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GUIDELINES

FOR

HYDROGEOLOGICAL STUDIES AND

STANDARDS FOR

PRIVATE SERVICES

June 2000






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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1

INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................................................1



PART 2

PRIVATE SERVICING GUIDELINES .................................................................................................3

2.1 PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS .............................................................................3

2.2 PRIVATE WELLS ...........................................................................................................................4

2.3 WATER SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS ...........................................................................................4

2.3.1 Quantity .............................................................................................4

2.3.2 Quality ...............................................................................................5

2.4 MINIMUM LOT SIZING .................................................................................................................5



PART 3

REGIONAL GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCTING
HYDROGEOLOGICAL STUDIES .............................................................................................................9

3.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................9

3.2 TECHNICAL REPORTS ..............................................................................................................13

3.2.1 Preliminary Investigation Report................................................13

3.2.2 Hydrogeological Study Report ....................................................16


PART 4

PRIVATE WATER SUPPLIES .....................................................................................................................17

4.1 INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................17

4.2 PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION REPORT ..........................................................................17




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4.2.1 General .............................................................................................17

4.2.2 Water Quantity...............................................................................20

4.2.3 Water Quality.................................................................................23

4.2.4 Well Construction..........................................................................25

4.2.5 Adjacent Lands & Water Uses.....................................................26

4.2.6 Other Considerations ....................................................................27

4.3 HYDROGEOLOGICAL STUDY REPORT................................................................................27

4.4 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION..................................................................................................28

PART 5

PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS

5.1 INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................31

5.1.1 Designated Areas Under Notice 3/78 .........................................33

5.1.2 Sewage System Impact Evaluation...............................................33


5.2 PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION REPORT...........................................................................35

5.2.1 Site Suitability ................................................................................35

5.2.2 Ground Water Quality Assessment............................................36

5.2.3 On-Site Predictive Assessment
Residential Development...............................................................37

5.2.4 Off-Site Predictive Assessment...................................................39

5.3 HYDROGEOLOGICAL STUDY REPORT................................................................................40

5.4 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION..................................................................................................41


APPENDICES ........................................................................................................................................................................60






PART 1



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INTRODUCTION

This document is intended to provide information to those persons who are seeking approval to develop
land by way of private water supplies and/or private sewage disposal systems (septic systems). Such
approvals are typically associated with plans of subdivision, condominiums, official plan amendments,
severance applications and any other forms of development plans which would be based on individual
private wells for water supply and/or on individual private subsurface sewage disposal systems.
Information is also provided regarding the ground water and surface water interests of other agencies.

For the purposes of approving development on private services, the Ministry of the Environment and
Energy (MOEE) has delegated responsibility dealing with such matters, to the Regional Municipality of
Halton and administered by the Halton Regional Health Department.

The information contained in this document is, for the most part, generic in nature and is not intended to
provide detailed methodologies for site specific studies. These will need to be developed on a case by
case basis for individual development applications by the proponents and/or their consultants.

By following the detailed procedures in this document, developers, together with Halton Region staff,
will be able to confirm the private servicing potential of development properties. Private servicing
capability is a prerequisite to any rural area development. Therefore, other land use planning concerns
including Regional and local official plans and zoning and impacts on agriculture, mineral resources,
hazard lands, environmentally sensitive areas and roads should be considered after site servicing
capability is confirmed. The other planning matters should be integrated with servicing after the site
servicing capability has been determined.

Halton Region has been delegated by the Minister of Municipal Affairs as the approval
authority for local Official Plans and amendments and also land development applications including
subdivisions, condominiums, land severances and part-lot control exemptions and others. The Region
evaluates and approves these various plans and development applications in comparison to the Halton
Region Official Plan and associated policies and guidelines. Plans and applications for development on
private services are only approved where the Region's private servicing requirements have been
successfully incorporated.

Where Regional water and wastewater services are not available, the Regional Official Plan requires all
developments to be self-sustaining on private individual water wells and private individual sewage
disposal systems. Partial servicing is permitted in some exceptions. Neither Public nor private



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communal servicing is permitted.

PART 2Error! Bookmark not defined.

PRIVATE SERVICING GUIDELINES
1


2.1 EVALUATION OF PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS

This section refers to conventional septic tank and tile bed systems, defined in the Ontario Building Code Act as the
standard for development evaluation. The Region does not support new developments based on other types of
private sewage disposal systems. Once new lots are created and registered, the approval of new private sewage
disposal system installations is administered by the local municipality as part of the building permit process.

(i) All land areas designated as sewage system envelopes to be used for the installation private
sewage disposal systems must meet the minimum dis tance requirements pursuant to the Ontario
Building Code.

(ii) New development approvals on private sewage disposal systems require a sewage system
envelope of 700 square metres is maintained of vacant and suitable land be set aside and protected
to permit the adequate installation of a conventional septic tank and tile bed system.

(iii) The tile field(s) must be adequately separated from all water supplies (wells) to meet the minimum
requirements of the Ontario Building Code and Ontario Regulation 903 (Wells), made under the
Ontario Water Resources Act and as amended from time to time; or such greater distance as the
Region may determine, based on such factors as topography, drainage, water table, or soil
conditions, placement of services etc.


2.2 PRIVATE WELLS

1) Well construction and abandonment requirements shall be those established by the Ministry of the
Environment and Energy in the Ontario Water Resources Act and Ontario Regulation 903 (Wells)
made thereunder and as amended from time to t ime.

2) All Land Division Committee decisions to approve individual residential severances on a private
water supply, approval is contingent upon compliance with the Regional Health Department's
requirement that an "Adequate Private Well" be constructed on the proposed lot. Wells must be
constructed in accordance with the requirements of Ontario Regulation 903, (Wells). Wells must
also meet the requirements of the Regional Health Department with respect to both quantity and
quality as described below. In such cases, the well driller's report, laboratory results of water
analysis and inspections by Health Department staff will form the basis of evaluation.

The Regional Health Department will advise the appropriate Municipal Building Department as to whether a particular
well meets regional private well water standards and whether the owner/applicant will be required to install a water
storage tank (supplemental storage system) for potable water and auxiliary pumping system.

2.3 WATER SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS

2.3.1 Quantity

The Medical Officer of Health (MOH), in carrying out his responsibilities under the Health Protection and Promotion


1
Reference Appendix H - Urban & Rural Servicing Guidelines



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Act, must determine the adequacy of domestic water supplies. The following criteria will be used to make this
assessment.

(a) Wells with a yield of 13.7 Litres/minute (three I.G./Min.) or greater is considered to be adequate for
normal domestic demands.

(b) Wells with a yield of less than 4.5 Litres/minute (one I.G./Min.) are considered to be inadequate to
meet normal domestic needs.

(b) Wells with a yield between 4.5 Litres/minute (one I.G./Min.) and 13.7 Litres/minute (three I.G./Min.)
may be approved provided that a water storage tank and auxiliary pumping system are installed to
manage peak demands.

