Wastewater Treatment Plant

“Our mission is to protect our environment and public health safety by effectively managing wastewater generated in our community.”

Our City's Environmental Protection Division is responsible for the following activities:

  • Operation and maintenance of the Wastewater Treatment Plant
  • Operation and maintenance of 11 City sewage pumping stations
  • Operation and maintenance of Centennial Fountain
  • Operation and maintenance of the Millbrook Wastewater Treatment Plant
  • Operation and maintenance of the Burnham Meadows sewage pumping station
  • Maintenance of the City's wastewater collections system, storm and sewer
  • Environmental monitoring and enforcement the City's Sewer By-Law
  • Environment Protection Laboratory

For businesses

Wastewater treatment plant

The Peterborough Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is a Class 4 Conventional Treatment Plant, consisting of preliminary treatment (screening and grit removal), primary clarifiers, biological treatment using Integrated Fixed-film Activated Sludge, secondary clarifiers, four Anaerobic Digesters, Biosolids Centrifuges and UV disinfection. The plant is operated under an amended Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) No. 8750-9Q7MLH, issued November 2014.

Facts about our wastewater treatment plant

  • Our plant has an approved annual average daily flow capacity of 68,200 m3/day
  • The original Plant was built in the 1920s and has grown and evolved over the years
  • It is estimated that over $200 million has been invested into the plant
  • There is staff at the plant 24/7, 365 days a year
  • Remote monitoring of the 11 City of Peterborough owned sewage pumping stations and 1 Otonabee South Monaghan sewage pumping station
  • Treats an average of 80 mega litres of Leachate from the Peterborough Landfill annually
  • On average, removes 7,000 tonnes of biosolids annually
  • On average, treats 30,000 cubic metres of septage annually

Septage hauling program

The Wastewater Treatment Plant operates a septage hauling program for residents that are not connected to the municipal sewage system. This service is only for depositing septage; no other waste will be accepted under this program.

This service requires septage haulers to complete a Hauled Waste Discharge Permit Application Form.

Wastewater collection

The sanitary sewer and collection system collects and transports wastewater sewage from all residential, industrial, commercial, as well as other facilities connected to the sewer system to the wastewater treatment plant. The collection system is composed of gravity sewers, force mains and pumping stations.

The City's collection system is monitored continually and operated within compliance of all applicable legislation. Staff that maintain and operate the collection system are licensed and required to follow all regulatory requirements.

Wastewater collection staff is responsible for the maintenance of sanitary and storm infrastructure, CCTV camera, cleaning and pipe repair, catch basin and manhole restoration, as well, maintenance of the City's landfill leachate collection system. Staff also participate in confined space entries and spill response.

Wastewater Treatment Plant hours of operation

  • Monday to Thursday – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Friday – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Closed weekends and statutory holidays

Sewer Use By-law 15-075

In addition to provincial and federal legislation, By-Law 15-075 enforces the quality and quantity of substances discharged into our municipal storm and sanitary sewer systems.  

The inner workings of your businesses plumbing are directly connected to the cities sanitary sewer system. Therefore, to remain in compliance with our by-law, it is critical to understand the importance of maintaining and ensuring properly functioning grease and grit interceptors and best management practices within your operation.  

The same environmental importance is highlighted in any exterior drains located on or directly linked to your property. These storm sewer systems can carry any harmful contaminants located or discharged on your property to neighbouring creeks and waterways. As a result, these events can have deleterious effects on our local environment.  

The goal of these efforts aims to protect public health, our local waterways, and natural environment. This by-law looks to further protect the publics investment in the City’s sewer systems and wastewater treatment processing facilities.  

The City of Peterborough’s Environmental Protection Division enforces and monitors by-law 15-075 city wide. This includes all residential, industrial and commercial operations within the city limits.

These enforcement measures could include any of the following:

  • onsite inspections
  • requesting and examining documentation of cleanout records
  • collection of effluent samples for the purpose of assessing compliance to by-law standards

Corporations found to violate sewer use bylaws can face fines up to $50,000, for a first offence and $100,000, for any subsequent conviction.

