Acceptable Hauled Sewage Types
Sewage from non-residential domestic and non-domestic sources will only be accepted from approved sewage generators. Haulers are cautioned to ensure that they have the appropriate approvals in place before accepting loads for disposal.
Haulers may also email Environmental Enforcement or the wastewater treatment plant clerk to verify that a hauled sewage source is approved.
Domestic sewage
Residential
Sewage from domestic residential activities doesn't need approval. These include:
- Wastes from toilets
- Grey water (such as laundry, dish washing, showers
- On-board holding tanks (such as recreational vehicles, tour buses, ships, boats)
- Most campgrounds
Non-residential
Sewage from non-residential properties (such as a septic tank at a contractor's yard) requires a completed generator application form submitted with the hauled sewage record or submitted to the Environmental Enforcement Section. This only needs to be submitted once.
Non-domestic sewage
Sewage haulers are not permitted to discharge any non-domestic sewage unless an generator application form has been received specifically for that type of sewage.
Don't receive non-approved sewage for disposal until the sewage type and sewage generator have been approved by the Region. Disposal of unapproved non-domestic sewage is a violation of the Sewer-use By-law.
Winery wastes
Certain Niagara Region facilities can accept winery wastewater at specific disposal locations within the facility.
Light winery waste
Liquid waste from a winery which is less than 0.5 per cent solids (such as wash water) may be discharged at the regular hauled sewage or headworks disposal location. Check with plant operations staff before disposal.
Heavy winery waste
Heavy wine waste is liquid waste from a winery which is greater than 0.5 but less than three percent solids. Check with the plant operations staff about where to dispose of this material. Wastewater containing greater than three per cent solids is not suitable for disposal.
Look for locations that accept this waste.
Sewage not accepted
The following sewage may not be discharged at a Regional wastewater treatment plant:
- Sewage from generators outside the boundaries of Niagara region
- Unapproved non-domestic wastes
- Waste from catch basins, floor troughs, oil / water separators, DAF units, etc.
- Wastes from the cleaning of sand filters, or grit traps at vehicle maintenance facilities or washing facilities (car or truck washes)
- Wastes from directional boring fluids
- Hazardous or toxic wastes
- Any waste with excessive solids that may cause problems at the treatment facility
- Wastes prohibited under the Niagara Region Sewer-Use By-law
- Manifested waste unless prior approval has been granted
- Any waste that is significantly different than what was approved
If there is any doubt about acceptable sewage types, email Environmental Enforcement.
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
