The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association
Summer 2020
Lakeshore Field Work in Naramata Worst Stories of 2019 Bidding Tips Septic Tank Sizing Notes from the Field
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The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association
CONTENTS
Summer 2020
Printed for:
WCOWMA
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© 2020 Western Canada Onsite
Wastewater Management Association
(WCOWMA) All rights reserved. Contents
may not be reproduced by any means, in
whole or in part, without the prior
written consent of the publisher.
Message From WCOWMA 3
What’s Happening in Western Canada 4
BEAST Technology 7
Worst Stories of 2019 8
Tips for Your Bid 10
Septic Tank Sizing 12
Shoreline Study Fieldwork Starting in the Naramata Community
16
WCOWMA Supplies 19
Upcoming Events 18
Sewage Poses Potential COVID-19 Transmission Risk
20
COVID-19 Update From WCOWMA 22
The Safety Corner 24
Tips To Avoid Heat Exhaustion 25
Association Representation with Other Agencies
25
Membership 26
Training 28
Information For Your Customers 30
Stay in Touch 33
Inside this issue:
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 2
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The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 3
A Message from WCOWMA
These are pretty interesting times we are living in!
The past few months have seen a complete change in how we all operate in the business world. In-person meetings have moved to online
meetings. Classroom training has moved to the virtual classroom. If you do manage to hold an in-person meeting or training session, it
involves mechanisms and processes for physical distancing, disinfection, and face masks. Attendance is limited as is social interaction.
While that has certainly created some challenges, there were some positive outcomes from forced self-isolation. Companies discovered that
staff could be just as productive from their home office. This may provide for cost savings if larger companies don’t require as much real
estate to function. It also means fewer vehicles on the road, thus decreasing rush hour stress and wear and tear on the highway system.
Reduced air pollution has certainly been a positive outcome.
On the home front, in many instances, families spent more quality time together and revisited what some might consider to be old-fashioned
pursuits, such as puzzle building, playing games, and learning to cook or bake. The old saying holds true: every cloud has a silver lining.
In the onsite wastewater world, it appears that while it may not be as hectic with a slower start to the spring installation season, people still
need the services our industry provides. Contractors across Western Canada tell me they have steady work, which is heartening when you
look at the current unemployment statistics.
With more people staying home, the strain on their septic systems is increased, leading to more service calls for pumpers and maintenance
providers, and to more system repairs and replacements for installers. The onsite wastewater industry provides essential services to protect
public health and the environment so we have an important role to play in ensuring our customers have the reliable functioning systems they
depend on.
Lesley Desjardins
Executive Director
Connect with WCOWMA
www.wcowma.com is your access point to the association and all its activities. The website gives visitors instant access to
training information, upcoming news and events, WCOWMA membership benefits, and other industry resources.
In addition, the website provides easy access to professional installers in each of the four Western provinces. This ensures
that when homeowners are looking for qualified companies to do their work, they’ll find everything they need to know on
the website. The “locate a pro” feature allows homeowners to choose their province, and then further narrow down their
choices to sub-categories such as installers, designers, maintenance providers, pumpers, and inspectors. From there,
homeowners can choose their specific location and then they are taken to a page listing of all the WCOWMA members
offering the services required.
Becoming a WCOWMA member ensures that your name and contact information is at the fingertips of those homeowners
who need your services. Join the 1250+ onsite wastewater professionals in this handy online go-to guide.
For more reasons to join, please contact WCOWMA directly or visit www.wcowma.com
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 4
It’s A New World Out There!
The provincial associations, like everyone else, are learning
to adapt to the new way of doing business. We have been
on a steep learning curve with the development of
webinars, virtual platforms, and safety plans, to better
service our members. These virtual classrooms allow for
interaction between the students and the trainers, which
helps to create a real classroom dynamic.
Septic Awareness Week
WCOWMA is once again spearheading and promoting
Septic Awareness Week from September 14 – 18, 2020.
The purpose of this initiative is to promote proper
operation and maintenance of onsite wastewater systems.
Each province will offer webinars on proper operation and
maintenance of septic systems for homeowners, as well as
a social media and print advertising campaign on Tips and
Tricks to ensure the functionality and longevity of septic
systems through proper operation and maintenance
practices.
