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Document ID ca-bc-eisg-2000-12 Title Environmental Impact Study Guideline - A Companion Document to the Municipal Sewage Regulation URL https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/waste-management/sewage/eisguidelinedec2000.pdf Jurisdiction /ca/bc Subdomain(s) Wastewater treatment, Water quality standards, Regulatory compliance Language en Status completed Analyzed at 2026-03-15 10:06:45.865717+00:00 Relevance Guideline for environmental impact studies for municipal sewage discharges.

Q Qualitative Requirements (33)

Req ID Category Intent Legal Status Name Subdomain(s) Context Conditions Confidence
#Q001administrativereportingmandatoryDischarge Registration and EIS TimelinewastewaterDischarges must be registered in accordance with the MSR and dischargers are advised to undertake a number of pre-registration activities. While it is recommended that an Environmental Impact Study for the discharge and the facility be undertaken as part of the pre-registration activities, note that it must be completed at least 90 days prior to commencement of construction of any facility.Prior to commencement of construction of any facility.high
#Q002administrativeoperationalmandatoryEIS Qualified Professional RequirementwastewaterIn several sections of the MSR (see Appendix 1 of this Guideline) an EIS is required to be conducted by a qualified professional with expertise and experience in conducting environmental assessments.high
#Q003reportingreportingmandatoryEIS Notification and RetentionwastewaterThe EIS must be completed 90 days before construction of any facility commences and the report must be retained for inspection by the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks (MELP) Regional Pollution Prevention Manager (Manager). The Manager must be notified when the study is completed.90 days before construction of any facility commences.high
#Q004monitoringoperationalmandatoryControl Sampling Station Requirementwastewater, aquatic lifeThe monitoring program should include several downstream or down-gradient sampling locations and must include at least one control sampling station located upstream, up-gradient, outside the influence of the initial dilution zone (IDZ) of the effluent, or outside the influence of the effluent or any other discharge.high
#Q005treatmenttreatmentmandatoryDisinfection Need DeterminationwastewaterThe EIS must determine if disinfection is needed to meet water quality guidelines.high
#Q006treatmenttreatmentmandatoryDisinfection Method AlternativewastewaterAll efforts must be made to use a disinfection method other than chlorination and de-chlorination, particularly if the discharge goes directly to fish-bearing waters.Particularly applicable to direct discharges to fish-bearing waters.high
#Q007monitoringunknownmandatoryToxicity Bioassay RequirementwastewaterAll discharges, except those identified in Section 9 (2) (a), (b), (d) and (f) of the MSR, must comply with the 96 hour LC50 bioassay requirement, unless an EIS demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Manager that the receiving environment will not be adversely affected.Applies unless an EIS demonstrates receiving environment will not be adversely affected. Exemptions apply as per Section 9 (2) (a), (b), (d) and (f).high
#Q008prohibitionhealthmandatoryShellfish Harvesting Area IDZ Setbackwastewater, aquatic lifeinventories of receiving water use, noting that the outside boundary of the discharge's IDZ must not be within 300 m of a commercial shellfish lease or known native or recreational shellfish harvesting areas;high
#Q009monitoringoperationalmandatoryLow Dilution Ratio AssessmentwastewaterWhen the dilution ratio is less than 100:1, the EIS must determine if effluent quality needs to be improved beyond the requirements of schedule 3 of the MSR.When the dilution ratio is less than 100:1.high
#Q010prohibitionhealthmandatoryLow Dilution Ratio Discharge Prohibitionwastewater, recreational water, aquatic lifeWhen the dilution ratio is less than 40:1 and the stream is used for recreation, domestic water extraction, seasonal discharge, or the stream contains fish, an effluent discharge is prohibited unless the EIS demonstrates to the Manager there is no unacceptable environmental impact and that there are no other practical solutions.When dilution ratio is less than 40:1 and stream used for recreation, extraction, seasonal discharge, or contains fish.high
