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Document ID ca-on-dwtrl-2024-06-24 Title Drinking water testing requirements for laboratories URL https://www.ontario.ca/page/drinking-water-testing-requirements-laboratories Jurisdiction /ca/on Subdomain(s) none Language Status completed Analyzed at 2026-05-12 04:14:32.791981+00:00 Relevance inventory_targeted_fetch

Q Qualitative Requirements (49)

Req ID Category Intent Legal Status Name Subdomain(s) Context Conditions Confidence
#Q001administrativereportingmandatoryChain of Custody Form Approvaldrinking waterUnder the Drinking Water Testing Services regulation (Ontario Regulation 248/03), the content of the chain of custody form must be approved by the ministry.high
#Q002reportingreportingmandatoryChain of Custody Form Criteriadrinking waterThe ministry requires that the forms meet the following criteria and may assess them at the laboratory during an inspection: 1. They must be traceable as to the origin of the sample. 2. They must contain, at minimum, the following fields: identification of the laboratory, including name, address, telephone number Drinking Water System (DWS) name, number, physical address and contact information identification of the regulation that applies to the sample(s) name and signature of person who collected the sample name and signature of person submitting the samples sample type (raw, treated, distribution, plumbing) sample location name date and time the sample was collected chlorine residual (where applicable) requested parameters (i.e., E. coli, metals) person who received the samples at the laboratory — signature, date, time 1. They must have a unique identifier and version number (example: form 1, version 1).high
#Q003administrativeoperationalmandatoryClient-Generated Chain of Custody Formsdrinking waterIf the laboratory agrees to use a client-generated chain of custody form, it must: 1. Review and pre-approve the chain of custody form as being fit for the laboratory’s use for drinking water samples. 2. Retain documentation of having done so.If the laboratory agrees to use a client-generated chain of custody formhigh
#Q004reportingreportingmandatoryIdentification of Reporting Exemptionsdrinking waterThe laboratory client (for example, DWS owner/operator) must identify and document any applicable reporting exemptions for regulated drinking water samples.high
#Q005reportingreportingrecommendedTreatment of Samples as Reportabledrinking waterLaboratories should treat all samples as reportable unless a clear exemption from reporting as set out in the regulations or in an approval or order has been identified and documented.high
#Q006administrativeoperationalrecommendedReview of Chain of Custody Formsdrinking waterLaboratories should review the forms and request missing information.high
#Q007reportingreportingrecommendedIdentification of Non-Potable Samplesdrinking waterSamples of water that are non-potable should be identified as non-potable or not for consumption on the form.If samples of water are non-potablehigh
#Q008operationaloperationalmandatorySample Drop-off Depot Requirementsdrinking waterLaboratories must ensure that drinking water samples that have been collected for the purpose of the SDWA and/or HPPA that are left at sample drop-off depots are: traceable to a particular sample drop-off depot accompanied by a chain of custody or submission form protected against degradation and/or chemical or biological changes secured against loss and tamperingWhen samples are left at sample drop-off depotshigh
#Q009reportingreportingmandatoryUndue Delay in Processing and Reportingdrinking waterThere must be no undue delay: during the analytical processing of a drinking water sample at a licensed laboratory as outlined in Table 1: Steps to recognize and report adverse test results in reporting the adverse test result to the local medical officer of health, the SAC and the associated DWS owner/operator, as required, once an adverse test result is accepted by qualified staff of a licensed laboratoryUpon acceptance of an adverse test resulthigh
#Q010operationaloperationalmandatoryAdverse Test Result Authorization Proceduredrinking waterLaboratories must have a written procedure for authorization of an adverse test result for release and this procedure is reviewed during an inspection to evaluate its acceptability.high
#Q011corrective_actionoperationalmandatoryCorrective Action for Unacceptable Proceduredrinking waterWhere a procedure is not acceptable, the ministry will require the laboratory to take corrective action.Where a procedure is not acceptablehigh