In British Columbia, WCOWMA-BC has partnered with the
Capital Regional District (CRD) to expand and deliver Septic
Awareness week messaging by inviting the other Regional
Districts on Vancouver Island and mainland BC to join the
Septic Awareness campaign. Two meetings have been held
to plan the Septic Awareness week campaign, with
participants from Capital Regional District (CRD), Regional
District of Nanaimo (RDN), Vancouver Island Health
Authority (VIHA), Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Applied
Science Technicians and Technologists of BC (ASTTBC). This
collaborative effort ensures that the messaging regarding
proper maintenance protocols for septic systems will
continue to grow over time.
Join us in asking your customers, regulatory authorities and
municipal representatives – Do you have Septic Sense?
Contact the association office for materials to hand out to
your customers! We can be reached at [email protected]
British Columbia
Professional Governance Act Being
Implemented in BC
In June 2018, it was determined that the protection of the
public interest is paramount. With that in mind, the
Professional Governance Act (PGA) was developed. In July
2019, the Office of the Superintendent of Professional
Governance (OSPG) was established.
The five regulatory bodies that provide oversight of
communities of professionals and technicians were
required to develop and submit bylaws for their
organizations to the OSPG by July 2020. Those regulatory
bodies are: the Applied Science Technologists and
Technicians of BC (ASTTBC), the Association of BC Forest
Professionals (ABCFP), the BC College of Applied Biology
(BC-CAB), the British Columbia Institute of Agrologists
(BCIA), and the Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC).
In November 2020, all other Acts are repealed, and the PGA
comes into full force.
The significant changes to functioning under the new PGA
Act are as follows:
• Regulators are not industry associations or
advocates of the profession.
• Regulators are subject to audit by OSPG.
• Consistency in the composition of governing
councils. Each governing council will have seven
registrants, four lay people and the Past President
for twelve council members in total.
• There will be five statutory committees:
1. The Credentials Committee will set education
standards, training and work experience for
certification / registration.
2. The Audit and Practice Review Committee
will audit registrant conduct, competence,
and Continuing Professional Development
(CPD).
3. The Investigations Committee will investigate
complaints.
4. The Discipline Committee will be established
to adjudicate complaints.
5. A Nominating Committee will be formed for
Council elections.
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 5
How does this impact the ROWP community?
The directory of registrants accessible to the public on
ASTTBC’s ROWP Finder will show the registration category
and current status of ROWPs. Even deceased or retired
ROWPs must remain listed for a significant period of time.
The registration categories are: Trainee; Practicing; Retired;
Cancelled; Resigned; Suspended; Deceased.
If a ROWP wishes to have their contact information
available to the public on the ROWP Finder, they must enter
that information themselves in their personal profile, it will
not be automatically uploaded.
Continuing Professional Development activity is monitored
and must be entered by the ROWP in their personal profile.
The Practice and Assessment Reviews (PAR) policies,
procedures, and standards have been enhanced.
Maintenance Provider Training
WCOWMA-BC hosted a Virtual Training Maintenance
Provider program with attendees from BC, Alberta and
Saskatchewan. The trainers worked hard to learn the
processes and it paid off with a very smooth launch of the
online training program.
Onsite Practitioner Training
WCOWMA-BC concluded a virtual session of the Onsite
Wastewater Training Program in June. This program is
intense in the physical classroom, and it is no less so in the
virtual realm. The trainers and trainees rose to the occasion
and curriculum was enhanced with more graphics and visual
learning aids to help deliver the messaging.
Convention
Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19
pandemic, the 2020 Convention and Trade Show went very
well. One hundred seventy-eight people attended the event
over the course of the three days and despite losing a few
booths due to the uncertain situation regarding gatherings,
the vendors who held displays put on another great trade
show. The convention program was well developed, and the
entertainment was really enjoyable. Convention
proceedings are still available for download on the website.
Board members and administrative staff are currently
discussing the best course of action for the 2021
Convention & Trade Show. More details will be announced
soon.
