As a parent, one of your greatest fears is for your child's safety. That fear became horrifyingly real when a young child fell through a plastic septic tank lid that gave away, located just steps from a playground and on the edge of a heavily used parking lot. No fence. No warning sign. No indication of danger whatsoever.  In a fraction of a second after stepping onto the lid, the child fell through and was completely submerged in the water-filled pipe leading to a holding tank 6ft underground. Thankfully, their parent was there and reacted instantly to pull them out. We were exceptionally lucky...this time.

Unfortunately, this incident is not isolated. Across Canada, particularly in rural regions, unmarked or older septic tank access openings not fitted to the latest Canadian standards pose a serious hazard that can lead to grievous injuries or even fatalities. While many of us are blissfully unaware of these lurking dangers, the risks are frighteningly real. Without imminent action, it is only a matter of time before another unsuspecting individual falls victim to such an avoidable tragedy.

The January  1, 2023  CSA B66 Clause 4.2.6.3 requires "all access openings over chambers with an opening greater than 200 mm in diameter, where there is a risk of accidental entry, shall have a secondary safety device that can withstand 91 kg of dead load." However, this clause is only a manufacturing and installation standard that is strictly mandatory for newly manufactured tanks, brand-new systems, and major system modifications, including updates or component replacements. There are no laws in Canada that older tank access openings be retrofitted to meet new safety standards or requirements to fence off access openings, mark the area, or use heavy-duty lids in public areas. 

Current Canadian septic system regulations for older systems only require access lids to be secured and systems to be "maintained," focusing heavily on environmental protection while leaving critical gaps in public physical safety. Plastic can degrade over time due to prolonged exposure to sunlight and repeated temperature fluctuations, compromising the structural integrity of lids and increasing safety risks when secondary safety devices are not in place. Furthermore, these ground-level access points can become difficult to see or identify when buried under snow in winter, making proper fencing, marking, or other visible safeguards especially important.

We must take proactive steps to ensure that all septic tanks (new and old) meet the latest CSA B66 standards to prevent future accidents. 

Therefore, we call for the CSA B66 to be a mandatory safety standard for all registered septic tanks, making the installation of a secondary safety device that can withstand 91 kg of dead loads a Canadian requirement. These components will act as essential secondary barriers, preventing people or pets from falling into tanks if the main cover is damaged or removed.

Moreover, in public spaces — including commercial, private, and government-owned properties such as public areas, schools, churches, and parks  — septic tank access points should be clearly marked to alert of their presence. Tank access should also be secured with durable lids, made of concrete or metal, that aren't easily damaged or moveable, to prevent unauthorized access and protect against accidental falls. This is not merely a matter of safety; it is a moral obligation to safeguard everyone, especially vulnerable children, from preventable harm.

The solution is clear and within our reach. By enforcing mandatory secondary safety devices and implementing these precautions, we can prevent future accidents. Let's not wait for another close call or tragic outcome.

Sign this petition to urge our federal and provincial leaders and regulatory bodies to mandate these critical safety measures and to protect our communities.