Septic inspection program tanks
By Chris Simon

Town staff will not be sifting through septics anytime soon.

Innisfil council rejected a proposal to implementing a septic re-inspection program, during a recent meeting. The program would have required staff to visit properties that currently use a septic system, to determine if they are complying to permits and operating within acceptable limits.

Council had asked staff to investigate the feasibility of implementing a program. Staff currently investigate systems on a per complaint basis. However, the town receives very few complaints from residents regarding septic systems each year, said chief building official Glenn Middlebrook.

"The town has received very few complaints with regards to unsafe septic systems throughout the municipality," he said in a report to council. "All of these complaints have been investigated by the building division, with orders to remedy issued against those properties where unsafe conditions had been confirmed. To date, all of the orders have been complied with."

Middlebrook says the town would have had two options for implementing a septic program. A private inspection program would have required property owners to check their systems every few years, and submit reports to the town. Property owners would have been responsible for the cost of the inspection, which generally ranges between $150 and $500.

A town-run program would require inspectors to file reports on the properties and ensure compliance. Staff would likely conduct about 400 inspections per year. The program would cost about $60,000 annually, however the money would likely be recovered through a direct levy on the properties that own septic systems.

"(The) entire municipality could be inspected once over a period of approximately five years (through a town-run program). The system would be visually assessed against the information the town has on file. The inspectors would be checking for signs of failure, and issuing orders to remedy any unsafe systems," said Middlebrook. "A private program reduces the implied liability of the town, (and) would assist the homeowner as proof of a properly operating septic system, should they decide to sell or remortgage their home.

"The property owner is responsible to locate and identify the septic system components and address any deficiencies."

There are currently no laws requiring municipalities to implement septic inspection programs, said Middlebrook.

"There is nothing in the (provincial) Building Code that compels a municipality to commence a sewage system reinspection program," he said. "However, (there is nothing) that precludes the town from passing a bylaw requiring property owners to inspect their systems at regular intervals."