Alberta
New Standard of Practice for Alberta
The Alberta onsite wastewater industry undergoes a code
cycle change every five years. What that means is that the
Standard of Practice goes under review on a regular basis
and any changes that may be made are published on a five-
year cycle. This year is the five-year code cycle for private
sewage.
The Private Sewage Working Group has been reviewing the
2015 Standard of Practice for the past couple of years.
Suggestions from practitioners and others are reviewed for
potential inclusion in the Standard as are new technologies
and information from emerging science.
The current goal is to release the 2020 Standard of Practice
at the end of this year. Once the new Standard is replaced
it automatically comes into effect on its twelve-month
anniversary, unless it is adopted sooner through legislation.
During that twelve-month window, practitioners will be
asked to engage in a Standard of Practice update training
course to ensure that they are aware of the changes to the
Standard and are ready to implement them in the design
and installation process.
Onsite Practitioner Training
The AOWMA has delivered one virtual training session and
is planning next steps for future training sessions. The
trainers in Alberta worked hard to learn the programming
and delivery to ensure that virtual training is just as
effective as physical training.
Site & Soils Field Training
The AOWMA hosted three Site and Soils Field Training
events utilizing social distancing. Events were held in Fort
McMurray, Okotoks, and Stony Plain. Participants were
urged to wear face masks and test pits were excavated in
such a way as to allow 2 meters of separation between
students in the test pits.
All-in-all the training went well, and students were able to
gain the needed experience assessing soils that is required
by their certification training.
Thank you to the following association members for
providing test sites: Nick Cuglietta , Fort McMurray; Jesse
Berry, Okotoks; Jessica Lecocq, Stony Plain.
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 6
Continuing Education
Work continues on the development of the Continuing
Education Program for Onsite Wastewater Practitioners.
The AOWMA met recently with representatives from
Alberta Municipal Affairs, Safety Services Division, to review
and discuss the framework as developed to-date.
Onsite Wastewater Practitioners have been required to
update their knowledge of the Standard of Practice every
five years upon code cycle changes and will continue to do
so. This continuing education with regards to the regulatory
framework will be enhanced with additional continuing
education opportunities that are being made available
through workshops, lunch and learn sessions, webinars,
conferences and other mediums to ensure practitioners
have every opportunity to increase their understanding of
the underlying science and technology utilized in onsite
wastewater system design, installation and maintenance.
Saskatchewan
Annual General Meeting and Education Days
SOWMA was unable to host their annual series of Education
Days as well as their Annual General Meeting in April this
year due to the coronavirus pandemic, which caused
meeting and travel restrictions throughout the province.
Recognizing the constraints regarding meetings, the
government has extended the deadline for AGMs to take
place.
The business of the association must be managed, and
elections need to occur, therefore the AGM will be held
prior to the end of September, either virtually or in-person.
More details will be sent to members in the upcoming
weeks. Please contact the association office for further
information.
Onsite Practitioner Training
SOWMA delivered one Onsite Wastewater Practitioner
Training Program earlier this year in Regina and is now
planning for a winter session. The winter session may be
delivered in a virtual classroom rather than in-person
depending on what restrictions may remain this winter with
regards to the coronavirus. Another option is to have a
classroom training session with virtual access for remote
students.
Those wishing to participate in SOWMA training should
contact the office and get on the waitlist. Students will be
notified of training dates as soon as they become available.
Manitoba
Annual General Meeting
MOWMA/OWSIM’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and
Education Day scheduled for April had to be cancelled due
to the coronavirus pandemic restrictions for meetings and
travel. Most jurisdictions are making allowances for Annual
Reports due to the inability to host annual general meetings.
If restrictions and requirements for self-isolation and
quarantining are loosened in the next few weeks, it will
allow the Board of Directors to set a date for the AGM, likely
in September. This meeting may take place in a virtual
format due to the installation season being in full swing for
the next few months.
As the Board develops a process for hosting the AGM,
members are asked to consider running for a position on the
Board of Directors. Any member interested in a Board
position, should contact the office.
Soils Curriculum Being Developed for Manitoba
The Association has been working with government
representatives on a soil curriculum for Manitoba
contractors. The curriculum is based on a four-day training
platform and will be comprised of both classroom and field
training.
