Wastewater in First Nations communities
Learn about wastewater management in First Nations communities.
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Possible health risks of wastewater and sewage
Wastewater is also known as sewage. It can harm humans, as it can:
- spread diseases
- pollute surface and groundwater sources
The Environmental Public Health program and wastewater management
Indigenous Services Environmental Public Health program's focus is on:
- on-site sewage disposal systems
- community sewage treatment systems
To reduce and prevent public health risks, we:
- detect current and potential hazards related to sewage disposal
- help First Nations plan and site their single sewage septic systems
- review plans and provide advice for new and upgraded wastewater treatment systems
For sewage systems on federal and Aboriginal lands as defined under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, Environment Canada:
- develops standards, guidelines and protocols
- provides advice and technical expertise on federal legislation requirements
Wastewater management services provided by the Environmental Public Health program
Services provided to First Nations communities by the Environmental Public Health program include:
- advice on the design, construction, operation and maintenance of water and wastewater facilities
- environmental public health assessment to inspect sites and installations for new and expanded on-site sewage disposal systems
- provide public health inspections of wastewater treatment systems and on-site sewage disposal systems
give advice on sewage treatment and disposal systems, including information on proper design, maintenance and decommissioning of sites
- educate home dwellers and owners on how to maintain an on-site sewage disposal system and reduce risks related to sewage discharge