Version 2 of the document includes the Government of Alberta’s Notice of Policy Change
In 2018, the Government of Alberta began the process of transitioning responsibility for reviewing and approving private sewage variance applications from Alberta Municipal Affairs to Safety Codes Officers employed by or contracted to municipalities. The transition was completed, and municipalities became responsible for the process as of October 1, 2019.
The intent of the transition is to bring decisions on suitability and safety of private sewage systems that may not meet current legislated standards to a local level. These variances typically consider variations in prescribed distances and materials.
To support municipalities in understanding their role in the variance process, RMA has participated on a committee with Alberta Municipal Affairs and other relevant provincial, municipal, and safety codes representatives to prepare a guidance document for municipalities. Version 1 of the document was released in September 2019 through Contact, with an explanation that the document would be updated, and revised versions would be released as further information on the variance process became available.
Version 2 of the document is now available. The only change from version 1 is the completion of “Appendix B: Notice on Variance Policy” which now includes the Government of Alberta’s explanation of the Safety Codes Council policy shift enabling the transition of sewage variance approvals from the province to municipal safety codes officers. The notice provides further explanation of the transition, as well as an FAQ section.
To access version 2 of the guidance document, click here.
For specific questions about the transition and municipal responsibilities, please contact:
Dean Morin
Administrator, Private Sewage Systems
Standards Development and Support – Mechanical
Alberta Municipal Affairs
780.644.1010
dean.morin@gov.ab.ca
For enquiries, please contact:
Wyatt Skovron
Senior Policy Advisor
wyatt@RMAlberta.com
Tasha Blumenthal
Director of External Relations & Advocacy
tasha@RMAlberta.com