- Updated to: December 31, 2009 -

CHAPTER E-9

Pursuant to section 25 of the Environmental Protection Act R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. E-9, Council made the following regulations:

(In these regulations Imperial measurements are added editorially for convenience and are not exact equivalents of the metric measurements specified)

Definitions

application for permit

(a) "application for permit" means an application on a form approved by the Minister;

alternate multiple trench disposal field

(b) "alternative multiple trench disposal field" means a multiple trench disposal field oriented across the slope of a property with lateral spacing of no less than 4 metres (13 ft) between the lines (see Appendix A, Figure A.2,);

authority having jurisdiction

(c) "authority having jurisdiction" means the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry; (EC427/03; 551/09)

barrier material

(d) "barrier material" means a non-degradable, manmade fibre (such as polyester or polypropylene) which allows water to flow and prevents the migration of soil fines into gravel;

bedrock

(e) "bedrock" means a solid or continuous body of rock, with or without fractures, or a weathered or broken body of rock fragments overlying a solid body of rock;

bottom header

(f) "bottom header" means the disposal field header connecting the lower ends of the disposal field drainage pipe or leaching chambers opposite to the ends connected by the top header (see Appendix A, Figures A.1 and A.2);

Board

(g) Revoked by EC429-07;

capacity

(h) "capacity" means the liquid capacity of a septic tank between the waterline and the floor of the tank;

certificate of compliance

(i) "certificate of compliance" means a certificate on a form approved by the Minister;

certified

j) "certified" means guaranteed by a Standards Council of Canada Accredited Testing Agency as being in conformance with the latest CSA Standard pertinent to the application of the product;

contour trench disposal field

(k) "contour trench disposal field" means a relatively narrow and shallow disposal bed constructed in a trench of constant depth, with both the trench bottom and the lip of the trench wall at the ground surface horizontal throughout the entire length (see Appendix A, Figures A.3 and A.3.1);

contractor

(l) "contractor" means any person, corporation, company, firm, organization or partnership performing or engaging to perform for his or its own benefit or that of another, with or without remuneration or gain, any sewage disposal system work or installation within the scope of these regulations;

contractor's license

(m) "contractor's license" means a license issued under section 3; (EC427-03)

cottage

(n) "cottage" means a non-commercial summer dwelling of two bedrooms or less, having less than 85 m² (900 ft²) of floor area;

CSA

(o) "CSA" means the Canadian Standards Association;

disposal field

(p) "disposal field" means that part of an on-site sewage disposal system designed and installed in accordance with these regulations for the subsurface distribution of septic tank effluent into the soil;

drainage pipe

(q) "drainage pipe" means the certified, perforated, rigid, straight, sewer pipe used in a disposal field;

duplex

(r) "duplex" means a building that is divided into two dwelling units;

dwelling

(s) "dwelling" means a building or portion thereof designed, arranged or intended for residential occupancy;

dwelling unit

(r) "dwelling unit" means two or more rooms used or intended for domestic use of one or more individuals living as a single housekeeping unit with cooking and sanitary facilities;

effluent

filter sand

(v) "filter sand" means clean, washed, screened or natural sand having less than 10% by weight retained on a 10 mm (3/8 in) sieve and less than 2% by weight passing a 0.075 mm (# 200 US std.) sieve and the permeability of the sand must be not less than 0.0004 m/s (0.0013 ft/s);

good quality fill

(w) "good quality fill" means a reasonably uniform sand or sandy gravel containing a small proportion of silt but no more than 30% of the material shall be retained on a 10 mm (3/8 in) sieve and minimum of 2.5 % and a maximum of 15% must pass the 0.075mm sieve (#200 US std.);

gravel

(x) "gravel" means clean, washed or screened small pieces of rock or crushed rock of a consistency or hardness which is not conducive to premature deterioration, and of which 98% by weight shall pass a 40 mm (11/2 in) screen and 98% by weight shall be retained on a 12.5 mm (1/2in) screen;

header

(y) "header" means pipe used to connect the ends of lines of drainage pipe or leaching chambers;

leaching chamber

(z) "leaching chamber" means a prefabricated device approved by the authority having jurisdiction for use in a disposal field as an alternative to gravel and drainage pipe;

leaching chamber disposal field

(aa) "leaching chamber disposal field" means a system of leaching chambers arranged in a multiple trench or serial distribution configuration (see Appendix A, Figure A.4 and A.4.2) ;

licence

(bb) "licence" means a licence issued pursuant to these regulations by the authority having jurisdiction to any person or any contractor;

liquid depth

(cc) "liquid depth" means the maximum vertical depth of liquid which a septic tank can contain before the liquid discharges through the septic tank outlet;

