Sewage Systems – Building Services
Effective September 1, 2023, the Township of South Frontenac will no longer be accepting or issuing sewage system permits or providing plans review for Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code for the other three Frontenac townships - North Frontenac, Central Frontenac, and Frontenac Islands.
Inspections requests can still be made for sewage system permits already issued by the Township of South Frontenac for the other three Frontenac townships until December 31, 2023.
The approval for new, expanded and replacement sewage systems, in the Township of South Frontenac will continue to be carried out by our Building Officials.
New applications and inquiries for sewage systems located in South Frontenac should be directed to building staff via building@southfrontenac.net or 613-376-3027 X2226.
NOTE: If the sewage system application is for a vacant lot in South Frontenac, we will require a separate completed dwelling application to be submitted at the same time.
Sewage System application checklist
Sewage System permit application – Class 4 or 5
Sewage System Typical drawings (C to I) – Class 4 or 5
Sewage System permit application – Class 2 or 3
Septic tank replacement application
Application for Review of Performance Level for Sewage System
Sewage System record search application
Please book your inspection directly with your inspector via their email or phone extension:
- North Frontenac & Central Frontenac areas = Matt Doyle x2237 or email
- South Frontenac & Frontenac Islands = Chris Beeg x2227 or email
Payment Options:
- Cash, debit, cheque or credit card in person at the Development Services office – 4432 George St., Sydenham, ON or,
- Online via credit card (see below payment link). When making a payment online, please ensure you input the correct payment amount and application number that was provided by building staff.
See links to additional Sewage System resources and information:
Septic Smart! Understanding Your Home's Septic System
Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association
Sewage System – Do's and Don'ts
All development (residential, commercial and institutional) in South Frontenac has a sewage system which is designed to treat wastewater which goes down the drain (toilets, showers, dishwashers, washing machines, etc).
A sewage system includes a septic tank and a leaching bed — both hidden below the soil. It is critical to your health, the health of neighbours, the health of the ecosystem and your property investment that your sewage system is working properly. It is your responsibility to make sure your sewage system is in good working order.
Do:
- Know where your septic tank and leaching bed are located on your property
- Keep accurate records of sewage system maintenance, pump outs and service calls
- Test your well water at least three times per year for indicator bacteria (spring, summer and fall)
- Have your system inspected by a licensed installer or sewage hauler every three to five years and pumped out when required (house typically every three years — seasonal cottage every five plus years). Best time of year for pump out is summer or fall before the cold weather.
- Clean the effluent filter (located in the tank where it flows to the bed) at least once a year
- Direct surface water/drainage away from leaching bed
- Conserve water use to reduce amount of wastewater needed to be treated
Do Not:
- Enter your septic tank
- Put fats, oils, paints, food waste, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, sanitary products, condoms or anything plastic down the drain
- Use special additives that are claimed to enhance your tank or system
- Use cleaning detergents that are high in phosphorus
- Dig on your property without knowing where your sewage system is located
- Drive or park over your sewage system
- Pave over your leaching bed
- Put an above ground pool over your leaching bed
- Put an outdoor skating rink over your leaching bed
- Plant vegetation over your leaching bed (e.g. garden, flower beds, trees etc.)
- Allow livestock over your leaching bed
- Connect rain gutters, sump pumps or storm drains into your sewage system
- Drain hot tubs or pools into your sewage system
Signs that your system is not working properly:
- You detect a sewer odour
- There is effluent pond on top of leaching bed
- Toilets, sinks or other drains are slow to drain or backing up
What to do when you suspect a problem:
- Contact a licensed professional and have the system inspected
- After inspection it may be necessary to have a licensed hauler pump out tank
- If the system has "failed" it may be necessary to replace all or part of the system
- Contact the Building Department to obtain necessary permits — if near water there many also be a need for Conservation Authority permits
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