Regrettably, we do not offer courses or certifications on septic systems, but we have some information that may help.

  • Septic systems are small sewerage systems which typically serve a single residence or duplex or several structures on one or more parcels, in rural areas. Septic systems receive and treat wastewater from residences (e.g., sink drains and toilets) and discharge the treated effluent to the ground via a septic field.
  • The Sewerage System Regulation (SSR) under the Public Health Act , these systems regulate if they have a designed daily domestic sewage flow of 22,700 litres or less, and discharge effluent to ground.
  • Systems designed to receive greater than 22,700 litres per day and/or which discharge to surface water such as a stream or lake, are regulated by the Municipal Wastewater Regulation under the Environmental Management Act , administered by the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Strategy.
  • The SSR is outcomes-based; it uses the professional reliance model of regulation.
  • Professional reliance in the SSR has the intention of achieving public health protection by restricting work on sewerage systems to authorized persons who hold current registration with a designated regulatory body.
  • The SSR defines authorized person as a registered onsite wastewater practitioner (ROWP) or a ‘professional’.
  • Regulatory bodies for authorized persons :
    • The Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) is the regulating body for ROWP.
    • Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC) is the regulating body for professionals who would conduct design, installation, and maintenance work on septic systems, for example, Professional Engineers.
    • ASTTBC and EGBC govern the professional practice of these authorized persons and conduct investigation and enforcement of professional conduct, under the authority of the Professional Governance Act .

Individuals who do not hold current registration with one of the above regulatory bodies may not construct or maintain a sewerage system regulated by the SSR, unless under the direct supervision of an authorized person.