#Q011treatmenttreatmentmandatorySmall Lake Advanced TreatmentwastewaterFor a proposed discharge to a lake having a surface area less than 100 ha, advanced treatment is required as prescribed by Schedule 5 of the MSR, and further, the EIS must determine what degree of advanced treatment, if any, will adequately protect the lake environment.Discharge to a lake having a surface area less than 100 ha.high
#Q012operationaloperationalmandatoryAmmonia End of Pipe CalculationwastewaterFor ammonia, an 'end of pipe' back calculation from the edge of the IDZ is required.high
#Q013monitoringoperationalmandatoryLow Percolation Rate Studieswastewaterif percolation rates are less than 2 minutes per 25 mm, additional hydrogeological studies must be conducted to satisfy Schedule 4, Appendix 1, Note 8 of the MSR;If percolation rates are less than 2 minutes per 25 mm.high
#Q014treatmenttreatmentmandatoryAdvanced Treatment Requirement by GeographywastewaterAdvanced treatment to meet more stringent effluent quality is required for the geographical areas noted in schedule 5 of the MSR.Geographical areas noted in schedule 5 of the MSR.high
#Q015designunknownmandatoryFacility Design Environmental ImpactwastewaterAn EIS is required to demonstrate that the sewage facility will not adversely impact the receiving environment or adjacent neighbourhood.high
#Q016monitoringoperationalmandatoryPost-Discharge Monitoring EvaluationwastewaterFollowing commencement of the discharge, effluent and receiving environment monitoring results are to be evaluated: to determine whether water quality guidelines are being met outside the IDZ; to confirm that sediment biota, chemistry and toxicity are not adversely affected; and to test previous modeling and predictive assessments are correct.Following commencement of the discharge.high
#Q017administrativetreatmentmandatoryCSO and SSO EIS RequirementwastewaterAn EIS is required to determine water quality requirements and treatment needed to protect the designated uses of the receiving waters at all CSO and SSO locations.At all Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) and Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) locations.high
#Q018administrativeoperationalmandatoryRetention of Qualified ProfessionalwastewaterDischargers must retain a qualified professional with expertise and experience in conducting environmental assessments to undertake an EIS.high
#Q019treatmentoperationalmandatoryGround Discharge Nutrient Removal Requirementwastewaterremoval of nutrients that are determined to limit biological activity in the receiving environment (i.e., phosphorus or nitrogen species), unless it can be substantiated that the groundwater table will remain at least 3 m below the surface (or below the drainage trench bottom for sub-surface disposal) and percolation rates are slower than 10 minutes per 25 mm;When nutrients are determined to limit biological activity, unless specified groundwater table and percolation conditions are methigh
#Q020administrativehealthmandatoryReclaimed Water Well Setback EIS Requirementdrinking water, otherirrigation or impoundment of reclaimed water within 30 m of a domestic water well will require an EIS to determine if lesser or greater setbacks may be acceptable to the Manager;Applicable when irrigation or impoundment occurs within 30m of a domestic water wellhigh
#Q021corrective_actionoperationalmandatoryDry Weather Overflow Elimination Requirementwastewaterdetermine methods to eliminate dry weather overflows.Required as part of the EIS for CSO and SSO locationshigh
#Q022prohibitionhealthmandatoryIDZ Acute Toxicity Prohibitionaquatic lifeno acute toxicity effects will be acceptable within the IDZSubject to exemptions provided by Section 9 of the MSRhigh
#Q023administrativereportingrecommendedEIS Deviation JustificationotherAs well justification should be provided to the Manager for any deviations.When deviating from the guideline or direction provided by the Managerhigh
#Q024corrective_actionoperationalrecommendedEIS Outcome Mitigation or WithdrawalotherIf the effect is unacceptable, the proposed discharge should be modified to ensure that no adverse effects will occur, or the proposal should be withdrawn.When the completed EIS determines proposed discharge or use will have unacceptable effects on human health or the environmenthigh
