a transitional authorization.
As you prepare materials for your application, here are some key considerations:
- Create a modification plan specific to your community’s needs: ensure it addresses local requirements
- Commit to meeting the upgrade deadline based on your application (e.g. 2030 or 2040)
- Highlight key details: include the number of outfalls, the type of terrain/land, your funding strategy, and the treatment options you are exploring or will explore
There’s no need to provide extensive details at this stage; focus on major milestones.
Helpful Resources
You can find answers to frequently asked questions here. If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for, please reach out to us.
ECCC presentation at conference
Which Municipalities are Affected?
This map shows the municipalities directly impacted by proposed changes to the WSER. These municipalities are listed in the discussion document annex as being likely eligible for a temporary authorization (TA).