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Line 1: − + + + + + + − The Municipal Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approval (CLI-ECA) is a streamlined approval process for municipalities managing stormwater and Low Impact Development (LID) infrastructure. This guide offers step-by-step instructions to ensure compliance with CLI-ECA requirements.+ − + − + − Identify whether the proposed stormwater or LID project qualifies as a pre-authorized alteration under CLI-ECA. Common eligible projects include:+ + + − ===Step 2: Review Design Criteria and Standards===+ − + − + − + + + − + + + + + + + + + + + + − - **Form SW1** – Storm Sewers, Ditches, and Culverts+ − - **Form SW2** – Stormwater Management Facilities+ − - **Form SW3** – Third Pipe Collection Systems+ + + + + − + − + − + − + − + − + + Line 40:
Line 65: − + − + + − + − + − + − Submit annual performance reports if required by municipal or provincial regulations.+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + − + − - [MECP CLI-ECA Website](https://www.ontario.ca/page/municipal-consolidated-linear-infrastructure-environmental-compliance-approvals) − - [Design Criteria for Sanitary Sewers, Storm Sewers, and Forcemains (April 2022)] − - [MECP Stormwater Management Planning and Design Guidance Manual (2003)] − - [Low Impact Development Stormwater Management Planning and Design Guide (CVC & TRCA)]
→Monitoring
[[File:TrilliumMECP.jpeg|thumb]]
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==Overview==
[[File:Screenshot 2025-09-11 103945.png|600px|thumb|right|CLI-ECA replaces individual ECAs with a single environmental permission for all the sewage works components of a municipal sewage collection system or a municipal stormwater management system (MECP & LSRCA, 2023)<ref name = S2S2023>MECP and LSRCA. 2023. Panel Presentation: Monitoring and the Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approval (CLI-ECA) Framework: Understanding and Applying Ontario’s New Requirements for Municipal Stormwater Infrastructure. Source to Stream Conference. https://sourcetostream.com/2023-panel/</ref>.]]
The [https://www.ontario.ca/page/municipal-consolidated-linear-infrastructure-environmental-compliance-approvals Municipal Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approval (CLI-ECA)] is a streamlined approval process for municipalities managing wastewater, stormwater, and Low Impact Development (LID) infrastructure. The CLI-ECA replaces the need for municipalities to apply for multiple, project-specific Environmental Compliance Approvals (ECAs) every time they want to make changes or additions to their water, wastewater, or stormwater collection systems. CLI-ECAs authorize municipalities to make changes to the system when requirements in the CLI-ECA are met (MECP, 2024)<ref name = mecp2024>MECP. 2024. https://www.ontario.ca/page/municipal-consolidated-linear-infrastructure-environmental-compliance-approvals</ref>. MECP requires all municipalities in Ontario to enroll into the CLI-ECA program by application. Each municipality will receive:
*One CLI-ECA for their municipal sewage collection system
*One CLI-ECA for their municipal stormwater management system (MECP, 2025)<ref name = S2S2025>MECP. 2025. Bringing the CLI-ECA Framework into Action: Guiding Principles to Inform Stormwater Management Practices. Source to Stream Conference Presentation. https://sourcetostream.com/app/uploads/2025/04/Day-2-Hall-A-Presentation-2-DSmith-AAhmed.pdf</ref>
==Step-by-step compliance process==
==Step-by-Step Compliance Process==
[[File:Screenshot 2025-09-10 151234.png|400px|thumb|right|CLI-ECA flow chart (MECP, 2024)<ref name = mecp2024></ref>]]
===Step 1: Determine if Your Project Falls Under CLI-ECA===
===Step 1: Determine if your project falls under CLI-ECA===
If you are a developer or prescribed person, contact the municipality where your project is located to determine if they have received a CLI-ECA and obtain a copy. You must then identify whether the proposed wastewater or stormwater project qualifies as a pre-authorized alteration under the CLI-ECA. Common eligible projects include:
Stormwater:
* Storm sewer upgrades or extensions
* Storm sewer upgrades or extensions
* Alterations to stormwater management facilities (e.g., [[wet ponds]], [[dry ponds]], [[wetlands]])
* Alterations to stormwater management facilities (e.g., [[wet ponds]], [[dry ponds]], [[wetlands]])
* Implementation or modification of LID practices (e.g., [[bioretention]], [[infiltration trenches]], [[permeable pavements]])
* Implementation or modification of LID practices (e.g., [[bioretention]], [[infiltration trenches]], [[permeable pavements]])
Wastewater:
* Ensure project design follows **MECP’s Design Criteria for Sanitary Sewers, Storm Sewers, and Forcemains**.