#Q025administrativeoperationalrecommendedPre-registration Agency MeetingsotherMeetings should be held with the MELP Regional Pollution Prevention Manager and other agencies, as appropriate (e.g., Environment Canada, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Local Health Authority, Municipality, First Nation, etc.).Well in advance of registrationhigh
#Q026monitoringoperationalmandatoryMSR Standards Compliance VerificationwastewaterThe EIS must also determine whether the standards and requirements of the MSR for the receiving environment conditions (e.g., minimum dilution requirements for an outfall, minimum subsurface travel time for ground discharges) are met by the proposed discharge.high
#Q027administrativeunknownmandatoryAlternative Nitrogen Limit AuthorizationwastewaterAny alternative to the total nitrogen limit must be authorized by the Manager, based on the EIS findings.If alternative requirements to the 10 mg/L total nitrogen limit for discharges to ground are necessaryhigh
#Q028operationaloperationalguidancePredictive Modeling Tools RequirementwastewaterThe use of predictive modeling tools is normally required.high
#Q029administrativereportingguidanceNondomestic and Semi-solid Waste Impact AssessmentwastewaterWith reference to section 20 of the MSR, an EIS may be required to assess the impact of nondomestic waste discharges into a municipal sewage collection system (in the absence of a source control bylaw), and to assess the impact of semi-solid waste discharges to a treatment facility. The impact of these discharges on the final effluent quality and resulting biosolids quality needs to be assessed in these studies.high
#Q030administrativetreatmentguidanceManagerial Discretion for Stringent StandardswastewaterIf the EIS indicates the need for more stringent standards to protect human health or the environment, the Manager may require the discharger to meet more stringent standards, or provide advanced treatment, or meet water quality guidelines or mass loading limits.When an EIS indicates the need for more stringent standards to protect human health or the environment.high
#Q031administrativehealthmandatoryRestricted Public Access Reclaimed Water EISrecreational waterif remote areas of parks, school grounds during vacation periods, and golf courses are proposed to be included under the restricted public access category, then an EIS must determine to the satisfaction of the Manager whether there will be adverse environmental or health impacts;When remote areas of parks, school grounds during vacation periods, and golf courses are proposed to be included under restricted public access.high
#Q032operationaltreatmentrecommendedCSO and SSO EIS Assessment ComponentswastewaterThe EIS should address the following: 1. quantify overflow events based on 5-year return period precipitation; 2. establish receiving water beneficial uses; 3. determine water quality guidelines to protect beneficial uses and aquatic resources at risk; 4. evaluate methods of treatment to achieve the water quality guidelines, but as a minimum, control of floatables and materials of obvious sewage origin; and 5. determine methods to eliminate dry weather overflows.Required as part of the EIS for all CSO and SSO locations.high
#Q033administrativetreatmentguidanceGround Discharge Nitrogen Limit Alternative StudywastewaterAn additional, more detailed, EIS may be undertaken by the discharger to determine if alternative requirements to the 10 mg/L total nitrogen limit for discharges to ground are necessary.If alternative requirements to the total nitrogen limit are sought.high

P Quantitative Requirements (46)

Req ID Category Intent Legal Status Name Subdomain(s) Limit Type Limit Value Context Conditions Confidence
#P001designhealthmandatorySetback from domestic water well (irrigation or impoundment)otherrequirement30 mirrigation or impoundment of reclaimed water within 30 m of a domestic water well will require an EIS to determine if lesser or greater setbacks may be acceptableirrigation or impoundment of reclaimed waterhigh
