Liquid waste generated by businesses—whether commercial, industrial, or institutional—must be responsibly managed to prevent environmental harm and infrastructure damage. How your business disposes of liquid waste affects natural resources, public and private infrastructure, and both human and environmental health.
Liquid waste from businesses may enter:
Sanitary sewer systems (e.g., sinks, floor drains)
Storm drains (which often discharge directly into water bodies)
Septic systems (private on-site wastewater treatment)
Each disposal method has specific regulations and requirements depending on the type of waste and the business activity.
Businesses must follow all federal, provincial, municipal, and regional regulations for liquid waste disposal. Under the Provincial Environmental Management Act and the Federal Fisheries Act, businesses can be held responsible for pollution or environmental damage caused by improper disposal. Proper waste management reduces pollution risks and prevents costly cleanup efforts.
Proper indoor and outdoor storage
Keeping track of products and wastes
Having spill response plans
Educating employees on managing sector-specific wastes
Read the list of prohibited and restricted wastes, including details on maximum allowable concentrations.
The Capital Regional district (CRD) collects and treats wastewater (liquid waste) that enters the sanitary sewer system at one of our wastewater treatment plants. To protect public health, infrastructure, and the environment, all industrial, commercial, or institutional facilities within the CRD must follow the CRD Sewer Use Bylaw No. 2922 when disposing of wastewater.
The CRD collaborates with local municipalities, electoral areas, and industries to develop fair regulations and best management practices (BMPs). These guidelines help protect:
Public health
Private and public infrastructure
Natural resources
The environment
Because all participating municipalities follow the same rules, businesses across the region operate on a level playing field.
Businesses, industries, or operators that release large amounts of non-household wastewater (over 10 cubic metres per day) or wastewater with high levels of certain chemicals into the sewer system need a waste discharge permit. This permit sets rules for wastewater treatment, quality, monitoring, and reporting. Businesses with a permit must regularly test their wastewater, track flow levels, and report to the CRD. CRD staff also inspect and monitor sites to ensure compliance.
If your business sends wastewater into the CRD’s sewer system and does not have a permit, authorization, or Code of Practice, you must submit a Waste Discharge Permit Application Form.
For temporary wastewater discharge from construction or excavation sites, please submit the Dewatering or Construction/Excavation Permit Form.
Some businesses have a smaller impact on wastewater systems and the environment. Instead of a permit, these businesses may receive a Letter of Authorization with site-specific rules and best practices. The CRD sets testing and reporting requirements for each site, and staff conduct inspections as needed.
If your business discharges non-household wastewater into the sewer system, please submit a Waste Discharge Permit Application Form. If you have questions, feel free to email us.
Who Needs to Follow These Rules?
If your institutional, commercial, or industrial facility sends wastewater into the sewer system, you must comply with the bylaw. Depending on your operations, you may need to complete one or more of the following forms:
Many institutional, commercial, and industrial businesses provide essential services to residents and the business community. To help operators understand and comply with regulations, industry-specific resources are available.
Install and maintain relevant pre-treatment equipment (including wastewater treatment screens, grease interceptors, oil water separators, silver recovery technology, and strainers/filters).
Keep records of waste disposal and treatment equipment maintenance.
Have a spill response plan and kit and ensure staff are educated in proper response.
Maintain records of spills, inspections, and maintenance.
Install a sampling/monitoring point to test wastewater if required.
Never discharge prohibited or restricted waste down the drain.
Follow your industry-specific "Code of Practice," if applicable.
Some businesses produce large amounts of wastewater or wastewater that contains harmful substances. These businesses must follow specific rules, called Codes of Practice, outlined in the Sewer Use Bylaw No. 2922.
Prevent stormwater contamination and protect the aquatic environment by ensuring that wastewater does not enter the storm drain network (including ditches, catch basins, and roadways). Stormwater is generally regulated by the municipal government in which your storm drain is located unless you are located on the Saanich Peninsula (Central Saanich, North Saanich and Sidney).
Educate staff about spill prevention and response
When hosing or washing equipment or surfaces outside, do not let runoff water enter the storm drain
Regularly inspect and maintain parking lot catch basins
Store waste products under covered areas with appropriate spill containment
For food services operations, regularly clean and maintain rooftop hood fans to prevent oil and grease overflows onto your roof.
For fermentation operations, never pour fluids, wash/rinse water, wastewater, or spills into storm drains, ditches, parking lots, or outdoor work areas. Ensure waste products are stored under covered areas with appropriate spill containment.
Liquid waste haulers can be hired to manage any fluids associated with service sector operations responsibly. Visit the trucked liquid waste directory to find a hauler. The waste generator retains ownership of the waste even after it has been turned over to a waste hauler, meaning the generator can be held responsible for spills or improper disposal of waste.
Important Considerations
Ensure the hauler is properly licensed
Ensure the hauler has properly trained staff
Ensure the hauler deals with your waste in a safe, responsible, legal, and diligent manner
The CRD conducts its business within the Territories of many First Nations, all of whom have a long-standing relationship with the land and waters from time immemorial that continues to this day. Statement of Reconciliation