#Q012operationaloperationalmandatoryStaff Requirements for Immediate Reportingdrinking waterLaboratory staff analyzing drinking water samples also have requirements tied to immediate reporting of adverse results. They must: adhere to documented training requirements and policies for determining/comparing test results against the Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards (Ontario Regulator 169/03) and/or limits specifically cited in drinking water legislation develop, document, and adhere to, laboratory policies/procedures relating to the business processes described in Table 1 document and adhere to the same immediate adverse test result reporting timeframes for chemical testing as are in place for microbiological testing and include them in laboratory policies and procedures (i.e., there must be no undue delay in the reporting of any adverse test results to the required authorities)high
#Q013reportingreportingmandatoryAnalytical Uncertainty Estimationdrinking waterEstimation of the analytical uncertainty of a measurement is a requirement of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 — General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories and must be available if requested by the client.If requested by the clienthigh
#Q014reportingreportingmandatoryReporting Adverse Results Regardless of Uncertaintydrinking waterAdverse results must be reported as required without any regard to calculated uncertainty estimations.high
#Q015reportingoperationalguidanceDuplicate Data Analysis Guidelinesdrinking waterThe following guidance is for licensed laboratories that analyze drinking water samples in duplicate: ensure that all quality control criteria is properly documented and understood by analysts ensure that prescribed criteria are met when analyzing regulated drinking water samples ensure that duplicate analyses are not averaged for the purpose of notification and reporting under the SDWA follow the reporting requirements outlined in Table 2 ensure that an Adverse Water Quality Incident is reported to the required authorities if found in either the first or second aliquot of a duplicate drinking water analysis (outlined in Table 2) upload the correct result into the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Park’s Drinking Water Information System (DWIS) and the Ministry of Health’s Laboratory Results Management Application (LRMA)When analyzing drinking water samples in duplicatehigh
#Q016corrective_actionreportingmandatoryReporting Provisional Adverse Results for Sample Interference/Contaminationdrinking waterWhere a laboratory reasonably believes that an adverse result may be erroneous due to laboratory sample interference/contamination (but not as a result of QC failure), the laboratory shall: 1. Document all details relating to the possibility of result error on the analyst worksheet, logbook, final reports, etc. 2. Report the adverse result to all required parties, indicating that the result is provisional until further notice due to the possibility of interferences/contamination associated with the result. 3. If the issue is not resolved within 24 hours, a written report is required providing details in writing to all required parties. 4. Immediately take and document steps to investigate the possibility of interferences/contamination, requesting a resample, if necessary. 5. Keep SAC/PHU/DWS client updated on the laboratory’s internal investigation and provide a completion time where warranted. 6. If the result is confirmed as adverse, notify all parties (SAC, PHU and the DWS owner/operator) of the confirmed result and, where applicable, the reason for the error/contamination. 7. If the result is not adverse, instruct SAC to discard the adverse water quality incident. 8. Record all steps taken.Where a laboratory reasonably believes that an adverse result may be erroneous due to laboratory sample interference/contaminationhigh
#Q017reportingreportingmandatoryProvisional Adverse Reporting Rules for Dilutiondrinking waterProvisional adverse reporting must follow reporting rules of all other regulated reporting requirements.In situations where a dilution and subsequent re-analysis is necessaryhigh
#Q018reportingreportingmandatoryReporting No Data Overgrown (NDOG) Resultsdrinking waterWhere an observation of “over-crowding/confluent/non-identifiable microbial growth” is detected on a plate relating to analyses under the SDWA, licensed laboratories are required to report the results to the required parties as no data overgrown (NDOG) results.When over-crowding/confluent/non-identifiable microbial growth is detectedhigh
#Q019reportingreportingmandatoryUploading Overgrown Qualifiers to DWIS or LRMAdrinking waterWhen uploading overgrown qualifiers to DWIS or LRMA, the laboratory will leave the result field blank and use the applicable NDOG qualifier (i.e., NDOGT) in the value qualifier field.When uploading overgrown qualifiershigh
