Sewage Systems | Township of South Frontenac

Effective September 1, 2023, the Township of South Frontenac no longer accepts or issues sewage system permits or provides plans review for Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code for the other three Frontenac townships - North Frontenac, Central Frontenac, and Frontenac Islands.

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.

NOTE: If the sewage system application is for a vacant lot, we will require a separate completed dwelling application to be submitted at the same time.

Sewage System applications

Class 4 or 5 Sewage System application

Class 4 or 5 sewage system application

Class 2 or 3 Sewage System application

Class 2 or 3 sewage system application

Performance level review of an existing Sewage system

Sewage system performance level review application

Septic Tank replacement application

Septic tank replacement application

Sewage system record search

Sewage system record search application

Sewage System typical drawings (C to I)

Sewage system typical drawings (C to I)

Please book your inspection directly with your inspector via their email or by calling 613 376-3027

Matt Doyle - Sewage System Specialist - mdoyle@southfrontenac.net

Complete sewage system applications can be delivered:

In person to the Development Services office at 3910 Battersea Road in Inverary, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
By email to building@southfrontenac.net
To the Building drop-box, located at the Municipal office - 4412 Wheatley Street, Sydenham or
By mail to PO Box 100, 4432 George Street, Sydenham, ON K0H 2T0

Payment Options:

Cash, debit, cheque or credit card in person at the Development Services office – 3910 Battersea Road, Inverary, 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.

Pay online

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

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

Sewage systems 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's

· 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

Don'ts

· 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

Additional resources and information: