OBC On-site Sewage Systems study plan
OBC On-site Sewage Systems · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Ontario Building Code Act and Div. B Part 8 Administration, Scope, and Definitions & Sewage Characteristics, Flows, and Design Basis
Map the Division B Part 8 structure and state the purpose of each subsection in your own words
Distinguish the roles of the Building Code Act, the code, and permits in the approval sequence
Define 20 core Part 8 terms from memory and flag any you cannot define precisely
Calculate daily design flow for three worked examples: a 3-bedroom dwelling, a cottage, and a small commercial occupancy
List the sewage strength categories and match each to its typical source
Your checkpoint
A one-page definitions and design-flow cheat sheet with 20 terms and 3 solved flow calculations
Distribution and Dispersal Systems (Leaching Beds, Filter Beds, Mounds) & Site Evaluation and Soil/Site Conditions
Compare leaching beds, filter beds, and mounds on loading rate, depth to limiting layer, and site suitability
Size a leaching bed from a given design flow and soil percolation class
Interpret a soil profile description and identify the limiting layer and its depth
Explain how slope, bedrock, and high water table constrain system selection
Sketch a plan view and cross-section of a leaching bed with dimensions labelled
Your checkpoint
Two fully dimensioned system sketches (plan and section) with sizing calculations shown
Distribution and Dispersal Systems (Leaching Beds, Filter Beds, Mounds) & Treatment Units, Tanks, and Pretreatment
Compute distribution laterals, orifice sizing, and bed area for a given flow and soil
Describe the sequence of treatment in a septic tank and the function of each compartment
Explain the purpose and maintenance implications of effluent filters and dosing
Identify common tank defects and the conditions that require rejection at inspection
Relate pretreatment performance to required dispersal area
Your checkpoint
A worked design package for one hypothetical lot: tank selection, bed sizing, and lateral layout
Site Evaluation and Soil/Site Conditions & Setbacks, Clearances, and Location Requirements
Perform a full site evaluation from a written site description and record all constraints
Apply setback distances to wells, property lines, watercourses, and buildings from memory
Resolve three conflict scenarios where setbacks force a layout change
Explain how clearance requirements differ for tanks versus dispersal areas
Document a site plan with all setbacks annotated
Your checkpoint
A completed site evaluation worksheet and setback-annotated site plan for a sample property
Pumps, Dosing, and Hydraulic Controls & Distribution and Dispersal Systems (Leaching Beds, Filter Beds, Mounds)
Calculate total dynamic head for a dosing system including static lift and friction loss
Select a pump duty point that fits a required dose volume and rate
Explain how dose volume relates to bed resting and distribution uniformity
Troubleshoot three described pump and control faults from symptoms alone
Describe alarm and high-water control logic and its inspection points
Your checkpoint
A pump and dosing calculation sheet with TDH, dose volume, and a justified pump selection
Treatment Units, Tanks, and Pretreatment & Installation, Inspection, and Maintenance Requirements
Sequence the installation steps for a tank and bed from excavation to backfill
List the inspection hold points and what must be verified at each
Draft a maintenance schedule covering tank pumping, filter service, and bed monitoring
Identify the top five installation errors and their long-term consequences
Explain how to verify as-built compliance against the approved plan
Your checkpoint
An inspection checklist with hold points plus a homeowner maintenance schedule
Plans, Permits, and Documentation & Ontario Building Code Act and Div. B Part 8 Administration, Scope, and Definitions
Assemble a complete permit application package for a sample project
Identify the documents, drawings, and calculations a reviewer expects to see
Explain the inspection and final approval pathway after permit issuance
Describe record-keeping obligations and what as-built documentation must capture
Spot three deficiencies in a deliberately incomplete application
Your checkpoint
A mock permit submission package with a deficiency log noting what was missing and why
Distribution and Dispersal Systems (Leaching Beds, Filter Beds, Mounds) & Treatment Units, Tanks, and Pretreatment & Setbacks, Clearances, and Location Requirements & Sewage Characteristics, Flows, and Design Basis
Complete a timed 60-question mixed practice set across all domains
Review every missed item and write the underlying rule in your own words
Re-derive the five most common calculations without notes
Recite key setback distances and sizing rules from memory
Rank your remaining weak areas and schedule targeted review before exam day
Your checkpoint
A scored practice exam with a written error log and a final two-week review priority list
Milestones
Week 2: Can size a leaching bed and identify the limiting layer from a soil description without notes
Week 4: Can produce a setback-compliant site plan and state the key clearance distances from memory
Week 6: Can walk through a full installation sequence and name each inspection hold point
Week 8: Scores 80 percent or better on the mixed timed practice set