Businesses within Markham that have sewage discharges not in compliance with the by-law, may need to make major changes to come into compliance. These changes could impact their facilities and production processes. There are two solutions: (1) Compliance Program, or (2) Surcharge Agreement.
Businesses may apply to enter into the Compliance Program. Under the Compliance Program – with certain conditions and timeframes – businesses will be temporarily allowed to discharge their sewage not complying with the by-law.
The program gives businesses a reasonable timeframe to implement all required corrective actions.
Markham has a joint effort with York Region to cover some sewage substances exceeding the by-law limits. These include:
The Surcharge Agreement is currently managed by York Region. The businesses within Markham may be allowed to enter into a surcharge agreement with York Region for these substances listed above. However, the surcharge agreement only applies to 5 substances and not for other substances.
Please check York Region - "Sewer Use Permits" website for application and fees related to the Surcharge Agreement.