Minister

(dd) Revoked by EC429/07;

multiple family dwelling

(ee) "multiple family dwelling" means a building containing three or more dwelling units;

multiple trench disposal field

(ff) "multiple trench disposal field" means a system of drainage pipes and gravel arranged in the form of narrow, parallel trenches connected to a header (see Appendix A, Figure A.1);

natural boundary

(gg) "natural boundary" means the visible high water mark of any stream, river, or other body of water;

owner

(hh) "owner" includes any person, firm, corporation or agent controlling or occupying the property under consideration;

parcel

(ii) "parcel" means any lot, block or other area in which real property is held or into which real property is subdivided and can include two or more adjacent lots, blocks or areas of property upon which a sewage disposal system is being situated;

permeable soil

(jj) "permeable soil" means soil having a hydraulic conductivity in the range of 8.0 x 10^-3 cm/s to 8.0 x 10^-5 cm/s (3.1 x 10^-8 in/s to 3.1 x 10^-5 in/s);

permit

(kk) "permit" means a written approval from the authority having jurisdiction;

potable water

(ll) "potable water" means water suitable for drinking and cooking purposes on the basis of human health and aesthetic considerations;

pressure distribution system

(mm) "pressure distribution system" means a distribution system designed such that a pump or siphon supplies septic tank effluent to non-perforated pipe that is drilled with holes of such diameter and spacing that the top header, full length of all interconnecting pipes, and the bottom header are under a positive pressure;

registered installer

(nn) "registered installer" means a person who is employed and supervised by a contractor, and is registered with the authority having jurisdiction as a person qualified to install sewage disposal systems;

septage

(oo) "septage" means all settled solids, scum, liquid or any other material removed from a septic tank or disposal field; (EC427-03)

septic tank

(pp) "septic tank" means a watertight receptacle that receives sewage which is designed and installed so as to permit settling of settleable solids from the sewage, retention of the solids and scum, partial digestion of the organic matter, and discharge of the liquid portion into a disposal field;

sewage

(qq) "sewage" means any human waste emitted from a house or premises where persons work, live or frequent and includes waste from ablutions, culinary activities and laundering;

sewage disposal system

(rr) "sewage disposal system" includes any system or part thereof for disposing of sewage or waste by means of one or more settling or septic tanks and one or more disposal fields, and any other system or part thereof for sewage or waste disposal not directly connected to a municipal or approved central sewage collection system;

sewage holding tank

(ss) "sewage holding tank" means a closed, water-tight receptacle designed and used to receive and store sewage or septic tank effluent which does not discharge waste water;

site suitability assessment

(tt) "site suitability assessment" means an assessment completed on property to determine the suitability of that property for on site sewage disposal and may include test pit inspection(s) and permeability test(s);

sludge

(uu) "sludge" means the semi-liquid material that is removed from a wastewater treatment system as an end product of the treatment process; (EC427-03)

standard disposal field

(vv) "standard disposal field" means

 top header

(ww) "top header" means the first header of each disposal field to receive effluent from the septic tank (see Appendix A, Figures A.1 and A.2);

unstabilized sewage

(xx) "unstabilized sewage" means sewage that has been held in a septic tank or a holding tank for less than 30 days;

waterline

(yy) "waterline" means the maximum elevation of the liquid in a septic tank;

water table

(zz) "water table" means the level at which water stands in a shallow well open along its depth and penetrating the surficial deposits just deeply enough to encounter standing water in the bottom (level of water in saturated soil where hydraulic pressure is equal to zero). (EC429/07; EC647/07; 551/09)

Application

2. (1) These regulations apply to the installation, construction, reconstruction or modification of sewage disposal systems. (EC427-03)

System expansion or modification

(2) Where an existing sewage disposal system is to be expanded or modified, the authority having jurisdiction may, for the purpose of protecting public health or the environment, require the entire existing sewage disposal system or any part thereof to be modified or replaced in conformance with the provisions of these regulations.

