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Planning and Design

Cleartech Consulting Ltd. specializes in planning and designing on-site sewage treatment and disposal systems for any type of project. In British Columbia, for system flows less than 22710 L/d, these systems are subject to the Health Act – Sewerage System Regulation (SSR) and the companion Sewerage System Standard Practice Manual – Version 3 (SPMV3) and fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health. Larger flow systems in BC are subject to the Environmental Health Act – Municipal Wastewater Regulation (MWR), under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Environment.

Small Flow Systems

Small flow systems can come in various forms, and typically service single family and smaller multi-family developments, mobile home parks, service stations, retail/commercial developments, etc. The following steps are usually completed by Cleartech for any Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3 septic project under the SSR:

1. Site Assessment

The first step in most projects is the site assessment. The site assessment allows our staff to discuss the project with the owner, characterize the site, and complete soil and drainage testing on the property. Soil samples are also collected for laboratory analysis prior to completing the system design.

2. System Design

The next step involves the completion of the actual design or planning for the project. Our staff combine the results of the site assessment and lab testing with the individual aspects of each project to design a suitable Type 1, 2, or 3 system as per the requirements of the SPM. A set of design drawings is produced that is suitable for inclusion in the filing package as well by the installation contractor for construction of the system.

3. Filing with the Health Authority

Once the design and planning is finished, we will submit the system filing package to the local Health Authority for registration. Included in the filing package are the design drawings, a plot plan of the property including details of the proposed septic system, an application form, and other miscellaneous documents as required. Once the septic system has been registered with the Health Authority (usually done within one week of submission) construction of the system may begin. Each filing is valid for two years, and construction must be completed within this time.

4. Construction Review

When construction of the system starts, Cleartech staff attend the site at pre-determined construction milestones to review the installation of the system. These visits allow us to ensure that the system is being constructed in general conformance with our plans and recommendations, or to authorize changes due to unforeseen site conditions.

5. Final Documentation

Once construction of the system is finished, we complete a final documentation package for submission to the Health Authority. The final documentation package includes a system Maintenance Plan, a Construction Record Drawing, and a Letter of Certification. Upon acceptance by the Health Authority, copies of all the documentation are submitted to the owner for their use. It is important to note that system maintenance is the responsibility of the owner, and failure to complete this maintenance can lead to system malfunction and/or failure – and costly repairs to the system.

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SYSTEM TYPES

Large Flow Systems

Large flow systems are utilized for projects where, due to cost or site considerations, individual smaller septic systems are not feasible or desired. In BC, large flow systems under the MWR can allow for discharge to land or water. The following steps are usually completed by Cleartech for any Class A-D septic project under the MWR:

1. Feasibility Study

The first step in most projects of this size is completion of a feasibility study. The feasibility study would include a review of the development plans and any existing site information, a site assessment (as described above), preliminary design calculations, system sizing and concept drawings, and a Pre-Registration Meeting with Ministry staff. The Pre-Registration Meeting is a regulatory requirement that allows us to define the scope of the project and determine the structure of the detailed work to follow.

2. Environmental Impact Study – Field Work

The field work required for the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) usually involves drilling, soil sample collection and analysis, well installation, and groundwater sampling and analysis. A minimum of four wells are typically drilled and installed on each site, and are used to complete a detailed soil and groundwater profile of the site, collect background groundwater samples, and allow for environmental sampling and monitoring after system construction and commissioning.

3. Environmental Impact Study – Report

Upon completion of the field work, the EIS report is prepared for submission as a part of the system registration package. The EIS report usually includes a summary of the field work as described above, and information regarding the proposed development, the influent wastewater characteristics (quality and quantity), required treatment levels, septic field sizes, setbacks, post-discharge monitoring requirements, etc. This report is a regulatory requirement and is submitted to the Ministry for review prior to system construction.

4. Operating Plan

In conjunction with the completion of the EIS, an Operating Plan will also be prepared. The Operating Plan is also a regulatory requirement and includes information such as system type and classification, operation and maintenance requirements, monitoring schedules, safety procedures, etc. As with the EIS, the Operating Plan is submitted to the Ministry for review prior to system construction.

5. Detailed Design

The next step involves the completion of the detailed design of the system. Our staff combine the results of the site assessment and Environmental Impact Study with the individual aspects of each project to design a suitable Class A, B, C or D system as per the requirements of the MWR. A set of design drawings is produced that is suitable for inclusion in the registration package as well by the installation contractor for construction of the system.

6. Construction Review and Commissioning

When construction of the system starts, Cleartech staff attend the site at pre-determined construction milestones to review the installation of the system. These visits allow us to ensure that the system is being constructed in general conformance with our plans and recommendations, or to authorize changes due to unforeseen site conditions. Cleartech will also be present for system commissioning (along with representatives of the technology providers) to assure the system is operating as per the intent of the design.

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