*Sewage works used for the collection, storage, pumping, and transmission of sanitary sewage, excluding treatment
* Incorporate stormwater treatment objectives from the [https://www.ontario.ca/document/stormwater-management-planning-and-design-manual-0 Ontario Stormwater Management Planning and Design Guidance Manual (2003)].
*Municipal-owned eligible sewage works for collection of sanitary sewage
* Ensure LID features meet municipal and provincial standards for [[infiltration]], [[flow control]], and [[water quality]] treatment.
*Combined sewers and combined sewage storage structures that collect and convey both wastewater from residential, commercial, institutional and industrial buildings and stormwater runoff through a single-pipe system
*Pumping stations
*Sewage works used for the management of residue or odour
===Step 3: Complete Required Documentation===
If you determine that your project falls under the CLI-ECA, refer to the municipality for guidance on how to submit an application.
Works that do not qualify as a pre-authorized alteration under the CLI-ECA must instead go through a standalone, project-specific Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) process
===Step 2: Review design criteria and standards===
Ensure project design and objectives follow:
*MECP's [https://www.kitchener.ca/en/resourcesGeneral/Documents/INS_SSU_Design_Criteria.pdf MECP’s Design Criteria for Sanitary Sewers, Storm Sewers and Forcemains for Alterations Authorized under an Environmental Compliance Approval (2023)]<ref>MECP. 2023. Design Criteria for Sanitary Sewers, Storm Sewers and Forcemains for Alterations Authorized under an Environmental Compliance Approval. https://www.kitchener.ca/en/resourcesGeneral/Documents/INS_SSU_Design_Criteria.pdf</ref>
*MOE's [https://www.ontario.ca/document/design-guidelines-sewage-works-0 Design Guidelines For Sewage Works (2016)]<ref>MOE. 2016. Design Guidelines For Sewage Works https://www.ontario.ca/document/design-guidelines-sewage-works-0#.</ref>
*MECP's[https://ero.ontario.ca/public/2022-01/Draft%20LID%20Stormwater%20Management%20Guidance%20Manual%202022.pdf Low Impact Development Stormwater Management Guidance Manual Draft (2022)]<ref>MECP. 2022. Low Impact Development Stormwater Management Guidance Manual Draft. https://ero.ontario.ca/public/2022-01/Draft%20LID%20Stormwater%20Management%20Guidance%20Manual%202022.pdf</ref>.
*MOE's[https://dr6j45jk9xcmk.cloudfront.net/documents/1757/195-stormwater-planning-and-design-en.pdf Ontario Stormwater Management Planning and Design Guidance Manual (2003)]<ref>MOE. 2003.Ontario Stormwater Management Planning and Design Guidance Manual. https://dr6j45jk9xcmk.cloudfront.net/documents/1757/195-stormwater-planning-and-design-en.pdf</ref>
*STEP's [https://wiki.sustainabletechnologies.ca/wiki/Main_Page Low Impact Development Stormwater Management Planning and Design Guide Wiki]
===Step 3: Complete required documentation===
Use the appropriate compliance forms based on project type:
Use the appropriate compliance forms based on project type:
{{clickable button|[[Media:Form_SW1_-_STM_-_May25-2022.pdf|Form SW1 – Storm Sewers/Ditches/Culverts]]}}
{{clickable button|[[Media:Form_SW2_-_STM_-_May25-2022.pdf|Form SW2 – Stormwater Management Facilities]]}}
{{clickable button|[[Media:Form SW3 - STM - May25-2022.pdf|Form SW3 – Third Pipe Collection Systems]]}}
Prepare a Design Report including:
Prepare a Design Report including:
* [[Engineering drawings]]
* [[Engineering drawings]]
* Hydraulic calculations
* [[Infiltration: Sizing and modeling|Hydraulic calculations]]
* [[LID performance criteria]]
* [[Water quality|LID performance criteria]]
* [[Maintenance plans]]
* [[Inspections and maintenance|Maintenance plans]]
===Step 4: Obtain Engineering and Owner Verification===
===Step 4: Obtain engineering and owner verification===
A Licensed Engineering Practitioner must verify that:
A Licensed Engineering Practitioner must verify that:
* The design aligns with CLI-ECA criteria.
* The design aligns with CLI-ECA criteria.
* The system is designed for proper stormwater management without negative impacts.
* The system is designed for proper stormwater management without negative impacts.
The **Municipal Owner** must sign off on compliance forms confirming:
The Municipal Owner must sign off on compliance forms confirming:
* The alteration does not result in adverse effects.
* The alteration does not result in adverse effects.
* It aligns with jurisdictional stormwater management objectives.
* It aligns with jurisdictional stormwater management objectives.
===Step 5: Submit a Director Notification (If Required)===
===Step 5: Submit a director notification (if required)===
Some alterations require notification to the MECP Director within specific timeframes:
Some alterations require notification to the MECP Director within specific timeframes:
* 30 days after placing new works into service.
* 30 days after placing new works into service.
* Verification documents
* Verification documents
* Compliance assessment
* Compliance assessment
===Step 6: Conduct Post-Construction Inspection and Verification===
* Inspect LID and stormwater systems to ensure they function as designed.
===Step 6: Conduct [[post-construction]] inspection and verification===
* [[Inspection and maintenance|Inspect]] LID and stormwater systems to ensure they function as designed. Refer to [https://sustainabletechnologies.ca/app/uploads/2016/08/LID-IM-Guide-2016-1.pdf Low Impact Development Stormwater Management Practice Inspection and Maintenance Guide] and [https://sustainabletechnologies.ca/app/uploads/2018/04/SWMFG2016_Guide_April-2018.pdf Inspection and Maintenance Guide for Stormwater Management Ponds and Constructed Wetlands]
* Complete "Post-Construction Verification" on relevant forms.
* Complete "Post-Construction Verification" on relevant forms.
* Document key performance indicators such as infiltration rates, flow control effectiveness, and pollutant removal efficiency.
* Document key performance indicators such as infiltration rates, flow control effectiveness, and pollutant removal efficiency.
===Step 7: Maintain Ongoing Compliance and Record-Keeping===
===Step 7: Maintain ongoing compliance and record-keeping===
Establish a Stormwater System Maintenance Plan that includes:
Establish a Stormwater System Maintenance Plan that includes:
* Routine inspections (e.g., [[sediment removal]], [[vegetation management]])
* Routine [[Inspections and maintenance|inspections]] (e.g., [[sediment]] removal, [[vegetation]] management)
* Adaptive management strategies for system improvements
* Adaptive management strategies for system improvements
Retain compliance records for a minimum of **10 years**.
Retain compliance records for a minimum of 10 years.
==CLI-ECA application==
Municipalities in Ontario are required to submit a CLI-ECA application to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). If you are planning to establish a new municipal sewage collection system or municipal stormwater management system in a municipality that does not have a CLI ECA, arrange a pre-submission meeting with MECP <ref name = mecp2024></ref>. Below is MECP's Guide to Applying for the First Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approval (2021)<ref>MECP. 2021. Guide to Applying for the First Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approval. https://wcwc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CLI-ECA-Application-Guide.pdf</ref> and an example Environmental Compliance Approval for the City of Peterborough's stormwater system (2023)<ref>Environmental Compliance Approval For a Municipal Stormwater Management System. https://www.peterborough.ca/media/ucbdw0wf/eca-number-145-s701-storm-issue-2.pdf</ref>. You can download (downward facing arrow on the top righthand side) and print (Printer emoticon on top right hand side) each PDF.
<pdf width="450" height="400">File:CLI-ECA-Application-Guide.pdf</pdf>
<pdf width="450" height="400">File:Eca-number-145-s701-storm-issue-2.pdf</pdf>
==Annual reports==
Municipalities in Ontario are required to submit annual performance reports as per the conditions in the CLI-ECA, which must be made available to the public at no charge.
