The Ontario Building Code | Loading Requirements
8.7.5.2. Loading Requirements
(1) The effective area of the surface of the filter medium in each filter bed shall be at least 10 m2 and not more than 50 m2.
(2) The area described in Sentence 8.7.4.2.(1) shall be designed such that the loading rate does not exceed, for soil having a percolation timeset out in Column 1 of Table 8.7.4.1., the maximum value set out opposite it in Column 2 of Table 8.7.4.1.
(3) Except as provided in Sentence (5), where the total daily design sanitary sewage flow does not exceed 3 000 L, the effective area shall be such that the loading on the surface of the filter medium does not exceed 75 L/m2 per day.
(4) Except as provided in Sentence (5), where the total daily design sanitary sewage flow exceeds 3 000 L,
(a) the effective area shall be such that the loading on the surface of the filter medium does not exceed 50 L/m2per day, and
(b) the leaching bed shall be comprised of more than one filter bed, each of similar size and adjacent to each other.
(5) Where a Level II, Level III or Level IV treatment unit as described in Table 8.6.2.2. is used in conjunction with a filter bed, the effective area shall be such that the loading on the surface of the filter medium does not exceed 100 L/m2 per day.
In Plain Language
Loading requirements for this alternative design are set out in this article, similar in purpose to the loading requirements for standard leaching beds but tailored to this specific configuration.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.