Individuals committing these acts face personal fines of $10,000, for a first offence and $25,000, for any subsequent conviction. 

Individuals and establishments may also be required to pay for cleanup of City infrastructure and the environment in the event of an unlawful discharge. 

Restaurant Codes of Practice

Municipal by-laws limit what materials can be put into sanitary and storm sewers. In the City of Peterborough, this is managed using Sewer Use By-law 15-075. Restaurant facilities may be subject to inspection by City of Peterborough Environmental Division staff at any time to ensure compliance with this By-law. 

No person shall discharge or deposit or cause or permit the discharge or deposit of matter of a kind listed below into or in land drainage works, private branch drains or connections to any sanitary sewer or combined sewer: 

  • 2.1.2 a. Sewage with solid materials large enough to block sewer flow. 
  • 2.1.2 f. Sewage with a pH less than 6.0 or greater than 11.5. 
  • 2.1.2 l. Sewage with more than 150 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of oil and grease, 300 mg/L biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) or 350 mg/L of total suspended solids (and more). 

Storm sewers are designed to carry untreated rain / runoff water from your neighborhood directly into a river, stream or watershed system and are not intended for domestic, commercial or industrial waste. 

No person shall discharge or cause or permit the discharge or deposit of matter of a kind listed below into or in land drainage works, private branch drains or connections to any storm sewer: 

  • 3.1.1 c Matter which may obstruct a storm sewer or the flow therein.   
  • 3.1.1 e Matter which may impair the quality of the water in any waters. 
  • 3.1.2 b. Water having a pH less than 6.0 or greater than 9.5. 
  • 3.1.2 d. Water containing solvent extractable matter of animal or vegetable origin or of mineral or synthetic origin which causes a visible film, sheen or discoloration on the water surface (i.e. zero oil and grease).  
  • 3.1.2 f.  Water containing a concentration in excess of15mg/L BOD and TSS (and more) 
  • 3.1.2 g. Sewage in any amount. 

How to avoid a fine

Follow the three simple best management practices detailed below. 

The kitchen sink is not a garbage disposal solution. No solid or liquid food (milkshake/grease) can be put down the sink. 

How do I prevent food or liquid food from going into the sanitary sewers? 

  • Scrape food from plates and utensils into trash or food recycling bin before washing in sink or dishwasher. 
  • Place liquid foods such as: dairy products, milkshake syrup, condiments, batters, and gravy into the trash or food recycling bin. 
  • Place fryer or cooking grease into an approved grease recycling container for disposal. 
  • Use sink basket strainers or food scrap interceptors to collect food residue and dispose in the trash or food recycling bin.  

Ensure the grease interceptor(s) are in proper working order: 

  • Make sure the flow restrictor and baffles are present. 
  • Make sure the interceptor is maintained as often as necessary to ensure that the grease/oil is separating out from the water; this will vary from restaurant to restaurant. 

The Ontario Building Code (7.4.4.3) requires food service establishments to discharge sewage that includes fats, oils and grease through a grease interceptor. 

What is a grease interceptor? 

A grease interceptor is the container, usually found under the sink or floor, which connects the plumbing to the sanitary sewer line. Its purpose is to separate oil/grease and solids from normal liquid waste and allow the normal liquid waste to discharge into the sewer system.

A proper maintenance procedure for a grease interceptor is outlined below.  

How do I maintain a grease interceptor? 

Regularly clean your grease interceptor.  

Option 1: Contact a waste disposal company that specializes in grease interceptor cleaning (preferred).  

Option 2: Clean it yourself by following this procedure at regular intervals. 

Grease Interceptor Cleaning Procedure: 

  1. Remove lid.
  2. Scoop all oil/grease and solids into a container.
  3. Replace lid.
  4. Dispose of material properly. 

NEVER use the sink when cleaning your grease interceptor. 

