Guidelines and Resources

Sewerage System Standard Practice Manual (SPM) V3

The Sewerage System Standard Practice Manual (SPM), Version 3 is the main reference source for B.C. wastewater practitioners responsible for planning, installing and maintaining onsite sewage systems, pursuant to the Sewerage System Regulation and Public Health Act.

Quick Jumps

Sewerage System Standard Practice Manual Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Errata

FAQs and Errata, November 2015 (PDF, 125KB) provides answers to common questions that arose during the 2014-15 roll-out workshops on the SPM V3. It also includes a summary of errata (typos and link errors) in the manual.

Provincial Composting Toilet and Greywater Manual

The Manual of Composting Toilet and Greywater Practice (PDF, 2MB) is for those who wish to consider cost-effective, ecofriendly alternatives to conventional onsite sewerage systems.

The manual provides a comprehensive set of provisions that support the design, installation and maintenance of composting toilet-based sewerage systems, and aligns with the Sewerage System Regulation, Environmental Management Act, Municipal Wastewater Regulation, and BC Building Code. It follows a similar format to the Sewerage System Standard Practice Manual (Version 3).

Health Hazard Interpretation Guideline

The Ministry of Health has partnered with Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC and the Engineers & Geoscientists BC to produce a Health Hazard Interpretation Guideline. This guideline is intended for Authorized Persons filing sewerage system letters of certification pursuant to section 9 of the Sewerage System Regulation. 

The goal is to provide clarification and examples of health hazards that Authorized Persons would be responsible for preventing, as well as specific circumstances of health hazards that fall outside the Authorized Person’s purview.

Health Information: Grey Water Re-use (PDF, 409KB)

Health Hazard Communication Guideline (PDF, 406KB)

Sewerage System Policy for Setback from Wells Based on Repairs or Alterations (PDF, 53KB

Onsite Sewage Systems Publications

Here is a list of publications on topics related to onsite sewage systems:

Authorized Persons under the Sewerage System Regulation (PDF)

Health Hazard Communication Guideline (PDF)

How to Find a Septic Tank (PDF, 3.5 MB)

Sewerage System Policy for Setback from Wells Based on Repairs or Alterations (PDF)

Sewerage System Regulation Amendments (PDF)

Sewerage System Standard Practice Manual, Version 3 (PDF, 7.6 MB)

Manual of Composting Toilet and Greywater Practice (PDF, 1.8 MB)

HealthLinkBC: Maintenance and Operation of Onsite Sewage Systems

Sewage Systems and Flooding (PDF, 330KB)