Authorization of Existing Unauthorized Municipal Sewage Discharges Policy

Authorization of Existing Unauthorized Municipal Sewage Discharges Policy

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Name of policy: Authorization of Existing Unauthorized Municipal Sewage Discharges Policy

Staff affected:

Ministry of Environment Headquarters Division
Ministry of Environment Regions Divisions

Authority: Waste Management Act

Relationship to Previous Policy or Procedure:

This policy is new.

Cross-reference to the Guidelines and Standards Policy and Procedure.

Policy Statement:

The goal of this policy is to ensure that ultimately all municipal sewage discharges under the jurisdiction of the ministry are authorized in accordance with the Waste Management Act.

This policy establishes an approach to address the authorization of municipal sewage discharges that existed prior to July 15, 1999 but were not authorized under the Waste Management Act. It combines the principles and values espoused by the ministry to provide a consistent approach to authorizing existing unauthorized discharges that balances environmental, economic, health and social considerations. By applying this approach, the ministry will be able to ensure such fundamental concepts as polluter pay and pollution prevention are addressed in a reasonable timeframe, particularly with respect to authorizing existing unauthorized municipal sewage discharges.

Issued by: Director, Environmental Management Branch

Deputy
Minister approval:

original signed by Derek Thompson

Date:

July 17, 2000

A. Definitions:

existing unauthorized municipal sewage discharges means municipal sewage discharges within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Environment which existed prior to July 15, 1999 and did not have a valid authorization under the Waste Management Act.

B. Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to establish a framework for authorizing existing unauthorized municipal sewage discharges consistent with the Guidelines and Standards Policy.

C. Principles:

Authorization of existing unauthorized municipal sewage discharges will be undertaken in a manner consistent with the principles of the Guidelines and Standards Policy.