Managing Milkhouse Waste

The purpose of this program is to help landowners through the process of upgrading their milkhouse wastewater system in order to reduce discharge to surface waters, protect head health and protect family health.

Funding

Landowners within the Lake Simcoe watershed may qualify for grants of 50 per cent of project costs for eligible projects, to a maximum of $5,000. Additional funds may be available from other environmental grant funding sources. LSRCA watershed coordinators will ensure that you are made aware of all the grant funding programs available to you.

What projects are eligible?

  • Storage within an existing or proposed manure storage system.
  • Storage in a separate unit.
  • Processing in a sediment tank and stone-filled treatment trench system.

What costs may be covered?

  • Professional engineering fees directly related to obtaining the necessary approval (soils texture tests).
  • Construction and materials associated with approved milkhouse wastewater system.
  • Permanent transfer piping; including necessary pumps and creation of sumps, traps or drains.
  • Low water use sinks or retrofits and water metres.
  • Disconnection or plugging of existing tile drain outlets.

What isn't covered?

  • Machinery or equipment used by the applicant, family dependents or the applicant's business
  • Work that proceeds prior to funding approval
  • Cost of milkhouse and\or parlour
  • Portable sump pump
  • Permits

Conditions

  • Systems utilizing a sediment tank and stone filled treatment trenches are required to have appropriate soil tests completed and be sized accordingly.
  • Systems proposed, as part of a liquid manure storage facility must provide at least 240-day capacity for the wastewater produced.
  • Systems shall adhere to local municipal by-laws and provincial acts.
  • Systems utilizing a sediment tank and stone trench must include a provision to prevent the first rinse cycle from being discharged to the tank.
  • Projects must meet current construction and siting protocols and other requirements under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 (Ontario Regulation 267/03).
  • If you have an outstanding violation with the LSRCA or any other regularory agency, you may not be eligible.

How to Apply

Contact an LSRCA watershed coordinator

Application Form (PDF)

Project Profile (PDF)