Septic Re-inspection

Septic Systems: Do we have a problem on the lake?

We all know that malfunctioning septic systems can directly contaminate nearby water but, are there malfunctioning septic systems on Mazinaw lake?  A way to know is to get them inspected.. There are 5 classes of systems and all need to be inspected, including septic, outhouses, compost toilets, etc. 

Septic re-inspections focus

The North Frontenac Lake Association Alliance (NFLAA) is a coalition of 18 Lake Associations established by volunteers to provide representation, assistance and leadership on shared interests. The MPOA is a member of this alliance. One of the NFLAA’s projects is related to septic re-inspections.  I would like to thank Pat McCarron, CAO of the NFLAA for her input towards this article, and the work that this subcommittee is doing.

2019: the NFLAA and Twp sponsored a 3-hour Septic Savvy Seminar held in Plevna which was very well attended supporting the interest from membership and the community. Our MPOA Lake Steward attended the seminar. A report on the NF Septic Re-inspection Program https://www.nflaa.ca/resources ( scroll down) was first prepared by the NFLAA. 

2005: North Frontenac created a free voluntary septic re-inspection program. Note that of the properties targeted for the voluntary inspection from 2005-2018, 75 inspections per year were conducted with an avg annual response rate (property owners who agreed to an inspection request) of only 33%. 

2019-2023: only 28 inspections per year were conducted with an avg response rate of just 4%.  Also of interest is that approx. 3-5% of voluntary inspections lead to the need for a septic replacement. Where municipalities have mandatory inspections, this can increase to 10-20% as seen in municipalities that have gone from voluntary to mandatory programs. This evidence supports the general finding that voluntary programs are not as likely to reveal systems that are most in need of an inspection.

2024: An NFLAA sub-committee was set up and they met with Eric Kohlsmith, Mississippi Valley Septic Inspector. The original 2019 Report on Septic Inspections was updated. See attached revised

Summary of North Frontenac Septic Re-Inspection Program 2005 to 2023 https://www.nflaa.ca/resources. The data was compiled from the Annual Septic Re-Inspection Reports sent to the Municipality of North Frontenac by the Office of the Mississippi Rideau Septic System Office (MRSSO) and data supplied by Public Works, Township of North Frontenac.

Unfortunately, since 2019, voluntary inspections on waterfront properties have decreased significantly.  Also unfortunate, the data does not break down the issues where a “remedial action required” was noted into categories.  It would be useful to categorize the kind of action. For example, is the remedial action required to have your septic tank pumped? replace the tile bed? Put in a larger tank? Install baffles; cut trees growing on the septic bed, etc.

Last Fall, the NF Environmental Task Force (ETF) was established with Roy Huetl as the Chair.  A list of priority topics for review by the Task Force includes septic re-inspections.  

2025: The NFLAA group met with the ETF on January 22, 2025, to look at options for a septic inspection program and again on March 17th to work on specific recommendations for Council’s approval.  FYI, In 2025, The NF target is to inspect 30 systems within the year.

• The Chair noted a full mandatory inspection program would not be supported at this time but there may be opportunities to implement a pilot project starting with some high-density lakes. The biggest challenges are the costs to administer and enforce a mandatory re-inspection program.
  

• The sub-committee discussed the pros and cons of several options for promoting septic re-inspections including on lakes with high development areas, lake trout sensitive lakes, STRs, sale of property, mandatory pump-out with reports provided to the Township, etc. 
  

• Discussion on how to promote the current voluntary program and the importance of septic health in general. Some suggestions to revive interest included a booth at the 2025 Summerfest, information included in the tax bill mailing, lake association newsletters, Township social media.
  

The NFLAA recommended to the ETF they consider the following over a five-year period, in an effort to work towards moving to a Mandatory Re-Inspection Program for waterfront properties that:

• Focus be on any septic system more than 10 years old

• All properties with unregistered sewage disposal systems be inspected on a priority basis

• Inspections target the 67% of property owners who have ignored re-inspection request

• All sales of waterfront property (transfers) require a mandatory inspection.
  

The formation of the ETF and the renewed focus on septic re-inspection by the NFLAA are encouraging towards a path forward. 

Mazinaw specifics

Looking at Mazinaw specifically, the number of properties on the lake in North Frontenac is 209.  Of those, 92 have been inspected since 2019 representing 44% of properties.

Of course, Mazinaw spans both North Frontenac and Addington Highlands.  There are approx. 160 properties in AH around the lake. 

I reached out to AH township and was told that Addington Highlands does not have a septic inspection program. Failed systems can be brought to the attention of the municipality from several avenues but many replacements that have been done are based on a proactive approach by owners. Of the overall septic systems installed per year, 40% are replacements (60% are new). AH noted that the municipality reacts very quickly to failed septic. The MPOA did not get statistics for Mazinaw specifically.

For information about septic systems, please visit our water quality page.