#P002designhealthmandatorySetback from commercial shellfish leaseotherrequirement300 mthe outside boundary of the discharge's IDZ must not be within 300 m of a commercial shellfish lease or known native or recreational shellfish harvesting areasDischarges to waterhigh
#P003physicaltreatmentguidanceLow permeability layer hydraulic conductivityotherunknown<= 1E-08 m/sthe vertical distance to any low permeability (hydraulic conductivity of 1x10 -8 m/s, or less) layer beneath the disposal areaDischarges to groundhigh
#P004physicaloperationalmandatoryPercolation rate for additional hydrogeological studiesotherrequirement< 2 minutes per 25 mmif percolation rates are less than 2 minutes per 25 mm, additional hydrogeological studies must be conductedDischarges to groundhigh
#P005designtreatmentmandatoryGroundwater table separation for nutrient removal exemptionotherrequirement>= 3 munless it can be substantiated that the groundwater table will remain at least 3 m below the surface (or below the drainage trench bottom for sub-surface disposal)Discharges to ground, nutrient removal exemptionhigh
#P006physicaltreatmentmandatoryPercolation rate for nutrient removal exemptionotherrequirement> 10 minutes per 25 mmunless it can be substantiated that... percolation rates are slower than 10 minutes per 25 mmDischarges to ground, nutrient removal exemptionhigh
#P007chemicalhealthmandatoryTotal nitrogen limit for discharges to groundotherMAC10 mg/Lalternative requirements to the 10 mg/L total nitrogen limit for discharges to groundAdvanced treatment, discharges to groundhigh
#P008designhealthmandatorySetback distance to surface waterotherrequirement30 msurface water = 30 mDischarge to Ground Disposal Fields or to Exfiltration Basinshigh
#P009designhealthmandatorySetback distance to surface water (Okanagan Basin)otherrequirement150 msurface water = 30 m (150 m in Okanagan Basin)Discharge to Ground Disposal Fields or to Exfiltration Basins in Okanagan Basinhigh
#P010designhealthmandatorySetback distance to surface drinking waterotherrequirement300 msurface drinking water = 300 mDischarge to Ground Disposal Fields or to Exfiltration Basinshigh
#P011designhealthmandatorySetback distance to water wellotherrequirement90 mwater well = 90 mDischarge to Ground Disposal Fields or to Exfiltration Basinshigh
#P012designhealthmandatorySetback distance to water well (unconfined aquifer)otherrequirement300 mwater well = 90 m (300 m in unconfined aquifer)Discharge to Ground Disposal Fields or to Exfiltration Basins in unconfined aquiferhigh
#P013chemicalhealthmandatoryToxicity test duration (LC50 bioassay)otherrequirement96 hourAll discharges, except those identified in Section 9 (2) (a), (b), (d) and (f) of the MSR, must comply with the 96 hour LC50 bioassay requirementunless an EIS demonstrates... receiving environment will not be adversely affectedhigh
#P014physicaltreatmentmandatoryMinimum dilution ratio for toxicity bioassay waiverotherrequirement100:1 ratioif a minimum 100:1 dilution ratio can be achieved within the IDZ and if it can be demonstrated that the receiving environment will not be adversely affectedCircumstance for LC50 bioassay exemptionhigh
#P015physicalhealthmandatoryMinimum dilution ratio for prohibited discharge thresholdotherrequirement< 40:1 ratioWhen the dilution ratio is less than 40:1 and the stream is used for recreation, domestic water extraction, seasonal discharge, or the stream contains fish, an effluent discharge is prohibitedunless the EIS demonstrates there is no unacceptable environmental impact and that there are no other practical solutionshigh
#P016physicaloperationalmandatoryMinimum dilution ratio for authorized seasonal dischargeotherrequirement20:1 ratioA minimum dilution ratio of 20:1 may be authorized by the Manager for seasonal discharges and where the stream does not contain fish, and is not used for recreation or domestic water extractionhigh
#P017designtreatmentmandatoryLake surface area threshold for mandatory advanced treatmentotherrequirement< 100 haFor a proposed discharge to a lake having a surface area less than 100 ha, advanced treatment is required as prescribed by Schedule 5 of the MSRhigh
#P018operationaloperationalmandatoryFacility commissioning period durationotherrequirement3 monthFollowing construction of a treatment facility, a 3-month long commissioning period is allowed during which the discharge does not have to meet the standardsproviding monitoring and studies determine... no adverse environmental impactshigh
#P019operationalreportingguidanceMinimum pre-discharge sampling frequencyotherrequirement5 samples per 30 daysnormally, for a discharge to water, pre-discharge weekly sampling for a period of 30 days (i.e., 5 samples collected over a 30 day period) at each stationduring the most critical seasonhigh
#P020designhealthmandatorySetback distance to domestic water wells (Lower Risk)otherrequirement60 mConfirm that minimum setbacks (i.e., 60 m for domestic wells and 30 m for surface waters for disposal fields) are metLower Risk - Maximum Daily Flow <37 m 3 /d with Septic Tank Discharge to Groundhigh
#P021operationalreportingmandatoryEIS completion timelinedrinking water, wastewater, agricultural water, aquatic life, recreational waterrequirement>= 90 daysEIS... must be completed at least 90 days prior to commencement of construction of any facility.Prior to commencement of constructionhigh
#P022operationaltreatmentmandatoryToxicity bioassay flow thresholdaquatic liferequirement<= 5000 m3/dif a discharge is equal to or less than 5000 m 3 /d and if it can be demonstrated that the receiving environment will not be adversely affectedCircumstance for 96 hour LC50 bioassay exemptionhigh
#P023designoperationalmandatoryOutfall location modeling thresholdotherrequirement> 5000 m3/dFor flows greater than 5000 m 3 /d, the EIS must determine... the optimum outfall location... in conjunction with computer modelingDischarges to waterhigh
#P024operationaloperationalrecommendedEnvironmental assessment team population thresholdotherrequirement> 10000 peopleFor larger projects (where the contributory population equivalent exceeds 10, 000 people)... a team approach to completing an EIS is recommended.Contributory population equivalenthigh
#P025operationalreportingguidanceWell inventory search radiusdrinking waterrequirement300 mLocate wells in general vicinity (minimum - 300 m radius) of proposed dischargeLower Risk ground disposalhigh
#P026operationaloperationalmandatoryGroundwater mounding calculation return periodotherrequirement5 yearelevation to which the water table will be raised by the discharge, including mounding calculations... at least equivalent to an event with a 5-year return periodDischarges to groundhigh
#P027operationalreportingmandatoryOverflow event quantification return periodotherrequirement5 yearquantify overflow events based on 5-year return period precipitationCombined Sewer and Sanitary Sewer Overflowshigh
#P028operationalhealthmandatoryDown-gradient drinking water well impact assessment radiusdrinking waterrequirement300 mif a drinking water well is within 300 m down-gradient, the potential effect of nitrogen, pathogens, and other contaminants on that wellDischarges to ground impact assessmenthigh
#P029designhealthmandatorySetback distance to surface water (Lower Risk)otherrequirement30 mConfirm that minimum setbacks (i.e., 60 m for domestic wells and 30 m for surface waters for disposal fields) are metLower Risk - Maximum Daily Flow <37 m3/d with Septic Tank Discharge to Groundhigh
#P030operationalhealthmandatoryEffluent surfacing distance thresholdotherrequirement30 massess sub-surface travel time and whether the discharge will surface within 30 m of the outer edge of the disposal field area or exfiltration basinDischarge to Ground Disposal Fields or to Exfiltration Basinshigh
#P031operationaltreatmentmandatoryEffluent quality improvement assessment dilution thresholdotherrequirement< 100:1 ratioWhen the dilution ratio is less than 100:1, the EIS must determine if effluent quality needs to be improved beyond the requirements of schedule 3Discharges to waterhigh
#P032designoperationalguidelineLower Risk flow threshold (Marine/Streams)otherrequirement< 50 m3/dLower Risk - e.g., Maximum Daily Flow <50 m3/d with discharge to Open Marine Water or to Streams with Dilution Ratio >100:1Determines limited scope EIS applicabilityhigh
#P033designoperationalguidelineGreater Risk flow threshold (Marine/Streams)otherrequirement> 10000 m3/dGreater Risk - e.g., Maximum Daily Flow >10,000 m3/d with Discharge to Open Marine Waters or to Streams with <100:1 dilutionDetermines expanded scope EIS applicabilityhigh
