SepticSmart Rebate

< Return to Rebates Status: The 2020 SepticSmart Rebate is accepting applications. 2020 SepticSmart workshops are cancelled due to COVID-19. Workshop attendance is not required for the 2020 Bonus. The workshop bonus will be automatically applied to all eligible rebate claims including rebates claimed previously in 2020.

Septic systems can effectively treat wastewater when the systems are properly maintained. The RDN offers rebates to help residents maintain their septic systems. To date, this program has contributed more than $220,000 to maintain septic systems in the RDN.

Application Forms

• 2020 SepticSmart Rebate Information
• 2020 Pre-Approval Application
• 2020 Claim Form

Rebate Amount

A maintenance rebate will cover 75% of eligible expenses, to a maximum amount:

• Up to $100 to install an Effluent Filter
• Up to $200 to install or replace a Distribution Box
• Up to $300 to install Risers

A $600 repair/replacement rebate is also available to repair or replace an ageing system. Repairs must have a value over $5,000. This rebate cannot be combined with a rebate for the distribution box, riser or effluent filter.

BONUS: The bonus was intended for workshop participants. In 2020, the workshops are cancelled and the bonus will be applied to all eligible rebate claims. The bonus increases the maximum eligible amount in any rebate category by up to $100.

Eligibility

Note: New construction and tank pump-outs are not eligible for a rebate.

Work must meet all of the following to be eligible for a rebate:

• Identified as Eligible Work below.
• Located on a property in the RDN which has not received a similar rebate in previous years.
• Performed in the 2020 calendar year.
• On pre-existing systems originally installed before January 1, 2020.
• Performed by an "Authorized Person" as defined by the Sewerage System Regulation.

Eligible Work:

Maximum Rebate	Eligible Work
$100	Effluent Filter Installation Effluent filters can prolong the life of your system by keeping solids out of the distribution field. Newer systems may already have an effluent filter. Older systems may be retrofitted to add a filter. Important note: effluent filters must be cleaned regularly.
$200	Distribution Box Installation or Replacement A properly functioning distribution box will maximize the effective lifespan of the drainfield by distributing effluent evenly to each line and preventing any one line from overload. Overloaded distribution lines may lead to a system malfunction.
$300	Riser Installation Risers provide surface access to buried components. If you have risers, you have little to no digging to do hereafter, making future pumping and maintenance much easier.
$600	Repair or Replace an Aging System Most septic systems last 25-30 years. Eventually, all systems need to be replaced. Repairs or a replacement of your system with a value over $5,000 qualify for this rebate. Cannot be combined with a rebate for the effluent filter, distribution box, or riser.
$100	BONUS - COVID-19 UPDATE: Workshop attendance is not required for the 2020 Bonus. The workshop bonus will automatically be applied to all eligible rebates. The bonus increases the maximum eligible amount in any rebate category by up to $100.

How to Apply

STEP 1: Submit Pre-approval Application Form

Rebate funds are limited. Apply early for pre-approval. Upon confirmation of pre-approval, the RDN will reserve funds for eligible work for up to 90 days while you arrange to have work done on your system.

Submit your pre-approval application by:

Email: rcu [at] rdn.bc.ca
Mail or in person: Wastewater Services, 6300 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo, BC, V9T 6N2

You may request an extension to your pre-approval date but funds may be reallocated to another applicant if the pre-approval period expires.

STEP 2: Hire an Authorized Person to Perform Qualifying Work

Confirm that contractors meet the definition of an Authorized Person before hiring services.

An Authorized Person is a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (registered through ASTTBC) or a Professional Engineer or Professional Geoscientist (registered through EGBC).

To find a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner:

• Visit the ASTTBC Website
• Phone: 1-604-585-2788 ext. 238

To find a Professional in your area contact:

• Visit the EGBC Website
• Phone: 1-888-430-8035 

Step 3: Attend a Free SepticSmart Workshop (Optional) 

COVID-19 UPDATE: Workshop attendance is not required for the 2020 Bonus. The workshop bonus will automatically be applied to all eligible rebates. 

STEP 3: Pay Invoice & Submit Your Claim

Claims must be received before your pre-approval expires and no later than December 11, 2020. Late claims may not be processed.

Include with your claim:

1. Rebate Claim Form
2. Copy of an invoice detailing eligible work
3. Proof of payment

Submit your claim by:

Email: rcu [at] rdn.bc.ca
Mail or in person: Wastewater Services, 6300 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo, BC, V9T 6N2

Allow 6 weeks for payment.

SepticSmart Workshops