(c) Wells with a yield greater than 4.5 Litres/Minute may be considered inadequate where there is a
seasonal water supply problem and/or there is the potential for interference between existing off-
site and proposed/existing on-site wells, existing or proposed private sewage disposal systems and
other groundwater uses as determined by the hydrogeological assessment described in this
document.

2.3.2 Quality

A water supply well will be considered inadequate with respect to quality where:

(a) a health related parameter of the Ontario Drinking Water Objectives is exceeded; or

(b) where an aesthetic parameter of the Ontario Drinking Water Objectives is exceeded and is
above the concentration considered treatable by means of a private water treatment
system or,

(c) a health hazard is anticipated due to well construction, or proximity to a private sewage
disposal system or other source of pollution (ie: feed lots, salt storage, industrial sites,
etc.) and/or where the Region determines that costs are unreasonable to produce and
maintain a satisfactory water supply.


2.4 MINIMUM LOT SIZING

(a) General

Minimum lot sizing refered to in this section deals with lot sizes solely private servicing. Larger lots than those
necessary for private servicing may be required for other, non-servicing related reasons such as official plan or
zoning by-law requirements. These Guidelines apply to the creation, expansion and/or alteration of boundaries of
private serviced lots. Some existing lots do not conform to this guideline and development may be restricted or
denied based on the ability of the lot to be "self-sustaining".

The term "self-sustaining" referred in this section, means a lot of sufficient size and shape to accommodate the
dwelling, private well and private sewage disposal system envelope; while maintaining compliance with Ontario
Building Code requirements and O.R. 903 made under the Ontario Water Resources Act.

(b) Single Family Residential Lots

All new residential lots within designated Hamlets and Rural Clusters where overall hydrogeological studies have
been carried out must meet the minimum lot size recommendations of the overall study, unless more detailed site-
specific studies carried out to Halton's satisfaction recommend a smaller lot size.

All residential lots within plans of subdivision located outside of Hamlets and Rural Clusters shall meet the minimum
size recommendations of the site-specific hydrogeological investigations carried out to Halton's satisfaction.



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For individual residential severances, it is not Halton's usual practice to require submission of site-specific
hydrogeological studies, but in unusual conditions where servicing feasibility is suspect, such a requirement may be
required. It is normal practice for the Health Department to evaluate the merits of a severance application of a
particular size based on "minimum physical requirements" plus additional information concerning density and
proximity of existing development in the area, lot shape, soil conditions, topography, water table, drainage, available
hydrogeological information and the performance of existing private services in the area.


(c) Industrial or Commercial Development

For industrial or commercial plans of subdivision on private services, lot sizes will be determined based on the
hydrogeological studies carried out to Halton's satisfaction. For individual severances for non-residential uses, a
hydrogeological study may not be required if the proposed use is small scale with very few employees and only
domestic water requirements. Applicants should contact the Halton Regional Health Department to determine the
needs for a hydrogeological study prior to the commencement of the on-site investigation.

Conditions of Approval

As a condition of approval for all rural estate plans of subdivision, to be serviced by individual private services, the
owner/applicant will be required to establish a private well, acceptable to the Regional Health Department, on each
draft approved lot prior to Final Approval. In the case that no Regionally acceptable well can be established on any
draft approved lot, said lot shall not be registered as a separate building lot, but will be either:

a) merged with an abutting lot or
b) the subdivision will be redesigned to the satisfaction of the Region.

Proponents for industrial and commercial plans of subdivision may, as a condition of draft approval, enter into
agreement with Halton pertaining to the operation of private wells and sewage disposal facilities and their
relationship to site specific constraints or uses which may affect future operation. The agreement will be registered
on title and fto ensure the terms will apply to successive owners.




PART 3 Error! Bookmark not defined.

REGIONAL GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCTING HYDROGEOLOGICAL
STUDIES

3.1 INTRODUCTION

In developing this guideline, consideration has been given to the most recent MOEE guidelines and policies. All
applications for development on private services will be assessed in accordance with the requirements of this part of
the guideline.

Preliminary Investigation




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Prior to draft approval or an official plan amendment, the Region requires that a Preliminary Investigation be
undertaken and the results documented to demonstrate that the proposed privately-serviced project may be
accommodated on the development lands and will not have adverse effects on groundwater sources.

The most common components of the Preliminary Investigation Report in support of a land development application
or Official Plan Amendment include:

a) study of existing geological, hydrogeological and soil information,
b) soil testing and description through test pitting and/or soil borings,
c) ground water level measurement through ground water monitor and test well
installation,
d) aquifer identification through test drilling,
e) aquifer testing through test well and observation well installation, pump testing,
monitoring on-site and private off-site wells during pump testing,
f) ground water quality sampling of on-site ground water monitors, test wells and
off-site private wells.
g) on-site hydraulic testing of saturated soil through ground water monitors,
h) surficial soil identification through test ie: excavations/boreholes
i) laboratory grain size analysis of soil samples and
j) elevation survey of selected on-site and private wells

The above noted information is used to:

a) interpret the hydrogeological conditions beneath the property,
b) calculate the quantity of ground water available to water-supply wells on the
property
c) determine the prevailing ground water quality on the site and possibly nearby
private wells and/or ground water monitors,
d) predict the loadings of nitrates from subsurface sewage effluent disposal to the
groundwater system
e) assess the suitability of soil conditions and identify limiting factors (bedrock,
water-table proximity) on the property for sewage effluent disposal for purpose
of sewage system design,
f) calculate the potential impact on the shallow and/or deep ground water system
with respect to quantity and quality resulting from the proposed development
and
g) determine the extent to which predicted ground water impacts from the
development will affect existing on and off-site groundwater sources natural
features such as surface water, wetlands or natural areas.



Hydrogeological Study



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As a condition of the draft approval or the Official Plan Amendment approval, the Region requires a Hydrogeological
Study be carried out to establish that wells, yielding adequate supplies of potable groundwater on each lot are
feasible. The study will also confirm that the proposed development will have no adverse quality and quantity
impacts in the existing groundwater sources adjacent to the proposed development. In some instances, the Region
may require the Hydrogeological Study prior to draft approval.

The most common components of the Hydrogeological Study include:

a) pump-testing and water-quality sampling of the water-supply wells installed on the individual lots
of the proposed development.

b) water-level monitoring of each pumped well, and nearby on-site observation well(s) and off-site
private well(s) within the potential drawdown-influence catchment of the pumped well.

c) elevation survey of selected on-site wells and private wells near the proposed development.

d) pump testing of any private well that experiences significant drawdown during any on-site well
test.

e) background quality testing of existing private wells downgradient from the proposed development
where adverse impacts are indicated by the mass-balance evaluation.