#Q020reportingreportingrecommendedReporting TCB Analysis Excess Countsdrinking waterWhen a client requests a laboratory perform a total coliform background (TCB) analysis and a high number of individual, discrete TCB colonies in excess of the method’s maximum counting limit (X) is obtained, this does not constitute an overgrown result and there is no requirement to report the result as adverse. In these circumstances, the count should be reported to the client and uploaded as > Xcfu/100mL.When a client requests a TCB analysis and excess limit is obtainedhigh
#Q021reportingreportingmandatoryData Reporting Requirements to Clientsdrinking waterData reported to the laboratory’s clients from samples collected for analysis in accordance with the SDWA or the HPPA must: be produced by properly licensed and accredited analytical methods be numerically identical to any data reported to SAC/PHU /MOH/DWS owner/operator and uploaded to DWIS/LRMA meet the ministry’s reporting detection limit (RDL) requirements, where applic able be expressed in proper and defensible significant figures be expressed to two to three significant figures for the expression of chemical datahigh
#Q022reportingreportingmandatoryReporting Limits (RDL and MDL)drinking waterAnalytical results must be reported down to the ministry’s RDL, where no RDL exists, the results must be reported to the licensed method’s method detection limit (MDL).high
#Q023operationaloperationalmandatoryData Transfer Error Checking Proceduresdrinking waterThe ministry requires that laboratories have procedures in place to ensure that data transfer mechanisms and routines, both manual and electronic, are checked for errors.high
#Q024operationaloperationalmandatoryMDL Requirements for Certain Organic Parametersdrinking waterFor these parameters, a licensed laboratory must be able to achieve MDL at least equal to the RDL.For certain organic parameters (Benzene, Terbufos, Benzo[a]pyrene)high
#Q025reportingreportingmandatoryTimeframe for Uploading Test Resultsdrinking waterResults must be uploaded within 10 days of them being authorized for reporting.high
#Q026corrective_actionreportingmandatorySteps for Upload Issues (O. Reg. 170/03 and 243/07)drinking waterIf a laboratory is experiencing issues with uploading test results, they must follow the steps outlined below: For Ontario Regulation 170/03 DWS and Ontario Regulation 243/07 facilities 1. Document all actions taken to upload the information. 2. Verify that the upload failure is caused by a LSN issue by contacting lsb.reg170_lsb@ontario.ca. 3. If the problem is related to a profile issue, contact the Registration Team at: Toll-free: 1-866-793-2588 or email waterforms@ontario.ca. 4. Contact the client to request the submission of the completed or corrected LSN. 5. Attempt to upload again within 20 days of the original failure. 6. If the upload is still unsuccessful after 20 days, contact the Laboratory Licensing and Compliance Program by emailing LLCP@ontario.ca for further follow up.If a laboratory is experiencing issues with uploading test resultshigh
#Q027corrective_actionreportingmandatorySteps for Upload Issues (O. Reg. 319/08 Small DWS)drinking waterFor Ontario Regulation 319/08 Small DWS 1. Document all actions taken to upload the information 2. Contact the local PHU for a resolutionIf a laboratory is experiencing issues with uploading test results for Small DWShigh
#Q028reportingreportingmandatoryReporting Aggregated Parametersdrinking waterIn the case where aggregated parameter data are to be reported to DWIS, the ministry requires that the “total” sum of the aggregate be reported, not individual parameters.When aggregated parameter data are to be reported to DWIShigh
#Q029administrativeoperationalmandatoryLicensing for Aggregated Testsdrinking waterLaboratories hired to perform the analyses of various aggregated parameters (i.e., Aldrin + Dieldrin, DDT + metabolites, etc.) must be licensed to analyze all parameters of that specific aggregated test.high
#Q030operationaloperationalmandatorySingle Laboratory for Total Analysesdrinking waterAdditionally, the SDWA requires that the “total” analyses must be conducted at one laboratory.high
#Q031corrective_actionreportingmandatoryCorrecting Erroneous Data Reportingdrinking waterWhen a laboratory identifies an error in their data reporting, the laboratory shall: 1. Document all details pertaining to the erroneous data 2. Contact the required parties 1. If the erroneous result was reported as an adverse water quality Incident, verbally contact SAC, DWS owner/operator and PHU and retract the erroneous result. Provide details about the error and the correct result. 2. Provide written notification to the required parties indicating the retraction of the erroneous data directly on the ministry’s “Notice of Adverse Test Results and Other Problems and Notice of Issue Resolution at Drinking Water Systems” form. Include the correct result. 3. If the data has already been uploaded to the ministry databases, the lab shall:When a laboratory identifies an error in their data reportinghigh
