Canada Post Mail Publications Agreement Number: 40609661 The officialpublicationoftheWesternCanadianOnsiteWastewaterManagementAssociation Western Canada Effective Management for Septic all of andEnsuring Safethe Industry and WCOWMA: Premier Issue Informer

Strengthening

A Message from the WCOWMA President (Acting) and Executive Director

It’s enough to make you wonder what everyone’s talking about Lately people have been muttering words like “economic slowdown” and “market downturn.” But the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association (WCOWMA) has been whistling a different tune for quite some time. Since its inception, WCOWMA has been making positive impacts across Western Canada. The association continues to make strides in influencing regulations at the municipal, provincial and national levels; organizing welcomed in-class and in-field training sessions, rolling out a growing slate of member benefits and initiatives, and consistently organizing what many stakeholders consider to be the premier annual onsite wastewater convention in the country. WCOWMA’s membership support continues to grow, too. In fact, one needs to look no further than this magazine. It takes considerable advertising revenue to put magazines like this one into production. We are very pleased to see how quickly our members came to the table. In very little time, all required advertising space sold out. We trust that the faith they place in their association, this publication and its reach will be rewarded through unparalleled exposure in Western Canada’s only onsite industry magazine of this calibre. The early success of WCOWMA is a reflection of the success of its members. We are proud to be a player in their development through the delivery of our training program. Training is, and always will be, the foundation upon which all of our member initiatives are launched. Recent intermunicipal agreements on labour Photo courtesy of Images by Mishelle mobility mean that our training program can be more easily The early success of WCOWMA is a reflection of accessed by all onsite the success of its members. We are proud to be a professionals wherever they may be. As such, player in their development through the delivery of we will be delivering our program in full force our training program. Training is, and always will across Western Canada, strengthening the be, the foundation upon which all of our member business of its members, initiatives are launched. and contributing to the construction of sustainable onsite wastewater systems that serve rural property owners. And that’s really what it’s all about. We hope you enjoy this premier issue—our latest step forward. We’re proud to have you with us every step of the way.

Dale McLure, President (Acting) Keith Gylander, Executive Director WCOWMA Administration Dale McLure, President (Acting) Keith Gylander, Executive Director Lesley Desjardins, Operations Manager

The official publication of the Western Canadian Onsite Wastewater Management Association 5

Contents Premier Issue MESSAGE 5 A Message from the WCOWMA President (Acting) and Executive Director

FEATURES 14 When, Where, Why and How to Decentralize Your Wastewater System: Part 1 of 2 While most communities only consider centralized “big pipe” solutions, concerns over environmental sustainability make decentralized wastewater technologies an appealing alternative. This article discusses the reasoning for the use of alternative “cluster system” approaches.

18 At-Grade Research in Calgary In order to meet the requirements set out in the Alberta Standard of Practice, a team is investigating the capability of at-grade onsite systems to treat wastewater. Testing was done at a site constructed at the Fish Creek Wastewater Treatment plant beginning in July 2008 and ending in October 2009. Read the results, here.

22 Reclaimed Water use Slowed as Codes Updated While collecting grey water from sinks, showers and laundry is common practice in Europe, getting the practice approved in North America has been a difficult endeavour. This article will showcase Alberta’s plans to address health concerns about grey water and establish standards that will bring the use of reclaimed water to the forefront.

28 Using Tire Shreds in Onsite Sewage Facilities (Septic Systems) Did you know tire shreds can serve the same purpose as gravel at onsite sewage facilities…at a much lower price? This article looks at how the state of Texas is using tire shreds in several septic systems, and saving money in the 14 process.

The official publication of the Western Canadian Onsite Wastewater Management Association 7

Informer Premier Edition

Printed for: WCOWMA 18303-60th Avenue Edmonton, AB T6M 1T7 18 Tel: (818) 487-5397 Fax: (780) 486-7414 [email protected]

Published By: Matrix Group Inc. Publications Agreement Number: 40609661 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: 52 Donald Street Winnipeg, MB Canada R3C 1L6 Toll Free: 866-999-1299 Toll Free Fax: 866-244-2544 www.matrixgroupinc.net President & CEO: Jack Andress Senior Publisher: Maurice LaBorde [email protected] Publishers: Peter Schulz Jessica Potter Trish Bird Editor-in-Chief: 28 Shannon Savory [email protected] INDUSTRY EVENTS AND B.C.’s 1st Annual Trade Show Finance/Accounting & and Convention Administration: REGISTRATION FORMS Shoshana Weinburg, Pat Andress, 49 Pumps and Controls Workshop Nathan Redekop 29 The Alberta Onsite Wastewater Registration Form [email protected] Management Association - Director or Marketing & Distribution: CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW Shoshana Weinburg ‘10 NEWS AND VIEWS Sales Manager: 33 What’s Going on in Western Neil Gottfred 29 Convention & Trade Matrix Group Inc. Account Show Details Canada? Executives: 30 Convention Details 33 British Columbia Albert Brydges, Davin Commandeur, 31 Convention Registration 36 Alberta Lewis Daigle, Rick Kuzie, Miles Meagher, 38 Saskatchewan Ken Percival, Lesley Dion, Frank Form Christmann, Brian Davey, Wilma Rose, 32 Trade Show Sponsorship 41 Manitoba Jim Hamilton, Chris Frezna, Declan Registration Form 45 OOWA News O’Donovan, Jeff Cash 47 Convention Registration for Layout & Design: Cody Chomiak WCOWMA Onsite Wastewater about wcowma Advertising Design: Management Association of 43 WCOWMA Member Benefits James Robinson B.C.’s 1st Annual Trade Show Summary ©2010 Matrix Group Inc. All rights reserved. and Convention 44 Member Application/Renewal Contents may not be reproduced by any 48 Exhibitor Registration for means, in whole or in part, without the prior WCOWMA Onsite Wastewater 46 written consent of the publisher. Opinions Management Association of BUYER’S GUIDE expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Matrix Group Inc.

The official publication of the Western Canadian Onsite Wastewater Management Association 9

When, Where, Why and How to Decentralize Your Wastewater System: Part 1 of 2 By Curtis J. Sparks and Ryan Devlin, Stantec

treatment needs, it results in a municipal- shifted towards decentralized wastewater ity having less treatment systems to man- options. age, lower labour cost and a perceived A major concern when considering a reduced cost of operation. centralized wastewater treatment system Larger systems often have redundant lies in the impact on the receiving environ- component parts that ensure reliability ment. In almost every case, centralized and performance. It is also common to wastewater systems rely on surface water have higher levels of treatment (tertiary) discharge. The receiving stream must be at larger wastewater plants. Bulk deliv- of sufficient quality and quantity to “dilute here are many factors that ery of chemicals and replacement parts the treated wastewater” so that the re- influence the decisions of en- lowers the unit costs of these products. ceiving streams are protected. Regulatory gineers, planners, developers Operations are concentrated in one fa- and municipal officials as they cility where supervision, training, qual- select wastewater servicing options. Most ity control, backup, laboratory services communities never consider anything but and other important functions can be Tcentralized “big pipe” solutions. The con- housed and integrated into the facility. cern over the environmental sustainability Of particular importance in Canada is the of these regional sewer systems makes large amount of treated effluent from cen- decentralized wastewater technologies tralized wastewater systems that can be and designs an appealing alternative made available for re-use in major indus- when the need to enhance the perform- trial operations. ance of aging centralized infrastructure Finally, centralized systems rely on arises. These systems perform and per- higher density development to keep col- form well; assuring future water supplies lection costs down and to allow for indus- and healthy ecosystems. trial wastewater discharges to be properly Economic, environmental, social and managed. Large centralized wastewater political considerations are changing the systems should be used to treat certain opinion and ultimately the direction of industrial process wastewater. the decision-makers toward decentralized Some of the perceived benefits to em- wastewater treatment systems and this is ploy large centralized systems are proving the catalyst for an increasing number of to be false. These include the notion that these systems being installed. This article large centralized wastewater systems discusses the conditions and reasoning have environmental benefits over small- for the continued consideration of the er decentralized systems. This is simply alternative “cluster system” approaches not true as we will explain later. Another as a high-value decentralized option for misconception is that the underlying eco- wastewater servicing. nomic basis of centralization makes it cost less. This is not always true particu- Attributes and misconceptions larly when distance becomes a larger fac- regarding the centralized model tor, where treatment standards are strict, First, let’s consider the centralized or when the receiving water is impaired. wastewater system and its positive at- Efficiencies provided by common man- tributes. Centralizing many services, not agement of decentralized wastewater just wastewater treatment, results in the systems can be just as cost effective as gained benefit of economy of scale. When operating a large system. When these fac- this approach is taken with wastewater tors are present, the economics are often

14 Onsite Informer Premier Issue agencies establish minimum water qual- centralized pipe system lose incredible “After the City of Lake Elmo bought into ity standards that must be met to protect amounts of land and tax base and have in- the concept of a cluster development made beneficial use. This translates into aver- creased servicing costs due to large lot de- possible the availability of small decentral- age and maximum effluent limitations velopment. Efficient cluster developments ized wastewater technology, a whole host of expressed in loading and concentration. made available by decentralized wastewater innovative and creative concepts became The lower the stream flow and the higher systems prevented these impacts. available,” said Engstrom. The Fields of St. the beneficial use of the receiving stream, Community development often looks to Croix became the first decentralized waste- the more stringent the effluent water qual- decentralization when they desire to create a water project permitted by the Minnesota ity limits will be. signature project. By designing the develop- Pollution Control Agency in 1997 and was Across North America, regulatory agen- ment into the natural setting and avoiding followed by a dozen more Lake Elmo cluster cies have established or will be establish- ecologically and culturally sensitive features developments. ing limitations called “Total Maximum Daily the community can achieve a much higher The regulatory requirements that result Load”. This freezes the mass loading of efficiency of infrastructure. Sometimes this from over-used (impaired) receiving waters, each critical pollutant to a specific numerical centers on reducing road widths and lengths is the high cost of providing load restricted limit. When the load limits area reached, the in addition to reducing other impervious sur- centralized wastewater systems. Once desig- only way that additional wastewater can be processed is by increasing the level of treat- Some of the perceived benefits ment, reducing the flow by reuse, or by de- centralizing the system. Additional surface to employ large centralized water discharge concerns such as nutrient enrichment and hypoxia, chronic and acute systems are proving to be false. toxicity, and ecological impairment by endo- crine disrupters need also to be considered. These include the notion that large As scientific data shows the large number of environmental impacts that need to be centralized wastewater systems have mitigated with centralized systems, it is suf- environmental benefits over smaller ficient to say that large centralized waste- water treatment systems will always be decentralized systems. further limited by more stringent pollution control requirements. faces. Locations with great views and vistas nated “impaired” the cost of centralized often equate to high value home sites and wastewater treatment becomes a greater When to decentralize treatment sometimes areas difficult and expensive to motivator for alternative wastewater scen- Decentralized treatment and disposal develop. In the case of the award winning arios. In the case of Canadian waters, this is employed where the wastewater source Fields of St. Croix in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, requires imposing advanced treatment. is domestic wastewater from home and/or it was the appalling waste of land by large Some communities, following expensive commercial and industrial facilities with no lots that drove Robert Engstrom Companies Total maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies, incompatible industrial process water re- to cluster development. now face load limits that freeze future de- quirements. Large lot developments are the artefact velopment until costly upgrades of the waste- There are many “events” that catalyze of zoning that controls lot size, encourages a water infrastructure are made. This, in turn, the initiation of a community decentralized “bigger is better” mentality and ultimately dic- forces higher density on the existing or new program for managing wastewater. Prior to a tates the density of the development. Large sewer systems to gain the highest return for community’s request for approval of a decen- lots are often needed to provide a sufficient the cost of the infrastructure. In the long-term, tralized wastewater project, it is important amount of suitable land for onsite septic sys- this is not sustainable as higher and higher to have sufficiently researched the options tems. Onsite septic systems without appro- levels of treatment are required to maintain available based on the specific needs of the priate treatment have a finite operating life water quality TMDL load limits. Communities community and to have solid wastewater and are not sustainable. Robert Engstrom also need to consider the source of infra- treatment policies and procedures in place. quickly realized that his dream of creating a structure funding. Decentralized wastewater This is, however not the common practice. liveable community required finding a way to systems are most often funded by the users/ Developers needing wastewater services service the development with a wastewater developers where municipalities more often to develop a particular piece of land most system that did not rely on individual septic seek government grants or subsidized loans often initiate the process of considering and systems. Connection to a centralized sewer for centralized systems. This raises a whole gaining approval for a decentralized system. system would require a development style different debate over who should be paying These factors include the most reasonable that maximized the number of homes with- for the infrastructure development and repair use of a piece of property, the layout of the out regard to the rural community values of aging centralized wastewater systems after development as a cluster community and and open space desires of Engstrom and the receiving water uses are impaired. Most the need for increased density on a unique his clients. He needed an alternative and funding programs give preference to central- parcel of land. Communities outside of the proposed a cluster system. ized systems over decentralization.

The official publication of the Western Canadian Onsite Wastewater Management Association 15 In 2007, the Minnesota Court of Appeals treatment requirements, localized reuse • Where the potential for long-term use of ruled that the city of Princeton, Minn. could opportunities, sewer availability, induced the soil is limited. not construct a wastewater treatment sys- growth and long distance rural sprawl • Industrial facilities that cannot limit the tem that discharges to the Rum River. The are all reasons to consider decentralized type of influent quality to acceptable lev- court ruled that the city had not met the wastewater treatment as both an interim els where high density development and anti-degradation requirements of this desig- and a long-term solution to future sewer industrial development is desired. nated “Outstanding Resource Value Water” service. and could not until it had fully considered The situations in which decentralization Where to decentralize the potential for decentralized wastewater is not the best option or where it can be Many communities are faced with the systems with no surface water discharge. more costly include: decision on how and where to grow. As the Princeton is currently considering decentral- • Areas that are easily serviced by a cen- infilling of the municipal sewer service area ized wastewater options. tralized sewer with capacity. reaches capacity, pressure to expand out- Cos, Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) • Areas where soil limitations make the side the infrastructure boundary becomes restrictions, Inter-basin transfer, advanced cost of soil infiltration systems high. greater. Developers understand that the undeveloped land in the sewered area sells by the square meter. Land in the unsewered area sells by the hectare and for a whole lot less. The length of the pipe to reach outlying areas has several impacts. First, it stimu- lates growth of properties along the pipeline. This growth is often as a result of the costs imposed on the landowners for the pipe. This in turn increases the value of the land and imposes higher density development. Higher density development often elimin- ates opportunity for open space, reserving critical habitat, ecologically sensitive areas and unique features so that the infrastruc- ture cost is maximized. Assessing the potential for a decentral- ized wastewater treatment clustering ap- proach should include consideration of the following: • Where long pipes are needed. • Where septic systems have failed. • For lake developments. • Where more open space is desired (lower density). • Where soil dispersal technologies are feasible. • For green communities with integrated water. • For phased development projects. • For high valued land where higher than large lot density is desired, for work camps and for recreational areas.

Why decentralize In 1997, the US EPA reported to Con- gress that decentralized systems can pro- tect public health and the environment, typically have lower capital and mainten- ance cost for rural communities, are ap- propriate for varying site conditions, and are suitable for ecologically sensitive areas when adequately managed. Since

16 Onsite Informer Premier Issue then in both the US and Canada, issues surrounding the management of decen- tralized wastewater systems have been addressed and numerous policies and practices are currently in place to address the identified barriers. Communities are moving away from the “either/or” thinking and are integrat- ing decentralized service areas into the regional service boundary (hybrid infra- structure) and clustering in rural areas to prevent large lot developments. This is done not only to reduce the burden on centralized systems, but also to imple- ment reuse, environmental protection, keep water in the watershed basin, pro- tect habitat and ecologically significant areas, implement non-degradation, and reduce cost. A big driver is the desire to develop green communities (smart growth) where water and wastewater management is integrated into the com- munity as a reuse or other beneficial use attribute. l

Part 2 of this series will discuss how to implement decentralized wastewater systems, some of the barriers to decen- tralization, wastewater treatment and disposal technologies that should be con- sidered and what safeguards commun- ities should consider when embarking on a new wastewater treatment strategy.

Curtis J. Sparks and Ryan Devlin both work for Stantec, a company which pro- vides professional consulting services in planning, engineering, architecture, inte- rior design, landscape architecture, sur- veying, environmental sciences, project management, and project economics for infrastructure and facilities projects.