The above noted information is used to:

a) establish that each lot can provide a perennial water supply.

b) determine the off-site quantity impact and to develop Region-acceptable mitigation procedures
between the applicant and the affected persons.

c) corroborate the initial interpretation of groundwater flux and movement beneath the site and verify
that existing downgradient groundwater sources and natural features will not experience future
adverse ground water quality impacts resulting from the proposed development.



Processing Fees

The proponent will be required to pay the following costs associated with the assessment of his/her application:

a pro-rated cost of the overall Hamlet Study

costs associated with carrying out the Preliminary Investigation Report and the Hydrogeological



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Study.

costs associated with the Region's review of the Preliminary Investigation Report and the Study by
an independent hydrogeological consultant/retained by the Region, and associated meetings with
the proponent





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3.2 TECHNICAL REPORTS

Both the water-supply evaluation and the sewage-impact assessment of either the Preliminary Investigation Report
and the Hydrogeological Study Report must be submitted for review to the Regional Health Department. This
process ensures that water and sewage impact assessments have been comprehensively evaluated by the
proponents consultant.

3.2.1 Preliminary Investigation Report

Reports in support of development utilizing private wells and private sewage disposal systems must include the
following information:

i) Physical Setting

a) Provide regional and local maps which show site location and orientation with Lot and Concession
Numbers. Use maps of the scale that best describe the site and local features from the Ontario
Base Mapping or National Topographic Series.

b) Describe local land uses and servicing, surface topography, surface drainage conditions,
environmental features, wetlands, watercourses, and flood plains within at least 500 metres of the
site.

c) Identify present and previous on-site land uses, and determine possible contamination sources
(spills, refuse, fertilizers) that may necessitate a formal environmental audit.


ii) Water Supply

a) Describe the regional hydrogeologic setting.

b) Plot and locate representative well(s), observation wells and wells on an appropriate scale
(normally for areal well plots 1:10,000 maps should be used)

c) Tabulate local well depth (recorded and unrecorded) listing all relevant information (ie: log, depth,
static level, pumping water levels, pump setting, rated pumping capacity and screen(s).

d) Prepare at least two cross sections extending through the development lands and identify preferred
aquifer for water supply.

e) Estimate the recoverable on-site recharge and comment on the potential of aquifer mining.

f) Assess the susceptibility of the proposed water-supply aquifer to surface-derived contamination.



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g) List the well construction particulars for each on-site test well, including:

i) detailed diagrams showing casing length and wall thickness, screen slot size, length and
diameter, top-of-casing elevation

ii) MOEE well logs

h) Provide pumping-test particulars for each on-site well, including:

i) graphical plots of the step test and the prolonged aquifer test (at the design for at least six
hours).

ii) analysis of the pumping test results (by Jacob or Theis method) with justification of
selected methodology. The analysis should discuss and identify the short -duration and
sustained (perennial) capabilities of the tested wells.

i) Discuss the water quality obtained at each test well in regard to the groundwater potability and
treatment requirements.

j) Evaluate the observed water-level responses in the adjacent private wells and determine the
possibility of future water-supply disruptions following completion of the proposed development.

k) Advise on possible mitigation measures where existing well interference occurred during on-site
testing.

iii Sewage Disposal

a) Plot locations of test pits/boreholes and water-table quality monitors, areas of shallow saturation,
and delineate distribution of major surficial soil types (excepting topsoil and/or upper 0.5 metre soil
veneer).

b) Provide graphical plots of grain-size determinations of representative soil samples.

c) Identify major soil types (below the upper veneer) influencing the infiltration of precipitation
(groundwater recharge) beneath the development lands.

d) Provide preliminary documentation on the leaching-bed design and tile-bed area requirements for
sewage-disposal systems conforming to the Ontario Building Code.


iv Quality Impact Assessment




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a) Prepare potentiometric maps for the shallow groundwater system and for the water-supply aquifer,
showing the lateral groundwater gradients and direction of groundwater movement beneath the
site and defining the area downgradient of the property limits.

b) Determine the appropriate infiltration rate through the surficial sediments, recognizing the
distribution of the major soil types and possibly the vertical gradients established between the
defined shallow and deep groundwater systems.

c) Calculate the allowable development for the proposed residential or commercial/industrial
development, following the Region-approved direct dilution procedure.

d) Estimate the nitrate impact on downgradient sources, following the Region-approved dilution
procedure.

3.2.2 Hydrogeological Study Report

a) Summarize the pumping-test and water-quality results for each of the private water-supply wells
and confirm that adequate supplies of potable water may be realized on each lot of the proposed
development.

b) List the on-site monitoring results and advise on the significance of the observed water-level
responses.

c) Where significant interference is anticipated, provide a mitigative procedure acceptable to the
impacted persons and the developer.

d) Review the assembled nitrate values for the individual wells and confirm the development density
established in the previous Preliminary Investigation Report.

e) Obtain water-level elevations of selected individual wells to confirm the potentiometric surface and
groundwater flow and flux within the supply aquifer established in the previous Preliminary
Investigation Report.

f) Verify that adequate direct infiltration and/or underflow is available within the defined groundwater
system so that downgradient groundwater sources will not experience adverse nitrate increases as
deduced in the Preliminary Investigation Report.



PART 4Error! Bookmark not defined.

PRIVATE WATER SUPPLIES



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4.1 INTRODUCTION

Prior to final approval, development proposals which require an on-site source of potable water will require a
complete hydrogeological assessment to determine:

a) the availability and sustainability of adequate groundwater supplies with respect to quantity and
quality; and

b) the potential for interference between water supply wells, existing off-site and proposed on-site
wells, existing or proposed sewage effluent disposal systems, and other uses (e.g., for maintenance
of stream flows where applicable).

This guideline describes the position of the Region regarding the assessment of water supplies for developments on
individual private wells. The guideline is based on past experience with development utilizing individual wells, and
reflects the need to ensure the future owners of lots or homes have a high probability of being able to obtain
adequate quantities of potable water for domestic consumption over both the short and long term.

This guideline applies to development proposals for residential development involving individual private well water
supplies. Development agreements between the proponent and the municipality, shall be used to bind development
to the recommendations of approved hydrogeology studies.

This guideline also applies to condominiums and to industrial, commercial or institutional developments where water
is used for human consumption and the taking does not exceed 50,000 Litres in any day. The Region should be
contacted for information on the applicability of this guideline to other types of privately-serviced developments.

4.2 PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION REPORT

4.2.1 General

A Preliminary Investigation Report will be required by the Region prior to recommendation of draft approval for plans
of subdivision and condominium, and may be required prior to approval of official plan amendments which would
permit development on private services. The study must be performed and a report submitted to the Region at the
time of circulation of the proposed Official Plan Amendment or plan of subdivision. The report must address
concerns relative to the following:

n Future residents must be provided with water for domestic consumption that is of acceptable
quality and of adequate quantity.

n Appropriate well construction techniques must be followed in order to minimise the possibility of
well water quality degradation.

n Developments must not result in water quantity interference conflicts between users in



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the development and users on the adjoining lands within 200 metres from any on-site well.

