Estimating peak daily wastewater generation, for the purpose of determining what approvals are required (municipal or Provincial), is based on guidance in the Ontario Building Code which includes factors such as:
- Production volume
- Square footage of buildings
- Number of restaurant seats
- Number of washrooms
- Number of employees
- Number of guest rooms and residence accommodations
Wineries should contact their local municipal planning department if they have questions about how the potential expansion of production or hospitality services may impact on-site wastewater system approval requirements.
Case Study: Determining Municipal or Provincial Approval at Greenlane Estate Winery
Greenlane Estate Winery was planning to install a wetland biofilter system. Since the system would discharge wastewater to an on-site septic system, the question of whether municipal or Provincial approval would be required depended on the estimated peak daily wastewater generation.
In accordance with the guidelines contained in the Ontario Building Code, the consultant calculated Greenlane’s estimated peak daily wastewater generation to be under 10,000 litres per day, thereby requiring municipal approval under the Ontario Building Code. In order to conduct this calculation, the municipality took into account all aspects of the winery’s operations, including:
- Wine production (1,500 cases per year, but the treatment system was sized for 26,000 cases)
- Small tasting room and retail store
- Offices and on-site employees
The design plan was submitted by the consultant and approved for wastewater flows of 9,999 L/day.
Case Study: Determining Municipal or Provincial Approval at Konzelmann Estate Winery
Konzelmann Estate Winery was planning to install a bioreactor to treat their wastewater. Since the system would discharge wastewater to an on-site septic system, the question of whether municipal or Provincial approval would be required depended on the estimated peak daily wastewater generation.
In accordance with the guidelines contained in the Ontario Building Code, the estimated peak daily wastewater generation at Konzelmann was calculated to be over 10,000 litres per day, thereby requiring Provincial approval. In order to conduct this calculation, the municipality took into account all aspects of the winery’s operations, including:
- Wine production (40,000 cases per year)
- Moderately-sized tasting room and retail store
- Moderately-sized event space
- Winery offices
- A residence on site
It should be noted that Konzelmann’s actual measured peak daily wastewater generation was under 10,000 litres per day. However, they were still required to obtain Provincial approval because the Ontario Building Code guideline does not have a provision to take into account actual measurements.
Case Study: Determining Municipal or Provincial Approval at Henry of Pelham
Henry of Pelham was considering the installation of a lagoon for the treatment of production wastewater. Since the system would dispose of the treated wastewater through evaporation and irrigation (as opposed to an on-site septic system) Provincial approval is required.
Henry of Pelham’s high production volume (100,000 cases per year) resulted in their peak daily wastewater generation being over 10,000 litres per day. Therefore, they would require Provincial approval even if wastewater was discharged to a subsurface tile bed.
