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Sewer Use

 
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HomeBusiness and DevelopmentInfrastructure and UtilitiesSewer Use

The purpose of Sewer Use By-Law 80-2011 is to protect aquatic environments, public health and safety, Municipality of Lakeshore sewage works, wastewater treatment processes, and to control biosolids quality.

There are two types of sewers systems within the Municipality of Lakeshore, sanitary sewers and storm sewers. The sanitary sewers carry wastewater from homes and businesses to the wastewater treatment plant where it is treated. The storm sewer system collects rain water and melted snow from the streets and discharges it into local creeks, streams, rivers and Lake St. Clair. In order to maintain properly functioning sanitary and storm sewers, hazardous substances such as paints and fuels must not enter the municipal sewer systems. In order to ensure that this does not happen, discharges must be controlled at their sources.

The treatment process at a wastewater treatment plant is designed to treat domestic waste. It does not efficiently remove a variety of chemicals which can interfere with the wastewater treatment plant by upsetting the biological treatment process and discharging these chemicals into the Lake. It is also important to note that the design and function of the storm sewer system directs anything that enters a storm drain directly into a natural watercourse, these discharges are not treated.

The benefits of the Sewer Use By-law:

  • Healthier aquatic environment
  • Protection of Lake St. Clair and its tributaries
  • Improved water quality
  • Safe conditions for recreational water activities
  • Continued beauty of local natural resource for citizens enjoyment

View the accordions below for a detailed list of what not to flush and instructions on how to properly dispose of the material.

 Hygiene Products

Below are the top hygiene items that should not be flushed and rather be placed in your garbage:

  • Wipes of any kind (i.e. bathroom, baby and cleaning wipes)Even those that say flushable can cause problems
  • Tampons and sanitary supplies
  • Condoms
  • Cotton swabs
  • Dental floss
  • Facial tissue
  • Paper towel
 Fats, Oil & Grease (FOG)

An easy and important way we can have a positive impact on the environment is by properly disposing of fats, oil and grease, also known as FOG.  When FOG is washed down the sink or toilet into the plumbing system they cool, harden and stick to the inside of sewer pipes. Over time, the grease will build up and can block the entire pipe – both on your property and on Town property.  This can lead to spills and overflows that are hazardous to our homes, pollute our local waterways and groundwater, and harm fish and wildlife habitats.                                                                                              

Imagery of sewer blockage formation over time

Where FOG can be found...

  • meats and bacon drippings
  • lards, shortening, cooking oil, butter and margarine
  • food scraps and baking goods
  • sauces, salad dressings and gravy
  • dairy products (milk and cream)
  • soups
  • sandwich spreads

How should FOG be handled at home?

  • Never pour grease down sink drains or into toilets
  • Pour FOG into a can (a coffee can works well)
  • Place a lid over the top
  • Store it to be reused until full
  • When the can is full, throw it in the trash
  • When there is FOG residue in a pan or on a dish, wipe it with a paper towel before washing and throw that towel in the trash
  • Place baskets/strainers into sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids, then empty the drain basket/strainer into the trash
  • Larger amounts should be collected into a sealed container labelled “cooking oil” and can be dropped off at public drop-off depots.

Images on how to correctly handle FOG at home

Grease traps for food service establishments, child care centres & mobile food vendors

Under the Sewers By-law, it is mandatory for all restaurants and other food service establishments, child care centres to install a grease trap (interceptor) as described in the Town's Sewer Use By-Law 80-2011 on any fixture or drain that discharges wastewater. This includes sinks for washing dishes, and drains serving cooking equipment and self-cleaning exhaust hoods.

 Medication
As a result of better measurement instruments and techniques, traces of pharmaceuticals are being detected in the environment such as lakes, rivers and streams. One way this is happening is by consumers flushing medication, such as pills and liquids, down the toilet or sink. This can harm the environment and aquatic wildlife. To dispose of your medication safely, please return it to our local pharmacy. They will take it for free and dispose of it properly.
 Household Hazardous Waste

The following household hazardous waste should never be flushed down the drain:

  • Car and garage products (i.e. antifreeze, motor oil, window washer fluid).
  • Household cleaning products (i.e. cleaners, bleach, disinfectants).
  • Paints (including any solvent, remover or glue).
  • Personal care products (i.e. nail polish remover, perfumes, aftershave).
  • Pesticides and garden products.

To dispose of these items safely, take them to a public drop-off depot. 

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Belle River, ON N0R 1A0

Phone: 519-728-2700

Toll Free: 1-877-249-3367

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info@lakeshore.ca

Atlas Tube Recreation Centre

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Saturday and Sunday: 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM

447 Renaud Line

Lakeshore, ON N0R 1K0

Phone: 519-727-0470

recinfo@lakeshore.ca

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