LICENCES AND PERMITS

Licence

3. (1) No contractor shall install, construct, reconstruct or modify a sewage disposal system, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a contractor's licence.

Site supervision

(2) No licensed contractor shall permit a sewage disposal system to be installed, constructed, reconstructed or modified unless the licensed contractor, or a registered installer in the employ of the licensed contractor, is present on the job site during the installation, construction, reconstruction or modification. (EC427-03)

Responsibility

(3) Where a licensed contractor carries out work on a sewage disposal system, or causes it to be carried out, the licensed contractor shall ensure that the work is carried out in compliance with the standards and requirements prescribed in these regulations. (EC427-03)

Application

(4) The application for a contractor's licence shall be made in such form and manner as prescribed by the authority having jurisdiction and submitted with the prescribed fee.

Qualifications

(5) A contractor's license shall be granted to a contractor if:

(c) an applicant holds a license issued by another province or territory and the Minister considers the license to be equivalent to a contractor's license issued under these regulations.

Waiver of examination

Revoked by EC427-03.

Appointment of the Board

(7) Revoked by EC429/07;

Duties of the Board

(8) Revoked by EC429/07;

Transfer

(9) No contractor's licence issued under the provisions of this section is transferable. (EC427-03)

Time frame

(10) A contractor's licence is valid for a period of not more than twenty-four months from the date of issuance.

Expiry

(11) A contractor's licence shall expire on the date indicated on the licence and may be renewed upon payment of the renewal fee.

Suspension

(12) The Minister may suspend a contractor's licence for a period of time if the Minister is satisfied that one or all of the following conditions prevail:  (EC427-03)

(d) the licence holder has failed to attend a workshop or seminar sponsored by the authority having jurisdiction for two consecutive years.

Registered installer

(13) Before any person may qualify as a registered installer, he or she must have registered their attendance at a workshop or seminar sponsored by the authority having jurisdiction and must have paid the application fee.

Renewal

(14) The registration for registered installers is valid for not more than twenty- four months from the date of registration or renewal.

Continuing education

(15) Any registered installer who fails to attend a workshop or seminar sponsored by the authority having jurisdiction for two consecutive years, shall cease to be registered.

Reinstatement of qualifications

(16) Where a contractor ceases to be qualified in accordance with subsection( 12) he or she may be reinstated by the Minister upon reapplication pursuant to subsection (4) and in such circumstances the Minister may require reexamination pursuant to clause (5)(b).

Variance

(17) Notwithstanding these regulations, the owner of a dwelling may install an on-site sewage disposal system for the dwelling unit provided that: 

(c) not more than one on-site sewage disposal system will be installed by the dwelling owner in a calendar year.  (EC429/07)

Permit

4. (1) No contractor or dwelling owner shall commence the construction, reconstruction, installation or modification of a sewage disposal system, or cause the same to be done, unless

(c) the person installing the system has a copy of the permit in his or her possession on site.

Multiple installations

(2) No person shall be granted a sewage disposal permit to install more than one on-site sewage disposal system per calendar year unless that person holds a valid contractor's licence.

Construction and installation

(3) No contractor, registered installer or dwelling owner shall install, construct, reconstruct or modify a sewage disposal system unless it is designed, located, installed, constructed, reconstructed or modified in accordance with the standards and requirements prescribed in these regulations. (EC427-03)

Construction prohibited

(4) The Minister may prohibit the construction, reconstruction, installation or modification of a sewage disposal system when, in the Minister's opinion, weather conditions or ground conditions are unsuitable.

Covering system

(5) No contractor, registered installer or dwelling owner shall cover a sewage disposal system, or cause the same to be done, without having first served notice to, and received instructions from, the authority having jurisdiction.

