Managing wastewater for businesses
Managing wastewater for businesses
Working with businesses to ensure the health of our rivers and the environment, and the safety of City infrastructure.
Wastewater monitoring and compliance
The City monitors industrial releases into our wastewater and stormwater systems through ongoing inspections and sampling to ensure what enters our collection systems and treatment plants meets the requirements of our Wastewater and Stormwater Bylaws.
Wastewater coming from commercial water customers is monitored for prohibited and restricted materials. Wastewater testing is done by our ISO 17025 lab at the Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant which handles more than 400,000 tests a year.
How samples are taken
- We collect either a discrete grab sample or a 24hr composite sample by using an autosampler.
- We place the autosampler in manholes to get a sample of the wastewater going into the wastewater system. The autosampler takes samples over a 24-hour period.
- For grab sampling, we take a small sample as it is flowing into the manhole. Any sample of water as it flows from a business’ property into the wastewater system can be used under the bylaw.
For common questions see our FAQs below.
Information for your industry
Resources
The below PDFs were designed to be filled in with Adobe Acrobat Reader. Download the form to your desktop and use Adobe Acrobat Reader to open, complete and submit this form. If you are using Edge or Chrome browser some fields will not work as intended and your form may not submit.
City of Calgary Bylaws:
Permits
Forms
- E1995-Analytical Results Reporting Form
- E1996-Clear Water Waste Disposal Application
- E1998-Hauled Wastewater Disposal Manifest - FOG
- E1999-Hauled Wastewater Disposal Manifest - Septage
- E2005 Food truck log book
- E2225-Non-Compliant Wastewater Investigative Report Template
- E2226-Pool Drain Request Form
- E2227-Pre-Treatment Maintenance Record Sheet
- E2228 – Fats, oils and grease interceptor service record
- Nuisance Water Disposal Flowchart
Fact Sheets
Alberta Environment & Protected Areas
Wastewater Surcharge Program
Businesses producing extra strength wastewater are billed a surcharge on their water utility bill to cover the cost of treating their wastewater. The Wastewater Surcharge Program aims to ensure fairness and equity among businesses in Calgary and demonstrates the shared responsibility of protecting our rivers and infrastructure.Â
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How do I report a violation of the wastewater or drainage bylaw?
Contact 311 to report a bylaw infraction. Have the following information ready before calling:
- Your name and address.
- A primary and alternate phone number.
- The address and exact location of the property for which you wish you register a complaint.
- A brief and concise description of the complaint.
What should I do if my business has a spill that enters the wastewater system?
A business is required to contact 311 to report a release of Prohibited or Restricted substances, as defined in Wastewater Bylaw 14M2012. This will allow City field crews to attempt to contain the release before reaching the receiving Wastewater Treatment Plant. The following information will be required:
- Your name and contact information.
- Time, location and volume of the release as well as the type of material.
- Any known hazards.
- Any corrective actions being taken.
Where can I find disposal locations for waste prohibited at City disposal facilities?
A list of disposal facilities is available on our website. We recommend you contact the company listed to confirm their information is still correct.
What are the fines for non-compliance?
All businesses preparing or producing food in the City of Calgary are required to have a properly sized grease interceptor as per Wastewater Bylaw 14M2012. Grease interceptors are designed to separate and remove fats, oils & grease (FOG) from wastewater before it goes into the wastewater system. More than one grease interceptor may be required depending on your business. For a grease interceptor to work properly, regular cleaning and maintenance is required, and businesses must keep records of this to ensure they are in compliance with Wastewater Bylaw 14M2012. Keeping fats, oils and grease out of the wastewater system helps to prevent costly and inconvenient wastewater system blockages that can affect your business.
(a) After:
| Bylaw Section | Description of Offences | Minimum Penalty | Specified Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26(4)(a)Â | Failing to obtain and retain manuals, instructions and specifications related to the installation, operation, maintenance and cleaning of the pre-treatment system installed at the premises | $100 | $200 |
The following is deleted under the headings indicated:
| Bylaw Section | Description of Offences | Minimum Penalty | Specified Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26(4)(b) | Failing to maintain a maintenance schedule and record of each maintenance for the pre-treatment system installed at a premises for a period of two years, including records for disposal of waste residue | $100 | $500 |
And the following is substituted in its place under the headings indicated:
| Bylaw Section | Description of Offences | Minimum Penalty | Specified Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26(4)(b) | Failure to keep a maintenance log in accordance with this Bylaw | $100 | $500 |
| 26(4)(b.1)Â | Failure to keep maintenance logs for length of time required | $100 | $500 |
(b) After:
| Bylaw Section | Description of Offences | Minimum Penalty | Specified Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26(4)(c) | Failing to submit records requested by the Director | $100 | $500 |
The following is deleted under the headings indicated:Â
| Bylaw Section | Description of Offences | Minimum Penalty | Specified Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27(1)(a) | Failing to install a FOG interceptor as required by subsection 27(1)(a) | $500 | $2000 |
| 27(1)(b) | Failing to monitor, operate, properly maintain and clean each FOG interceptor as required by subsection 27(1)(b) | $500 | $1500 |
| 27(1)(c) | Failing to ensure that wastewater does not exceed the maximum allowable concentration limits for FOG set out in Schedule C of the Bylaw | $1000 | $3000 |
| 27(1)(d) | Failing to submit interceptor maintenance records requested by the Director | $100 | $500 |
And the following is substituted in its place under the headings indicated:Â
| Bylaw Section | Description of Offences | Minimum Penalty | Specified Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27(1)(a) | Failing to install a FOG interceptor at a location with adequate access | $500 | $2000 |
| 27(1)(b) | Failing to select and install a properly designed FOG interceptor | $500 | $2000 |
| 27(1)(c) | FOG interceptor fails to meet requirements of National Plumbing Code of Canada | $500 | $2000 |
| 27(1)(d) | FOG interceptor installed in improper location | $500 | $2000 |
| 27(1)(e) | FOG interceptor installed without appropriate clearance | $500 | $2000 |
| 27(1)(f)Â | Failing to monitor, operate, and properly maintain a FOG interceptor | $500 | $1500 |
| 27(1)(g) | Failing to clean FOG interceptor at required interval | $500 | $1500 |
| 27(1)(h)Â | Failing to dispose of exhaust hood wash water in accordance with this Bylaw | $500 | $1500 |
and
(c) After the following:Â
| Bylaw Section | Description of Offences | Minimum Penalty | Specified Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34.1(5) | Failing to provide logbook upon request | $100 | $200 |
The following is added:
| Bylaw Section | Description of Offences | Minimum Penalty | Specified Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34.1(6) | Failing to equip Food Service Vehicle with a proper greywater disposal connection | $500 | $1500 |