#Q032corrective_actionreportingmandatoryCorrecting Erroneous Data in DWISdrinking waterContact the Help Desk at opssd@ontario.ca or by calling the help desk at Toll-free: 1-888-677-4873. Request the removal of the erroneous data, including the sample submission ID that used to upload all erroneous results. Upload correct results and any other results that were inactivated within the submission ID to DWIS.If the data has already been uploaded to DWIShigh
#Q033reportingreportingmandatoryUsing New Submission ID for DWIS Resubmissiondrinking waterA new submission ID must be used to upload the results. We encourage labs to use the same submission ID used to upload the original data appended with an A, i.e., original submission ID 123456 will be re-uploaded as submission ID 123456A.When re-uploading corrected resultshigh
#Q034corrective_actionreportingmandatoryCorrecting Erroneous Data in LRMAdrinking waterLog onto LRMA and toggle the "ignore" button to “true”. Upload the correct result under a new sub-mission ID.If the data has already been uploaded to LRMAhigh
#Q035operationalreportingmandatoryData Reporting System Validationdrinking waterThe ministry expects that the process or system that reports data for the purpose of complying with the requirements of the SDWA is validated with respect to transmission accuracy and content.high
#Q036prohibitionreportingmandatoryNDOGT Disclosure Prohibitiondrinking waterLabs must not disclose to SAC whether they have seen TC or EC — this is irrelevant to the reportingWhen reporting NDOGT (Bacteria overgrown on an EC/TC plate and target bacteria are visible)high
#Q037reportingreportingmandatoryWritten Adverse Report Timelinedrinking waterWritten report of adverse test to SAC, DWS owner/operator, PHU and MOH as required. Please refer to applicable regulation for specific reporting requirements. Not greater than 24 hours after immediate reporthigh
#Q038reportingreportingguidanceDilution Provisional Reporting Authorization Conditionsdrinking waterProvisional adverse reporting can be used in situations where a dilution and subsequent re-analysis is necessary. This can be used if the following conditions are met: all QC criteria has been met with the exception of the result being greater than the calibration range, the result is known to be greater than the standard, the dilution analysis cannot be completed in a timely manner.When dilution and subsequent re-analysis is necessaryhigh
#Q039administrativeoperationalmandatoryMLAS Registration RequirementotherPer the Mining Act and the regulations claimholders, lessees, patent holders, or prospector licensees must be registered users in MLAS to do business for mining purposes, in Ontario.high
#Q040administrativeoperationalmandatoryMandatory Mining Act Awareness Program CompletionotherYou must complete the MAAP if you: are applying for or renewing an existing prospector's licence; hold a lifetime prospector's licence; are listed as a "qualified supervisor" on an exploration plan or permit; are a private landowner or a member or representative of an Indigenous community that may engage or work with prospectors and the mineral exploration industryWhen applying for or renewing prospector's licence, holding lifetime licence, listed as qualified supervisor, or representing Indigenous community/landownerhigh
#Q041administrativeoperationalrecommendedMAAP Completion through MLASotherIf you are completing MAAP to conduct business with the ministry and/or to satisfy a mandatory requirement under the Mining Act, you should complete MAAP through MLAS.When completing MAAP to conduct business or satisfy mandatory requirementhigh
#Q042administrativereportingmandatoryClass Environmental Assessment RequirementotherA Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) describes a planning and decision-making process for groups (or classes) of activities where a proponent must conduct an environmental assessment.For classes of activities subject to the Class EA under the Mining Acthigh
#Q043designoperationalmandatoryMine Rehabilitation Code ComplianceotherThe Mine Rehabilitation Code (PDF), effective April 1, 2024, contains standards, procedures, and requirements for mine closure and is incorporated by reference into Ontario Regulation 35/24.high