Deviation

(6) Upon receipt of a permit for a sewage disposal system, no contractor, registered installer or dwelling owner shall deviate from the conditions of the permit without prior approval of the authority having jurisdiction.

Permit duration

(7) A sewage disposal system permit issued pursuant to subsection (1), shall be valid for a period of twenty four months from the date of issue.

FEES

Fees

5. (1) The fees payable for an application are as follows:

Extra inspections

(2) An inspection fee of $50.00 per inspection shall be payable where extra inspections are required;

(b) for additional requested inspections.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE

Certificate of compliance

6. Within 60 days of construction, reconstruction or installation of a sewage disposal system, the licensed contractor shall furnish a certificate of compliance to the owner and the authority having jurisdiction. (EC427-03)

ORDER TO UNCOVER SYSTEM

Power to order system

7. Where the authority having jurisdiction finds that a sewage disposal system has been constructed, reconstructed, installed or modified and covered without permission, the authority having jurisdiction may order the owner of the system or the licensed contractor to uncover all or part of the system for inspection.

LOCATION -- RESTRICTIONS

Beach setback

8. (1) No contractor, registered installer or dwelling owner shall install or construct a sewage disposal system, or cause the same to be done on a lot or existing parcel of land closer to the beach than (EC427-03)

(b) 23 m (75 ft), 

whichever is greater, measured from the top of the bank to the nearest portion of the system.

Application

(2) This section does not apply to approved lots or existing parcels of land as defined in the Planning Act Regulations (EC693/00).

Septic tank location

9. (1) A septic tank shall be located not less than 

(c) 4.6 m (15 ft) from a foundation wall.

Sewer line

(2) A sewer line shall

(c) be located a minimum of 3.0 m (10ft) from any well;

Elevation

(3) The elevation of a septic tank shall be such as to afford a minimum slope of two percent in the sewer line from the building to the tank.  (EC427-03)

Construction

(4) A septic tank shall be watertight and constructed of concrete, polyethylene or other material not subject to corrosion or decay and which is approved by the authority having jurisdiction, but concrete used in the construction shall not be in block form and steel septic tanks shall not be permitted.

Risers

(5) A single-compartment septic tank shall have a riser section that

Standard for prefabricated concrete septic tanks

(6) Every prefabricated concrete septic tank shall be designed and constructed in conformity with the latest CSA Standard for prefabricated septic tanks.

Standard for polyethylene and fibreglass tanks

(7) Every polyethylene and every fibreglass septic tank shall be certified as being in accordance with the latest CSA Standard for prefabricated septic tanks.

Cast-in-place concrete septic tanks

(8) Every cast-in-place concrete septic tank shall conform to the following standards:

(i) travel distance of sewage between the inlet and outlet within a septic tank shall be not less than 120 cm (48 in), measured horizontally.

Compartments

(9) A septic tank having a capacity of greater than 4090 litres (900 imperial gallons) shall have two compartments.; the capacity of the first compartment shall be equal to two-thirds of the total septic tank capacity a minimum opening of 20 cm by 20 cm (8 in by 8 in) shall be left in the partition in the septic tank and such opening shall be half-way in the liquid depth.

Septic tank, minimum capacity

(10) The minimum septic tank capacity for a dwelling unit shall be as set out in Table A of Appendix A. (EC427-03)

Idem, other that those listed in Table

(11) Septic tanks for establishments other than those listed in Table A of Appendix A shall have a minimum septic tank capacity determined by the following formula: (EC427-03)

(b) for an estimated (or determined) sewage flow of greater than 6800 litres/day (1500 Igal/day ), the capacity of the septic tank shall be determined as follows:

where Q is the daily sewage flow;

Tank capacity

(12) In no case shall the septic tank capacity be less than 2725 litres (600 imperial gallons). (EC427-03)

Minimum sewage flow

SEWAGE PUMPING STATIONS AND SIPHON CHAMBERS

Pumping station or siphon chamber required

10. (1) A sewage pumping station or siphon chamber is required where

(c) the disposal field is to be at an elevation higher than the elevation of the septic tank.

Location

(2) A sewage pumping station or siphon chamber shall be located not less than 

(c) 4.6 m (15 ft) from a foundation wall.