#P034designoperationalguidelineLower Risk flow threshold (Ground)otherrequirement< 37 m3/dLower Risk - e.g., Maximum Daily Flow <37 m3/d with Septic Tank Discharge to Ground Disposal FieldsDetermines limited scope EIS applicabilityhigh
#P035designoperationalguidelineGreater Risk flow threshold (Ground)otherrequirement> 200 m3/dGreater Risk - e.g., Maximum Daily Flow >200 m3/d with Discharge to Ground Disposal Fields or to Exfiltration BasinsDetermines expanded scope EIS applicabilityhigh
#P036chemicalhealthguidelineElk River Allowable Receiving Water Ammonia Concentrationaquatic liferequirement0.461 mg/LAt edge of initial dilution zone, 30-day chronic NH3 concentrationCritical Temp 10 C, Critical pH 8.4high
#P037chemicaltreatmentguidelineElk River Allowable Maximum Effluent Ammonia Concentrationaquatic liferequirement9.22 mg/LAssuming 20:1 dilution within initial dilution zone and negligible background ammonia concentrationsCritical Temp 10 C, Critical pH 8.4high
#P038chemicalhealthguidelineFraser River Allowable Receiving Water Ammonia Concentrationaquatic liferequirement0.651 mg/LAt edge of initial dilution zone, 30-day chronic NH3 concentrationCritical Temp 16 C, Critical pH 8.2high
#P039chemicaltreatmentguidelineFraser River Allowable Maximum Effluent Ammonia Concentrationaquatic liferequirement13.02 mg/LAssuming 20:1 dilution within initial dilution zone and negligible background ammonia concentrationsCritical Temp 16 C, Critical pH 8.2high
#P040chemicalhealthguidelineSimilkameen River Allowable Receiving Water Ammonia Concentrationaquatic liferequirement0.606 mg/LAt edge of initial dilution zone, 30-day chronic NH3 concentrationCritical Temp 17 C, Critical pH 8.2high
#P041chemicaltreatmentguidelineSimilkameen River Allowable Maximum Effluent Ammonia Concentrationaquatic liferequirement12.12 mg/LAssuming 20:1 dilution within initial dilution zone and negligible background ammonia concentrationsCritical Temp 17 C, Critical pH 8.2high
#P042chemicalhealthguidelineSkeena River Allowable Receiving Water Ammonia Concentrationaquatic liferequirement0.874 mg/LAt edge of initial dilution zone, 30-day chronic NH3 concentrationCritical Temp 15 C, Critical pH 8.1high
#P043chemicaltreatmentguidelineSkeena River Allowable Maximum Effluent Ammonia Concentrationaquatic liferequirement17.48 mg/LAssuming 20:1 dilution within initial dilution zone and negligible background ammonia concentrationsCritical Temp 15 C, Critical pH 8.1high
#P044designoperationalguidelineMaximum Mixing Zone Widthotherrequirement25 percent of stream widthThe mixing zone is 12.5 percent of either side of the stream centreline, or 25 percent of the stream widthhigh
#P045operationaloperationalguidanceCurrent meter reading durationotherrequirement1 monthconduct one month of current meter readings (at bottom, and at stratification level)Greater Risk marine discharges, Stage 2 EIShigh
#P046operationalreportingguidanceTopographical map scaleotherrequirement<= 50000 scale denominatorLocate on a marine chart or topographical map (1:50,000 or larger scale)Lower Risk EIS mappinghigh

D Definitions (18)

Req ID Category Name Context Confidence
#D001water quality guidelinesa broad term used in the MSR to define water quality guidelines (formerly criteria), water quality objectives, where established for a particular water body, and any other water quality standard approved by the Minister.high
#D002Maximum Infiltration CapacityThe maximum rate (usually expressed in m 3 /day) that wastewater can pass from a pond or seepage trench into natural ground.high
#D003Natural Discharge CapacityThe maximum groundwater flow rate (usually expressed in m 3 /day), in natural ground, from a wastewater discharge facility.high
#D004IDZInitial Dilution Zonehigh
#D005MELPMinistry of Environment, Lands and Parkshigh
#D006MSRMunicipal Sewage Regulationhigh
#D007EISenvironmental impact studyhigh
#D008ManagerMinistry of Environment, Lands and Parks (MELP) Regional Pollution Prevention Managerhigh
#D009QCQuality Controlhigh
#D010QAQuality Assurancehigh
#D011CTDconductivity/temperature/depthhigh
#D012TARTechnical Assessment Reporthigh
#D013CSOCombined Sewer Overflowhigh
#D014SSOSanitary Sewer Overflowhigh
#D015regulatory mixing zoneinitial dilution zonehigh
#D016RSBinitial dilution modelhigh
#D017UMinitial dilution modelhigh
#D018PLUMESmodel interface and manager for RSB and UM with two far field algorithms and CORMIX flow categorization schemehigh