WHEREAS private water utilities are subject to the regulation and control imposed by the Comptroller; AND WHEREAS a private sewer utility is not subject to the same regulation and control other than health for discharge permits: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government regulate private sewer utilities in the same manner as private water utilities.
Ministry of Environment At this time, the provincial government is not considering the regulation of private sewer utilities. The Province views local governments as best suited to provide sewer system services. If the Province were to begin regulating private sewer utilities, additional legislation and resources would be required. Currently, the Province is not in a position to offer these additional resources. The Province will investigate this issue further in the next year, particularly in regard to the prevalence of the problem. The Ministry of Environment will consult with Ministry of Health while conducting this research. The Province will revisit the issue if research findings indicate a need for regulation. The provincial government is not investigating the option of imposing a requirement for local governments to regulate private sewer utilities. Local governments have a high degree of autonomy from the Province. The Province recognizes and respects that local governments are in the best position to determine the services that they feel are necessary or desirable for their communities. Many local governments provide similar services; however, they have the ability to customize the way the services are provided, regulated and financed; therefore, imposing a requirement for local governments to regulate sewer utilities would be contrary to the Provinces approach. Under the Local Government Act, a regional district has the authority to prohibit the installation of sewage works provided by other parties either a private utility or a municipality.