Training outcomes will include identification of key soil
characteristics that impact the treatment of effluent and
movement of water through the soil. The goal is to
complete the curriculum for initial delivery later this year.
2020 Convention Proceedings Available
We have once again made copies of the presentations
from our conventions available for download.
If you couldn’t make it to one of the shows, or you
attended but want a refresher on one of the great
presentations delivered by our panel of speakers, visit our
websites now and download a presentation you can
review in the comfort of your own home.
The AOWMA convention proceedings can be found here:
https://www.aowma.com/2020-convention-proceedings/
The WCOWMA-BC convention proceedings can be found
here: https://www.wcowma-bc.com/2020-convention-
proceedings/
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 7
The National Research Council Canada is developing a new
technology called BioElectrochemical Anaerobic Sewage
Treatment (BEAST). The intent is to develop improved
techniques for sewage treatment operations in challenging
northern conditions.
Pilot testing of the BEAST system is being conducted in a variety of conditions and geographical locations, including Grande Prairie, AB. The 24 cubic metre system in Alberta is the first phase in a larger community sewage treatment plan. So far, the tests have achieved high waste removal in temperatures as low as 5 degrees Celsius.
Other testing sites include:
• Montreal, QC
• Cambridge Bay, NU
• Alaska
• Greenland
It is hoped the BEAST technology will be able to treat sewage in many of Nunavut’s smaller communities, which have been treating wastewater in lagoons that eventually drain into the ocean. Tougher federal discharge standards have come into force in recent years, but Nunavut has been exempt, so far.
Anne Barker, Arctic program leader at the National Research Council, says one use for the BEAST would be to deploy a unit to a Nunavut community with an overloaded sewage lagoon, to help reduce its sludge output.
For those interested in more of the science behind the system the paper titled “Bioelectrochemical anaerobic sewage treatment technology for Arctic communities” was published in the 25th issue of Environmental Science and Pollution Research in January 2017.
NRC Canada Developing Improved Techniques for
Sewage Treatment in Arctic Conditions
By WCOWMA Staff
This 240-litre version of the National Research Council’s Bioelectrochemical Anaerobic Sewage Treatment—or BEAST—reactor is being tested in Grande Prairie, Alberta, by Canada’s National Research Council. (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL)
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 8
We were called to see why sewage was backing up into the
far end bathroom of this house and not making it to the septic
tank, so being in the area we told them we could be there in a
few minutes to do a first visual check of things. After opening
the septic tank right away we could tell that there is a lot of
undigested food in the tank and lots of scaling grease, so we
called a reliable pumper truck to make an appointment for
pumping the tank and they were able to pump it the next
morning. So, pumping the tank we can see at least 3 feet of
solids as a crust which is full of undigested food and grease.
After pressurizing the tank side wall and removing an old
ladder out of the bottom of the tank we proceeded to use our
pressure washer with the pipe cleaning end to clean the
sewer pipe from tank to house. We got a good 40 feet
cleaned out bringing back again undigested food, fats and
solids. We still could not get water to flow from the far end of
house bathroom, so we went into the crawl space and
decided to check things out and we found multiple dips in the
sewer pipe. We fixed them, then we found a Fernco coupler
that was in the middle of the line and started to correct that.
We just touched it and it broke open releasing over 30 gallons
of again undigested food, fats and solids. Fortunately we had
placed 6 mm poly down before we started so the mess was
kept to a minimum, but unfortunately when it came out we
got sprayed so bad we had to take our clothes off before
exiting the crawl space. We got the line flowing again but it
was a messy one.
Submitted by Sylvain (Butch) Bouchard
SOS Sewage Onsite & Excavating
Lee Creek, BC
In my younger years I worked as an Administrator with only a
foreman and myself. Sometimes he’d ask me to come and
help in the field if he needed me to run for parts or
something. One day, there was a sewer line break. While he
was down in the hole working, he asked me to take the truck
to the shop and bring him some parts and tools. I usually had
no idea what he really needed but I did my best! Of course, I
brought him the wrong things. As he opened his mouth to
“give me hell” (not really but we joked around a lot) the
sewer line cracked and he got a mouthful of sewer. I was
laughing and gagging and laughing and gagging. I don’t think
he thought it was that funny but I sure did! That’ll teach him
to yell at someone who was just trying to help!!!
