Camp Size

< 100 persons

Typical Treatment / Discharge Processes

• septic tank or package treatment plant

• discharge to absorption field or seepage pit

• septic tank with discharge to absorption fields

• lagoon system or package treatment plant with discharge to exfiltration ponds

• lagoon system or package treatment plant, with controlled discharge to land when ground not frozen*

Legislative Authority

Health Act, Sewage Disposal Regulation

Environmental Management Act, Municipal
Sewage Regulation

Government Contacts

Local Health Authority

• Prince George: 250-565-6088

• Dawson Creek: 250-784-2400

• Fort St. John: 250-787-3355

• Fort Nelson: 250-774-4092

Ministry of Environment

Environmental Protection

(Fort St. John)

250-787-3411

Type of Authorization Required

Permit (to construct)

Registration (under the Municipal
Sewage Regulation)

Approximate Cost of Authorization

$250 (once)

$100 - $200 per year
(depends on camp size and discharge
type/quality)

Discharge Effluent Quality Limits

Total Suspended Solids (mg/L)

N/A

N/A

= 45 (= 60 mg/L for lagoon systems)

= 45 (= 60 mg/L for lagoon systems)

5-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg/L)

N/A

N/A

< 45

< 45

Fecal Coliform Organisms (CFU / 100 mL)

N/A

N/A

N/A

< 200

pH

N/A

N/A

N/A

< 6-9

Minimum Sampling Requirements

None

• flow readings (daily or weekly)

• no sampling required

• flow readings (daily or weekly)

• sampling quarterly to bi-weekly

• flow readings daily

• continuous discharge - sampling daily for TSS, weekly for other

• batch discharges - sampling once prior**

Other Requirements

• percolation tests

• soil profile to 12 feet

• system designed and endorsed by qualified professional

• completion of operating plan by qualified professional

• completion of environmental impact

• operators to be certified

* discharge in winter may be allowed under specific conditions, including endorsement by a qualified professional (via environmental impact study)

** under specific conditions as set by the Regional Environmental Protection office