Who needs this permit
If your business discharges liquid waste into the municipal sewer system, you need a commercial wastewater discharge permit. This covers restaurants, auto repair shops, car washes, laundries, manufacturers, and any facility that sends industrial or commercial wastewater to the Water and Wastewater department.
How to apply
Submit a Commercial Wastewater Discharge Permit application to the department. You will need:
- Proof of a valid Wrenford business licence
- A current site plan showing all floor drains, sinks, and grease interceptors
- Wastewater quality analysis from a certified laboratory (dated within the last 90 days)
- Completed application form and the initial application fee
We review each application within six weeks. You will receive a notice of approval or a request for additional information. Once approved, your permit is valid for one year.
Monitoring and reporting
Under the Water and Wastewater By-law 2017-090, permit holders must:
- Submit monthly discharge volume reports
- Test wastewater quality quarterly and submit lab results
- Allow City staff or Tamsin Valley Public Health to inspect your premises and collect samples at any time
- Maintain grease interceptors and oil-water separators according to manufacturer schedules
Changing your permit
You may request minor or major amendments to your permit:
- Minor amendments cover changes like a business name change, a decrease in discharge volume, or updating your monitoring schedule.
- Major amendments cover changes that increase your discharge volume, add new types of contaminants, or alter your authorized discharge points.
Send a written request to [email protected] with the relevant fee. We will contact you with the outcome.
Reporting spills and overflows
If you accidentally discharge prohibited substances or experience an equipment failure, act immediately to prevent contamination of local waterways and our sewer system:
- Stop the discharge at the source
- Call 311 or 519-555-0111 to report the release
- Notify the property owner if the release occurs on a leased site
- Cooperate with City by-law enforcement or Tamsin Valley Public Health during follow-up inspections
Unintentional releases that enter the storm drain system may also require notification to the Province of Ontario. We will advise you on next steps.
Fees
All fees are set out in the Fees and Charges By-law 2025-151. Payments can be made by credit card online, by mail, or in person at City Hall.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial application | $850.00 |
| Annual permit renewal | $450.00 |
| Minor amendment | $200.00 |
| Major amendment | $400.00 |
Contact
For questions about permits, reporting forms, or compliance inspections, contact the Water and Wastewater department.
Phone: 519-555-0100
Email: [email protected]