RVCA (1143)
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Main Office Phone Numbers : 613-692-3571 / 1-800-267-3504
Staff Directory
Your Eastern Ontario conservation authorities were thrilled to be back at the Plowing Match to showcase the many ways we help communities protect their natural resources while steering clear of natural hazards. On this page you’ll find links to your local conservation authority, which will take you to information about stewardship grants, planning and regulations, conservation areas and more. Below, you’ll also find some key digital resources to help you implement best practices on your own property.
Not from Eastern Ontario? Click here to search with your postal code.
How to submit digital paperwork:
- Access all forms and fee information by clicking here.
- Be sure that the application is in PDF format (including photos).
- Consider using apps such as Turbo Scan that convert jpeg photos into PDF documents.
- Upgrading software on office desktop to Adobe Pro to be able to edit PDF documents.
2. Electronic files that accompany the email request/instruction must be applied as an ATTACHMENT.
3. Email your application to the intake email address identified by your municipality listed here.
4. Watch for payment details. Directions on how to make payment will be sent to your inbox. Please note, payments must be received to activate the permitting process.
When reporting a failing system or other occurrences please contact your local conservation authority. You will need to provide the following information upon calling our office for the property in question:
- Name of Property Owner
- Civic Address (Ex. 3889 Rideau Valley Dr.)
- Municipality
- Complaint (e.g., I can see sewage pooling on my neighbors’ septic bed)
- Are you a neighbour, councillor, or installer? From the Health Unit, By-Law Office or Building Inspector?
Please note all reports are kept confidential
If you would like to receive a response from us ensure you leave contact information otherwise we will treat this as an anonymous report.
General
NEW BOOKLET: Septic Smart - Understanding your Home's Wastewater System
Septic System/Treatment Units with Annual Maintenance Agreements
Wells
The Township of Rideau Lakes has generously funded a pilot partnership with Big Rideau Lake Association, Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority and Rideau Valley Conservation Authority to work co-operatively on a sustainable drainage pilot project in the village of Portland and the surrounding rural catchment area.
As climate change contributes to more frequent and extreme rain events, excess nutrients, sediments, harmful chemicals and pollutants are increasingly washed into Big Rideau Lake through our storm drainage systems. This contributes to increased aquatic weed growth, more toxic algae blooms and an overall decline in lake health and enjoyment.
In summer 2022, staff from RVCA as well as volunteers from the Big Rideau Lake Association conducted a sampling and monitoring program, targeting an urban drain in the village as well as a rural drain (non-agricultural) outside the village. Research was conducted to find and recommend sustainable drainage practices that are best suited to protect water quality and lake health.
Read the Monitoring Report/Summary.
Read the final Recommendations Report.
Resources:
Reducing your runoff can also begin at home – and can be as easy as installing a rain barrel. To learn more about how you can reduce stormwater runoff on your own property, check out the resources below.
VIDEO: Learn how to build a low-cost, low-maintenance rain garden on your property: https://youtu.be/dvgJXlul9Bk
VIDEO: Learn how the RVCA’s Shoreline Naturalization Program offers technical and financial support for waterfront owners to naturally reduce their runoff: https://youtu.be/j2WEnMfRZTo
BLOG: Learn all the simple, cost-effective ways you can reduce runoff on your own property: https://www.rvca.ca/view-all-blog-posts/soak-up-the-summer-storms-reducing-your-runoff-in-the-big-city
BLOG: Learn more about the RVCA’s Clean Water Grants program that supports sustainable drainage and other projects for rural residents: https://www.rvca.ca/view-all-blog-posts/grant-program-makes-clean-water-projects-affordable
INTERACTIVE: Scroll over the pins to learn how you can keep contaminants out of your storm drain: https://www.rvca.ca/view-all-blog-posts/reducing-runoff-which-side-are-you-on
INTERACTIVE: Check out this interactive graphic for sustainable drainage practices on waterfront properties: https://www.rvca.ca/view-all-blog-posts/waterfront-living-which-side-are-you-on
WEBPAGE: Learn more about how to naturalize your shoreline (whether it’s a ditch, stream, river or lake!): https://www.rvca.ca/stewardship-grants/shoreline-naturalization/how-to-naturalize-your-shoreline
Benefits of sustainable drainage:
- Reduced algae blooms and excessive weed growth in our lakes and rivers
- Improved water quality for local ecosystems
- Better water quality for local tourist industries including recreational fishing and seasonal rentals
- Safer drinking water for residents with surface water intakes
- Improved knowledge of sustainable drainage best practices can be applied across the watershed
More Information:
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The Mississippi Valley and Rideau Valley Conservation Authorities administer Part 8 (Sewage systems approvals) of the Ontario Building Code on behalf of several watershed municipalities (listed below). This means your local conservation authority is responsible for reviewing septic designs and plans, issuing Building Permits for new and replacement sewage systems, and inspecting installations to ensure compliance with provincial regulations.
Learn more on how to submit your application by choosing the municipality where you are installing or replacing a Part 8 sewage system. Not listed below? Check with your municipality to learn about their septic approvals agent.