#Q044operationaloperationalmandatoryEarly Exploration Standards ComplianceotherProvincial Standards for Early Exploration, (PDF) effective April 10, 2018, lists requirements that must be met when carrying out exploration plan or permit activities, including requirements for rehabilitation when the early exploration activities have been completed.When carrying out exploration plan or permit activitieshigh
#Q045reportingreportingmandatoryTechnical Standards for Reporting Assessment WorkotherTechnical Standards for Reporting Assessment Work (PDF), effective April 10, 2018, lists the minimum requirements for Assessment Work reports for the different work types and costs and expenses that are eligible under Ontario Regulation 65/18.high
#Q046administrativereportingmandatorySmall Drinking Water System Identification and Notificationdrinking waterThe Small Drinking Water System Identification form is to be used by owners of small drinking water systems to notify in writing the medical officer of health in the health unit where their system is located before supplying drinking water to users of the system following construction or alteration of the small drinking water system or following a shut-down of the system that lasts longer than 7 days.following construction or alteration of the small drinking water system or following a shut-down of the system that lasts longer than 7 dayshigh
#Q047reportingreportingmandatoryLaboratory Services Notificationdrinking waterThe Laboratory Services Notification (LSN) form is to be used by small drinking water system owners/operators to notify the local public health unit in writing as to which licensed laboratories will test drinking water samples for their small drinking water systems.high
#Q048reportingreportingmandatoryNotice of Adverse Test Results and Issue Resolutiondrinking waterThe Notice of Adverse Test Results and Issue Resolution form is to be used by licensed laboratories and owners/operators of small drinking water systems to support required written notifications pertaining to small drinking water system adverse water quality incidents (AWQI).pertaining to small drinking water system adverse water quality incidents (AWQI)high
#Q049operationaloperationalmandatoryCompliance with Public Health Inspector Directivesdrinking waterPublic health inspectors conduct individual site-specific risk assessments then issue a directive, setting out individual requirements for each system.Based on site-specific risk assessmentshigh

P Quantitative Requirements (16)

Req ID Category Intent Legal Status Name Subdomain(s) Limit Type Limit Value Context Conditions Confidence
#P001chemicalreportingmandatorychemical datadrinking waterrequirement2 to 3 significant figuresData reported to the laboratory's clients from samples collected for analysis in accordance with the SDWA or the HPPA must be expressed to two to three significant figures for the expression of chemical dataWhen reporting chemical data to clientshigh
#P002chemicalreportingmandatoryBenzene and Terbufos RDLdrinking waterrequirement>= 50 % of MACDue to the limitations of current analytical methods to achieve lower detection limits, the ministry has set the RDL for certain organic parameters, Benzene and Terbufos at 50% or more of the MACApplicable to reporting detection limits (RDL) for these parametershigh
#P003chemicalreportingmandatoryBenzo[a]pyrene RDLdrinking waterrequirement100 % of MACThe ministry has set the RDL for... Benzo[a]pyrene at 100% (of the MAC)Applicable to reporting detection limit (RDL) for this parameterhigh
#P004chemicaloperationalmandatoryparameters listed in Schedules 23 or 24drinking waterrequirement> 0.5 MACSchedule 13-5 of Ontario Regulation 170/03 requires an increased frequency of sampling if an analytical result obtained for any of the parameters listed in Schedules 23 or 24 exceeds one half of the Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC)Triggers increased frequency of samplinghigh
#P005microbiologicalreportingrecommendedtotal coliform background (TCB)drinking waterrequirement> X cfu/100mLWhen a client requests a laboratory perform a total coliform background (TCB) analysis and a high number of individual, discrete TCB colonies in excess of the method's maximum counting limit (X) is obtainedDoes not constitute an overgrown result and there is no requirement to report the result as adversehigh
#P006operationaloperationalmandatoryGravity component - most serious violationswastewater, otherrequirement100,000 $/dayEnvironmental penalties range from $100,000 per day for the most serious violations (e.g., a spill with a significant impact)Most serious violations such as spills with significant impacthigh
#P007operationaloperationalmandatoryGravity component - serious violationswastewater, otherrequirement10,000 $/day$10,000 per day for serious violations (e.g., sample fails acute toxicity test)Serious violations such as acute toxicity test failurehigh
