GUIDELINE D-2 (formerly 07-05) Compatibility between Sewage Treatment and Sensitive Land Use Legislative Authority: Ontario Water Resources Act, Sections 10 (Id) and 53 The Planning Act, S.O. 1995 c. 17(14) and 51(24) Responsible Director: Director, Environmental Planning & Analysis Branch Last Revision Date: August 1996 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION 2.0 APPLICATION 3.0 SEPARATION DISTANCES 3.1 Sensitive Land Uses 3.1.1 Measuring Separation Distance 3.2 Acquisition of Buffer Areas 3.3 Alternatives to a Buffer Area 3.4 Sewage Treatment Plants 3.4.1 Capacity Equal to or Less than 500 mVd 3.4.2 Capacity Greater than 500 mVd but Less than 25, 000 mVd 3.4.3 Capacity Greater than 25,000 mVd 3.5 Waste Stabilization Ponds 4.0 COMMENTS ON SENSITIVE LAND USE APPLICATIONS . 1.0 INTRODUCTION The Ministry has identified its interest in recommending separation distances and other control measures for land use planning proposals in Guideline D-1 "Land Use Compatibility". This document, which is a specific application of the concepts contained in Guideline D-1 relates specifically to waste , stabilization ponds and sewage treatment plants. For the purposes of this document, plants are categorized into three classes: those with a design capacity equal to or less than 500 cubic metres of sewage per day (mVd) those with a design capacity greater than 500 mVday but less,than 25,000 mVday, and those with a capacity greater than 25,000 mVd. The Guideline is not appropriate for dealing with the effects of major treatment plant upsets due to overloading or equipment breakdown. 2 .0 APPLICATION This Guideline applies to all applications for Certificate of Approval under the Ontario Water Resources Act RSO 1990, Section 53, and under the Environmental Protection Act, Section 9, for new and expanding municipal and private sewage treatment facilities Guideline D-2 also applies to the advice that the Ministry provides to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing (MMAH) and delegated approval authorities under the Planning Act. This relates to all development or redevelopment applications for residential or other sensitive land uses adjacent to sewage treatment facilities. 3.0 SEPARATION DISTANCES 3 .1 Sensitive Land Uses Where practical, sensitive land uses should not be placed adjacent to treatment facilities. 3.1.1 Measuring Separation Distance Separation distances will be measured from the periphery of the noise/odour-producing source-structure, to the property/lot line of the sensitive land use. Inquiries regarding the point (s) of reception for noise, or point (s) of impingement for odour, should be directed to MGEE Noise Assessment and MOEE Air Approvals respectively. 42 3 Acquisition of Buffer Areas . When new facilities (or enlargements to existing facilities) are proposed, an adequate buffer area should be acquired as part of the project. Where acquisition of a buffer is not possible and further to item 3.3 below, future sensitive uses on adjacent lands should be discouraged through appropriate official plan and zoning constraints, or ownership by a responsible public authority. 3 .3 Alternatives to Buffer Area Accaiisition In the case where an adequate buffer area has not been purchased, more effective noise and odour mitigation are necessary to provide an optimum level of protection between the sewage treatment facility(ies) and adjacent sensitive land uses. Consideration should be given to silencing specific sources of noise, covering certain sections of the plant, and treating collected gases. NOTE • Approval under the EPA Section 9 will be required : for installation of noise mitigation measures. • Sewage pumping stations may also be sources of odour and noise, thus requiring mitigation. In some cases, a combination of distance, covering and treatment may be required. 3 . Sewage Treatment Plants 3.4.1 Capacity Equal to or Less than 500 mVd The recommended separation distance is 100 metres. A separation distance of less than 100 metres may be permitted, however a qualified professional must produce a study showing the feasibility of the distance based on: a) the application of noise reduction equipment to any potential noise source(s), and; b) the degree and type of odour mitigation applied to the facility. c) other contaminants of concern (i.e. aerosols) which may need to be addressed. Preconsultation with the MOEE Regional Office is recommended under these circumstances.