Yukon Environmental Regulations for Septic, Water & Fuel Systems
In its commitment to promoting environmental safety and the health of its citizens, the Environmental Health Services branch of the Government of Yukon provides property owners and managers with consultations, information and enforcement services relating to water quality, sewage and fuel systems.
For your information, we have gathered some useful information regarding the environmental regulations surrounding these systems.
Septic Systems
Properly installing and maintaining your septic system is crucial for controlling water-related diseases. Before installing, modifying, or upgrading any septic system, you will be required to first obtain a valid permit. Septic systems must be carefully installed in strict accordance to the approved design, in order to avoid later complications with the system. The septic tank must be installed and suitably bedded, with strict adherence to design grade regulations for building sewers. You must also ensure that absorption bed components are installed according to the approved design.
Before designing and installing a septic system, a complete and accurate site investigation must be performed. The site investigation report should include the following details:
Water Systems
Always take the water that you will be using for consumption (drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, washing dishes and other domestic) from a safe water supply. Property owners who obtain drinking water from a groundwater source shall:
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Unless otherwise determined based on results of a comprehensive hydrogeological study, ensure that the drinking water well is located a minimum distance of
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60 metres from any part of a sewage disposal system or other potential sources of pollution that may pose a health and safety risk,
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120 metres from a solid waste site or dump, and cemetery, and
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300 metres from a sewage lagoon or pit;
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Have a hydrogeological study performed to determine the minimum separation distances to sources of pollution outlined in section 9(a) for a drinking water well in a bedrock aquifer;
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Use only a drilled well
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Located and constructed in accordance with criteria that meets or exceeds those outlined in the Guidelines for Well Water Construction, and
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Certified by an independent professional engineer.
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Well water testing provides property owners and residents with a better picture of the quality of their water, and indicates whether or not it is safe for consumption. To accurately assess the safety of your water supply, you may wish to consider performing bacteriological testing and/or chemical testing on your water source.
If you have questions regarding Yukon drinking water regulations, you may call Environmental Health Services at 867-667-8391.
Fuel Systems
The Government requires a thorough inspection whenever a home or business heating unit is installed, modified or replaced. This new regulation is designed to ensure that all work done on heating systems is performed only by qualified technicians and that it complies with Code standards for safety. Although no permit is required for routine maintenance, hiring a qualified technician will help ensure the work is completed to appropriate standards.
With regards to an oil-fired furnace or fuel tank, you must apply for a permit to install, modify or replace these types of systems. The Government will provide you with a detailed checklist that has to be completed by a heating system technician before booking an appointment for an official inspection.
It is important to consider regularly scheduled maintenance or upgrades to older systems, since a properly installed and maintained heating system is safer and more energy efficient.
Call us today for more information.