#P008operationaloperationalmandatoryGravity component - less serious violationswastewater, otherrequirement1,000 $/day$1,000 per day for less serious violations (e.g., failure to submit a required quarterly report).Less serious violations such as failure to submit a quarterly reporthigh
#P009operationaloperationalmandatoryWritten request for penalty review periodotherrequirement15 daysA regulated party that has received a notice of intention may submit a written request within 15 days of the date of the notice that the ministry review information about the incident.Submission of written request for review following notice of intentionhigh
#P010operationaloperationalrecommendedMaximum reduction for good performanceotherrequirement<= 35 %The regulated person may seek up to a 35% reduction to environmental penalties for actions taken by the regulated person to prevent or mitigate the violation, and for having an environmental management system in place.Based on actions taken to prevent/mitigate or having an EMS in placehigh
#P011operationaloperationalrecommendedSettlement reduction for discharge related violationswastewaterrequirement<= 75 %Facilities would be eligible for reductions of up to 75% of the gravity penalty amount for discharge related violationsApplicable when entering into a settlement agreement for discharge related violationshigh
#P012operationaloperationalrecommendedSettlement reduction for non-discharge violationsotherrequirement100 %Facilities would be eligible for reductions of... up to 100% for non-discharge violations.Applicable when entering into a settlement agreement for non-discharge violationshigh
#P013operationaloperationalmandatoryStatute of limitations for order issuanceotherrequirement1 yearThe ministry has one year from the later, of the date on which violation occurred, or the date on which evidence of the violation first came to the attention of the ministry to issue an environmental penalty order.Timeline starting from date of violation or date evidence came to ministry attentionhigh
#P014operationaloperationalmandatoryAppeal deadlineotherrequirement15 daysA regulated person that has been issued an order has the right to appeal it to the Environmental Review Tribunal within 15 days of the orderDeadline for filing an appeal to the Environmental Review Tribunalhigh
#P015operationalreportingmandatoryEnvironmental Penalty Program Review Frequencyotherrequirement5 yearsAn Environmental Penalty Program review is required once every five years in accordance with section 182.1(20) of the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) and section 106.1(20) of the Ontario Water Resources Act (OWRA).At least once every five years, the Minister shall cause a report to be prepared and published on the operation of this section.high
#P016operationaloperationalmandatoryToxic Substance Gravity Component Increasewastewaterrequirement35 %Two of the spills involved a toxic substance which increased the gravity component of the environmental penalty order by 35%.Applicable when a spill involves a toxic substance as determined by the ministry.high

D Definitions (58)

Req ID Category Name Context Confidence
#D001AbatementAn action that is taken by a facility to achieve compliance that includes education, outreach, warnings and issuance of control documents.high
#D002Adverse effectImpairment of the quality of the natural environment for any use that can be made of it; injury or damage to property or to plant or animal life; harm or material discomfort to any person; an adverse effect on the health of any person; impairment of the safety of any person; rendering any property or plant or animal life unfit for human use; loss of enjoyment of normal use of property; or, interference with the normal conduct of business.high
#D003BypassFlows that are diverted from a part of the sewage treatment process but are discharged to the environment through the final effluent outfall of the sewage treatment plant.high
#D004Combined sewer systemA collection system designed to convey both sanitary and storm water runoff through a single pipe to a sewage treatment works.high
#D005ComplianceA state achieved when a person who is bound by a provision of an act, regulation, control document or authorizing document acts in accordance with applicable provisions of ministry legislation, regulations and any control or authorizing documents.high
