Canada moves to stop direct release of sewage

Draft proposed regulations governing municipal wastewater systems effluent is now available for public consultation.

Over time, Canada’s 4,000 wastewater facilities across the country will have to meet the national standards and direct releases of raw sewage into waterways will no longer be allowed.

Canada’s Environment Minister, Jim Prentice, made the announcement on February 9 in Brockville, Ontario. “Today we are taking action to protect our environment for future generations,” Prentice said. “It is not acceptable that we continue discharging untreated waste into our waterways.”

When they are finalized, the regulations will be a key component in implementing the Canada-wide Strategy for the Management of Municipal Wastewater. The strategy was endorsed by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) in 2009.

To access the draft of the proposed regulations, call Environment Canada at 1-800-668-6767, or e-mail enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca