The SBS™ Does Not Require a C of A

The Clearford Small Bore Sewer™ (SBS™) system does not require a Certificate of Approval (C of A) from the Ministry of the Environment when servicing a condominium property and discharging into an existing  municipal sewer. Without the C of A, you eliminate any future operational burden assigned to the municipality, while benefiting from a rapid implementation and approval process. Furthermore, the SBS™ requires up to 50% less capital to acquire, and is environmentally superior, compared to a historic gravity sewer system.
  
Operational data, as verified by the Ministry of the Environment, shows that through the primary treatment of sewage, and the sealed pipe construction of the SBS™, that less than 50% of the typical hydraulic volume that would be delivered by a historic gravity sewer is going to the treatment plant, which means that 2x the development is possible using the same sewage treatment plant capacity. The solids, which would normally be sent directly to the treatment plant, are retained in a concrete clarifier/digester, which by design, enables the pre-treatment/primary treatment of the solids through a natural biodegrading process. Removal of the solids occurs once every seven to ten years, and at that time, only half of the original volume exists for removal, due to the biodegradation; these solids are exclusively the responsibility of the condominium corporation. Effectively, servicing your development with our system enables the municipality to double their development charges that are available for the same sewer treatment plant capacity and utilization. As the developer, you can expect to be able to build twice the number of units on your fixed allocation of property: it is truly a win-win for yourself, as well as the municipality.

The right to determine the services provided on a condominium property, within choices that are approved or approvable under Ontario Laws, rests with the condominium developer. By way of section 53 (6)(b) of the Ontario Water Resources Act, no C of A is required. The SBS™ system provides solids separation and partial treatment on the condominium property, and discharges only liquids to the municipal sewage collection and treatment system, so the only decision for the municipality with respect to the condominium’s sewage system, is to accept the liquid waste that will be discharged from this system into the municipal sewer.

To understand both the legal and regulatory approvals that are required for servicing options for a condominium development, please review the attached document, which is available on the Ministry of Environment web site; this promotional document “Green Facts” and further legal review makes it very clear that the SBS™ system does not require a Certificate of Approval for installation. Section 53 (6)(b) establishes the exemption from requiring a C of A as follows:

..."to a privately-owned sewage works designed for the partial treatment of sewage that is to drain or be discharged to a sanitary sewer;"...

This is of significant relevance to all municipalities in Ontario, as the absence of the requirement of a C of A thereby eliminates residual liability for the municipality in the very unlikely event of failure of the condominium. This position is far superior for the municipality versus a historic wastewater collection system, for which they do require a C of A, and thus, the potential of a residual liability exists for the municipality in these circumstances.

There is a growing demand for environmental responsibility within the developer industry, and The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s policy statement directs municipalities to the same end with the SBS™ system:

"1.6.4 Sewage and Water

1.6.4.1 Planning for sewage and water services shall:

1. direct and accommodate expected growth in a manner that promotes the efficient use of existing:
   1. municipal sewage services and municipal water services; and
   2. private communal sewage services and private communal water services, where municipal sewage services and municipal water services are not available;
2. ensure that these systems are provided in a manner that:
   1. can be sustained by the water resources upon which such services rely;
   2. is financially viable and complies with all regulatory requirements; and
   3. protects human health and the natural environment;
3. promote water conservation and water use efficiency;"

The policy directive is such that when an approved or approvable solution is available that will extend the operation life or capacity of wastewater treatment plants, these methods are to be given priority. Connecting to the municipal sewer system to deliver only wastewater without the potential of liability or responsibility for the municipality is clearly an example of the priority stated.

On the flip side of the coin, while there are many factors that contribute to the purchase of a condominium, (location, price, amenities, etc.) buyers consider it a premium to be part of a development with identified green features. Using the SBS™ you will be able to supply the market with condominium units that are environmentally superior and operationally less demanding than all other currently approvable solutions. The Clearford SBS™ delivers a superior economic and environmental outcome for your condominium developments, as well as the associated municipalities, without requiring a Certificate of Approval.