Liquid Waste Regulations for Fermentation Operations
The fermentation sector is a growing industry and an economic driver in the capital region. To reduce damage to infrastructure and harm to the environment, facilities discharging wastewater to the sewer system must follow the CRD Sewer Use Bylaw No. 2922. The requirements under the Bylaw vary based on the annual volume of saleable product.
Sewer Use Regulations
The CRD has introduced changes to the enforcement levels and regulatory requirements for fermentation operators under the Sewer Use Bylaw No. 2922. Under the new requirements fermentation operations will operate under a code of practice, minor authorization, major authorization or permit based on the annual volume of saleable product. To see where your business fits, check out the Fermentation Sector Info Sheet [PDF/1.5MB].
New operation or growing production? If under a Code of Practice, complete a Waste Discharge Assessment Form [PDF/543KB], or if under authorizations and permits, complete a Waste Discharge Permit Application Form [PDF/132KB]. Please email sourcecontrol@crd.bc.ca if you are not sure what waste discharge form to complete.
Stormwater and Storm Drains
Avoid stormwater contamination and protect our waterways by preventing fermentation waste from entering the storm drain network (which includes ditches, catch basins and roadways).
Municipalities have bylaws that regulate and prohibit certain types of wastes from being discharged into stormwater drains. These bylaws are in place to protect public health and the environment. Contact your municipality for relevant regulations. On the Saanich Peninsula, the Saanich Peninsula Stormwater Bylaw No. 4168 is in effect.
Trucked Liquid Waste
Liquid waste haulers can be hired to responsibly manage any fluids associated with fermentation operations.
It is important to note that the waste generator retains ownership of the waste even after it has been turned over to a waste hauler. This means the generator can be held responsible for the consequences of a spill or improper disposal of waste.
For that reason, it is important to ensure that the hauler you hire can demonstrate that they are:
- properly licensed
- have properly trained staff
- will deal with your waste in a safe, responsible, legal and diligent manner
Septic system - Regulations and Best Management Practices
If your business operates on a septic system, wastewater pre-treatment is not required under CRD Onsite Sewage System Maintenance Bylaw No. 3479. However, fermentation waste can:
- impact septic treatment process
- significantly increase maintenance costs of the septic system
- reduce your septic's useful life span
More Sustainable Business Practices
Reducing waste and making sustainable changes can benefit the environment and your business.
To do this businesses can:
- choose environmentally-friendly cleaning products.
- switch out your water wasting once-through cooling (OTC) system for a new air cooled system. Depending on the type of OTC system, the typical payback period is one to three years and rebates may be available.
- buy local ingredients when possible.
- reduce and reuse waste. Offer spent grains as animal feed and participate in a glass bottle pool.
- choose electricity-powered heating, vehicles, EnergyStar appliances and LED lighting to reduce carbon pollution and your climate impact.
- protect our drinking water. Fermentation operators must ensure proper connections and backflow protection are in place and maintained.