#D006Control document (orders, direction, or notice)An authority under ministry legislation to require a person to deal with a violation or other types of incidents. Ministry legislation authorizes Provincial Officers, directors, the minister or a court to issue control documents, and they include orders, directions, reports and notices. A control document imposes legal obligations on the person as opposed to allowing the person to deal with the incident voluntarily.high
#D007DirectorA person appointed as a director in writing by the minister under section 5 of the Environmental Protection Act or the Ontario Water Resources Act, or other relevant legislation.high
#D008EffluentWaste or wastewater that flows out from a treatment plant or individual treatment process.high
#D009EnforcementProsecuting alleged violators for the purpose of punishing wrongdoing and deterring further non-compliance. Prosecutions are commenced and conducted under the Provincial Offences Act (POA) and include issuing a Certificate of Offence (ticket) or summons under Part I of the POA, as well as the laying of charges under Part III of the PO.high
#D010Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR)The Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR) is an online self-registration system. It replaced the approvals process for specific activities and sectors prescribed in regulations that are considered routine, standard, or well-understood. A person engaging in these activities registers the activity on the EASR.high
#D011Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA)The name of the approval that is issued in respect of section 9 and 27 activities under the Environmental Protection Act and section 53 activities under the Ontario Water Resources Act as of October 31, 2011. An ECA replaces a Certificate of Approval (CofA); as such, a CofA will automatically be treated as an ECA as of October 31, 2011. It is not required to be replaced. ECAs are also referred to as approvals, or ministry approvals throughout this document.high
#D012Financial assuranceThe provision of financial security by a regulated party. It can be required to ensure compliance with environmental objectives; ensure that requirements are achieved by a specified deadline; or ensure that funds are available for future clean-up and remediation of landfills and other contaminated sites which require long-term care and monitoring.high
#D013Hauled sewage (septage)Contents removed from septic tanks, portable toilets, privy vaults and holding tanks serving houses, schools, motels, mobile home parks, campgrounds and small commercial endeavors, all receiving sewage from domestic sources. Septage is raw and untreated.high
#D014MinistryMinistry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, ministry or MECP, unless otherwise stated.high
#D015Non-complianceFailure to meet a provision of an act, regulation, control document or authorizing document.high
#D016Onsite sewage disposal systemsSewage systems, such as septic systems or holding tanks, which do not discharge or discharge below the ground surface and are regulated under the Building Code Act.high
#D017Onsite sewage disposal worksSewage works, such as septic systems or holding tanks, which discharge below the ground surface or do not discharge and are regulated by the ministry.high
#D018OverflowsA combined sewer overflow is a discharge to the environment from a combined sewer system. A sanitary sewer overflow is a discharge to the environment from a sanitary sewer system. A sewage treatment plant overflow is a discharge to the environment from a sewage treatment works at a location other than the final effluent outfall or downstream of the sampling point in the final effluent outfall.high
#D019Owner of a pollutantThe owner of the pollutant immediately before the first discharge of the pollutant, whether into the natural environment or not, in a quantity or with a quality abnormal at the location where the discharge occurs.high
#D020Person having control of a pollutantThe person and the person's employee or agent, if any, having the charge, management or control of a pollutant immediately before the first discharge of the pollutant, whether into the natural environment or not, in a quantity or with a quality abnormal at the location where the discharge occurs.high
#D021PollutantA contaminant other than heat, sound, vibration or radiation.high
#D022Pollution Prevention Control Plan (PPCP)A plan outlining the nature, cause, and extent of pollution problems associated with combined sewer overflows. The PPCP examines alternatives, proposes remedial measures, and provides recommendations for implementation.high
#D023Provincial OfficerAny person designated as such under section 5 of the Environmental Protection Act or the Ontario Water Resources Act, or other relevant legislation. A Provincial Officer is a peace officer for the purpose of enforcing the legislation they are designated under.high