With respect to quality, each test well must provide water that is safe and aesthetically suitable for human
consumption. The suitability of the water for domestic use is determined by comparing the results of the analysis of
ground water samples from test wells with the applicable ODWOs (listed in Part 5 - Appendix A).

With respect to quantit y, each test well must provide sufficient water for normal domestic purposes. This will be
determined mainly on the basis of data from pumping tests in test wells. (Reference: Part 2).

Draft approval will depend on the completeness and accuracy of the Preliminary Investigation Report. If the
Preliminary Investigation Report is found to be incomplete, or provides insupportable interpretations the Region will
advise the proponent by letter with regard to the outstanding issues. The advice and recommendations must not be
construed as conditions of approval but rather as suggestions for those cases where the proponent wishes to
continue to pursue approval. The Region may not undertake its review until such time that a report satisfying the
requirements of this guideline has been submitted.

During the Preliminary Investigation Report, the site assessment to establish groundwater availability and quality
must be undertaken as follows:

i) The minimum number of test wells to be pumped and sampled will be:
n 3 for sites up to 15 hectares in area;
n 4 for more than 15 and up to 25 hectares;
n 5 for more than 25 and up to 40 hectares;
n for more than 40 hectares, one additional test well for each additional 20 hectares or
portion thereof.

Where a development comprises five lots or less, the Region should be contacted to determine if fewer test
wells are acceptable in defining the site conditions.

However, as many as one test well per lot may be required by the Region for any development where ground
water quantity or quality is considered marginal with respect to domestic requirements.

ii) The areal distribution of test wells must be such that hydrogeological conditions across the site are
adequately represented. More than the minimum number referred to in section i) above may be
required, depending on the areal configuration and hydrogeological complexity of the site.

iii) Consideration must be given to past or present land uses. Existing improperly abandoned wells are
to be identified since they may impact on ground water. Moreover, any contaminant spills on or
adjacent to the site which may affect water quantity or quality should be identified and evaluated
for their impact on ground water. The test wells are to be located in an area which would permit a
proper assessment of these impacts. The Preliminary Investigation Report should include
recommendations for proper abandoning of existing improperly abandoned wells, and test wells
which are not used for subsequent water supply in the future.



Page 36

iv) Test wells must be located and constructed in such a way as to permit the prediction of
the quantity and quality of ground water which domestic wells will supply in the future.
Accordingly, the construction of these wells must be typical of wells which will be used in
the development in the future, and must comply with MOEE and Region requirements as
well as any additional specifications recommended by the consultant.

Consideration should be given to having at least one of the test wells drilled to depth to determine the
stratigraphic sequence and the presence of deeper aquifer zones. This information can then be used in
determining the preferred aquifer to ensure longevity of the water supply.

Existing water wells located on the site or in the immediate proximity of the site may be used as test wells, provided
they fulfil i) to iv) above, and are fully incorporated into the well water quantity and quality testing programs
described in the sections below. The use of existing wells and of the data obtained from them must be justified in the
report as being technically appropriate; however, there must be at least one acceptable test well, new or existing,
located on the site. Such wells which are to be used must have a water well record which has been accurately and
fully completed. The integrity of the well and its record are essential to ensure that comparison is being made on the
basis of reliable information, and that wells being established on the development site will not be compromised.

If the consultant and licensed well contractor properly locate and construct the test wells, or if there are pre-existing
wells on the property which meet the requirements of iv) above, the developer may use them later as domestic water
wells. They must, however, yield potable water and meet the construction requirements indicated in the approved
study recommendations, which are implemented by provisions in the development agreement between the
municipality and the proponent. If any such wells are not to be maintained for future use, they must be properly
abandoned as required by Ontario Regulation 903. Abandonment must be recommended in the hydrogeological
study report and must be implemented by the development agreement. To ensure that the recommendations of the
report are properly implemented, the consultant's report may include recommendations for supervision of well
construction by a qualified consultant at the time the well is being constructed by the licensed well contractor.

4.2.2. Water Quantity

Each of the test wells constructed during the Preliminary Investigation Report must be subjected to a pumping test.
The tests may be done sequentially, using the other wells as observation wells, or several wells could be pumped
simultaneously. Consideration should be given to pumping a test well at the total subdivision water demand rate (if
possible) in order to clearly demonstrate the capacity of the aquifer to supply the anticipated demands.




Pump Test Procedure

During the Preliminary Investigation, the following pumping test procedure is required at each test well site:




Page 37
a house-to-house survey shall be undertaken to locate accessible water supply wells in the vicinity
of the proposed development. Accessibility of the well for monitoring shall be the responsibility of
the property owner. Should the well remain inaccessible or should the owner not provide
permission for monitoring, the consultant shall document such circumstances in his report.

the test wells shall be fully developed prior to the pumping test in order to establish the prevailing
turbidity levels in the aquifer.

the test well shall be step tested at three rates up to the maximum well or pump capacity.

If the water taking during the test will exceed 50,000 L/day a temporary Permit To Take Water will be required
for this type of test. Sufficient information and time should be given to MOEE staff for evaluation and
issuance of the Permit if required. Consideration must be given to where the pumped water is to be
discharged, in order to avoid artificial recharge of the pumped aquifer and any other adverse environmental
impacts.

the test rate shall be at least the minimum rate discussed in the following subsection.

the pumping test must begin with a static water level and must be performed at a fixed rate (5%)
for a minimum period of six hours
2
(longer where supplementary storage systems are necessary) of
"continuous" pumping (no stoppages); water levels must be monitored in the test well and any
accessible wells within 200 metres at an appropriate frequency; water must be discharged at an
appropriate distance from the test well to ensure that artificial recharge does not occur;

immediately following the pumping test, water level recovery must be monitored in the test well
until 95% recovery occurs or for 24 hours, whichever is less. Where sufficient recovery does not
occur, the issue of the long-term safe yield of the aquifer is especially significant and must be
addressed in the Preliminary Investigation Report.

Should a drawdown exceeding 0.5 metres be recorded in an off-site well during the above testing,
the consultant shall undertake the pump testing of that well to ascertain the effect of such
drawdown on the water-supply availability at the impacted residence or facility.

If water-supply disruptions are observed/predicted, the consultant shall document the proposed
mitigative commitments between the affected person and the developer in the Preliminary
Investigation Report.

Calculation of Minimum Test Rate and Well Yield

The minimum pumping test rate and well yield required for a particular development must be calculated as follows:.



2
The minimum duration of six continuous hours incorporates safety factors with respect to seasonal variables.



Page 38
The per-person water demand shall be 450 Litres per day. Peak demand occurs for a period of 120 minutes each day
3
.
This is equivalent to a peak demand rate of 3.75 Litres/minute for each person. The basic minimum pumping test rate
is this rate multiplied by the "likely number of persons per well" which, for a single family residence, shall be the
number of bedrooms plus one. Unless it is otherwise established to Region satisfaction, a minimum of four bedrooms
shall be used in the calculation to calculate the daily and peak demands.

