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Question: Is wastewater from milking centres permitted to discharge into on-site sewage disposal systems?
Appendix A-8.1.3.1.(3) of the Ontario Building Code explains that while the wastewater from milking operations is similar to domestic sewage in chemical compositions, it contains highly organic, highly nitrogenous and biologically degradable suspended and dissolved solids and therefore, is not suitable for discharge to an on-site sewage system.
It is the opinion of the Branch that if the wastewater from milking operation is treated such that the contaminants in this wastewater is reduced to the level of the contaminant that are found in domestic sanitary sewage, it may be directed to the sewage system.
In this respect, the Manual issued by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs entitled "Milking Centre Washwater Disposal Manual" discusses various washwater disposal systems and provides procedures aimed at reducing the washwater pollutant concentration to comparable levels with domestic sanitary sewage. Therefore, for milking operations, this manual may offer assistance in achieving compliance with the requirements of Code.
It is important to emphasize that the code sets only the minimum requirements for the construction and operation of sewage systems. These requirements while may be exceeded to achieve design objectives, in no case should a reduction in these standards should be accepted.
Code Requirements:(1)
8.1.3.1. Discharge(1 ) This information is provided for convenience only. For accurate reference, recourse should be had to the official volumes (Regulations.)(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (5) the sewage system shall be designed and constructed to receive only sanitary sewage of domestic origin. (See Appendix A.)
(3) Where industrial process waste water is treated to the contaminant levels found in domestic sanitary sewage it may discharge to a leaching bed provided the treatment unit and sewage system are designed in accordance with good engineering practice. (See Appendix A.)
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Ali Arlani
Code Development & Training Section
Housing Development & Buildings Branch
Issued: January 6, 2000
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