The official publication of the Western Canadian Onsite Wastewater Management Association 17 At-Grade Research in Calgary By Erin Motz, University of Calgary

the soil was tested in-situ using a series indicate that it is most likely accumulat- of samplers and probes installed at differ- ing in the first foot of soil. Based on the ent depths beneath the 2007 design lat- current in-situ results, there is a five log eral. These included suction lysimeters, reduction in E. coli by two feet depth in which are used to collect the soil water, the soil. tensiometers to monitor the matric poten- For the first eight months of operation, tial, soil gas probes, temperature sensors no methane generation was detected. Dur- and moisture sensors. Soil water samples ing the first couple of months, oxygen de- from five depths between six inches and creased in the soil while carbon dioxide in- rogress is being made in the investiga- five feet were extracted weekly and tested creased, indicating biological degradation tion of the capability of at-grade onsite for a variety of parameters including nutri- was taking place, but over winter when the systems to treat wastewater to a degree ents, such as ammonia and phosphate, soil temperature approached two degrees, that satisfies the requirements set out BOD and E. coli. The gas probes were the gas proportions began to approach in the Alberta Standard of Practice. Testing used to measure the relative proportions atmospheric levels. As the temperatures was done at a site constructed at the Fish of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and increased in summer, carbon dioxide levels PCreek Wastewater Treatment plant begin- methane in the soil. again began to increase, with low levels of ning in July 2008 and ending in October Preliminary results from the soil solu- methane generation in late August. 2009. The purpose of this installation is to create a controlled situation that allows To compliment the weekly monitoring of the for full monitoring of the functionality of the at-grade and the degree of treatment samplers, and to verify the results from the lysimeters, achieved by the soil. three excavations were held at different times On July 3rd 2008, several members of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater during the system operation. During each of these Management Association (AOWMA) arrived excavations a trench was dug in sections, moving to assist with the installation and to aid and participate in a Training Day for at-grade de- progressively closer to the lateral, and soil samples sign. The system was designed with two in- were taken to give a horizontal as well as vertical dependently operated laterals. The first was based on the 2002 guidelines with 3 foot indication of the movement of the effluent plume. orifice spacing, an 8 inch sewer pipe cover and loaded at 2.5 gal/ft2/day, the other was tion samples taken from under the 2007 To compliment the weekly monitoring of based on the 2007 guidelines, with 2 foot design, as indicated by chloride concentra- the samplers, and to verify the results from orifice spacing, 27 inch chamber covers and tion, show that the effluent reached five- the lysimeters, three excavations were held at loaded at 0.8 gal/ft2/day. Each lateral was foot depths within three weeks of dosing. different times during the system operation. dosed five times per day, using secondary Concentrations of ammonia and ni- During each of these excavations a trench treated effluent from the wastewater treat- trate show that nearly complete nitrifica- was dug in sections, moving progressively ment plant. tion is occurring within the first two feet closer to the lateral, and soil samples were The effectiveness of the treatment by of the soil. Phosphate concentrations taken to give a horizontal as well as vertical

18 Onsite Informer Premier Issue indication of the movement of the effluent 160cm, and were observed horizontally at disturbed mid way through the winter, which plume. One month prior to the first excava- 75 cm away from the lateral. This indicates could have had a negative influence on heat tion on December 31st, 2008 and the final that the new 2007 design is more success- retention. The system will be left operational excavation on October 3rd 2009, a blue dye ful at evenly distributing the effluent over the for the following winter in order to determine was added to the effluent, so the movement infiltration area. if this freezing is repeated, or if the laterals of the plume could be interpreted visually as As these systems are typically designed remain functional. well as chemically. for forested areas, which provide cover and Final results from the remaining in-situ During the first excavation, dye pat- insulation, there were concerns that this sampling and from the last excavation are terns under the 2007 design maintained system would be unable to function through currently being compiled and analyzed. a relatively level wetting front to a depth of the winter because it was installed in open These results will be presented at the up- 120 cm, with little differential flow being ob- grassland. Although both the 2002 and the coming convention in February and will be served. The dye was first seen at a horizon- 2007 designs did experience freezing, which published early in 2010. Special thanks to tal distance of 60 cm from the lateral. Under could potentially indicate that the system Angus Chu, Clayton Foster, Lew Shaw and the 2002 design, dye patterns under the cannot withstand extremely cold conditions Alf Durnie for all of their involvement and orifices penetrated to depths greater than without the trees, the soil system had been assistance with the project. l

The official publication of the Western Canadian Onsite Wastewater Management Association 19

The official publication of the Western Canadian Onsite Wastewater Management Association 21 Reclaimed Water Use Slowed as Codes Updated By Simon Blake

water systems, although it doesn’t yet provide specifications. The Canadian In- stitute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH) is encouraging Ontario code officials to re- quire that new buildings be “grey water ready”, reported program manager Jason Bourque. “I think a lot of jurisdictions are feeling pressure to incorporate (grey water provisions),” he added. he green building movement has Some municipalities have their own embraced the idea of reducing rules, allowing projects to proceed with a water consumption by gathering special permit from the local building in- rain water along with “grey water” spector. “We have examples, but it’s done from sinks, showers and laundry for non- on an ad hoc basis,” says Ellison. potable tasks such as toilet flushing and Twatering lawns. This has long been prac- Progress in Alberta ticed in Europe and other places where Meanwhile, Alberta officials are work- water is in short supply. But in North ing to update that province’s plumbing America, far from encouraging the code along with water quality standards practice, health and building and post installation requirements to al- code officials have sought to low water reclamation, reports Alf Durnie, prevent it. administrator/chief inspector, private sew- “We’re still facing an age treatment systems for Alberta Munici- enormous barrier of the pal Affairs. A number of departments are reluctance of public working on this, including environment health officials and and health. others to embrace Health concerns have been the major the idea,” reports stumbling block. What initially seems like Duncan Ellison, a simple concept becomes complex when executive direc- a number of “what-ifs” are thrown in. tor of the Can- These include: what if someone mis- adian Water takenly drinks from an outside hose bib and Wastew- connected to the reclaimed water system ater Associa- or what if the homeowner goes to Florida tion (CWWA). for the winter and the reclaimed water sits “We’re prob- stagnant in a basement cistern? ably two or “The grey water can contain a lot of three years pathogens and quite a heavy organic away from having loading as well,” said Durnie. any widespread application of this.” Establishing Standards That attitude is Standards for non-potable water sys- gradually changing as tems already exist. These include black municipalities struggle water (sewage) and grey water systems to keep up with the de- along with storm (surface) and rain (roof) mand for treated water. water systems. The CSA B128.1 standard The Ontario Plumbing Code was covers design. CSA B128.2 sets stan- recently amended to allow reclaimed dards for installation and maintenance.

22 Onsite Informer Premier Issue There is already a considerable amount “We’re still facing an enormous of grey water equipment and piping on the market. Non-potable water piping is barrier of the reluctance of public purple and must be clearly identified for non-potable use so that it’s easily identi- health officials and others to embrace fied. The system must be separate from the potable water system to avoid cross the idea. We’re probably two or connection. However, it’s fair to say that standards three years away from having any for equipment and piping are still a work in progress. CSA B128.3, currently under widespread application of this.” development, will set standards for treat- ment devices and the quality of water they municipality that has planned its water that has already been done in other coun- must produce. treatment capacity on an assumption that tries. “We don’t want to wait two years for The question is, if reclaimed water is a certain percentage of its water needs this.” used for non-potable uses, how much could be met by reclaimed water. does it need to be treated. Some suggest Following Florida’s example using the same standard that health of- Community Systems Florida is a recognized leader in the ficials use for public beaches. The Euro- Alberta is also looking at developing use of reclaimed water. The state uses pean standard is that “if you can swim in standards for community reclaimed this water in a variety of ways with the it, you can bathe in it,” remarked Ellison. water systems, where a subdivision or largest amount used for irrigating public “Filtration will likely consist of mem- an entire town might be on the same access areas. Following public access brane type filtration devices of 20 mi- system. Durnie notes that larger sys- areas, the next largest uses are ground- crons and five microns to remove hair, lint, tems not only require standards for water recharge and industrial uses such leaves (from rainwater) and other things what goes into them and how it must be as cooling water in power plants. that could plug the pump along with low treated, but the systems will need more Most of the reclaimed water used for level disinfection from ultraviolet or ozone intense management to avoid health agricultural irrigation is used to grow feed, type filters to kill bacteria,” says Ellison. risks. fibre, or other crops that are not for direct “It is likely there will be certain standards The CWWA would like to see CSA and human consumption. Reclaimed water if the building is using only rainwater and the provinces accelerate the process. “I can be used to grow crops for human con- tougher standards for grey water.” am going to be pushing to get rainwater sumption in Florida, but it must meet the Durnie added that it can be difficult to and storm water done as fast as we can same stringent treatment and disinfection distinguish between black water (sewage) (in the B-128 standard), and then we requirements as water for public access and grey water. can move on to the more difficult stuff,” area use and it is not allowed to come in The difference between the level of says Ellison. direct contact with crops that will not be contaminants of concern in grey water Durnie also believes the place to peeled, skinned, cooked, or thermally pro- and black water (the full wastewater start is with the ‘low hanging fruit’ be- cessed. stream) is often not significant. They are fore tackling grey water, a much more “Reuse is key to the state’s water both dangerous and need treatment. complex issue. As well, the recently future. Currently, Florida is leading the Health Canada is establishing re- adopted Alberta Private Sewage Sys- nation—reusing 660 million gallons of claimed water standards for toilet flush- tems Standard of Practice enables the reclaimed water each day to conserve ing, but “probably the majority of grey use of treated wastewater for subsur- freshwater supplies and replenish our water would not meet those standards,” face drip irrigation in conjunction with rivers, streams, lakes and the aqui- he adds. A draft document titled Canadian private sewage treatment systems. “It’s fers,” says Secretary Michael W. Sole. Guidelines for Household Reclaimed an initial step towards some of this,” “In 2006, Florida’s Water Reuse Pro- Water for Use in Toilet and Urinal Flushing says Durnie. gram was the first recipient of the EPA is available on the Health Canada website But like other provinces, Alberta is Water Efficiency Leader Award. Even as at www.hc-sc.gc.ca. waiting for the CSA B128.3 code to be a national leader, Florida is only reach- Secondly, “it’s very important that the completed before coming up with its ing a fraction of potential reuse oppor- water re-use methods and the manage- own regulations. “The CSA B128.3 is tunities. As our state continues to grow, ment framework are safe and sustain- going to be a key building block of the DEP will strive to promote efficient able.” entire (code) framework we need to de- water management to help conserve If the reclaimed water system becomes velop,” said Durnie. the State’s natural resources.” l too expensive or difficult to maintain, or if Ellison hopes the process can move it creates unpleasant odours, the home quickly and that Canadian building and This article was reprinted with per- or building owner will simply stop using health code officials don’t feel the need mission from Plumbing & HVAC, October it. This could be a serious setback for a to “reinvent the wheel” by redoing testing 2009 issue.