The only instance where a rate lower than the above rate may be used is where preliminary results indicate that the
pumping test rate cannot be sustained in the long term, and consideration is given to systems which would
compensate for low well yields. In this case, the test rate may be decreased to a rate not less than 4.5 Lit res/minute,
but the pumping duration must be proportionately increased such that the total volume of water pumped equals the
volume that would have been pumped if the test had been conducted at the above calculated minimum rate for a
continuous six-hour period. The yield requirement must then be applied to the well and to the compensatory system
on a daily basis. These systems and any special water treatment devices that may be necessary for their proper
functioning must be fully described in the report.

An auxiliary system will include storage and repressurization and will be required where the test rate is less than 13.7
litres/minute. It is recommended that the storage system be sized to compensate for peak daily use and any lawn
irrigation.

Regardless of whether systems are required to compensate for low yields, new domestic wells will be required to
sustain repeated pumping at the test rate and duration at 24-hour intervals over the long-term.

Where a test well can safely provide water at the calculated rate, it is not acceptable to conduct a pumping test at a
lower rate and subsequently recommend the use of a system to compensate for low well yield simply in order to limit
the migration of poorer quality water into the well.

Consultants must provide a statement in the Preliminary Investigation Report indicating that, in their professional
opinion, the probable well yields determined on the basis of their investigations are representative of the yields
which residents of the development are likely to obtain from their wells in the long term.


4.2.3 Water Quality

The consultant must obtain and analyze sufficient raw-water quality samples during the pumping test on each test
well to determine the physical, chemical and bacteriological quality of the water. At least one sample must be
collected during the last hour of the test. The consultant may wish to periodically obtain additional samples during
the pumping period, since the consultant must address water quality changes over time and demonstrate that the
water quality data are representative of the long-term quality.

Prior to any sampling testing for bacteriological water quality, there must be no chlorine residual in the groundwater.


3
Refer to page 5 of the MOEE publication entitled "Water Wells & Ground Water Supplies in Ontario", 1989. The per-person daily demand use
here is the upper limit of the estimated range.



Page 39
The consultant shall conduct chlorine residual tests at the well head and shall document that zero chlorine residual
was obtained and the time that bacteriological samples were obtained.

Where there are wells in nearby established developments, information is to be obtained from residents, where
possible, and other sources regarding water quality problems. If on-site sewage systems are used in the existing
development(s) and are also to be used in the proposed development, well water samples from the existing
development should be obtained and analyzed. The consultant should use this information to predict the impact of
the proposed on-site sewage systems on water quality within the proposed development.

Water quality may vary between aquifers or with depth in the same aquifer. The consultant should recommend
appropriate well construction and must comment on the potential for cross-contamination between aquifers.

Shallow and/or unconfined aquifers are susceptible to contamination from sources located at or near the ground
surface. If wells are to be constructed within such aquifers, and especially where individual on-site sewage systems
are also proposed, the consultant must address the risk of contamination and recommend measures which will reduce
that risk.

The minimum set of parameters for which the analyses must be performed is listed in the Part 5, Appendix A.
Analysis procedures must provide results below the applicable Ontario Drinking Water Objectives. Other
parameters, such as heavy metals, pesticides, tannins, sulphide, phenols, and fluoride, may be required by the
Region. The consultant must also determine whether conditions specific to the site or its surrounding area require
the inclusion of additional parameters. Complete documentation of sampling times, any on-site analytical methods,
and all analytical results must also be included in the report.

If methane or other potentially hazardous gases are encountered during the water supply assessment, the consultant
must make recommendations to adequately control this hazard in the Preliminary Investigation Report.

Note: Where health-related ODWOs or treatment limits for aesthetic ODWOs have been exceeded, the areas which
the relevant test wells represent may have to be excluded from the proposed development site. In this case
a justification for the selection of the boundary of the site is required.

Treatment Systems

For some aesthetic parameters, the ODWOs may be exceeded provided that concentrations are below the treatment
limits noted in Table 3, Part 5, Appendix A. The Appendix lists these parameters, the limits for treatment and some
comments on treatment methods. In cases where raw water sodium levels exceed 20 mg/L, warning clauses should be
registered on title. In addition, if water softening is utilized to reduce hardness, a warning should be registered on the
title with a recommendation that a separate tap, which by-passes the softener, be installed to supply unsoftened
drinking water.


The treatment systems mentioned in Table 3, of the Appendix A, are suggested for treatment for single parameters.
When treatment for more than one parameter is required, the systems suggested may not be appropriate due to



Page 40
treatment process interferences. The consultant must supply recommendations regarding the type of treatment
required.

4.2.4 Well Construction

Construction specifications for future domestic wells in the proposed development must be addressed by the
consultant in the hydrogeological report. Minimally, the construction of both the test wells and future domestic
wells must comply with Ontario Regulation 903 made under the Ontario Water Resources Act, and with municipal
requirements - where applicable.

When on-site sewage systems are proposed, or when they already exist on adjacent property, protection of the wells
from contamination by effluent must be addressed.

When shallow and/or unconfined aquifers are to be used, the consultant must recommend construction
specifications and well locations to address the issue of the susceptibility of such aquifers to contamination from
sources at or near the ground surface.


Well locations must be selected in order to minimize the impacts on the location of leaching beds
on adjoining lots.

The consulting hydrogeologist should try to work with the planner or site engineer in producing the
development plan. Well and sewage systems would then be incorporated at an early stage in the site
design, thereby optimizing site resources for water supply and sewage treatment. Storm water management
should also be taken into consideration when siting a well and a sewage system.

Water quality may vary between aquifers or with depth in the same aquifer. The consultant should recommend
appropriate well construction, methods and requirements, and must comment on the potential for
cross-contamination between aquifers.

The consultant or the Region may wish to recommend additional site-specific construction criteria and/or supervision
of well construction by qualified staff. In studies in which the consultant's initial findings show that water quality or
quantity standards cannot be met without special well construction specifications, the initial data which led to these
conclusions must be included in the report. The structure of the test wells on which the final quantity and quality
data are based mu st meet these specifications and the wells must be tested according to the procedures stipulated in
this Guideline, in order for the data to be deemed representative.

Subsections 13(2) and 13(3) of Ontario Regulation 903 require that wells be constructed such that the casing of a
drilled well protrudes at least 30 centimetres above ground surface or above the floor of a well pit. Well water
contamination caused by the entry at the well head of water originating at or near the surface may occur if the well
head is buried. Subsection 20(3) requires that the well owner maintain the well in a manner sufficient to prevent such
contamination. Where well heads are buried, locating, inspecting and servicing the well are difficult and expensive.




