Pollution Prevention

Many business in Halifax are classified by Halifax Water as Non-Significant Users (NSUs). These are businesses that have domestic wastewater connections, for example a shoe store that only has an employee washroom would be classified as a NSU. Even though these locations pose less risk to the health of the wastewater and stormwater systems, they may still receive a drop in inspection if we receive reports of prohibited activity in the area.

An example of this would be someone seen dumping a mop bucket into a catchbasin on the street. After washing your floors, be sure to pour the water down a drain inside your business so it flows to the wastewater system, the catchbasins on the street are part of the stormwater system and only for rainwater runoff.

The Halifax Water Pollution Prevention (P2) team strives to lead the discussion with educating the customer. Usually when you meet the P2 team, it is while they are presenting you with education material or we are there at your request to speak to your staff. For education requests please contact the Pollution Prevention team.

There are times when education is not enough and enforcement measures are required. The Pollution Prevention team has a number of enforcement options available to them. For example, members of the Pollution Prevention team are Special Constables appointed under the Police Act giving them the ability to issue summary offence tickets.