Submitted by Deanne Robblee
Leask, SK
This a picture from a job I have done for the Frontier Mall in
North Battleford, SK. I had to go in a septic tank to replace a
flange. The problem was I could not shut the water off. So,
the whole time in the tank effluent was pouring in. I tried my
best not to get any on me but as you can see, I was not
successful. We had the vac truck there to help out with clean
up.
Submitted by Dustin Dmytryshyn
Anderson Pump House
Battleford, SK
Worst Stories of 2019
This collection of stories from 2019 showcases some of the worst jobs our members completed.
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 9
I was helping on a site, we were removing a
failed dispersal field. The excavators bucket
grabbed the 1 1\2" pipe and began pulling it up
and back trying to rip it out of the ground.
We watched as the pipe bowed back, and before
we knew it the pipe had broken......which
resulted in the opposite section of pipe
snapping back towards us, slingshotting the
contents of the pipe directly at us. There was a
cacophony of meaty thumps as we got covered
in goop. On a lighter note, the excavator
operator thought it was pretty funny.
Submitted by Kathy White
BioHarmony Inc.
Vernon, BC
After many years of marriage, my wife and I have
worked out the division of labor. I work on sewer
and she shops. So when I had a simple
maintenance job close to her shopping territory
it seemed like a no brainer to team up and get
both things done all at once. An hour to the site,
unloaded the tools and she was off to do her
thing in the town close by. Two hours later she
would return and we would head home……..easy
peezy.
The system was pressure with an index valve and
4 zones. It had been giving me trouble so it took
a while to test things and to figure out what was
wrong. I turned the system on and off to test
each zone and everything seemed in good
working order. The two hours was almost up when I
discovered a wet patch at the end off zone 1. I dug down
beside a clean out about 3 feet deep. Of course the
diameter of the hole got smaller and smaller as I dug deeper
and deeper. Finally I spotted the white pressure pipe that
had dislocated from the clean out vertical. It had only
partially come loose and was pointing straight up.
At that point my wife drove up to the parking area which
was close to the control panel so before I leaned deep into
the hole, face first, to work on the pipe I shouted for her to
flip the breaker switch. After she had flipped the switch I
immediately got down close to the separated pipe to see
what I needed to do. My memory is generally good but as I
briefly saw the stream of dark black effluent shooting
towards my face I realized I had already flipped the switch
to “off”.
The moral of this story is, “Next time go shopping”.
Submitted by Munroe Hunsicker
Fairmont Construction Ltd.
Invermere, BC
To have your story featured on our Facebook page, send
your story to [email protected] and be sure to use
the subject line “Worst Story 2020.”
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 10
I can tell already that when it comes to bid writing at this
time of year, the anxiety goes up as soon as you see the
documents. Over the years we have also written over 200
bids and RFP’s (requests for proposals) and like you- some
were successful and some not!
The bidder and the bid procurer do a delicate dance of
“what do you want?” and “what am I reading?” It is not
easy. With times a bit tougher due to COVID, there will be
more scrutiny of your submissions, not only with pricing but
in how you can deliver, how innovative you are, and what
value do you add that doesn’t cost the procurer any extra
money. Having said that here are some tips for you to use
so that you can take full advantage of your “genius at
bidding” and not be bogged down wondering how to get
started.
Tip One – Highlight What the Bid Wants You To Do!
Grab your highlighter and highlight how they want you to
structure the bid. If they have a table of contents for you to
follow, follow it to the letter. If they have sections, they
want you to follow, make sure your bid sections say the
exact same thing as they prescribe in the bid. It they want
you to start numbering at 4.0, do not start at 1.0! If they
want only two pages on a certain topic, do not go over that
number.
Tip Two – They Ask You Your Understanding of Their
Project
This is a particularly important section and most contractors
just re-copy the scope section that the bid has written. Do
not do that! The procurer wants your understanding of
what they want you to do. If you are an experienced
contractor, you know your job and have probably done
many of the tasks required in the bid. Show what you can
do and why you will do it.
