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Cross Connection Control Program Overview

The Richmond County Water Utility is required to implement a Cross Connection Control Program as part of its approval to operate. In buildings, interconnections can easily be made between the potable water supply and any fixture, appliance, system, or non-potable water supply. These connections are defined as cross-connections. Backflow or back-siphonage incidents at these connections have the potential to contaminate the entire public water system. The program aims to ensure appropriate backflow prevention devices (BFP) are installed and maintained to prevent such incidents.

The Utility will use the hazard classification framework outlined in CSA B64.10:17 to identify existing water users within the distribution that may be considered moderate to severe risk. These users will be contacted, and a survey will be completed to determine if a backflow prevention device is required. The type of backflow prevention device required will depend on the degree of hazard and will be determined by the Utility.

Backflow preventors must be installed by a plumber of sprinkler fitter. The device will need to be tested upon installation and annually thereafter by a person with valid CCC testers certification. The installation and maintenance of backflow prevention devices will be the responsibility of the customer. The customer shall submit a report in a form approved by the Utility on any or all tests performed on a BFP device within 30 days of a test. The Utility will maintain a record of BFP installations, testing, and maintenance. The Utility may suspend water service to users that do not comply with the program.
BFP device requirements will be enforced under Schedule “D” Water Utility Schedule of Rules and Regulations.

Annual Backflow Prevention Device Test

A record card must be placed on or beside the BFP indicating:

• The test date
• The tester’s certificate number, name, initials, and the name of his/her employer
• The location, type, manufacturer, serial number, and size of the device
• The name and address of the owner of the device
• A copy of annual BFP test results must be sent to the Municipality.

Hazard Classification Framework

Risk Classification	Definition	Example of Facilities
Severe/High	Any type of cross-connection or potential cross-connection involving water that has additives or substances that under any concentration can create a danger to health and is likely to result in serious injury or death.	Hospitals, operating, labs, mortuary facilities, plants using radioactive material, petroleum processing and storage facilities, chemical or plating plants, commercial laundries, sewage, automotive shops, dry cleaners, car washes plants, food and beverage processing plants, premises where access is restricted, dockside facilities for ships, premises with sprinkler systems with glycol loops.
Moderate	Any minor hazard connection that has a low probability of becoming a severe hazard.	Office buildings, multi-service interconnected facilities, schools, colleges, shopping malls, multi-tenant single service facilities, premises with sprinklers (no glycol), restaurants.
Minor	Any cross-connection or potential cross connection that constitutes only a nuisance and that results in a reduction in only aesthetic quality of water (color, odor, or taste with little to no health effects).

Note: For complete list of facilities and their risk categorization, consult the most recent CSA B64.10.

Budget
• All cost associated with surveying, hazard assessment, records / data management, education, and outreach will be absorbed by the Utility and / or the Municipality of the County of Richmond.
• The customer is responsible for all costs associated with installation and maintenance.

pdf Click here to download the Cross Connection Control Plan(339 KB)

Public Hearing Process

Richmond County Council holds public hearings to gather community input on important decisions. Public hearings provide an opportunity for residents to share their views on proposed changes to land use, bylaws, and other matters that affect the community.

What is a Public Hearing?

A public hearing is a formal meeting where Council hears from members of the public before making a decision. Public hearings are typically held for:

Land use applications and rezoning
Changes to land use by-laws
Other by-laws created by Council under the authority of the Municipal Government Act

Who Can Participate?

Public hearings are open to all members of the public. If you believe you are affected by a proposed change, you are encouraged to participate by making an oral presentation or submitting written comments.

How Public Hearings are Advertised

Public hearings are advertised at least 14 days in advance. Notices typically appear in:

The Reporter newspaper
Richmond County Richmond website
Richmond County FaceBook page
Telile TV Scroll
St. Peter's TV Scroll

How to Participate

There are two ways to participate in a public hearing:

Written Submissions

You can submit written comments in favour of or in opposition to the matter being considered. Written submissions should be received by 4:00 p.m. on the date of the public hearing, though submissions received up to the time of the hearing will be accepted. All submissions become part of the official record of the hearing.

Submit written comments by:

Mail:

Municipal Clerk
Municipality of the County of Richmond
P.O. Box 120, 2357 Hwy 206
Arichat, NS B0E 1A0

Email:
Fax: (902) 226-1510

Oral Presentations

You can speak directly to Council during the public hearing. Oral presentations can be in favour of or in opposition to the matter being considered.

To register to speak:

Contact the Municipal Clerk by 4:00 p.m. on the date of the public hearing, OR
Register in person on the evening of the meeting

We recommend arriving at Council Chambers at the beginning of the meeting if you plan to speak.

After the Public Hearing

After the public hearing, Council will review all presentations and written submissions before making a decision. All input becomes part of the public record and is considered in Council's deliberations.

Questions?

For more information about public hearings or to register to speak, please contact:

Municipal Clerk

Phone: (902) 226-2400 ext. 9

Email:

Point Tupper Heavy Industrial Park

Point Tupper Heavy Industrial Park stands as a cornerstone of heavy industry in the Strait of Canso region. Strategically located near the town of Port Hawkesbury, this Park offers prime access to marine transportation routes and major highways. Its robust infrastructure and ample space cater to heavy industrial operations, including manufacturing, processing, and resource extraction. The Park’s proximity to natural resources and a skilled labor pool further enhances its appeal to businesses seeking to capitalize on the region’s economic advantages. For more information, visit https://thestraitofcanso.ca/pointtupperindustrialpark/

Richmond County Light Industrial Park

Richmond County Light Industrial Park, located in Lennox Passage, serves as a hub. Located within the scenic landscape of Richmond County, this Park offers a conducive environment for small to medium-sized businesses looking to establish or expand their operations. With its strategic location near key transportation routes, the Park provides ample opportunities for growth and development. From warehousing and distribution to light manufacturing and technology services, businesses within the park benefit from a supportive community. For more information visit https://thestraitofcanso.ca/industrial-parks/

Port Hawkesbury and Richmond County Joint Industrial Park

The Port Hawkesbury and Richmond County Joint Industrial Park represents a collaborative effort between two municipalities to foster economic growth and development in the Strait of Canso region. Spanning across Richmond County and the town of Port Hawkesbury, this park offers a diverse range of industrial opportunities, from heavy manufacturing to light industry. The Park provides businesses with the infrastructure and support needed to thrive in today’s competitive market. For more information visit https://thestraitofcanso.ca/industrial-parks/

The public expects the highest standards of professional conduct from elected officials in local government. The new Code of Conduct for Elected Municipal Officials, as prescribed by the Province, aims to outline the expectations for the behavior of council members in fulfilling their duties and making decisions that benefit the constituents of their municipality. The Council is accountable to the community through democratic processes, and this Code will help ensure good governance in the Municipality of the County of Richmond.

The new Code of Conduct came into effect in the Province of Nova Scotia following the October 2024 municipal elections and was formally adopted by the Richmond County Council at the Regular Council meeting on November 25, 2024. To view the regulations and Code of Conduct, visit pdf Regulations and Code of Conduct for Elected Officials of the Municipality of the County of Richmond(388 KB)

Code of Conduct for Elected Officials Investigator

Noella Martin, Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP
Code of Conduct Investigations
1801 Hollis Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3N4
Phone: (902) 482-7013
Email:

Current Vacancies:

Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership

1 Vacancy
Term: 5 Years
Meetings: Minimum 4 per year
Supports newcomer settlement initiatives and promotes inclusive community development across Cape Breton.

IDEA Advisory Committee

2 Vacancies
Term: 5 Years
Meetings: Minimum 4 per year
Supports inclusion, accessibility, diversity, and equity initiatives across Richmond County and the Village of St. Peter’s.

Contact the Municipal Clerk for information on how to apply and current deadlines at (902) 226-2400, ext 9, or follow us on Facebook for the latest vacancy announcements.

ABCC's

Council-established ABCCs are composed of Council members and may include citizen appointments. These ABCCs provide specialized advice on various community issues and other matters referred by Council. While ABCCs do not have decision-making authority, they make recommendations that help shape policies, projects, and decisions affecting the Municipality of the County of Richmond (MOCR). They play a crucial role in ensuring that local perspectives and expertise are considered in the decision-making process. External Community ABCCs are created by organizations or groups managed by entities outside the Municipality. These ABCCs may include Council members, municipal staff, and citizen appointees.

Council Established ABCC's	External Community ABCC's - Members of Council and Staff Appointees
Audit Committee By-Law/Policy Committee Fences Arbitration Committee Fire Protection Services Committee Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, Accessible (IDEA) Committee Municipal Emergency Management Advisory Committee (MEMAC) Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee Planning Advisory/Heritage Committee RCMP Advisory Board Recreation Advisory Committee Richmond Villa Board Source Water Protection Advisory Committee	Allan J. MacEachern Regional Airport Management Committee Bras d'Or Lake Collaborative Environmental Planning Initiative (CEPI) Senior Council Bras d'Or Lake CEPI Steering Committee Cape Breton South Recruiting for Health Fire Services Association of Nova Scotia (FSANS) Pitu'paq
Council Established Inter-Municipal ABCC's	External Community ABCC's - Citizen Appointees
Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network (CBREN) Liaison Oversight Committee Eastern District Planning Commission (EDPC) Eastern Counties Regional Library Board (ECRL) Landrie Lake Water Utility Board Landrie Lake Watershed Advisory Committee Richmond/Port Hawkesbury Joint Park Commission St. Peter’s, Sampsonville and Area Water Utility Board	Destination Cape Breton Association (DCBA) Strait of Canso Superport Corporation - Strait Superport Board Bras d'Or Lake Biosphere Association Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership