On March 6, 2024, British Columbia’s Lieutenant Governor enacted amendments to the Municipal Wastewater Regulation, B.C. Reg. 87/2012, through B.C. Reg. 50/2024, based on the recommendation of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. One of the key updates in the regulation is the modification of the definition of “advanced treatment,” which now replaces “BOD5” with “CBOD5,” referring to carbonaceous 5-day biochemical oxygen demand. This change aligns wastewater treatment standards with modern practices and includes the complete repeal of the “BOD5” definition.

BOD5 (Biochemical Oxygen Demand over 5 days) and CBOD5 (Carbonaceous Biochemical Oxygen Demand over 5 days) are both measures used in environmental science to assess the organic pollution in water, particularly in wastewater treatment. They indicate the amount of oxygen that microorganisms will consume while decomposing organic matter in a water sample.

Further amendments involve the definitions of “primary treatment” and “secondary treatment,” which have also replaced “BOD5” with “CBOD5,” reflecting a broader focus on carbonaceous organic matter in wastewater treatment. Modifications in administrative sections include a change in Section 13 (b), where “signed and stamped” has been replaced with “signed and sealed” to enhance documentation clarity. Section 29 (b)(ii) has been adjusted to broaden the regulation’s scope by replacing “in respect of capital equipment” with “in respect of machinery and equipment.”

Moreover, changes in Section 31 have altered the qualifications for consultants involved in wastewater management. The previous requirement for consultants to be selected from a pre-established roster has been removed, allowing for “an expert consultant whose qualifications are acceptable to the director,” thereby providing greater flexibility in selecting qualified professionals. In terms of certification and approval processes, Section 46 (a)(ii) now specifies that documents must be “certified as correct and signed and sealed by a qualified professional,” which upholds accountability in documentation. Section 56 (2) also stipulates that “CBOD5” must be used instead of the previously referenced “BOD5” when examined.

Numerous sections, including Section 86, have been amended to replace “BOD5” with “CBOD5” in tables related to wastewater parameters, including adjustments for indirect potable reuse and frequency types for various constituents such as ammonia and ortho-phosphate. Additionally, Section 89 (2) (c) has been revised to replace “7-day flow” with “7-day low flow,” providing a more precise measurement standard.

By updating definitions, refining documentation processes, and enhancing the clarity of consultant qualifications, this regulation aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of municipal wastewater systems.

British Columbia (87/2024) March 12, 2024