Stormwater, Wastewater, Septic Systems and Liquid Waste

As owners and operators of local industries, businesses and institutions within the capital region, we all contribute to economic, social and environmental health. Businesses play a role in how clean the water is when it returns to the environment, whether as rain through drains in the stormwater system, or as wastewater through your septic or sanitary sewer system. These actions not only protect the environment, but your property as well.

Here are some regulatory tools and resources to help you take action and keep our region clean.

Offsite Treatment and Trucked Liquid Waste

Not all liquid waste should go down the drain. Using an offsite facility designed to handle industrial liquid waste is an effective way of reducing costs and complying with environmental regulations. As a business owner or operator, you are responsible for ensuring proper disposal and the transportation of waste to a disposal or treatment facility. Read more >>

Managing Stormwater

Contaminants are often carried with rain into our stormwater drains, which are connected to our waterway's shorelines. The CRD supports local governments in managing stormwater systems. Industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) facility operators also have a vital role in protecting contaminants in stormwater from draining to our local environment by maintaining your catch basins and adopting other best management practices. Read more >>

Sewer Use

Although wastewater infrastructure and treatment is designed specifically for human biological waste, some types of process waste (non-domestic waste) can be discharged through the sanitary sewer system. Non-domestic waste is regulated under the CRD Bylaw 2922 - Sewer Use Bylaw.

Regional source control is the first step in wastewater treatment. By preventing and reducing contaminants before they enter the sewer system (at the source), owners and operators can meet bylaw requirements in a cost effective way, and protect our environment. Read more >>

Preventing Sewer Backups

You can prevent sewer backups through source control and septic system maintenance. Having sewer lines and pipes inspected can help identify issues before a backup occurs. Addressing potential issues protects your business property and operations as well as the environment and reduces wastewater treatment costs. Read more >>