We have published the proposed Regulations Amending the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations (proposed amendments) in the Canada Gazette I. We are initiating a 60-day public consultation period. We invite you to review the proposed amendments and share any feedback and perspectives by July 26, 2023.

Proposed Amendments

The proposed amendments would allow new applications for extensions to upgrade wastewater systems (transitional authorizations). They would also expand temporary bypass authorizations for maintenance work at the treatment plant to include releases from the sewer system and would set conditions based on risk to the environment. ECCC is also proposing to amend administrative provisions to provide greater clarity and resolve implementation issues.

We have created factsheets that explain the proposed changes to the Regulations, which are available on our webpage.

Feedback and Information Sessions

To provide your comments on the proposed amended regulations, please use the commenting boxes provided on the Canada Gazette webpage and if you have comments on a specific section, please note it. You can comment on behalf of an organization, individually, or anonymously, and your comments will be publicly available to increase transparency and accountability. For more information on how to comment, please visit our site Comment on proposed regulations.

We will be hosting virtual public information sessions to discuss the proposed amendments, answer questions and receive feedback. To register for a virtual information session, please visit our webpage using the following link: Consultations on wastewater - Canada.ca.

For any questions, please contact eu-ww@ec.gc.ca