Gravity sewer line

(3) The sewer line from the septic tank to the sewage pumping station or siphon chamber 

(b) shall be located a minimum of 3.0 m (10 ft) from any well. (EC427-03)

Pressure sewer line

(4) The pressure sewer line from the sewage pumping station or siphon chamber to the disposal field 

(b) shall be located a minimum of 3.0 m (10 ft) from any well. (EC427-03)

Pumping station construction

(5) A sewage pumping station 

(d) shall have a secured, water-tight, above-ground access with a minimum inside dimension of 50 cm (20 in); and (EC427/03)

Pumps

(6) All pumps used in sewage pumping stations shall

(d) be piped so that they can be removed for servicing without having to completely dewater the pumping station or without requiring service personnel to enter the lift station. (EC427/03)

Pumping station controls

(7) Each sewage pumping station shall be provided with control 

(d) to provide a pump failure alarm (audiovisual), in a multiple pump system, when a pump motor fails to start on demand.

Siphon chamber construction

(8) A siphon chamber

(e) shall have a secured, water-tight, above-ground access with a minimum inside dimension of 50 cm (20 in).

DISPOSAL FIELDS

Disposal fields

11. (1) A disposal field shall not be located

(k) less than 15.2 m (50 ft) from a natural boundary of a body of water;

Installation of disposal field

(2) A disposal field shall be installed

Septic tank required

(3) A disposal field shall not be installed unless a septic tank had first been constructed in accordance with section 9.

Location

(4) Whenever possible, a sewage disposal system shall be located downgrade of the nearest well. (EC427-03)

Standard disposal field

12. (1) Unless otherwise approved by the authority having jurisdiction, a standard disposal field shall be rectangular, with an even number of parallel lines of drainage pipe and shall have a top and bottom header (see Appendix A, Figures A.1 and A.2) and the pipe connecting the disposal field with the septic tank shall connect at the centre of the top header with an equal number of lines on each side of the connection.

Pipe

(2) The pipe from the septic tank to the top header shall be nonperforated, rigid, smooth bore, certified sewer pipe with sealed joints.

Top header

(3) The top header of a standard disposal field shall be level and constructed of non-perforated, rigid, smooth bore, certified sewer pipe and fittings, with sealed joints.

Bottom header

(4) The bottom header of a standard disposal field shall be level and constructed of drainage pipe, or non-perforated, certified sewer pipe and fittings.

Installation

(5) When the bottom header of a disposal field is constructed of drainage pipe, its installation shall conform with the drainage pipe construction and installation requirements of subsection 11(1), (6) and (9).

Drainage pipe

(6) As shown in Appendix A, Figure A.1.1, drainage pipe in a multiple trench disposal field shall be 

(e) completely covered with gravel and the full width of the gravel shall be covered with barrier material. (EC427/03)

Barrier material

(7) Barrier material shall be a light weight (50 g/m² or more) non- woven (i.e. felted, needle punched or heat bonded fibre) fabric or proprietary geotextile with a permeability greater than 0.001 m/s (0.04 in/sec) and an opening size of less than 700 ųm (0.028 in).

Multiple disposal fields

(8) Where the total length of drainage pipe exceeds 150 m (500 ft), there shall be constructed two or more separate disposal fields connected to the septic tank by using 

(b) a siphon chamber.

Trenches

(9) Unless otherwise approved by the authority having jurisdiction, the bottom of standard disposal field trenches shall be

(b) not less than 45 cm (18 in) in width.

Disposal field minimum drainage pipe length

(10) The minimum total length of drainage pipe for single and multiple family dwellings on Category I or Category II lots is given in Appendix A, Table A.1 and the minimum total length of drainage pipe for establishments identified in Appendix B, or others not listed, shall be calculated using the estimated (or measured) daily sewage flow and the on-site sewage disposal system design formula in Appendix D. (EC427-03)

Cottage sewage disposal system

(11) A cottage sewage disposal system shall have a minimum septic tank capacity of 2725 litres (600 imperial gallons) and a minimum drainage pipe length equal to 75% of the minimum drainage pipe length listed for a two bedroom single family dwelling (see Appendix A, Table A.1).