NEVER use bacterial agents, chemical solvents, caustics, emulsifiers, or hot water to clean out your grease interceptor. 

Documentation is required

Remember to document every time the grease trap is cleaned on the attached table and save cleanout invoices (required by By-law 15-075 for inspection by City staff).  

What are the advantages? 

Cleaning the grease interceptor regularly will prevent sewage backups (reduce or eliminate environmental damage and public health concerns) and will lower plumbing maintenance costs at your facility. 

Grease Trap Standards - Background Considerations: 

CSA B481.4 Sizing and Installation: 

Grease Interceptors are to be either CSA B481.1 or CSA B481.2 certified as per the Ontario Building Code (OBC)  

OBC also requires a properly sized interceptor. CSA B481.3 Standard specifies sizing and installation requirements and includes calculations for peak flow rates.  It also states that when a grease interceptor is required to service a dishwasher, it shall be a dedicated grease interceptor.   

CSA B481.4 Standard is explicit with maintenance requirement.  

Gravity Grease Interceptors and Grease Recovery Devices (GRD) are acceptable devices in place of Hydromechanical Grease Interceptors. GRD is covered in CSA B481.5 

Absolutely Nothing (food, trash, grease, or mop water/dirt) can be washed into the storm sewer outside your restaurant. 

How do I avoid material going down the storm sewer, when cleaning the outside area? 

Storm sewers carry untreated rainwater directly into our rivers and streams; therefore, proper cleaning procedures must be followed. 

Option 1: Contact a company to professionally clean the outside area. 

Option 2: Clean it yourself by following this procedure. 

Outdoor Cleaning Procedure: 

  1. Remove any equipment from the area to be cleaned.
  2. Sweep to collect trash, dirt and other debris.
  3. Spray down the area using only water. (NO soap or detergent). Ensure no water goes down storm sewer.
  4. Spray all-purpose cleaner only in places where grease / food spilled.
  5. Sweep with stiff broom 

What are the advantages? 

Cleaning properly outside provides a cleaner-looking restaurant with no odour problems, may prevent injury claims due to employees slipping on grease and will prevent damage to the environment and public health. 

Contact us for more information

Automotive Operations Codes of Practice

Municipal by-laws limit what materials can be put into sanitary and storm sewers. In the City of Peterborough, this is managed using Sewer Use By-law 15-075. Automotive operations facilities may be subject to inspection by City of Peterborough Environmental Division staff at any time to ensure compliance with this By-law. 

Why is the Effluent from Automotive Operations a concern? 

Due to the nature of the industry potentially harmful chemicals such as motor oil, fuel and other automotive fluids and solvent are used. 

Sanitary sewers are connected to your sink, grease interceptor, dishwasher, and drains. These sewers carry wastewater to a treatment facility before being discharged into the Otonabee River. 

Sanitary Sewer By-law 15-075 Limits (Section 2.1.): 

No person shall discharge or deposit or cause or permit the discharge or deposit of matter of a kind listed below into or in land drainage works, private branch drains or connections to any sanitary sewer or combined sewer: 

2.1.2 Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any of the following:

  1. Solid or viscous substances in quantities or of such size as to be capable of causing obstruction to the flow in a sewer.
  2. Sewage that may cause an offensive odour to emanate from a sewage works.
  3. Except in the case of discharge into a combined sewer, stormwater, water from drainage of roofs, or land, water from a watercourse, or uncontaminated water.
  4. Water, other than storm water, that has originated from a source separate from the water distribution system of the municipality.
  5. Sewage or uncontaminated water at a temperature greater than 60 degrees Celsius is prohibited.
  6. Sewage having a pH less than 6.0 or greater than 11.5. 
  7. Sewage which consists of two or more separate liquid layers.
  8. Sewage containing dyes or colouring materials which pass through a sewage works and discolour the sewage works effluent. 
  9. The following materials or sewage containing any of the following in any amount: Fuels, PCBs, Pesticides, Severely Toxic Material, Waste Radioactive Materials 
  10. The following materials or sewage containing any of the following in any amount are prohibited: Hauled Sewage, Hauled Waste, Waste Disposal Site Leachate
  11. The following wastes in any amount are prohibited: Acute Hazardous Waste, Chemicals, Combustible Liquid, Hazardous Industrial Waste, Hazardous Waste Chemical, Ignitable Waste, Pathological Waste, PCB Waste, and Reactive Waste
  12. Sewage containing a concentration in excess of the limits set forth in Table 1 of Schedule ‘H’ of the By-law. 

