Laboratories

• heavy metals (including nickel, copper, zinc, silver and mercury)
• chemicals (including cyanide, phenolic compounds, spent solvents, formaldehyde)
• pH imbalances (acids & bases)
• used samples
• reaction products
• cleaners
• reagents fixatives and stains

Laboratory wastes are regulated by all levels of government. Operators are responsible for understanding and adhering to every regulation set out by each level of government.

Metals and other contaminants are now much less common in the waters off our region, thanks in large part to source control efforts. Continued effort will ensure our ocean is cleaner and safer for everyone.

• Avoid discharging prohibited or restricted waste
• Install one or more monitoring points downstream from all laboratory discharge and upstream from the discharge of other waste.
• Ensure proper storage and disposal of chemicals and waste
• Create a spill response plan
• Maintain records of waste disposal for at least 2 years

Waste from analytical laboratories is generally more diverse in composition than waste from other commercial businesses. Discharges of contaminants from a single laboratory may be relatively small, however, collectively they can have a significant impact on the sewer system and the marine environment.

Laboratory chemicals can also create hazards such as fire, explosion, air and water pollution, corrosion of sewer pipes or damage to sewage treatment facilities and processes. The code of practice was created to ensure safe disposal of these materials. 

In many cases, companies require a waste discharge permit to discharge industrial or commercial wastes into the sewers. However, the Capital Regional District's (CRD) sewer use bylaw also provides for the discharge of certain types of waste under industry-specific codes of practice.

A code of practice is a regulatory document, developed by the CRD, which contains mandatory sanitary sewer discharge standards for specific industrial, institutional, or commercial sectors. Codes of practice set out minimum effluent treatment, equipment maintenance and record-keeping requirements for various sector operations. A business or organization operating under an approved code of practice does not require a waste discharge permit under the CRD sewer use bylaw.

The code of practice for laboratory operations (Schedule "S") describes the rules as defined by the CRD for the disposal of liquid waste from laboratory operations into the sewer system.

Additional documents for laboratory operations:

• Waste Discharge Assessment Form [PDF/543KB]
• Guidebook for Laboratory Operations [PDF/740KB]
• Code of Practice Schedule "S" [PDF/125KB]
• CRD Sewer Use Bylaw No. 2922 [PDF/610KB]

Wastewater Treatment Requirements

• All wastewater generated in laboratory operations must be directed through treatment works before entering the sewer system.
• Any waste collected in laboratory operations must not be disposed of in the sewer system.
• Laboratories can meet requirements by collecting and transporting waste for off-site disposal.

Prohibited Wastewater Discharges

Laboratories must not discharge waste containing:

• prohibited or restricted waste into the sewer system, except for BOD, COD, chloride, sulphate, mercury, and seawater.
• more than 0.01 mg/L of mercury
• PCBs, dioxin TEQs, halogenated solvents, chlorinated phenols, or pesticides.
• More than 2.0 m³/day of seawater or uncontaminated water without approval.

• Stormwater without a valid waste discharge permit.

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Testing Requirements

• Labs treating waste must test before discharge using approved methods.

New laboratories (operating after January 1, 2004) must install a sampling/monitoring point downstream from all laboratory waste but upstream of other waste discharge points.

Existing laboratories (operating before January 1, 2004) must install a sampling point if:

• Making $5,000+ improvements that increase waste discharge.
• Modifying laboratory plumbing.
• Discharging non-compliant waste.

Sampling Point Specifications

• Must be the same diameter as the outlet pipe.
• Must open at a right angle to and vertically above the flow of the sewer pipe.
• Must always be easily accessible for inspection and sampling.

• Laboratories must use spill containment measures to prevent chemicals or waste from entering the sewer system.
• Stormwater collected in spill containment must be tested before discharge.

• A spill response plan must be kept on-site and ready for inspection by an officer.
• Spill prevention and clean-up equipment/supplies must always be in stock and readily available.
• The plan must be posted in a conspicuous location.
• Keep spill response supplies stocked.

In case of a spill:

• Follow the spill response plan immediately.
• Remove or treat spilled material before resuming operations.

Laboratories must keep records for at least two years and provide them upon request.

Required Records

• List of laboratory services that generate waste.
• Inventory of chemicals stored and used.
• Written procedures for waste treatment methods.
• Testing results for treated waste.

Disposal of Recycling Records

For all disposal or recycling services related to wastewater and other substances, records must include:

• Name, address, and telephone number of the service provider
• Type of material disposed or recycled
• Quantity of material
• Date of disposal or recycling

If you operate in North Saanich, Central Saanich or Sidney, then you need to know about Saanich Peninsula Stormwater Bylaw No. 4168 [PDF/304KB] requirements. 

Learn More about Bylaw No. 4168

• Never pour any fluids, wash/rinse water, wastewater or spills into storm drains, ditches, parking lots or outdoor work areas.
• When hosing or washing equipment or surfaces outside, do not let the runoff water enter the storm drain.
• Regularly inspect and maintain any parking lot catch basins.
• Store waste products and outdoor containers under covered areas with appropriate spill containment. Inspect after a rainstorm to make sure no materials leaked out.
• Educate staff about spill prevention and response and have spill plan and kit available.
• Regularly inspect and maintain any parking lot catch basins, cleaning them out at least once per year.