#D024Pre-application consultationA dialogue between the proponent, the ministry, and possibly the public, prior to the submission of an application for approval. Pre-application consultation is meant to assist proponents in defining the environmental objectives for the project. Examples of these objectives are: effluent requirements, determining the requirements regarding characterization of the source of raw water, establishing general acceptability of the proposed technology, identifying any special approval related requirements, and determining the need for public consultation or notification.high
#D025Regulated personPersons who are or were members of the class of persons described in subsection 3 (1) of the Environmental Penalties Regulation (Ontario Regulation 222/07) made under the Environmental Protection Act.high
#D026Responsibility agreementLegal agreements between a municipal authority and developer which stipulate the conditions under which communal sewage services will be constructed, operated and maintained, as well as, the action to be undertaken in the event of owner default. Responsibility agreements require up-front secured funds for any remedial measures that may be necessary in the event of default.high
#D027Sanitary sewageIncludes domestic, commercial and industrial sewage.high
#D028SewageSewage is defined to include drainage, storm water, commercial wastes and industrial wastes and such other matter or substance as is specified by the regulations in the Ontario Water Resources Act.high
#D029Sewage systemDefined in the Ontario Building Code (Regulation 350 under the Building Code Act) as: a chemical toilet, an incinerating toilet, a recirculating toilet, a self-contained portable toilet and all forms of privy including a portable privy, an earth pit privy, a pail privy, a privy vault and a composting toilet system; a greywater system; a cesspool; a leaching bed system; a system that requires or uses a holding tank for the retention of hauled sewage at the site where it is produced before its collection by a hauled sewage system, where these: have a design capacity of 10,000 litres per day or less, have, in total, a design capacity of 10,000 litres per day or less, where more than one of these are located on a lot or parcel of land, and are located wholly within the boundaries of the lot or parcel of land on which is located the building or buildings they serve.high
#D030Sewage worksAny works for the collection, transmission, treatment and disposal of sewage or any part of such works but does not include plumbing to which the Building Code Act, 1992 applies.high
#D031SpillWhen used with reference to a pollutant, means a discharge into the natural environment from or out of a structure, vehicle or other container; and, that is abnormal in quality or quantity in light of all the circumstances of the discharge, and when used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.high
#D032Storm waterRain, melted snow or any other form of precipitation that has come into contact with the ground or any other surface. This water seeps into the ground, is absorbed by vegetation, evaporates or runs off the land into storm sewers, streams and lakes.high
#D033Municipalityis within the meaning of the Municipal Act, 2001, and includes any of the following bodies that is established for the purpose of managing public utilities on behalf of or for a municipality: a public utility commission that is deemed to be a municipal service board; a municipal service board established under the Municipal Act; a corporation established under the Municipal Act.high
#D034beyond compliance measure or best management practicea plant-based pollution prevention or reduction project that aims to benefit human health or the environment beyond the requirements of the law.high
#D035Class X Spillone addressed in a spill contingency plan that meets certain standards for relatively small and manageable spills.high
#D036OWRAOntario Water Resources Acthigh
#D037EPAEnvironmental Protection Acthigh
#D038L/dlitres per dayhigh
#D039LEPlicensed engineering practitionerhigh
#D040NASMnon-agricultural source materialshigh
#D041POAProvincial Offences Acthigh
#D042POProvincial Offences Acthigh
#D043CofACertificate of Approvalhigh
#D044ECAEnvironmental Compliance Approvalhigh
#D045EASREnvironmental Activity and Sector Registryhigh
#D046CWAClean Water Acthigh
#D047MECPMinistry of the Environment, Conservation and Parkshigh
#D048PPCPPollution Prevention Control Planhigh
#D049ECAsEnvironmental Compliance Approvalshigh
#D050Vfivehigh
#D051IXninehigh
#D052XIItwelvehigh
#D053ESAREnvironmental Activity and Sector Registryhigh
#D054St.Sainthigh
#D055Xtenhigh
#D056etc.et ceterahigh
#D057Ionehigh
#D058IIIthreehigh