Private Sewage

You need a private sewage permit for the installation or replacement of a:

• sewage holding tank
• privy holding tank
• private sewage system
• septic tank/treatment field
• septic tank/treatment mound
• septic tank/open discharge
• treatment plant and at-grade, treatment field or treatment mound

Applying for a private sewage permit  

There are two private sewage system application forms:

1.   Private sewage holding tank

Private sewage holding tank applications are available online or in person at the Parkland County Centre. Use this application for:

• sewage holding tanks where sewage is stored until hauled away for disposal
• privy holding tanks where human waste is held until hauled away for disposal

A dimensioned site diagram (included in the application package) must be included with the application.

2.   Private sewage system

Private sewage system applications are available online or in person at the Parkland County Centre. Use this application for all sewage systems other than holding tanks.

Submit your application with:

• all worksheets for pressure distribution systems, treatment mounds and LFH at-grade systems

• a dimensioned site diagram
• two soils profile log forms (one for each pit) -  minimum of two test pits dug at opposite ends of treatment area with locations noted
• soil analyses reports from certified soils testing lab for each pit, as per above

Note: Only one test pit, soil log form and soils analysis report is required for open discharge systems.

Fees

Fees vary depending on the value and type of project.  Note: If the Safety Codes Officer is unable to perform your inspection due to deficiencies, access issues, incomplete work or the inability to locate the site,

 Who can apply?

• certified restricted private sewage installers (for holding tanks only)

• certified private sewage installers
• homeowners, if they own and live in, or intend to live in, the home and are completing the work themselves or with qualified help

Inspections

Note: If the Safety Codes Officer is unable to perform your inspection due to deficiencies, access issues, incomplete work or the inability to locate the site, a re-inspection fee will apply.

Permit guidelines

• If the contractor is applying for the permit, the owner should ask for a copy of the permit to confirm that all work adheres to the 2015 Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice and the Safety Codes Act
• The permit generally expires after one year without an extension request
• Work must begin within 90 days from the issue date
• Work must not be suspended or abandoned for a period of more than 120 days
• Treatment plants and at-grade systems permits must be pulled by a certified installer
• All commercial, industrial and institutional private sewage permits must be pulled by a certified installer

More information on technical requirements

Alberta Municipal Affairs offers a Codes and Permits Safety Tips website with brochures on subjects like private sewage treatment systems, secondary suites, building a wood deck, and many more.

Parkland County Safety Codes Officers are also available for technical inquiries and can be reached at 780-968-8443.

For your convenience, we have compiled a collection of Diagrams that may be of benefit when installing certain electrical, gas, plumbing, and private sewage components: