Source Control is a program that aims to reduce the amount of contaminants entering into our wastewater system.

What is source control?

Source control is a way to protect our wastewater collection system by reducing industrial, business, institutional and household chemicals from being discharged to the sewer system.

An important part of source control is controlling fats, oils and grease (FOG) from entering the sewer system. FOG generated by restaurants, food service providers and residents is a major contributor to blockages in the sanitary sewer collection system.

As part of source control certain business sectors are required install an oil, grease and/or sand interceptor to prevent these materials from reaching the sewer system.

What is required?

As a condition of discharge of wastewater into a sewer connected to a Wastewater Works, an operator of a business identified within one or more of the Designated Sector Operations shall submit a completed Code of Practice registration form:

• Within 90 days of the date of adoption of the Designated Sector Operations’ Code of Practice by the municipality in which the discharge occurs in the case of a discharging operation in existence on the adoption date; or
• In all other cases, within 30 days of the discharging operation commencing the discharge of wastewater into a sewer connected to a Wastewater Works.

Code of Practice Registration Form (PDF)

Affected business sectors

Oil and gas operations and support services sector is defined as any business with operations including but not limited to:

• Oil and gas upgrading, refining or distribution
• Oilfield services,
• Bulk liquid products transport,
• Waste recycling,
• Industrial laundering,
• Heavy-duty vehicle and/or equipment washing and/or servicing.

Oil Gas and Support Services Sector Code of Practice (PDF)
Oil Gas and Support Services Sector Best Management Practices (PDF)
Oil Gas and Services Sector Information Booklet (PDF)

Food service operations are defined as restaurants or other industrial, commercial, or institutional facilities where food is cooked, processed, or prepared. This includes but is not limited to:

• bakeries, coffee shops,
• butcher shops,
• grocery stores,
• institutional kitchens (including health or residential care facilities),
• caterers,
• wholesale food processors,
• delicatessens,
• cafeterias,
• or other similar operations.

Food Service Operations Code of Practice (PDF)
Food Service Operations Best Management Practices (PDF)
Food Service Operations Code of Practice Guide (PDF)

Dental facilities will require a dental amalgam separator.

For more information, visit the Arrow Utilties website (formerly the Alberta Capital Region Wastewater Commission).

Bylaw information

You can find more details about the requirements for source control in the following Strathcona County bylaws:

Bylaw 38-2017 (221.7 KB)  Part 6, Sections 27-28