Specific requirements for the report will be listed in the CLI-ECA, but typically include (MECP, 2024)<ref name = mecp2024></ref>:
*the timeframe that the report must cover and due date
* monitoring data and environmental trends
*operating problems encountered and corrective action
*maintenance and repair activities undertaken
*complaints received about the system and steps taken to address them
*spills and abnormal discharge events
*changes made to the system and any actions to improve or correct performance of the system
Below are examples of these reports, including Mississauga's Stormwater System Performance Report (2024)<ref>City of Mississauga. 2024. 2024 Annual Performance Report – Mississauga Stormwater Management
System. https://www.mississauga.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/12153249/2024-Annual-Performance-Report-Mississauga-stormwater-system.pdf</ref>, Newmarket's Wastewater System Performance Report (2024)<ref>Town of Newmarket. 2024. Annual Wastewater Collection System Performance Report. https://care.newmarket.ca/LivingHere/Documents/Wastewater%20Reports/TON%202024%20Annual%20Wastewater%20Collection%20System%20Performance%20Report.pdf</ref>, and Wellington's Stormwater System Performance Report (2024)<ref>Wellington County. 2024. Wellington County Stormwater Management System Annual Performance Report. https://www.wellington.ca/media/file/2024-annual-performance-reportpdf</ref>. You can download (downward facing arrow on the top righthand side) and print (Printer emoticon on top right hand side) each PDF.
<pdf width="300" height="400">File:2024-Annual-Performance-Report-Mississauga-stormwater-system.pdf</pdf>
<pdf width="300" height="400">File:TON 2024 Annual Wastewater Collection System Performance Report.pdf</pdf>
<pdf width="300" height="400">File:2024 Annual Performance Report walkerton.pdf</pdf>
==Operations and maintenance manuals==
Conditions in the CLI ECA require the municipality to prepare and implement an operations and maintenance manual for the system. Requirements for what must be included in an O&M manual are listed in the CLI-ECA, but will typically include (MECP, 2024) <ref name = mecp2024></ref>:
*operating and maintenance procedures for routine operation of the system
*inspection programs, including frequency of inspection and the methods or tests used to detect when maintenance is necessary
*maintenance and repair programs
*operational and maintenance requirements to protect sources of drinking water, such as those included in the ministry’s Standard Operating Policies for Sewage Works Document. This procedure can be *downloaded through Environmental Registry #012-2968 and any applicable local source protection plan policies
*procedures for the inspection and calibration of monitoring equipment
*emergency response, spill reporting, contingency plans and procedures for dealing with equipment breakdowns, potential spills and any other abnormal situations
*procedures for receiving, responding and recording public complaints
*as-built drawings or record drawings
Click on the image to read a presentation on O&M Manual Development under the CLI-ECA by the Town of Newmarket (2025)<ref> Schritt, C. & MacDonald, M. 2025. Stormwater Under Pressure: Navigating O&M Manual Development under the CLI-ECA. Source to Stream Conference Presentation. https://sourcetostream.com/2025-track-1-day-2-schritt-macdonald/</ref>.
{{Clickable button|[[File:Screenshot 2025-09-11 120358.png|300px|link=https://sourcetostream.com/2025-track-1-day-2-schritt-macdonald/]]}}
==Monitoring==
CLI-ECA requires municipalities to implement a stormwater receiver monitoring program
* Draft manual to be released in '''~January, 2026*'''
*
* Finalized in '''~June, 2026*'''
*
* Comes into enforcement '''~June, 2028*'''
Existing real time monitoring or other instream monitoring programs CAs employ will provide data that municipalities need.
'''*<small>Approximate dates to be confirmed</small>'''
This section will be updated as information becomes available.
==Updates==
'''2020'''
*CLI-ECA introduced (Environmental Registry of Ontario, 2020)<ref>Environmental Registry of Ontario. 2020. Proposed changes to environmental approvals for municipal sewage collection works. https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-1080#:~:text=We%20anticipate%20receiving%20the%20first,ready%20to%20transition%20to%20CLI%20.</ref>
'''2023'''
*Monitoring guidance draft under review with existing technical stakeholder working group – need for revisions identified
Click on the button below to read the 2023 Source to Stream Conference Presentation by MECP and LSRCA<ref name = S2S2023></ref>
{{Clickable button|[[File:Screenshot 2025-09-11 105307.png|300 px|link=https://sourcetostream.com/2023-panel/]]}}
'''2025'''
*Monitoring Guidance for CLI-ECA is under internal review. Note: municipalities are allowed up to two years from the date of publication of the guidance document to develop and implement a monitoring plan that meets the ECA requirements
Click on the button below to read the 2025 Source to Stream Conference Presentation by MECP<ref name = S2S2025></ref>
{{Clickable button|[[File:Screenshot 2025-09-11 102718.png|300 px|link=https://sourcetostream.com/2025-track-1-day-2-smith-ahmed/]]}}
==Additional Resources==
==References==