Page 41
Subsections 13(2), 13(3) and 20(3) are often contravened when, after a well is constructed, contractors or residents
bury the well head for reasons of convenience or aesthetics. Contractors and residents should be reminded of the
intent and requirements of these portions of the Regulation, and of their responsibility to ensure that the finished
grade of the ground surface allows the casing to protrude the required distance. This is necessary to prevent
ponding at the well head or, in the case of well pits, prevents flooding of the pit. Where flowing well conditions
occur, the requirements of Regulation 903 must be met. The consultant must address these issues in the Preliminary
Investigation Report and make the appropriate recommendations.

The MOEE requires proper well construction and abandonment of any unused previously existing wells and/or test
wells so that ground water contamination is prevented.

4.2.5 Adjacent Lands & Water Uses

Land uses within a minimum of 500 metres of the site must be described. Where wells exist on or adjacent to the site,
a survey of well owners, static and pumping levels and sampling and analysis of representative well water, should be
performed and reported. Accessible off-site wells within 200 metres from any development well shall be monitored
during the on-site pumping test. The potential for an adverse impact to or by the development must be addressed,
when there have been, are, or may in the foreseeable future be significant potential sources of ground water
contamination (e.g., from old, operating or proposed waste disposal sites, road salt storage facilities, farming
activities, locations of contaminant spills, etc.), or potential causes of quantity interference with ground water
resources or well water supplies (e.g., from municipal wells, dewatering activities, etc.) within a minimum of 500 metres
of the site. The issue of whether additional water quality parameters should be included in the testing must also be
addressed.

4.2.6 Other Considerations

Shallow wells and unconfined aquifers are susceptible to seasonal fluctuations in water level. In these cases, the
consultant must comment on the magnitude of such fluctuations and the effect on well yields and may need to
perform additional investigations to determine the possibility of future well water quantity problems.

Ground water heat pumps which do not return water to the aquifer of origin are not permitted. It is recommended that
the consultant address the potential impact on water quality of the return of water from ground water heat pump
systems to the aquifer of origin. (Provincial regulation and policy with respect to ground water heat pump systems is
under development.) Typical treatment systems requiring "additional water" would be water softeners, iron filtration
units, and reverse osmosis units. If treatment systems which require additional amounts of water for their operation
are to be used, those rates must be added to the calculated minimum well yield.

4.3 HYDROGEOLOGICAL STUDY REPORT

The well construction, test pumping and quality sampling procedures are similar to those described in the Preliminary
Investigation Report, with the following modifications/exceptions:

i) Provided that the well can be tested at the calculated peak demand rate discussed earlier in this guideline a



Page 42
step test is not required on the well servicing the individual lot.

ii) The well shall be continuously pumped for a minimum period of three hours if drawdown stabilization is
observed during this test interval or otherwise the test should be continued for a minimum duration of six
hours. Water levels must be monitored in the nearest on-site wells and in any accessible off-site well within
a distance of 200 metres from the pumped well.

iii) The well shall be developed to obtain a turbidity level not greater than five (5) NTU, being the concentration
considered to be reasonably treatable by the MOEE (Part 5, Appendix A).

iv) Water quality testing of the individual wells shall be undertaken on one sample collected near the
termination of the pumping test and shall at least include:

E. Coli and Total Coliform bacteriological determinations (on samples with zero chlorine residual)
Iron, Manganese, Sodium
Nitrate, Chloride, Sulphate
Dissolved Organic Carbon
Turbidity, Colour
Hardness & Alkalinity

v) Based on the observed drawdown and recoveries in the pumped wells and the private wells, the consultant
shall confirm that adequate supplies of potable groundwater (with or without treatment) will be continuously
available within the subdivision and the adjoining private properties.

4.4 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

It should be noted that the Region will not recommend approval for official plan amendments, draft plans of
subdivision or condominium or other development plans, unless the Region is satisfied with the Preliminary
Investigation Report. Where ground water of adequate quality and quantity is demonstrated to be available to
service the proposed development, the Region will require, as a condition of final approval, that the development
agreement between the municipality and the developer, include the recommendations of the Preliminary Investigation
Report.
If groundwater open loop heat pumps are being considered for use in the proposed development, an assessment
must be included in the hydrogeological study to ensure that domestic potable water supplies will not be adversely
impacted. If the issue of ground water heat pumps is not addressed in the report, the Region will request that a
condition be placed in the development agreement indicating that the use of ground water heat pumps has not been
approved as part of the development.

The possibility of using systems to compensate for low well yields (for example, controlled pumping to
supplementary storage) is discussed earlier in this guideline. If the Region agrees to their use, notification will be
given through the development agreement between the municipality and the proponent(s).

With respect to water quality, the following will apply (except for the 20 mg/L warning level for sodium):



Page 43

- Where health and aesthetic ODWO criteria are met, the Region will comment favourably on
approval of the Official Plan Amendment or on draft approval of the Plan Subdivision or
Condominium.
- Where health-related ODWO criteria are not met, the Region will recommend against approval of
the proposal on the basis of individual wells.
- Where health-related ODWO criteria are met but aesthetic objectives are exceeded, it may be
possible to use in-home water treatment systems to reduce the values of the aesthetic parameter(s)
concentrations to a level below the limits, and thereby meet the objectives.

This guideline lists concentrations considered treatable for several aesthetic parameters and some possible treatment
systems (Table 3, Part 5, Appendix A). If the Region agrees to the use of in-home treatment systems, notification will
be given through the development agreement between the municipality and the proponent(s). The local municipality
also shares responsibility for ensuring that the terms of the development agreement are carried out.

PART 5
PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS

5.1 INTRODUCTION

Development applications which propose to employ on-site subsurface private sewage disposal systems will be
required to include a terrain analysis and hydrogeological assessment to determine:

a) the suitability of the site conditions for subsurface sewage systems and
b) the potential on-site and off-site impacts on the ground water systems and surface water features.

All proposed development on private services will be reviewed on the basis of being capable of supporting the
installation of a conventional septic tank and tile bed system, maintaining an area of vacant and suitable land of at
least 700 square metres.

The purpose of the guideline is to protect the environment and public health by ensuring that development utilizing
individual on-site sewage systems proceeds at a density and scale which will not result in, or cause degradation of,
ground water resources in exceedance of acceptable limits. Compliance with acceptable limits shall be demonstrated
through predictions of the development's nitrate impact on the ground water at the development boundary and at
existing downgradient residences within 500 metres from the development.

This guideline has been assembled with the recognition that each proposed development site has finite resources
available to treat sewage, and that the resources are highly variable on the development site itself. Evaluation of the
quality impact at the Preliminary Investigation should allow a realistic indication of the supportable development
density before substantial costs are incurred by the proponent.

This guideline applies to:



Page 44

the combined or total impact on ground water of a development proposal of more than five units
with individual on-site sewage systems.

The guideline applies to residential, recreational, institutional, commercial and industrial proposals
which use individual on-site sewage disposal systems for the treatment of domestic waste having
flows of less than 10,000 Litres/day and/or

Applications for development proposals involving five or fewer units or for individual severances
at the discretion of the Region.