The official publication of the Western Canadian Onsite Wastewater Management Association 23 24 Onsite Informer Premier Issue The official publication of the Western Canadian Onsite Wastewater Management Association 25

Using Tire Shreds in Onsite Sewage Facilities (Septic Systems) While this article is focused on Texas, Western Canadian onsite sewage facility installers should take note of this unique opportunity.

eliminating the need to excavate natural rock of larger sizes of tire shreds on a case- and providing an alternative to tire disposal. by-case basis.

How can tire shreds help reduce Are tire shreds hard to handle? costs? Because tire shreds are lighter than grav- Costs for tire shreds that are suit- el, their use can be easier on loading and able for use in septic systems are spreading equipment. The shreds can be very competitive with prices for clean, easily managed with a rake to ensure that washed and graded gravel. Replacing none are left above the ground on the site. exans generate 30 million gravel with tire shreds could save 10 to waste tires each year. Under 90 percent of the cost of using gravel. What about environmental concerns? the Texas Natural Resource Transportation costs can also be less Studies conducted by the Radian Cor- Conservation Commission’s since tire shreds are about three times poration, the state of Washington, and the (TNRCC) Waste Tire Recycling Program, lighter than gravel (a cubic yard of grav- state of Vermont have found that there is these tires are collected, shredded and el weighs about 2,800 pounds; a cubic little, if any, release of contaminants into Tsent to an end-user. One resourceful end- yard of tire shreds weighs only about the environment surrounding drain fields use for tire shreds could save money for 800 pounds). in which tire shreds serve as the porous media. In fact, the use of tire shreds of- fers two environmental benefits: reduced excavation of natural rock and elimination of the need for tire disposal.

What about other special considerations? When tire shreds are used in the place of gravel in drain fields, some special care must be taken to prevent protruding wires from severely puncturing or tearing geo- textile fabric. Contractors can avoid dam- age to the fabric by using a heavier textile or by protecting the fabric.

What kind of paperwork is involved with using tire shreds? Tire shred users complete a one-time- only application and sign a waste tire shred manifest to document that the shreds were received. The waste tire pro- onsite sewage facility (OSSF) installers What type of shreds can be used? cessor (shred supplier) provides both of and their customers. A tire shredding industry standard these forms which are required for their TNRCC rules allow installers to use chip size called “2-inch minus” is com- tracking purposes only and attach no tire shreds as the porous media in the parable to the gravel size currently additional liability to the homeowner. construction of OSSF lateral lines and approved for onsite sewage facilities. Check with local wastewater author- leach fields, where appropriate. Tire The chip is no greater than 2 inches ities to confirm that local codes allow the shreds serve the same purpose as gravel on a side, including any protruding use of tire shreds. l in these systems and can be cheaper wires, and will pass through a 2-inch in some areas of the state. Utilization by 2-inch sieve aperture. Local waste- Article courtesy of the Texas Natural of tire shreds helps the environment by water authorities may approve the use Resource Conservation Commission.

28 Onsite Informer Premier Issue The Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association convention & trade show ‘10 Coming Full Circle: Remembering Our Roots - Shooting for the Future

February 4, 5 & 6, 2010 Edmonton, AB

The Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association’s (AOW- MA) 12th annual Convention and Trade Show is being held on Febru- ary 4, 5 & 6, 2010 at the River Cree in Edmonton, AB. The 2010 convention and trade show promises to deliver another quality trade show and convention presentation program for its del- egates. On Thursday, February 4, 2010, while the trade show is being set up, Bill Corey will present a full day training session on pumps and con- trols for interested delegates. Bill is recognized across North America as an authority on this technology. This session is free of charge to conven- tion delegates and provides added value to their convention experience. In the afternoon on Thursday, early registration for the convention will begin and the trade show will open. Delegates may visit the booths, enjoy the supper buffet and cash bar, and network with their fellow onsite wastewater pro- fessionals. The trade show continues into the evening and then opens up once again on Friday morning. Delegates will enjoy breakfast in the trade show hall and participate in proprietorial information sessions on product and technologies presented by our exhibitor sponsors. At 1 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2010, the convention begins with the formal opening by association president Dale McLure, followed by a keynote from Curtis Sparks. Curtis J. Sparks, P.E., is a founder and president of North American Wetland Engineering, EcoCheck, Inc., and is a principal at Jacques Whitford NAWE, Inc. He was a manager at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and served as a supervisor for the Washington Soil and Water District and for Forest Lake Township.

The official publication of the Western Canadian Onsite Wastewater Management Association 29 Get Ready for a Jam-Packed Convention! The convention presentation schedule for 2010 comprises three streams of information. The plenary stream focuses on onsite wastewater research, technology and techniques. The secondary plenary is based on permitting practices and standards, by-law development regarding onsite wastewater issues, changes to the regulation and Standard of Practice, and land use planning and development as it pertains to onsite wastewater. The third plenary provides business information and programming for those looking to improve their current business structure, planning and operations. Some of the topics for discussion are:

• Designing systems for environmentally sensitive areas; • Modified sand mound designs; Standard of Practice • Onsite wastewater sustainability; changes and updates • When and where to use decentralized as opposed to On Sunday, February 7, a full day ses- centralized; sion will be held on the Standard of Practice • The Strathcona Tweedsmuir onsite wastewater system rebuild changes and updates. A precursor to this and rehabilitation; training program was offered at convention last year. Those who attended the session • Final results from the At-Grade Research at Fish Creek; last year will receive a credit against the cost • Management and maintenance of onsite wastewater of the 2010 session. PSDS ticket holders will systems; be required to participate in code update training to the new standard, so this is an ex- • Environmental policies and maintenance by-law development; cellent opportunity to engage in this training • Water recapture and reuse; while at convention. All-in-all the convention and trade show • Installation techniques, from basic to advanced; and promise to deliver a quality program to on- site wastewater stakeholders. • Soils and their important role in onsite design.

The preliminary presentation schedule has been developed, however new speakers are still being added. Check with the AOWMA office for the most current schedule.

Delegate Grand Prize This year the AOWMA, along with its corporate sponsors, will be offering a Grand Prize trip for two for a weekend in Las Vegas. The Grand Prize is only avail- able to those who attend the entire trade show and convention from beginning to end. The draw for this prize will be made just prior to the convention closing remarks on Saturday afternoon. If your company would like to sponsor this prize, please contact the AOWMA office, or indicate your sponsorship on the trade show registration form. Grand Prize sponsors will receive special mention in the convention magazine, at the banquet, in the AOWMA quarterly newsletter and during the closing remarks when the prize is drawn.

30 Onsite Informer Premier Issue !

Convention Registration Form

Name:______q YES! Sign me up for the Code Update Training on Company:______February 7, 2010 for the reduced delegate Address:______fee of $100.00 plus GST. Non-delegates - City:______$225.00 plus GST. Postal Code:______Phone:______q YES! Pumps and Controls Workshop, Thursday, Fax:______February 4, 2010. Convention Delegates, no Business partner/spouse’s name:______charge. Non-delegates - $225.00 plus GST.

