DNE (558)
Renovations to existing dwellings or adding an additional residential unit (ARU) may reduce the performance level of the sewage system in the following situations:
- the number of bedrooms in the dwelling are increased
- the proposed construction exceeds 15 percent of the gross area of the dwelling unit
- new plumbing fixtures are added to the dwelling, or
- if the addition or ARU, expansion, alteration or change proposed encroaches upon the sewage system or any of its components, or area required for future replacement
If any of the above applies and the results show that the daily design sewage flow of the dwelling exceeds the capacity of the sewage system components, then the system must be upgraded to accommodate the increased flow rate.
Other structures, including garages (attached or detached), swimming pools or buildings that may reduce the performance level due to their proximity to the sewage system, are also included in the requirements for an application if they are within a 15 metre distance.
Applicants who propose the foregoing must apply for a Sewage System Maintenance Inspection to the Township for approval prior to applying for the municipal building permit. The fee is found here.
The Township assumed responsibility for septic inspections on October 1, 2022. Before that date Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit was responsible for septic inspections.
To request a file search related to a private sewage disposal system Installed after 1973 please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
In your inquiry, please include the property owner’s name, property address, and the approximate date of the installation.
Please note that we are not always able to provide you with records.
| Septic Applications | Permit Fee |
|---|---|
| Sewage System Permit - For private sewage systems with flows up to 10,000 litres/day1 | $775.00 |
| Tertiary Sewage System Permit - Require Maintenance Agreement (for annual inspection)2 | $850.00 |
| Permit Renewal/Revision with no inspection | $65.00 |
| Permit Renewal/Revision with site inspection | $220.00 |
| Third Party Certificates | $65.00 |
| Maintenance Inspections - including septic tank replacement only, alterations, Class 2 & 3 sewage systems | $385.00 |
| Site Inspections - minor variances/zoning by-laws/building renovations/septic re-inspections | $220.00 |
| Severance Applications First lot Subsequent lots |
$443.00 $180.00 |
| Subdivision Plan Review Non Communal Sewage Systems |
$215.00 per lot up to a maximum fee of $5,000.00 plus 13% HST |
| File Searches | $125.00 |
1 - The Ministry of the Environment will be responsible for sewage works where the design capacity is in excess of 10,000 litres/day under the Ontario Water Resources Act.
2 - Tertiary Treatment Systems (Level 4 Treatment) are Ecoflo, Eljen, Waterloo Biofilter, ATL, EnviroSeptic, Norweco, and Biomicrobics and require Maintenance Agreements upon installation completion.
Payment Options
- Cash
- Cheque
- Debit
- E-transfer payments can be arranged by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
DO NOT SEND THE EFT TO THIS EMAIL
What Steps Can I Take to Ensure My Septic System Functions Properly?
A sewage system which has been properly installed, should, with proper care and maintenance provide many years of service. There are, however, some things which individuals need to be aware of which will help the system function properly.
- Avoid putting the following into a septic system:
- Fats, oils and grease
- Gasoline, antifreeze
- Varnishes, paints and solvents
- Caustic drain and harsh cleaners
- Photographic solutions, bleach, pesticides
- Nail polish remover
- Cat box litter
- Tampons, sanitary napkins, diapers, paper towels, condoms
- Plastics
- Coffee grounds, eggshells and other kitchen waste
- Direct roof drains, sump water and surface water away from the sewage system.
- Discharge water from softeners and iron filters should not be directed into the sewage system unless the system has been designed to accept such discharges.
- Water usage in the home should be kept to a minimum. Excessive use, such as doing numerous loads of laundry in one day, could flush solids from the treatment unit (septic tank) into the leaching bed.
- There should be no need to use “starters”, “bacterial feeds” or “cleaners”.
- The treatment unit should be inspected at regular intervals and pumped out whenever sludge and scum occupy 1/3 of the working capacity of the tank. Because they contain deadly gases, septic tanks should only be inspected by firms specializing in this work.
- Vehicular traffic (including snowmobiles) should not be allowed over the leaching bed.
- The area over a leaching bed should have a good cover of grass allowing for adequate sunlight and ventilation to be maintained. Avoid planting shrubs and trees over this area.
How Can I Recognize If My Septic System is Having Problems?
This diagram depicts sanitary sewage effluent that is being picked up in the perimeter weeping tile surrounding the house and is being drained into the internal sump pit in the building. This may indicate a break in the pipe between the building and the tank, which would cause the sanitary sewage to leak into the foundation backfill and into the weeping tile.
A cause of sanitary sewage backup into a building is blockage of the pipes in the sanitary sewage system. If the sewage is backing up into the building the septic tank must be opened and examined. If the liquid level in the tank is below the level of the inlet pipe, then there is a blockage between the building and the inlet of the tank. A plumbing contractor can remove this type of blockage using a plumbing snake.
If the level of sanitary sewage in the tank is above the inlet pipe, the blockage is on the outlet side of the tank and may be in the tile bed. A high level of sewage within the tank could also indicate that the entire leaching bed is saturated and that the ground can no longer absorb the liquid.
The saturation of a leaching bed is one of the most serious causes of malfunction of a septic system. Saturation occurs when the receiving soil surrounding the leaching bed cannot accept any more effluent. Blockage is usually caused by clogging of the soil by the Biomat which is created under the tile trench.
Types of Septic Permits and How to Apply
The Different Classifications of Sewage Systems & Required Clearances
Septic Services
Septic/Building Services Contact Information
Peter Echlin, CBO
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Phone: 613-267-6500 ext. 240
Rick Patterson, Building Inspector
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Phone: 613-267-6500 ext. 213
Kyra Dobbie, Development Services Clerk
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Phone: 613-267-6500 ext. 232
Cow Island Day Camp – Register Today!
Safety During Spring Clean-Up - South East Health Unit
Safety During Spring Clean-Up - South East Health Unit
Additional Info
- Tender/RFQ Code Road Landfill Monitoring and Annual Report
- Department Public Works
- Contact Clint Bron
- Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Due Date Wednesday, 07 May 2025
- Time 11:00am
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Additional Info
- Tender/RFQ PW-2025-003
- Department Public Works
- Contact Laura Code
- Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Due Date Tuesday, 06 May 2025
- Time 11:00am