This guideline does not apply to:


Large Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems greater than 10,000 Litres/day.

the assessment of impacts of existing isolated individual residential sewage systems or
interference between individual home systems on existing neighbouring lots within a
subdivis ion or

Although the Health Department may support a proposal involving individual on-site sewage systems, it
does not assume responsibility for failure of the system(s), for correcting the damage to adjacent properties,
or for the construction of new sewage systems. This is the responsibility of the proponent/owner of the
system.

5.1.1. Designated Area Under Notice 3/87
Deleted

5.1.2. Sewage System Impact Evaluation in Non-Designated Areas
Deleted
5.2 PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION REPORT

5.2.1 Site Suitability

An assessment of shallow on-site soil conditions, depth to ground water table, depth to bedrock and terrain
conditions must be undertaken to determine the site suitability for sewage effluent leaching bed construction.
The focus of the soil investigation is to assess:

a) the hydraulic capabilities of the on-site soils for subsurface sewage effluent disposal and

b) the infiltration capacity of the surficial soils and the ambient nitrate content at the water table for
establishment of the supportable development density.

The Health Department will review the soil investigation results as a requirement for consideration of draft
approval of the proposed development. The hydrogeological information required for the Preliminary



Page 45
Investigation Report in assessing the sewage system design and the individual on-site systems include the
following components:

i) the installation of test pits and/or boreholes extending to at least 3.0 metres or to bedrock refusal,
equally distributed at approximately one excavation/borehole per 2.5 hectares of the development
property. A minimum of four test pits and/or boreholes shall be installed for any proposed
development.

ii) the detailed geologic of such installations including soil texture, densit y, colour and moisture
content, and the grain-size analysis of at least four representative soil samples and one additional
sample per 5 hectares or portion thereof above 10 hectares.


iii) the collection of water samples for background determinations from at least two water-table monitors
equally distributed throughout the development lands and one additional monitor per 5 hectares or
portion thereof above 10 hectares. These monitors may be included as part of the testing described
under i) above. Should the water table occur below the overburden-bedrock contact, samples
collected from the on-site test wells may be considered to represent the background quality
conditions.

5.2.2 Ground Water Quality Assessment

Every proposed development involving individual on-site sewage systems requires an assessment of the
ground water quality impact. The purpose of the assessment is to ensure that the combined effluent
discharges from all the individual on-site sewage systems in a development will have a minimal effect on the
ground water beneath the property and on present or potential uses at the adjacent properties. For the
purposes of this guideline, the ODWO of 10mg/L of nitrate-nitrogen is used as an indicator of the maximum
ground water impact. This guideline sets out the major considerations which should be included in a quality-
impact assessment acceptable to the Region.

a) For the purposes of this guideline, the only exceptions to the use of ground water for anything other
than a drinking water supply shall be reasonable uses which involve water quality more stringent
than defined by the Ontario Drinking Water Objectives (for example: providing baseflow and/or
maintaining quality of a cold water trout stream),

b) Ground water impact predictions shall be calculated for the development downgradient property
boundary and for the area extending 500 metres from the downgradient boundary.

c) The consultant must make recommendations regarding the optimum location and orientation of
leaching beds. In general, the attenuative capabilities of a site can be optimized by maximizing
separation distances between individual on-site systems, the on-site wells, and downgradient wells
and property boundaries.




Page 46
d) The impact of the on-site discharge of sewage effluent into surface water must be evaluated where
the permanent receiving water body occurs within 500 metres from the downgradient property
boundary. This work must be done by qualified individuals and must address potential impact from
phosphorus and other parameters which may be of concern listed in the MOEE Guideline B-1-1
Water Management - Policies, Guidelines, Provincial Water Quality Objectives of the Ministry of
Environment and Energy. The concentration of phosphorus used in assessing the potential impact
of sewage effluent should normally be 15 mg/L.

5.2.3 On-Site Predictive Assessment
Residential Development

In the Preliminary Investigation Report, the Region requires the following considerations and assumptions to
be used in assessing the combined nitrate impact of individual on-site sewage systems at and downgradient
of the development boundary:

a) Nitrate Source: In most cases total nitrogen (all species) converted to nitrate-nitrogen is
considered as the critical contaminant. For the purposes of predicting the potential for
ground water impacts, a nitrate loading of at least 40 grams/ lot/ day per residential dwelling
unit shall normally be used. This is based on expected flows of 1,000 L/day and a minimum
value of 40 mg/L nitrate-nitrogen in the discharge from domestic/household sewage.


b) Nitrate Dilution:

i) In assessing the nitrate impact, only on-site infiltrating precipitation will be
accepted by the Region as a quantifiable dilution mechanism.

ii) Mixing with ground water flowing through the site underflow will not be allowed
as it may not be possible to control upgradient land uses.
iii) The on-site groundwater recharge rates acceptable to the Region without site-
specific investigation are listed in Appendix B, according to the predominant soil
textures.


Page 37
Detailed studies will be required if higher rates than listed in this appendix are considered for a
development proposal.

iv) Estimates of the on-site recharge shall consider the post-development
impermeable areas (including roof tops and paved areas).

v) Mathematical (computer) models may be used to demonstrate the on-site
infiltration potential. Although the model selection will be left to the proponent,




Page 47
the Region must be provided wit h information on the model, reliability validation,
limitations and assumptions. All model simulations must include appropriate
sensitivity analyses.

vi) Appendix C exemplifies an on-site nitrate-impact evaluation for a privately-
serviced residential subdivision, based on the key Region considerations. The
calculated residential density may not be increased where the water body
receiving the nitrate loading abuts or traverses the subject property.

Industrial/Commercial Development

This guideline only applies to developments in which individual lots have an average daily flow of less than
10,000 L/day/lot, as otherwise the development would be assessed by the MOEE. In addition, the sewage
must only consist of domestic wastes. No industrial/ commercial cooling or process wastewater is to be
considered.

The nitrate loading from industrial/commercial individual on-site systems can vary greatly depending on the
type and intensity of use. Since specific uses for each lot or block may not be known at the planning
document review stage, it is necessary to determine how much nitrate can be discharged from each individual
on-site system without exceeding the maximum limit of 10 mg/L at the property boundary. In the Preliminary
Investigation Report, the following procedure is followed in establishing maximum allowable effluent flow for
each lot:



a) Available Infiltration:
i) The ground water recharge ratio listed in Appendix B, must be used unless
detailed water balance and/or ground water studies, support a higher ratio for the
on-site soils.

ii) Estimates of the ground water recharge must consider the post-development
impermeable areas (including roof tops and paved areas).

b) Maximum Allowable Flow:

The maximum allowable flow for each lot or the entire industrial/ commercial/development can be
calculated by dividing the calculated infiltration by a factor of four.

c) Maximum Number of Users:

To determine the maximum number of persons which can be supported by the calculated allowable
flow, reference should be made to the Ontario Building Code. Restrictions regarding the allowable




Page 41
number of users will normally be incorporated as recommendations in the consultant's assessment,
and the recommendations shall be implemented by provisions in the development agreement
between the proponent and the municipality.

d) Appendix D exemplifies an on-site nitrate-impact evaluation for a privately-serviced
industrial/commercial development, based on the key Region considerations.

