Construction wastewater and debris should never enter catch basins (square grates on the road), as catch basins are connected to storm sewers, which drain directly into rivers, streams and the Lake. Allowing these materials to enter the storm sewer can:
- harm the environment and aquatic wildlife.
- damage the storm sewer system.
- create blockages, which can lead to road and basement flooding.
If construction debris or construction wastewater from your site gets into the storm sewer you may be fined or charged under the Sewers By-law.
Material that Should Never Enter Catch Basins
- mud or sand
- concrete or cement powder
- truck/vehicle wash water
- paint
- oil or petroleum products
- soap
- chemicals
- any construction material, debris or dust
- construction wastewater (see more below)
How to Manage Construction Debris
- Wash vehicles off-site at a car/truck wash or establish a designated wash area on-site.
- Design an effective construction exit to prevent dirt and waste from leaving the site – this may include gravel, paving, rumble strips and wheel washing.
- Ensure cement/ready-mix trucks do not hose down onto the roadways or into catch basins.
- Do not allow any dirt from the site to be dragged out to City roads.
- Do not power wash construction dirt and waste onto the roadways or into catch basins.
- Regularly sweep streets, sidewalks and driveways using dry method/vacuum sweepers and dispose of waste properly.
- Do not allow any wash water from the site to runoff into catch basins.
- Change vehicle oil and antifreeze off-site at designated facilities.
- Ensure your company has an Erosion & Sediment Control Plan and follow it. Implement measures to keep sediment in place where soil is being disturbed by the construction processes, such as the use of sediment traps, storm inlet protections, fibre rolls, silt fences, etc.
- Where land is being cleared, protect catch basins by covering the inlet with filter fabric or follow another approved method which will not allow sediment to enter the catch basin. Maintain the preventative method regularly.
- Maintain good housekeeping by properly disposing of all construction debris.
How to Manage Construction Wastewater
Construction wastewater is any non-purchased city water (private water) that runs off a construction site. This includes:
- groundwater
- rain water
- muddy water
- collected water
- runoff water
Disposing of construction wastewater requires a Discharge Permit or Agreement. If construction debris or wastewater from your site gets into a sewer without a permit or agreement, you may be fined or charged under the Sewers By-law.