Convention Fees: Corporate Member Delegates...... $495.00 Delegate______$______Business Associate/Spouse...... $425.00 ______$______Non-member Delegates...... $595.00 One Day Only Members...... $250.00 Additional Delegates______$______One Day Only Non-Members...... $350.00 ______$______Extra Banquet tickets...... $75.00 ______$______$______Delegate packages are all inclusive – trade show, all sessions from any of the programs, first evening ______$______entertainment and snacks, breakfasts, lunches, Additional Banquet Tickets______$______nutribreaks, banquet and entertainment. ______$______*Corporate members bringing more than one delegate ______$______will purchase one registration at the full delegate rate with ______$______additional delegates from that company registering under the Business Associate/Spouse Rate. GST $______Total $______

Cancellation Policy Fax your form to (780) 486-7414 or mail to: Cancellations received before January 15, AOWMA | 18303-60th Avenue | Edmonton, AB T6M 1T7 2010 will receive full refunds. After this date, Attention: Convention Committee no refunds will be issued for cancellations.

Please charge my Trade Show Registration Fees to my credit card

q VISA (or) q MASTERCARD Charge to:______Card #:______Expiry Date:______Cardholder’s Name (PLEASE PRINT):______

! Cardholder’s Signature:______

The official publication of the Western Canadian Onsite Wastewater Management Association 31 ! Trade Show Sponsorship Registration Form

Name of Company/Institute (For official convention Website Address:______magazine):______Names of Exhibitors (For registration): ______positions Contact Name:______Phone:______Fax:______Cell:______Email:______Brief Description of Booth:______Address:______Province:______Postal Code:______Item Quantity Price/Unit Total Bronze Booth $1350.00 (+gst) ______Silver Booth $1850.00 (+gst) Gold Booth $3250.00 (+gst) Extra Booth – 8 x 10 $1000.00 (+gst) Extra Floor Space (per sq.ft.) $2.00 (+gst) Fax your form to (780) 486-7414 or mail to: AOWMA | 18303-60th Avenue | Edmonton, AB T6M 1T7 Banquet Tickets $75.00 (+gst) Level 1 Sponsor $5000.00 (+gst) Attention: Convention Committee Level 2 Sponsor 2500.00 (+gst) Level 3 Sponsor 1000.00 (+gst) 30 Min. Technological Session $200 (+gst) Grand Prize Sponsor $500.00 (+gst) Our Venue: The Edmonton Marriott At River Cree Resort Meal Package/Extra $395.00 (+gst) Exhibitor 300 East Lapotac Boulevard Business Card Ad $300.00 (+gst) Enoch, Alberta T7X 3Y3 1/4 Page Ad $450.00 (+gst) Phone: (780) 484-2121 1/2 Page Ad $850.00 (+gst) Fax: (780) 930 2584 Full Page Ad $1900.00 (+gst) Sales: (780) 930 2622 Interior Back Page Ad $2500.00 (+gst) Toll-free: (800) 960 4913 Advertorial (1/2 page) $1500.00 (+gst)

Please charge my Trade Show Registration Fees to my credit card q VISA (or) q MASTERCARD Charge to:______Card #:______Expiry Date:______Cardholder’s Name (PLEASE PRINT):______Cardholder’s Signature:______!

32 Onsite Informer Premier Issue NEWS & VIEWS What’s Going on in Western Canada? wcowma’s recent • Sizing: selecting the correct pump activities the first time reduces call backs. Registration information for this WCOWMA Advisory Bodies to be workshop can be found on page 49. Formed Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity The WCOWMA governance model con- to expand your knowledge base! tinues to take shape. In order to ensure WCOWMA has a clear understanding of the Field training days held in B.C. unique issues, challenges and opportunities The WCOWMA held three successful across the West, it will develop an advisory field training days in different regions body in each western province, capable of of the Okanagan in 2009. Two Soils delivering clear direction to the WCOWMA Evaluation Workshops were held along Board. with pressure distribution installation Each advisory body will appoint select in- and mound design and construction. dividuals to sit on the WCOWMA board. This The soils workshops took place in En- will give the board a truly inclusive approach derby and Bowser Bay, where students as it deploys its strategies and initiatives. participated in soils evaluation train- WCOWMA will be hosting organizational ing, including identifying soil texture, meetings in each western province beginning soil structure, colour and other visual in early 2010. These meetings will feature and tactile indicators of soil type. Stu- the election of industry stakeholders to the dents learned the proper procedure advisory bodies. WCOWMA’s administration for performing soils evaluation, for log- team will organize the sessions and, going ging soils and taking samples for lab forward, will act as the administrative arm of analysis. Upon completion of the soils each advisory body. evaluation component, Enderby stu- More information on these organizational dents participated in the construction meetings and related governance items will of a pressure distribution system for a be released in the coming months. sand mound, including timed dosing. If you have an interest in learning more In late fall, a Pressure Distribution about these industry-shaping meetings, con- and Timed Dosing workshop was held tact the WCOWMA office at (818) 487-5397. in Vernon. Here students learned how to plan and calculate a pressure distri- bution system for scenarios provided. BRITISH COLUMBIA The classroom component was fol- WCOWMA ONSITE WASTEWATER MAN- lowed by a field demonstration where AGEMENT ASSOCIATION OF B.C. students were able to build a pressure • Pump operations: basic hydraulics in- distribution system, set up a timed Pump training workshop cluding SSE terms, water movement, dosing system and test the system A day-long training workshop for pumps pipe sizing and cavitation. for the appropriate squirt height and and controls is being planned for the Oka- • Types of SSE pumps: where to use to ensure the high water alarms were nagan region on February 1, 2010. With which one and how do they differ. functioning. over 37 years experience, presenter Bill • Panels and containers: how they work More field days will be planned in Corey will provide a valuable training pro- and what they are for. the 2010 construction season. If you gram for interested attendees. The one- • Fields and systems: what the different are interested in field training, contact day workshop will cover: types of systems are. the WCOWMA office for details.

The official publication of the Western Canadian Onsite Wastewater Management Association 33 Upcoming convention and trade show • Pressure Distribution, Timed Dosing Wastewater Management Associa- The WCOWMA Onsite Wastewater Man- and Mounds – Planning and installing tion of BC Advisory Committee to the agement Association of B. C. will host its effective systems. WCOWMA Board. 1st Annual Trade Show and Convention in Registration forms for this event Nominations to the Advisory Commit- Kelowna, B.C., March 5 - 6, 2010. are available on page 48 Contact the tee will be sought from interested mem- The theme for this convention is “A WCOWMA office for more information at bers at the Annual General Meeting being New Opportunity for the Onsite Wastew- (818) 478-5397 or email info.wcowma@ planned for March 2010. The Advisory ater Industry in B.C.” telus.net. Committee will represent WCOWMA mem- Topics for the convention schedule will bers in B.C. to the WCOWMA Board of Dir- include: Stakeholder meetings ectors. The WCOWMA Board of Directors • A Regulatory Overview and Stakehold- Dates have been set for stakehold- will be comprised of two members from er Discussion Group. er meetings throughout the province each of the four provincial advisory com- • Onsite as a Safe, Sustainable Solution of British Columbia. WCOWMA admin- mittees. in Unserviced Areas. istration will be holding these meet- The dates for the upcoming stakehold- • The Right System for the Site: Soil and ings to provide information to inter- er meetings are: Site Evaluation, System Planning, Sys- ested stakeholders on the WCOWMA January 12 tem Filing. organization and to begin the process Nanaimo, B.C. • Homeowner Manuals and Mainten- for formalizing the infrastructure for 2:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. ance Plans – Best Practices. the newly organized WCOWMA Onsite Coast Bastian 11 Bastion Street, Nanaimo, BC January 13 Please register me for the stakeholder meeting in my Langley, B.C. region: 2:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. Langley Events Centre ! Name:______7888 – 200th Street, Langley, BC Company:______January 14 Prince George, B.C. Address:______2:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. Phone:______Ramada Plaza 444 George Street Fax:______Prince George, BC Meeting Location (please circle): Changes to the sewerage system Nanaimo | Langley | Prince George regulation enacted Through an Order in Council on Sep- ! Fax your registration form to: (780) 486-7414 tember 23, 2009, the British Columbia Sewerage System Regulation (SSR) was amended to state: Authorized persons 7(1) A person is qualified to act as a registered practitioner if the person (a) has successfully completed a post-sec- ondary training program through (b) the West Coast Onsite Wastewater Training Centre, administered by the Brit- ish Columbia Onsite Sewage Association, (c) an institution that (A) is designated, registered or ac- credited under an enactment of Canada or any province, except British Columbia to offer post sec- ondary education, and (B) Includes as part of its curricu- lum, training in soil analysis and sewerage system construction and maintenance, or Continued on page 36

34 Onsite Informer Premier Issue WRITE FOR ONSITE INFORMER If you have knowledge or industry-insight you’d like to share…we want to publish it!

Onsite Informer needs expert articles for all upcoming editions. Topics could cover anything from technical advice, to case studies, to opinion pieces, to unbiased reviews of the latest tools and technologies. Premier Issue The official publication of the Western Canadian Onsite WastewaterInformer Management Association Articles should not be company promotional and all are subject to review and acceptance by WCOWMA.

If you have a topic in mind, email a WCOWMA: the Industry and Ensuring Strengthening Safe and Effective Septic Management for all of Western Canada

synopsis to [email protected]! Canada Post Mail Publications Agreement Number: 40609661

For information on joining WCOWMA, see pages 43 and 44!

The official publication of the Western Canadian Onsite Wastewater Management Association 35 Continued from page 34 requirements of that subsection is quali- training to onsite wastewater practitioners. (iii) an organization recognized by fied to act as a registered practitioner if WCOWMA’s training program has been ac- the Applied Science Technologists the person cepted as equivalent to the WCOWTC train- and Technicians of British Colum- (a) demonstrates to the Applied Sci- ing program by the British Columbia govern- bia as offering sewerage systems ence Technologists and Technicians ment through the TILMA curriculum review training programs that provide an of British Columbia that the person is process. applicant with the qualifications competent to construct and maintain require for registration under the a sewerage system that uses a treat- Registration of name for B.C. chapter Applied Science Technologists ment method classified as Type 1 or The Western Canada Onsite Wastewater and Technicians Act and Type 2, and Management Association has officially regis- (jjj) holds a registration certifi- (b) Holds a registration certificate. tered the name for its British Columbia chap- cate ter with B.C. Corporate Registry. The chapter 7(2) Despite subsection (1), a per- These changes have been enacted to al- name is the WCOWMA Onsite Wastewater son who does not meet the educational low other training organizations to provide Management Association of B.C. In the future all WCOWMA activities in British Co- lumbia will be operated under the chapter name, which will help B.C. stakeholders de- velop their own identity under the WCOWMA banner. Association activities in B.C. will continue to focus on advancing training opportunities for onsite wastewater practitioners while pro- moting a positive regulatory framework that supports the onsite industry and advocates the protection of public health and safety.

ALBERTA Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association

WCOWMA Participates in Safety Codes Act Review The Government of Alberta and the Safety Codes Council is currently engaging

36 Onsite Informer Premier Issue stakeholders in a comprehensive review their business. Clearly, they are important Private Sewage Systems (SOP) was of the Alberta Safety Codes Act. The Act stakeholders in the Western Canadian de- signed into legislation by the Lieuten- is the foundation of a safety system that centralized wastewater industry. ant Governor of Alberta. Copies of the has operated successfully for more than That’s why WCOWMA strives to meet SOP are available for shipping through 15 years, but it has not been comprehen- with municipalities regularly to discuss the AOWMA office upon request. sively reviewed since coming into force in shared issues, concerns and, most im- In order to address the transitional 1994. portantly, initiatives that will strengthen period between the implementation of Part of the review process includes an the ability to deliver sustainable onsite the new SOP and the phasing out of the online survey on several aspects of the wastewater management solutions for 1999 version, Alberta Municipal Affairs Act. WCOWMA participated in this survey, rural property owners. has issued a Standata which may be highlighting key aspects of the Act that Looking to the coming year, WCOWMA viewed at http://www.municipalaffairs. should be addressed in order to create will be reaching out to municipalities in gov.ab.ca/cp_private_sewage_standata. a more efficient onsite industry while en- all western provinces. Although the early cfm. Code update training is currently be- suring that onsite systems are safe for all focus has been on Alberta, the associa- ing planned and members will be notified Albertans. tion will develop a broader approach in its as details become available. Chief among the issues WCOWMA put municipal outreach activities as its mo- forward relates to a proposed “risk-based” mentum builds across Western Canada. Standard of Practice code update training inspection regime. Alberta Municipal Af- Here are some of the municipal out- Code update training is being de- fairs put forward this concept, outlining how reach highlights from last year in Alberta: veloped for those who hold a PSDS (Pri- some systems deemed to be a greater risk • Working with Municipal District of Big vate Sewage Disposal System) ticket in to the environment should be inspected, Horn and Mountain View County to de- Alberta. This training will help contractors while others with relatively low risk could velop a bylaw that mandates regular understand and apply the changes be- not. WCOWMA feels that all systems regard- inspections of septic systems. tween the 1999 SOP and the newly legis- less of risk or complexity must be inspected • General meetings with administration lated 2009 SOP. A training schedule will completely from the permit approval to the teams in Sturgeon County and the Mu- be sent out to members as soon as dates point of final construction. The association nicipal District of Provost. and locations have been finalized. considers full inspections to be instrumental • Presentations on land use strategies in ensuring onsite systems provide safe and with county councils of Mountain View, Standardized permit form long-term performance for rural property Parkland and Lamont. AOWMA and Alberta Municipal Affairs owners. • Homeowner workshops in the counties are continuing to work on an appendix One of the changes being proposed is of Red Deer, Brazeau and Westlock. to the permit application form for the being met with considerable support. There WCOWMA always welcomes member construction of private wastewater sys- is a move afoot to establish the Private Sew- input in these meetings. All members are tems. The appendix will comprise all the age Disposal System as a separate technical welcome to bring forward to WCOWMA information required to support a permit discipline. Currently, it is considered to be a staff any issues they Plumbing Level 2 category. Those in the in- may have with the dustry can attest that constructing a private municipality in which sewage system properly requires a different they do business. The level of training than what is offered through association will then a conventional plumbing trade training pro- arrange a meeting with gram. The expertise required, especially the relevant municipal con- understanding of soil-based wastewater tacts, and invite the treatment principles, is unique to our indus- member to attend the try and should therefore be recognized as a meeting if possible. separate discipline. This is another ex- There will be a considerable number ample of how WCOWMA of stakeholder reviews that will take place works for its members. over the coming year. The input will be col- We are your inclusive lated into a new version of the Act, culmin- voice of the Western ating in a release date sometime in 2012. Canadian onsite waste- WCOWMA will be engaged during the entire water management in- review process. dustry.

Municipal outreach program New Standard of Many local governments exercise their Practice released abilities to develop policies and regula- The 2009 Stan- tions that affect onsite professionals and dard of Practice for

The official publication of the Western Canadian Onsite Wastewater Management Association 37 application under the 2009 Standard of commentary and feedback. It is an- Alberta contractors who have installed Practice. ticipated that once the document has at-grades under the new at-grade Guide- The form is being developed and been finalized, members will be able line. The AOWMA administration would designed to ensure that only trained to obtain the form from the AOWMA appreciate comments, concerns and and certified onsite wastewater profes- on compact disc or through a web link. suggestions from those who have now sionals will have the knowledge and Contractors will be able to customize had experience working with the guide- understanding required to complete the the form by adding supplementary in- line. This feedback will be reviewed application. This will help discourage formation, such as computer generated along with the scientific data generated homeowners from attempting to pull a drawings and company logos. from the at-grade research project at permit. The form should be available by the Fish Creek to ensure that the practical The completed document will be 2010 installation season. application of the guideline is feasible, premiered at the annual convention in while meeting the scientific criteria February and delegates will be able to Alberta at-grades and parameters. Fax your comments to work through the process and provide Feedback is being sought from (780) 486-7414.

SASKATCHEWAN Saskatchewan Onsite Wastewater Management Association

Pump training workshop A day long training workshop for pumps and controls is being planned for Saskatchewan stakeholders on February 2, 2010. With over 37 years experience, pre- senter Bill Corey will provide a valuable training program for interested attendees. The one-day workshop will cover: • Pump operations: basic hydraulics in- cluding SSE terms, water movement, pipe sizing and cavitation. • Types of SSE pumps: where to use which one and how do they differ. • Panels and containers: how they work and what they are for. • Fields and systems: what the different types of systems are. • Sizing: selecting the correct pump the first time reduces call backs. Registration information for this work- shop can be found on page 49. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to expand your knowledge base!

Onsite wastewater practitioner training The WCOWMA held two successful training sessions in Saskatoon in 2009. The first session was held in April and was comprised of installers, regulators and sup- pliers to the industry. Students participated in and completed the full six day program along with a soils evaluation field training component, including identifying soil tex- ture, soil structure, colour and other visual and tactile indicators of soil type. Students learned the proper procedure for performing

38 Onsite Informer Premier Issue soils evaluation, for logging soils and taking WCOWMA organization and to begin the samples for lab analysis. The second ses- process for formalizing the infrastruc- sion in June was presented specifically for ture for the newly organized Saskatch- Environmental Health Officers in Saskatch- ewan Onsite Wastewater Management ewan. Again the students participated in Association Advisory Committee to the the full six-day training program along with a WCOWMA Board. soils field training component. Nominations to the Advisory Commit- tee will be sought from interested mem- Stakeholder meetings bers at an Annual General Meeting being A date has been set for a stakehold- planned for March 2010. The Advisory er meeting in the Province of Saskatch- Committee will represent WCOWMA mem- ewan. WCOWMA administration will be bers in Saskatchewan to the WCOWMA holding this meeting to provide informa- Board of Directors. The WCOWMA Board tion to interested stakeholders on the of Directors will be comprised of two

The official publication of the Western Canadian Onsite Wastewater Management Association 39 Association activities in Saskatchewan will continue to focus on advancing training opportunities for onsite wastewater practitioners while promoting a positive regulatory framework that supports the onsite industry and advocates the protection of public health and safety.

members from each of the four provincial advisory committees. The date for the upcoming stakeholder meeting is: January 8, 2010 Saskatoon, SK 2:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. Location: Ramada Inn, Manitoba Room, 806 Idylwyld Drive N, Saskatoon, SK

Registration of name for Saskatchewan Chapter The Western Canada Onsite Wastewa- ter Management Association has officially registered the name for its Saskatchewan chapter with Saskatchewan Corporate Registry. The chapter name is the Sas- katchewan Onsite Wastewater Manage- ment Association in keeping with the chapter names of the other organizations

40 Onsite Informer Premier Issue umbrella. In the future all WCOWMA MANITOBA activities in Saskatchewan will be op- erated under the chapter name, which Training workshop planned will help Saskatchewan stakeholders In partnership with the Onsite Waste- develop their own identity under the water Systems Installers of Manitoba, a WCOWMA banner. day-long training workshop for pumps and Association activities in Saskatch- controls is being planned for Manitoba ewan will continue to focus on advanc- stakeholders on February 5, 2010. ing training opportunities for onsite With over 37 years experience, pre- wastewater practitioners while promot- senter Bill Corey will provide a valuable ing a positive regulatory framework that training program for interested attendees. supports the onsite industry and advo- The one-day workshop will cover: cates the protection of public health • Pump operations: basic hydraul- and safety. ics including SSE terms, water

The official publication of the Western Canadian Onsite Wastewater Management Association 41 movement, pipe sizing and cavita- Mound field training workshop of the pressure distribution for the tion. In partnership with OWSIM, the mound system. • Types of SSE pumps: where to use which WCOWMA held a successful mound one and how do they differ. field training session in the Winnipeg Onsite wastewater systems • Panels and containers: how they work region on October 22 and 23, 2009. management regulation changes and what they are for. Students participated in and completed The Manitoba Conservation Onsite • Fields and systems: what the different a one-day classroom component which Wastewater Systems Management Regu- types of systems are. took them through a review of soils and lation has undergone some recent chan- • Sizing: selecting the correct pump the how they impact system design, before ges. Manitoba Conservation has set new first time reduces call backs. working through the pressure distribu- boundaries regarding sewage disposal Registration information for this work- tion and mound design system for the which includes bans on the installation shop can be found on page 49. Don’t miss system they would be building. On day of sewage ejector systems and on new this wonderful opportunity to expand your two, students were in the field partici- treatment dispersal fields in ecologically knowledge base! pating in the construction and testing sensitive areas, including cottage proper- ties on crown land, portions of the Red River corridor and provincial parks. New treatment dispersal field instal- lations will only be allowed on lots of two acres or greater while environment- ally sensitive areas will be limited to ad- vanced treatment units (packaged treat- ment plants) and/or holding tanks. Onsite industry stakeholders and the Association of Manitoba Municipalities raised some concern about these sweep- ing changes, citing a lack of scientific evi- dence that support the restrictions. l

42 Onsite Informer Premier Issue WCOWMA Member Benefits Summary

Members continue to strengthen and shape the industry through their On the business front members can benefit role as important stewards of the environment and key players in rural from: land use planning. Membership continues to grow and is comprised of • A customized business insurance program onsite wastewater professionals from the four western provinces. through Lloyd Sadd. This insurance program • Influencing federal, provincial and municipal regulations. WCOWMA provides those coverages not generally available Board Members represent all members by participating in and through business insurance such as Errors and sitting on a variety of committees and boards both provincially and Omissions coverage and Pollution Liability. Available nationally. anywhere in Canada. • Setting the national standard for onsite training. The WCOWMA • A discount program for your office supply needs. Through training program is recognized both in Alberta and throughout a partnership with Corporate Express/Staples Advantage, WCOWMA Canada as the premier onsite wastewater certification program. members may take advantage of savings of 60 percent or more on • Influencing land use planning in Western Canada. The WCOWMA stationery and shop supplies. Corporate Express even delivers your order administration consults with other stakeholder associations and right to your door. Even if your office uses only $1000/year in supplies, municipalities, providing information on technologies and resources a savings of 60 percent more than pays for your annual association to help them build effective and sustainable wastewater treatment membership fees! Available anywhere in Canada. and disposal policies. • Credit card processing service. If you have customers that want to pay • Public education and consultation. A key component of having a with a major credit card but you don’t have the capability to accept these healthy and effective onsite industry is ensuring that homeowners payments, let us process it for you. Available regardless of location. have access to the information they need to make sound decisions • Save 10 percent off all your work gear purchases at Mark’s Work regarding their onsite wastewater systems. The WCOWMA acts as a Wearhouse. In your member package is a wallet card for you to present at resource and provides referrals to our member professionals. the till with your purchases. Card valid across Canada. • Holding industry information and networking sessions. The WCOWMA • A 20 percent discount on soils sampling from Kaizen Laboratories. Just will continue to provide regional meetings and training opportunities call (403) 297-0411 for more information. Available anywhere in Western in order to maintain open lines of communication with our Canada. membership. • Group health plan for WCOWMA members through Spence Global Health. • Quarterly newsletters are emailed or mailed out, keeping members Over the course of 2010, the WCOWMA will continue to build its abreast with advancements in the onsite industry. business service discount program incentives for members, so stay • New in 2010, a semi-annual industry magazine. tuned for even more benefits to come.

The official publication of the Western Canadian Onsite Wastewater Management Association 43 Member Application / Renewal ! Your WCOWMA membership provides full membership in the industry association chapter in your province: • Alberta – Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association • British Columbia – WCOWMA Onsite Wastewater Management Association • Saskatchewan – Saskatchewan Onsite Wastewater Management Association • Manitoba – WCOWMA Manitoba Chapter

Name:______Company Name:______Address:______City:______Province: ______Postal Code:______Bus. Phone:______Fax:______Cell Phone:______Home Phone:______Email Address:______

Please send member updates (check one) q by mail q by email q by fax

The services that I expect to receive through membership in the WCOWMA are (please number in order of importance from one to six): ______Advocacy ______Training ______Convention ______Communication ______Business Services ______Other (please specify): ______

Corporate Membership: $300.00 Corporate memberships cover one owner and two employees. Each corporation is allowed one vote at the Annual General Meeting Please select your business category: q Installer Additional members: q Pumper ______q Supplier ______q Regulator ______q Engineer ______q Other (list)______

GST does not apply to memberships

FAX your form to: Please charge my Membership Fees to my credit card. (780) 486-7414 q VISA (or) q MASTERCARD or Charge to:______Card #:______Mail to: Expiry Date:______Cardholder’s Name (PLEASE PRINT):______18303 – 60th Avenue Cardholder’s Signature:______Edmonton, AB T6M 1T7 !

44 Onsite Informer Premier Issue OOWA News

Season Greetings to our neighbours forms of privy including a portable components such as pumps, filters and in the west! privy, an earth pit privy, a pail privy, secondary treatment units. Treatment sys- OOWA membership is continuing a privy vault and a composting toilet tems are authorized for use after a regula- to grow each year as more and more system; tory body has evaluated the construction onsite wastewater installers are realiz- • Class 2 — a greywater system; materials, system components and de- ing the benefits from a professional as- • Class 3 — a cesspool; signs for use in construction. All treatment sociation. Not only does OOWA provide • Class 4 — a leaching bed system; systems must have NSF or BNQ certifica- necessary information and updates but and tion to be considered for use in the Prov- with our program partners we are able • Class 5 — a system that requires or ince. All homeowners must have a signed to save members money on a variety of uses a holding tank for the retention maintenance contract and the systems products and services. of hauled sewage at the site where it are inspected yearly by the manufacturer We continue to strive to improve and is produced prior to its collection by or their agent. enhance the onsite industry in Ontario a hauled sewage system. No building can take place until a septic and will be releasing information on a The Building Code also contains operation permit has been issued by the local inspec- new OOWA certification and education and maintenance requirements for onsite tion agency. Inspection agencies can be program at our 2010 annual confer- sewage systems. The Code requires that building officials for municipalities, health ence taking place April 11-13, 2010 in all onsite sewage systems be operated and units and conservation authorities who also London Ontario. maintained to prevent breakout of effluent provide enforcement of the Building Code. Last year both Lesley Desjardin and to the surface, leakage from any compon- Inspectors are required to pass a Ministry Dale McLure represented AOWMA and ent of the system, or leakage into ground examination related to the onsite sewage provided OOWA’s Board and members water or surface water. Onsite sewage sys- requirements of the Building Code. an opportunity to discuss and learn tems must be operated in accordance with OOWA working with Ontario’s govern- about onsite practises in Alberta. We the basis on which their construction was ment agencies is continuing to review and invite any AOWMA member to attend approved and the manufacturer’s require- improve the requirements for onsite sys- our 2010 conference. ments. tems to ensure the health and safety of its In Ontario there are an estimated 1.2 There many tertiary treatment sys- residents and increase the competency of million onsite sewage systems. When tems available. Some contain additional those involved in the onsite industry. l properly designed, installed and main- tained in accordance with the Ontario Building Code, onsite sewage systems contribute to safe drinking water and protect the environment. The Build- ing Code establishes standards for onsite sewage systems for homes and small buildings where the systems are contained on one lot and have a daily design sewage flow of not more than 10,000 litres per day. Other larger and more complex systems are regulated under the Ontario Water Resources Act administered by the Ministry of the En- vironment and require engineered de- signs as well as hydrology reports to be completed. The Building Code classifications are as follows: • Class 1 — a chemical toilet, an incin- erating toilet, a recirculating toilet, a self-contained portable toilet and all

