The Order in Council 844-2026 enacts a set of amendments to the Regulation respecting municipal wastewater treatment works under the authority of the Environment Quality Act and related enforcement legislation. The reform modernizes technical, administrative, and compliance requirements governing the operation, monitoring, and reporting of municipal wastewater treatment systems across Québec, with the stated aim of strengthening environmental protection, improving data transparency, and tightening enforcement mechanisms.

A central element of the amendment is the clarification and expansion of regulatory scope and definitions. Certain piping systems used solely for transporting water prior to environmental discharge are excluded from coverage when they originate from authorized individual treatment systems or specified isolated dwelling systems, provided conditions in ministerial authorizations are met.

The regulation strengthens operational monitoring requirements, particularly regarding flow measurement. Operators must now measure daily wastewater flow using systems with a maximum error margin of 15 percent and verify system accuracy annually. Where certain lagoon-type facilities lack installed systems, flow may be estimated using approved methods within the same error threshold. These provisions aim to standardize data reliability across facilities of varying size and technology.

Significant changes also address overflow, diversion, and discharge control. The amendments prohibit unauthorized discharges, including dry-weather overflows and diversions, except under defined emergency or maintenance conditions reported to the Minister of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks. Operators must systematically record all overflow and diversion events using approved systems or monitoring methods, with mandatory upgrades required where repeated non-emergency events occur.

The amendments also impose stricter qualification and supervision requirements for personnel operating treatment plants. Only certified individuals may conduct key operational tasks, sampling, and measurement activities, though limited supervision exemptions are allowed for very small systems. Operators must retain and provide certification records upon request, ensuring accountability in workforce qualifications.

Enforcement provisions are significantly strengthened under both administrative and penal frameworks. Monetary administrative penalties now range from $500 to $5,000 depending on the severity of non-compliance, including failures in flow measurement, reporting, certification compliance, or notification obligations. More serious violations, such as exceeding discharge limits or failing to report overflow events, may trigger penalties up to $10,000 or higher.

Quebec (844/2026) June 23, 2026
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