Grey County is considering a planning application that would allow Wilton Sanitation to expand its existing operation in Grey Highlands and construct a new holding tank capable of storing nearly two million litres of septage.
The proposal applies to a roughly 33-hectare property at 405549 Grey Road 4, about 650 metres west of Ceylon.
Wilton Sanitation currently operates a septage business, office, employee parking area, and outdoor storage on the property.
According to a Grey County planning report, the proposed expansion would include a new 730-square-metre concrete holding tank with capacity for approximately 1.93 million litres, or 425,000 Imperial gallons, of septage.
"The proposed OPA would facilitate construction of a holding tank for hauled sewage, specifically septage pumped from septic system holding tanks, and would recognize the existing on-farm business," the report said.
Waste from portable toilets would not be allowed in the new tank.
The proposal would also increase the portion of the property occupied by the on-farm diversified use from the two per cent normally permitted under the County Official Plan to 2.62 per cent.
Approximately 710 square metres of agricultural land would be removed from production.
The report says the proposed location was selected based on topography, accessibility, and its distance from neighbouring properties.
"The proposed tank location is 140 metres from the well on the subject lands and more than 500 metres from the nearest off-site residence," the report said.
Wilton Sanitation has provincial approval to spread septage collected from septic holding tanks on licensed fields between April 1 and November 30.
During the winter, that material is currently taken to municipal sewage treatment plants, including facilities in Markdale and Flesherton.
The company told planners that treatment capacity could become more limited as communities in the area grow.
"Wilton Sanitation has indicated that municipal sewage treatment facilities in Grey Highlands and surrounding areas may not always be available to service rural areas as the population grows and plant capacity becomes more constrained," the report said.
The additional tank would allow septage to be stored and later spread on approved land application sites when permitted under the site's Environmental Compliance Approval.
Grey County says a detailed planning analysis has not yet been completed.
"Following the public and agency review process, staff will provide a comprehensive analysis and recommendation," the report said.
The proposal requires amendments to the Grey County Official Plan, the Grey Highlands Official Plan and the municipality's zoning bylaw. Provincial approval from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks would also be required.
A joint public planning hearing is scheduled for Monday, August 24, 2026 at 5 p.m.