The official publication of the Western Canadian Onsite Wastewater Management Association 45 Buyer’s Guide

Cleaning Polyethylene and Fiberglass Wastewater Commission Gallason Industrial Cleaning Tanks Alberta Capital Region Wastewater Services Inc...... 42 Canwest Tanks & Ecological Commission...... 19 Systems Ltd...... 21 Concrete Products Wastewater Solutions Pembina Concrete Precast Structures and Bord Na Móna...... 12 Products Ltd...... 36 Products Con-Force Concrete Products...... 34 Wastewater Systems Control Panels Caeser Enterprises...... 24 SJE Rhombus...... 25 Proflow Systems Westcon Precast...... IFC Wastewater Treatment Corporate Analytical Systems Solutions Pump Systems Pinnacle Environmental G.A.S. Analytical Systems Ltd...... 39 Anderson Pump House Ltd...... 40 Technologies Inc...... 26-27, 50 EMS - Electric Motor Service...... 45 Remote Waste LP...... 16 Design, Excavating and Independent Pump...... 41 Installation Liberty Pumps...... 20 Wastewater Treatment Systems A&A Trenching Ltd...... 38 Renown Industries...... 46 Waterloo Biofilter All-Rite Trenching...... 19 Western Pump...... 10 Systems Inc...... 42 Avery Excavating...... 19 Wilo Canada Inc...... 11 Bear Excavating Ltd...... 38 Water and Sewer D.S. Excavation Services...... 24 Retail, Design, Construction Little Rock Excavating...... 35 Les Barker Catwork Ltd...... 25 Flaman Group of Companies...... 17 Little Rock Excavating...... 35 Water Tank Sanitation LTS Enterprises Ltd...... 24 Sceptic Waste Water Pipes / Alpine Waterworks Ltd...... 40 Western Excavating Inc...... 17 Valve Fitting and Irrigation EMCO - Myers...... IBC Water Treatment Equipment Environmental Services Degremont Technologies...... 21 DC Environmental Septic Systems and Services Ltd...... 24 Installers Wholesale Pump Distributor Acclaim Trenching Inc...... 36 Arndt Motor & Pump High Line Electrical EMCO - Hancor...... OBC Services Ltd...... 24 Constructors Fergus Power Products...... 42 Get’er Done Powerline Innovative Plastics...... 43 Construction Ltd...... 19 Southland Contractors...... 41 Tanks-A-Lot...... 4 Infiltration Systems Wastewater Solutions Ltd...... 24 Infiltrator Systems Inc...... 41 White Tiger Contracting...... 35

Insulation Products (Frost Sewage Systems and Tanks Boxes) Chinook Pumps Ltd...... 3 Beaver Plastics...... 36 Hart Oilfield Rentals Ltd...... 13 Heywood Mechanical Level Alarms and Guages Services Ltd...... 8 Aquatic Sentry Controls Inc...... 40 Pinnacle Environmental Technologies Inc...... 26-27, 50 Manufacturer Fiberglass Tanks ZCL Composites Inc...... 6 Focus Industries Inc...... 25 System Designs, Installations Plumbing and Upgrades Gelowitz Plumbing & Heating...... 19 DJL Industries Ltd...... 41

Plumbing and Excavating Wastewater – Equipment and Services Supplies O’Quinn Plumbing & Excavating Wig’s Pumps & Waterworks Service...... 19 Ltd...... 39

46 Onsite Informer Premier Issue ! Convention Registration for WCOWMA Onsite Wastewater Management Association of B.C.’s 1st Annual Trade Show and Convention 2010 Convention Registration Form March 5 & 6th, 2010 Coast Capri Hotel, Kelowna, B.C.

Name:______Company:______Address:______City:______Postal Code:______Telephone:______Fax:______

Convention Fees: Corporate Member Delegates Earlibird* $295.00 After January 31, 2010 $350.00 Non-member Delegates Earlibird $350.00 After January 31, 2010 $375.00 Extra banquet tickets $ 50.00

Delegate packages are all inclusive – trade show, all sessions from any of the programs, first evening entertainment and snacks, breakfasts, lunches, nutribreaks, banquet and entertainment.

Delegate: FAX your form to: ______$______(780) 486-7414 Additional Delegate (s): or ______$______$______Mail to: ______$______

18303 - 60th Avenue Additional Banquet Tickets: Edmonton, AB T6M 1T7 ______$______$______Attention: Convention ______$______Committee GST $______Total $______

Please charge my Convention Fees to my credit card.

q VISA (or) q MASTERCARD Charge to:______Card #:______Expiry Date:______Cardholder’s Name (PLEASE PRINT):______

! Cardholder’s Signature:______

The official publication of the Western Canadian Onsite Wastewater Management Association 47 Exhibitor Registration for WCOWMA Onsite ! Wastewater Management Association of B.C.’s 1st Annual Trade Show and Convention 2010 Exhibitor Registration Form March 5 & 6th, 2010 Coast Capri Hotel, Kelowna, B.C.

Booths are 10’ x 10’

Please select the booth area you wish to reserve: q Single booth w/electricity, one exhibitor $ 575.00 q One technical session $ 200.00

Extra Exhibitors: q Trade show only $ 100.00 q Trade show and convention $ 295.00

All prices are subject to 5% GST – Exhibitors will be invoiced – GST #86818 2668

Company:______Address:______City:______Postal Code:______Telephone:______Fax:______Contact Person:______Signature:______Date:______

For more information contact Lesley at (818) 487-5397 TF or email [email protected]

Convention Hotel – Capri Convention Centre, FAX your form to: 1171 Harvey Avenue (780) 486-7414 Kelowna, BC V1Y 6E8 Room Reservations Line: (250) 860-6060 or (ask for WCOWMA room rates)

Mail to: Please charge my Exhibitor Registration to my credit card.

18303 - 60th Avenue q VISA (or) q MASTERCARD Edmonton, AB T6M 1T7 Charge to:______Card #:______Attention: Convention Expiry Date:______Committee Cardholder’s Name (PLEASE PRINT):______Cardholder’s Signature:______!

48 Onsite Informer Premier Issue ! Pumps and Controls Workshop Registration Form

A pumps and controls workshop will be held for those interested in incfreasing their knowledge level of these technologies.

Locations and Dates: Vernon Saskatoon Edmonton Winnipeg (Please circle) Feb 1, 2010 Feb 2, 2010 Feb 4, 2010 Feb 5, 2010 Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Training Fee: WCOWMA members: $150.00 Non-members: $225.00 Instructor: Bill Corey Space is limited so save your spot now.

Name of Registrant:______Address:______City:______Postal Code:______Telephone:______Fax:______Cell:______Email:______

I would like my Training fees to be charged to my credit card:

q VISA (or) q MASTERCARD Charge to:______Card #:______Expiry Date:______Cardholder’s Name (PLEASE PRINT):______Cardholder’s Signature:______

If paying by cheque or cash, please bring training fee with you to FAX your form to: the training session. (780) 486-7414

or

Mail to: The one-day workshop will cover: • Pump operations: basic hydraulics including SSE terms, water 18303 - 60th Avenue movement, pipe sizing and cavitation. • Types of SSE pumps: where to use which one and how do they Edmonton, AB T6M 1T7 differ. • Panels and containers: how they work and what they are for. Attention: Convention • Fields and systems: what the different types of systems are. Committee • Sizing: selecting the correct pump the first time reduces call backs. !

The official publication of the Western Canadian Onsite Wastewater Management Association 49