How should planning authorities ensure that there’s adequate septage treatment capacity available?
Similar to other sewage disposal and treatment needs, planning authorities should confirm there is adequate septage treatment capacity available when they develop official plans or make plan amendments to provide for development. Further, planning authorities should confirm treatment capacity when they receive a proposal for development. A planning authority can confirm septage treatment capacity in various ways, including but not limited to: • Developing and maintaining an up-to-date municipal septage plan (see page 5 for more information on these plans). A municipal septage plan is an important tool and source of information for determining total septage generated currently, future treatment capacity needs and how those needs will be met. • Determining that an approved facility, capable of receiving and treating the septage, is accessible within the area before a lot is created. This capacity could be provided by a municipal STP within the municipality, through written agreement with