Alternative multiple trench disposal field

13. (1) The alternative multiple trench disposal field shall conform with all requirements of sections 11 and 12 and shall have lines spaced at a minimum of 4 m (13 ft) apart and be oriented so as to have the greatest dimension across the slope (see Appendix A, Figure A.2).

Pipe

(2) The pipe from the septic tank to the top header shall be non-perforated, rigid, smooth bore, certified sewer pipe with sealed joints.

Alternative multiple field lines

(3) Where the lines of drainage pipe in an alternative multiple trench disposal field are laid to have the effluent in the drainage pipe flow in the direction of the natural slope of the land, the disposal field must have a bottom header constructed of drainage pipe. The installation of the header shall conform with the drainage pipe construction and installation requirements of subsections 11 (1), 12(6) and (9).

Bottom header

(4) When the bottom header in an alternative multiple trench disposal field is installed in accordance with subsection (3), the pipe shall be laid in a trench that follows as nearly as possible along a natural elevation contour line of the site, with the bottom of the trench, the gravel bed and the drainage pipe laid truly level.

Disposal field, minimum drainage pipe length

(5) For single and multiple family dwellings the minimum total length drainage pipe in an alternative multiple trench disposal field is given in Appendix A, Table A.1, and the minimum total length of drainage pipe for establishments identified in Appendix B, or others not listed, shall be calculated using the estimated (or measured) daily sewage flow and the on-site sewage disposal system design formula in Appendix D.

Leaching chamber disposal field

14. (1) A leaching chamber disposal field may be used for those applications and locations where soil and other site conditions are suitable for a standard disposal field.

Pipe

(2) The pipe from the septic tank to the top header shall be non-perforated, rigid, smooth bore, certified sewer pipe with sealed joints.

Location

(3) Unless otherwise stated, installation of a leaching chamber disposal  field shall conform with all requirements of Section 11.

Material

(4) The leaching chamber shall be constructed from suitable materials  that are impervious to septic tank effluent and to soil chemicals and it shall not be subject to corrosion, and shall be structurally capable of supporting the loads to which it will be subjected.

Design and manufacture

(5) Leaching chambers shall be designed and manufactured such that,  when installed, they fit tightly and securely together so as to prevent  backfill soil migration into the chamber void space and end plates must be included in the design and installation.

Configuration

(6) Leaching chamber systems may be installed in a multiple-trench or in a serial distribution configuration (see Appendix A, Figure A.4 and Figure A.4.2)

Multiple trench

(7) When leaching chambers are installed in a multiple-trench configuration, the following shall apply (see Appendix A, Figure A.4): 

(g) for pressure distribution systems, perforated, CSA-approved, PVC pipe, extending the length of the chambers, is required.

Multiple disposal fields

(8) Where the total length of leaching chambers in a multiple-trench configuration exceeds 150 m (500 ft), there shall be constructed two or more separate disposal fields connected to the septic tank by using 

(b) a siphon chamber.

Serial distribution

(9) When leaching chambers are installed in a serial distribution configuration 

(b) the maximum number of lines that shall be connected for gravity distribution is five, with the maximum length of any one line being 30 m (100 ft); and (EC427-03)

Approval

(10) Every leaching chamber manufacturer must receive product approval from the authority having jurisdiction prior to use of its chambers on Prince Edward Island.

Evidence of compliance

(11) Before approving any leaching chamber, the authority having jurisdiction may require that the manufacturer provide such evidence as it considers necessary to establish compliance with subsections 14(4) and (5).

Leaching chamber sizing

(12) The sizing of 0.9 m (3 ft) wide leaching chamber systems for single and multiple family dwellings shall be as set out in Appendix A, Table A.1 and leaching chamber systems for establishments identified in Appendix B, or others not listed, shall be sized using the estimated (or measured) daily sewage flow and the on-site sewage disposal system design formula in Appendix D.

Contour trench disposal field

15. (1) A contour trench disposal field may be installed on a lot with a slope of 5% to 30%, and its installation shall conform with all the requirements of section 11.