Tip Three – They Want Proof of Your Resume and
Body of Work
Many contractors just list what they have done and then
put a few references at the end. In this section lay out the
projects you have done, add a picture, put in the cost of the
bid project and any serious problems you solved. For your
references, describe what the reference will attest to for
the project and then let the reference know what you have
written. There is no worse feeling than a surprised
reference.
Tip Four – Cost
Let’s be honest, we are all in business to make money. It’s
how much money you want to make is the key. Make sure
you research the project you are bidding on and ask
questions of the procurement department (they tell you
how in their bid) so that you are covered. There are always
surprises on a job but change orders and cost overruns are
being seriously scrutinized and word travels fast if you
aren’t tight on your costs and efficiencies.
Tip Five – Value Added
The purchaser wants to know what you will provide for
them that is “on you”. Your knowledge and experience and
ability to troubleshoot within the budget you have set is
one thing, but they want you to go over and above,
reasonably. Some value-added things can be finishing up
your project with seeding or sod, fencing (small portion of
course), painting something, a nicely developed report on
the project for them and if you’re working for a
municipality design a report for Council. Uniforms and
clearly identified staff are also impressive and of course
buying a business license is especially important. We do it
all the time. Oh and no excessive down time as the tax
payers are watching!
These are just a few of the tips to make bidding easier and
you more competitive. Bidding and RFP responses take
time, effort, creativity and showcase your experience and
company. We have been refining our techniques for years
and believe me, there will never be a time where you don’t
tweak what you submit.
Donna Tona is VP and Co-Founder of
Werkz Inc. based in Leduc Alberta.
Municipal, Government/Industry
consulting for 27 years.
Tips for Your Bid:
It’s Not About Just Filling in the Blanks! By Donna Tona, WERZ Inc.
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 11
VAN ISLE FULL PAGE ADD TO
BE PLACED HERE
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 12
An appropriately sized septic tank reduces the contaminant load on the soil treatment system and helps to control quantity and
timing of effluent flow to final treatment. To do so, the raw wastewater needs to spend time in the working chamber of the
tank. This is called the hydraulic retention time and is most often required to be at least one day.
As we saw in an article in the previous magazine issue, the design flow can be different for similar facilities in different
provinces. If the flows can be different and the flow is related to the hydraulic residence time, are the working compartment
size requirements across western Canada also different?
1.0 Comparison
1.1 British Columbia
In British Columbia, the working capacity of a septic tank varies first with the type of system proposed and second with the
volume of wastewater expected to be treated.
For zero discharge lagoons, the working capacity of a septic tank is at least two times daily design flow.
For most soil-based treatment systems for typical residential buildings, the working capacity of a septic tank is at least three
times daily design flow.
For example, a three-bedroom house that is less than 3,012 ft2 would have a minimum daily design flow of 286 imperial gallons.
Therefore, a septic tank working capacity would be 858 imperial gallons (3x286 imperial gallons).
British Columbia also allows an alternative means of determining the daily design flow that is intended for luxury homes. The
alternative approach results in a similar working capacity requirement.
1.2 Alberta
In Alberta, the working capacity of a septic tank is calculated based on hydraulics and storage capacity with a comparison to a
prescriptive minimum number.
For all systems, the working volume for a septic tank is one times the daily peak wastewater volume and an allowance for
sludge and scum storage. Sludge and scum storage is 88 Imperial gallons per design occupant.
For example, a three-bedroom house without any additional water uses would have a daily design flow of 337.5 imperial
gallons. The sludge and scum storage amount is 396 gallons (4.5
occupants x 88 imperial gallons/occupant). Therefore, a septic tank
working capacity would be calculated as 733.5 gallons. However,
the prescriptive minimum is 740 imperial gallons for a 3-bedroom
house, which makes the design septic tank 740 imperial gallons.
1.3 Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan, the working capacity of a septic tank is
calculated based on hydraulics and storage capacity with a
comparison to a prescriptive minimum number. The
considerations and calculations are identical to those found in
Alberta.