5.2.4 Off-Site Predi ctive Assessment

In the Preliminary Investigation Report for both residential and commercial/industrial developments, the
Region requires an evaluation of the potential nitrate impact that may occur within the existing privately-
serviced areas situated within 500 metres downgradient from the proposed development boundary.

a) Contaminant Source

In predicting the nitrate increase, all residential dwellings shall be considered to produce 40
grams/lot/day of nitrate-nitrogen and commercial/industrial development shall be considered to
produce a nitrate loading equivalent one-quarter of the available on-site infiltration and to contain 40
mg/L nitrate-nitrogen.

b) Nitrate Dilution

In assessing the off-site nitrate impact, the upgradient and downgradient recharge occurring within
groundwater flow channel that frames the development may be utilized to evaluate the
quality impact in the existing downgradient groundwater sources. All residences within the
flow channel 500 metres upgradient and downgradient from the development shall be
included in the mass-balance appraisal. The upgradient recharge contribution may be
deduced by evaluation of i) the soil types and infiltration rates in the defined catchment
area and/or ii) the prevailing lateral gradient and water-transmitting capacity of the
developed aquifer, as appropriate. Ambient nitrate concentrations and impermeable
surfaces may be disregarded in the mass-balance calculation.
Page 1





If the calculated nitrate concentration exceeds 8 mg/L downgradient of t he development, additional studies
will be required during the Hydrogeological Study Report to demonstrate acceptable impact. Where an
acceptable nitrate concentration is calculated, downgradient of the development, the excess groundwater
recharge underflow may not be utilized in determining the development density.

Appendix E provides a simplified mass-balance calculation of the off-site nitrate impact to assist in the
interpretation of this Region requirement.

5.3 HYDROGEOLOGICAL STUDY REPORT

The Hydrogeological Study must evaluate the ability of the site to treat sewage within acceptable on-site and off-site
impacts as identified in this guideline. All data from the Preliminary Investigation Report is to be included with the
Hydrogeological Study Report, including the private water supply evaluation. (Reference section 3.2.2 of this
guideline).



5.4 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For development applications (official plan amendments, plans of subdivision or condominium) involving more than
five lots with individual on-site sewage systems, the quality assessment must be completed in accordance with this
guideline to demonstrate that acceptable nitrate levels will occur within the development and downgradient of the
development, and the quality impacts on surface water will be within tolerable limits. Shoreline development
proposals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

The ground water impact assessment must be approved by the Region prior to draft approval of plans of subdivision
and condominium, and prior to approval of most official plan amendments. If calculated nitrate concentration exceeds
10 mg/L within the development or downgradient of the development, the Region will not accept the development
application as submitted for review.

As part of the draft approval, the MOEE will receive a copy of a fully-executed subdivision/ condominium agreement
or other suitable development agreement between the municipality and the developer. The agreement will require
that the recommendations of the impact assessment report as approved by the Region be implemented.

For industrial or commercial development applications involving individual on-site systems, the Region will require
that a municipal by-law be enacted for the subject lands restricting the industrial/ commercial uses to "dry industrial/
commercial uses".


Page 2






APPENDICES



Appendix A
Groundwater Quality Parameter Tables - Preliminary Investigation Report

Appendix B
Groundwater Recharge/Infiltration

Appendix C
Example On-Site Nitrate Calculation
For Private Serviced Residential Subdivision

Appendix D
Example On-Site Nitrate Impact Calculation
For Privately Serviced Commercial/Industrial Subdivision

Appendix E
Example Off-Site Nitrate Impact Calculation
For Privately Serviced Residential Subdivision

Appendix F
Glossary of Terms

Appendix G
Reference Document Listing

APPENDIX F


GLOSSARY OF TERMS





Accessible Well: A water-supply well in which the water level may be measured by wetted tape or
electric depth gauge. Access into the well for such monitoring shall be the
responsibility of the well owner.
Adverse Quality Impact: An increase in the off-site concentration of a chemical parameter above the Ontario
Drinking Water Objective, deduced to occur from the proposed sewage loading of a
development.
Combined Impact: Refers to the blended quality impact of all the individual on-site systems on the
development site. The impact effluent discharge on groundwater is not assessed on
Page 3




a plume-by-plume basis.
Health Department:


Ground Water Recharge:


Hydrogeologically Sensitive:





Potable Water:


Private Services:
The Medical Officer of Health of the Regional Health Department and Public Health
Inspection staff mandated under the Health Protection and Protection Act

The entry of infiltration precipitation into the saturated zone below the water table
surface.

An area delineated in the Regional Municipality of Halton document titled "Halton
Aquifer Management Plan, Phase 1 Report: Background Hydrogeology, February
1995", in which additional sensitive studies may be required by the Region in
support of proposed privately serviced developments.

Water that meets the MOEE Ontario Drinking Water Objectives for the chemical and
bacteriological parameters listed in Appendix A, or that contains aesthetic
parameters exceeding these objectives at concentrations considered to be
reasonably treatable.

Individual on-site private sewage disposal system and private well water supply.
Private Sewage Disposal System:

Private Water Supply:
An on-site Septic Tank and Tile Bed System regulated by the Ontario Building
Code.

Individual On-Site Well constructed in accordance with O.R. 903 under the Ontario
Water Resources Act.

Significant Interference: A water level lowering in an off-site well that prevents the previously established
abstraction of groundwater supplies by the pumping of an individual well or several
wells within the development.
Supply Aquifer: An overburden or bedrock system which is or which may be used to provide
domestic water supplies.
APPENDIX G


REFERENCE DOCUMENT LISTING

Conducting Hydrogeological Studies Regarding Development On Private Services


1 - Health Protection & Promotion Act

2 - Ontario Drinking Water Objectives

3 - Ontario Regulation 903 - Wells

4 - Technical Guideline for Individual On-Site Sewage Systems: Water Quality Impact Risk Assessment ( March, 1995
)

5- Ontario Building Code Act

Page 4




6 - Technical Guideline for Private Wells: Water supply Assessment ( March, 1995 )

7 - Guideline B-7 ( Formerly Policy 15-08 ) The Incorporation of the Reasonable Use Concept into the Ground Water
Management Activities of the Ministry of the Environment

8 - Notice 3/87: Protection of Ground Water Quality

9- Official Plan of the Region of Halton ( approved by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, November
27,1995)

10- Memorandum of Understanding with the MOEE

11 - MOEE Guideline B-1-1: Water Management Policies, Guidelines, Provincial Water Quality Objectives of the
Ministry of Environment and Energy ( July, 1994 )