Design

(2) A contour trench disposal field shall be designed as shown in Appendix A, Figures A.3 and A.3.1.

Disposal field, minimum drainage pipe length

(3) For single and multiple family dwellings the minimum total length drainage pipe in a contour trench disposal field is given in Appendix A, Table A.1. The minimum total length of drainage pipe for establishments identified in Appendix B, or others not listed, shall be calculated using the estimated (or measured) daily sewage flow and the on-site sewage disposal system design formula in Appendix D.

Pipe

(4) The pipe from the septic tank to the contour trench disposal field shall be non-perforated, rigid, smooth bore, certified sewer pipe with sealed joints.

Drainage pipe location

(5) The drainage pipe in a contour trench disposal field shall be situated towards the up-slope side of the bed and, where the bed is curved to follow the contour, the pipe shall be laid to a line that reduces the curvature of the pipe.

Gravity fed

(6) A contour trench disposal field shall be operated as follows:

Construction

(7) A contour trench disposal field shall be constructed to the following minimum standards (see Appendix A, figures A.3.1 through A.3.3): (EC427-03)

(i) the barrier material shall be covered with between 0.3 m (12 in) and 0.4 m (15 in) of soil, as measured directly over the distribution pipe. (EC427-03)

SEWAGE HOLDING TANKS

Sewage holding tank

16. (1) No licensed contractor shall install or construct a sewage holding tank on an existing parcel, or cause it to be installed or constructed on such a parcel, without the approval of the authority having jurisdiction.

Construction

(2) A sewage holding tank shall be designed, constructed and installed in accordance with section 9.

Requirements for dwelling unit

(3) Notwithstanding subsection (2), a sewage holding tank installed or constructed for a dwelling unit shall

(d) have a watertight pump out connection which does not allow the unauthorized discharge of sewage.(EC427-03)

SITE SUITABILITY ASSESSMENTS

Site suitability assessment

17. (1) The authority having jurisdiction may require that the owner of a lot, for which an application for a sewage disposal permit has been submitted, have a site suitability assessment completed on said property. (EC427-03)

Variances

18. Notwithstanding the provisions of these regulations affecting the design and location of a sewage disposal system, the Minister may vary those provisions where, because of existing lot size or other reasons, compliance is impossible, except that the variance with respect to setback from a well shall not be reduced by more than 10 percent of the required distance. (EC427-03)

Maintenance

19. The owner of a sewage disposal system shall ensure that the system is maintained in accordance with the procedures outlined in Appendix C. (EC427-03)

Increase of requirements

20. Where, in the opinion of the Minister, the requirements of these regulations are inadequate, the Minister may increase the minimum requirements.

Exception permit

21. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these regulations, the authority having jurisdiction may, on application by a licensed contractor, issue an exemption permit to the licensed contractor authorizing the licensed contractor to construct, reconstruct, or install a sewage disposal system not authorized herein if the authority having jurisdiction is satisfied that the system to be constructed, reconstructed or installed is satisfactory for the treatment and disposal of the sewage it is to receive. (EC429/07)

Sewage disposal system cleaning

22. (1) No person shall engage in the cleaning of sewage disposal system or a wastewater treatment system, or in the land spreading of sludge, unless the person

Pumper's licence

(2) The Minister shall, on an application for the issuance or renewal of a pumper's licence referred to in subsection (1), issue or renew the licence if the application

Conditions for disposal

(3) The ultimate disposal of sludge from sewage disposal systems or wastewater treatment systems shall be done in accordance with the following conditions; (EC427/03)

(c) sludge shall not be placed or spread upon any ground except in accordance with the following criteria: (EC427/03)

(v) in respect of distance from any watercourse 

(D) at least 213 m (700 ft) where the land slope exceeds 10 per cent.

Alternative disposal method

Duration of license

(5) All licences granted under this section shall be valid for a period of  not more than twenty-four months from the date of issuance. (EC551/09)

Renewal

Revoked by EC427/03.

