A visual inspection of the sewage system location by an Inspector from the Township is conducted.
Site Inspection:
- The Township Inspector will be visiting your property to carry out a visual inspection only. The Program is effective immediately so an inspection may occur at any time during regular business hours. You may contact the Building Department if you wish to schedule an inspection, however, depending on timing and availability; an Inspector may inspect even if you have not scheduled an appointment.
- The Inspector may require information from you about your last septic tank pump-out or other maintenance inspections if you have a tertiary treatment system.
- During the inspection and where deemed pertinent, the following information will be recorded by the Inspector for Township records:
- with respect to the septic tank and leaching bed, the location of structures, buildings, wells, vegetation and any open water,
- any signs of malfunction or failure of the sewage system, and
- any signs of risk of malfunction or failure of the sewage system.
- If the Inspector observes sewage system malfunction or failure, an Inspector may issue an Order to the property owner outlining the next steps. You may be required to obtain a building permit and carry out remedial work to correct deficiencies or unsafe conditions. All permit fees and installation expenses will be the responsibility of the property owner.
- The Inspector will provide a written report on the results of the inspection, update your property records and mark your records for your sewage system to be re-inspected within 5 years of the passed inspection.
As mentioned above the Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program will operate requiring the inspection of your sewage system to take place on a five year inspection cycle, in conformity with mandatory Provincial legislation. A fee will be assessed for the inspection program and added to the municipal taxes once the inspection has been completed. The costs involved with conducting historical research, site inspections, reports and file management will amount to $150 ($30 per year) per property affected per inspection cycle.
Property owners may opt to engage the services of a private certified inspection service (licenced sewage system contractor) to provide an inspection certificate as to the condition of the sewage system. This is referred to as a "third party certificate". The Township fee if this method is selected is $100 per five year inspection cycle. If you intend to employ a third party inspector please notify the Building Division by to avoid overlap inspections.
Peter Lavrench, CET, CBCO
Chief Building Official