Storm sewers are designed to carry untreated rain / runoff water from your neighborhood directly into a river, stream or watershed system and are not intended for domestic, commercial or industrial waste. 

Storm Sewer Bylaw 15-075 Limits (Section 3.1):  

No person shall discharge or cause or permit the discharge or deposit of matter of a kind listed below into or in land drainage works, private branch drains or connections to any storm sewer: 

3.1.1 Matter of any type or at any temperature or in any quantity which may:  

  1. damage a storm sewer;
  2. interfere with the proper operation of a storm sewer;
  3. obstruct a storm sewer or the flow therein;
  4. result in a hazard or other adverse impact to any person, animal, property or vegetation;
  5. impair the quality of the water in any waters; or 
  6. result in the contravention of an approval, requirement, direction or other order under the Ontario Water Resources Act or the Environmental Protection Act (Ontario), as amended from time to time, with respect to the storm sewer or its discharge; is prohibited.  

3.1.2 Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any of the following:  

  1. water at a temperature greater than 40° Celsius;
  2. water having a pH less than 6.0 or greater than 9.5;
  3. water containing dyes or colouring materials which would require a dilution in excess of 4 parts of distilled water to 1 part of such water to produce a mixture the colour of which is not distinguishable from that of distilled water;
  4. water containing solvent extractable matter of animal or vegetable origin or of mineral or synthetic origin which causes a visible film, sheen or discolouration on the water surface;
  5. water having 200 per 100 millilitres Fecal coliforms;
  6. water containing a concentration in excess of the limits set forth in Table 2 of Schedule ‘H’;
  7. the following matter in any amount: Sewage, Once-through cooling water, Blowdown 
  8. the following materials in any amount: Automotive or Machine Oils and Greases Fuels, Hauled Waste, Paints and Organic Solvents PCBs, Pesticides, Severely Toxic Material, Waste Disposal Site Leachate, Waste Radioactive Materials
  9. the following hazardous wastes in any amount: Acute Hazardous Waste Chemicals, Hazardous Industrial Waste, Hazardous Waste Chemicals, Ignitable Waste, Pathological Waste, PCB Waste, Reactive Waste 

Automotive Facility Best Management Practices

Things to consider:

  • Ongoing employee education  
  • Treatment system standards, maintenance, and inspections  
  • Proper material storage and disposal as per provincial regulations 
  • Creating your own in-house spill response plan including having a complete spill response kit 
  • Spill reporting requirements – contacting Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Spills Action Center or the City of Peterborough Environmental Division 
  • Record keeping and retention – Cleanout records and spills 

Suggested Minimum Spill Response Equipment

  • 80 lbs of granular oil absorbent
  • 20 oil absorbent pads
  • 1-2 storm drain covers
  • 4-6 oil Absorbent Booms
  • Shovel and Broom 

Contact information

Our environmental team is here to work with you and your operation. If you have any questions/concerns or in the event of a spill, please use the contact information below. 

City of Peterborough: call 705-743-3031 or use the email contacts below: 

  • Ministry of the Environment Conservation and Parks Spills Action Center (SAC): 1-800-268-6060 
  • Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (Peterborough Office): 705-755-4300 

Contact Us

City Hall
500 George St. N.
Peterborough, ON
K9H 3R9

Phone: 705-742-7777
Toll Free: 1-855-738-3755
Email Us

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