Rather than constructing on-site sewage treatment and disposal facilities at temporary camps, some companies are choosing to haul sewage off-site for final disposal at an authorized sewage facility.

This document is intended as a guide for design and operation of temporary sewage holding facilities at remote camps of ³ 100 persons, and does not apply to on-site sewage treatment/disposal systems. Authorization under the Environmental Management Act is required to treat and dispose of sewage from camps of this size.

For smaller camps (< 100 persons), the local health authority (i.e. Peace Liard Health) should be contacted for information pertaining to sewage storage facilities.

This document does not replace the Waste Management Act or its regulations, and if there are differences or omissions in this document, the Act and regulations apply.

Prior to commencing operation, camps which intend to install temporary sewage storage facilities must have a plan in place for ultimate disposal of stored sewage. Discharge from these systems to the environment (land or water) is strictly prohibited.

Storage of sewage shall be provided by either:

a. an impervious tank, OR
b. a lined in-ground sump

Minimum setback requirements (in metres):

Additional requirements for sumps:

1. sumps must be lined (with clay or poly liners) to prevent seepage of sewage into the ground; in non-permeable soils, a natural clay liner may be acceptable;
2. the bottom of the sump must not be within 1 metre of the seasonally high groundwater table;
3. sumps must be of sufficient size to prevent overflow into the environment; a minimum level of 1.0 metre freeboard shall be maintained in the sump to prevent overflow to the receiving environment (freeboard is defined as the difference in elevation between the contained liquid level and the top of the berm structure at its lowest point);
4. sumps must be fenced to prevent accidental trespass and warning signs posted (e.g. "Domestic Sewage, Keep Out");
5. surface runoff shall be prevented from entering the sump; and
6. upon completion of activities at this site, the sump shall be reclaimed (i.e. liquids shall be hauled to an authorized site for disposal and the sump back-filled). Liquids from the sump shall not be pumped off or allowed to overflow from the sump.

Notification and record-keeping:

1. prior to commencing operation of the camp, the Environmental Protection office shall be notified in writing regarding plans for sewage handling at the site, including where sewage will be hauled for final disposal (complete & submit "Temporary Storage of Domestic Sewage at Remote Camps of > 100 Persons - Notification Information" form); and
2. during camp operation, records of sewage hauling dates and volumes hauled shall be maintained on-site for inspection by ministry staff.