Disposal at waste treatment system

23. No person shall dispose of unstabilized sewage at any place other than a waste treatment system. (EC427/03)

Offences

Revocation

Commencement

APPENDIX A

TABLE A.1

Minimum Drainage Pipe Length

APPENDIX B

(for establishments listed)

APPENDIX C

SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Proper routine maintenance is a key to long term satisfactory operation of an on-site sewage disposal system. This is the responsibility of the owner. In order to get the optimum performance out of a septic system, the following should be noted: 

(h) Divert roof drains and surface drainage away from the area of the disposal field.

(for systems other than those listed in Table A)

(1) Calculate the wastewater flow (Q) 

(2) Calculate septic tank volume based on clause 9(8)(b) of these regulations. 

(3) Calculate the length of the disposal system according to the following: 

(a) Choose the soil loading rate (SLR).

- 36 (m²/1000 litres/day) for a contour trench disposal field 

(b) Choose the contact area / linear metre of trench (CA) 

- a 1.8 m wide trench is 2.0 (m ²/m) 

(c) Calculate the required drainage pipe length using the following formula:

Flow (Q) is the design flow referenced from Appendix B or as determined by actual measured readings.

Soil loading rate (SLR) is the disposal area required for each one thousand litres per day of wastewater generated and is expressed as square metres per 1000 litres per day (m²/1000 litres/day).

Contact area (CA) is the minimum square metres per linear metre of gravel / soil interface on the bottom of the trenches in the disposal field. The contact area is expressed as square metres per linear metre (m²/m).

Design Example - Metric

(1) From Appendix B, flow (Q)=450 litres/unit/day 
Therefore, Q = 5 units x 450 litres/unit/day = 2250 litres/day

(2) From clause 9(8)(b) of these regulations, the septic tank capacity = 1.5 x 2250 litres/day = 3375 litres

(3) (a) For 'Category I' conditions choose a soil loading rate (SLR) of 

- 31 (m²/1000 litres/day) for the contour trench disposal field

(b) Choose a contact area/linear metre of trench (CA) as follows:

(iii) For a 0.9 metre contour trench disposal field the CA is 1.1 (m²/m)

Drainage pipe length

ON -SITE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM DESIGN (Imperial)

(for systems other than those listed in Table A)

(1) Calculate the wastewater flow (Q)

(2) Calculate septic tank volume based on clause 9(8)(b) of the Sewage Disposal Regulations

(3) Calculate the length of the disposal system according to the following:

 (a) Choose the soil loading rate (SLR).

- 1.75 (ft²/Igal/day) for a contour trench disposal field

(b) Choose the contact area / linear foot of trench (CA)

- a 6-foot wide trench is 6.5 (ft²/ft)

(c) Calculate the required drainage pipe length using the following formula

Where,
Flow (Q) is the design flow referenced from Appendix B or as determined by actual measured readings.

Soil loading rate (SLR) is the disposal area required for each imperial gallon per day of wastewater generated and is expressed as square feet/imperial gallon/day (ft²/Igal/day).

Contact area (CA) is the minimum square feet per linear foot of gravel / soil interface on the bottom of the trenches in the disposal field. The contact area is expressed as square feet per linear foot (ft²/ft).

Design Example - Imperial

Design a sewage disposal system for a 5-unit motel. Each unit contains one bedroom and a kitchen. Calculate the length of drainage pipe required for the sewage disposal system for (i) a multiple trench disposal field, (ii) a 3 foot contour trench disposal field, and (iii) a leaching chamber disposal field. The motel is located on a 'Category I' lot.

(1) From Appendix B, Flow (Q) = 100 Igal/unit/day
Therefore, Q = 5 units x 100 Igal/unit/day = 500 Igal/day

(2) From clause 9(8)(b) of these regulations, the septic tank capacity = 1.5 x 500 Igal/day = 750 Igal

(3)(a) For 'Category I' conditions choose a soil loading rate (SLR) of

- 1.5 (ft²/Igal/day) for the contour trench

(b) Choose a contact area/linear foot of trench(CA) as follows:

(iii) For a 3-foot contour trench disposal field the CA is 3.5 (ft²/ft)

Drainage pipe length 

APPENDIX E

APPENDIX F

(1) Charlottetown - Water and Sewer Utility wastewater treatment facility

(2) Summerside - Water and Sewer Utility wastewater treatment facility

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