Industrial facilities

How does the by-law address my business?

The City of Greater Sudbury's Sewer Use By-law requires owners/operators of a motor vehicle service station, repair shop, garage or applicable industrial facility to follow practices which prevent oil, grease and other debris from entering the environment. 

  • Install oil/grease interceptors and sand interceptors that comply with the current version of the Ontario Building Code.
  • Interceptors must be of substantial construction, watertight (excluding sand interceptors) and equipped with easily removal covers. Capacity must meet or exceed peak flow conditions.
  • Connect all floor drains, wash sinks and washing machines to a sand interceptor. Toilets, urinals, hand sinks and storm drains are exempt.
  • Regularly clean and maintain oil/grease and sand interceptors to reduce foul odours and the potential for clogged sewer lines.
  • Keep accurate and up-to-date records of equipment inspections and maintenance for review by municipal officials upon request.

Why is waste from automotive service and other industries a concern?

Oil, grease, sand, heavy metals and other debris can clog sewer lines and damage wastewater treatment equipment. Waste fuel and solvents are explosive and toxic and must never be discharged to sewers in any amount.

While a single automotive service centre may contribute only small quantities of these substances, collectively all centres are a significant contributor. It is therefore critical that every business does whatever is necessary to reduce substances of concern prior to discharge into the sanitary sewer system.

Substances of concern include antifreeze and windshield washer glycol, brake fluids, oil and grease, total suspended solids and gasoline and diesel components such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. Soaps containing nonylphenol ethoxylates are severely restricted under the Sewer Use By-law.

Please ensure that all chemicals are properly contained and labeled in case of spill or leak. Contact a certified hazardous waste carrier for disposal.

Conditions which may result in By-law compliance audits and enforcement:

  • Failure to install certified oil/grease interceptors and sediment interceptors.
  • Failure to routinely inspect and maintain interceptors and sediment interceptors.
  • Use of chemical solvents, caustics or emulsifiers to clean out the oil/grease interceptor, resulting in damage to sewer lines.
  • Forcing oil/grease particles through the interceptor and into the sewer line with hot water, resulting in blockages.
  • Failure to comply with allowable parameters for discharged substances. Please see the City of Greater Sudbury's Sewer Use By-law for Limits for Sanitary Sewer Discharge.