Recreational facilities in the Capital Region include ice arenas, water parks and swimming pools. There are currently 18 facilities in the Capital Region which contribute to the sanitary sewer system.
What is the Recreation Code of Practice?
The Recreational Facilities Code of Practice is a regulation for managing waste materials generated by recreational facilities. It is a mandatory requirement for these businesses in the Region. Recreational facilities waste includes:
- Solids, such as ice paint and pool filter media
- Biological oxygen demand (BOD) or chemical oxygen demand (COD)
- Chlorine and chloride concentrations
- Oil and grease
Why are recreational facility wastes a concern in our environment?
Waste containing suspended solids, such as ice paint from ice and curling rinks and spent pool filter media, may cause blockages in sewer lines and contribute to abrasion of sewer pumps. These solids are inert and are not treatable at sewage treatment plants.
High residual chlorine and chloride concentrations in pool water discharges may contribute to the generation of odours in the sewer system and corrosion of sewer pipes. High chlorine concentrations may also pose a health risk to sewer workers and interfere with biological treatment processes.
Chemicals used in pools are eventually discharged to the sewer system. A major concern is the potential for spillage or overdosing of these chemicals. Some pool cleaning chemicals can cause foaming which can produce operational problems at sewage treatment plants and can also be toxic to aquatic organisms.
What can recreational facilities do?
By following the code of practice for recreational facilities operations, you can prevent the influx of large amounts of chlorine and solids from entering the sewer system.
- Refrain from discharging prohibited waste into the sewer system
- Refrain from discharging ice paint, coolant, plastic markings or line stencils, pool filter media,
- Refrain from discharging chorine or chloride above allowable amounts
- Install monitoring points downstream of the point of discharge
- Keep written records to ensure proper maintenance of equipment
Create an Environmentally Sustainable Business
Other wastes from recreational facilities can also be a concern. Follow the best management practices outlined in the Code of Practice.
- Recycle as much of your waste as possible
- Investigate biodegradable products and water and energy conservation
- Keep machines and chemical storage areas clean and well-maintained
- Educate employees on the use and storage of chemicals
By reducing waste overall and disposing of waste in the proper manner, you can help protect our region's environment.