Septic Tank Sizing
By Chris Seeley, P Eng, Western Water Solutions
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 13
For example, a three-bedroom house without any
additional water uses would have a septic tank
working capacity calculated as 733.5 gallons.
However, the prescriptive minimum is 740
imperial gallons for a 3-bedroom house, which
makes the design septic tank 740 imperial gallons.
1.4 Manitoba
In Manitoba, the working capacity of a septic tank
is calculated based on hydraulics with a
comparison to a prescriptive minimum number.
For all residential systems, the working
compartment of a septic tank must be 140% of
the average daily flow or 500 imperial gallons,
whichever is greater.
For example, a three-bedroom house without any additional water uses would have an average daily design flow of 330
imperial gallons. Therefore, a septic tank working capacity would be calculated as 330 gallons. However, the prescriptive
minimum is 500 imperial gallons for a 3-bedroom house, which makes the design septic tank 500 imperial gallons.
1.5 Other Jurisdictions
Several other jurisdictions were reviewed in developing this article. In all cases, the septic tank size was related to the number
of bedrooms which in turn was related to the design flow used for the system. For those systems reviewed, the following was
noted:
Minnesota: The working capacity of a residential septic tank is based on the number of bedrooms.
Ontario: The working capacity of a residential septic tank is twice the design sanitary sewage flow.
New Brunswick: The working capacity of a residential septic tank is based on the design flow of the system using a table.
Canadian Standards Association Standard B65-12 “Installation Code for Decentralized Wastewater Systems”: The working
capacity of a residential septic tank is equal to the average daily design flow based on 2 people per bedroom plus an
allowance for sludge and scum.
1.6 Summary of Septic Tank Working Compartment Tank Sizes
The minimum required working compartment volume is show in the table below for western Canadian and select other
jurisdictions. This table is based on a set of assumptions for comparison purposes and should not be used to size a septic tank.
Bedrooms Minimum Working Chamber Septic Tank Size (imperial gallons)
BC BC Alter-nate
Ab SK Mb Ontario New Bruns-wick
CSA Minnesota
2 660 693 740 740 500 792 750 537 832
3 858 866 740 740 500 792 750 792 832
4 1056 1039 978 978 616 880 900 1021 1247
5 1254 1270 1223 1223 770 1100 900 1276 1247
6 1452 1501 1467 1467 910 1320 1350 1531 1663
Table 1 - Minimum Working Chamber Size
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 14
2.0 Analysis
During its use, a septic tank will begin to fill with sludge and scum. The 95-percentile rate of sludge and scum accumulation as
published by the Provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan is 30 Imperial gallons per person per year. Given the assumption of 1.5
people per bedroom (except two bedroom homes that are assumed to have two people per bedroom) and the published
accumulation rate, the table below describes the number of years until the minimum sized working chamber of a septic tank is
filled with sludge and scum.
The above table is only for illustration purposes. A tank should never be left until it is completely full of sludge and scum.
Further, there are other processes in the tank both hydraulic and biological that will help to reduce the accumulations. There
are also other factors that may result in it filling faster than expected. However, the example shows that unmaintained, a tank
will eventually lose its ability to treat incoming raw wastewater due to the loss of hydraulic residence time. Therefore, it is
important to have a septic tank pumped periodically.
3.0 Conclusions
First, understand that none of the information presented here can be used in designing your specific onsite wastewater
treatment system. First, each system is unique and should be examined by a knowledgeable individual to the appropriate septic
tank size. Second, the above describes minimum requirements for average conditions. Things like pools or home businesses
may significantly change the flow rates and therefore tank sizes. Lastly, this work only describes the working capacity
requirements. Total tank volume includes working capacity and dose capacity and is influenced by the type of system controls
and the soil characteristics.
Specific to the comparison between jurisdictions,
Table 1 shows that the working compartment
sizes are remarkably similar across most
jurisdictions. However, the calculation to
determine that size can be quite different. Septic
tank working capacities are based on specific
requirements in each jurisdiction such as the
design flows, number of bedrooms, floor area,
system type and other factors. Table 1 shows the
simplest case. In more complicated scenarios,
modifiers, like those applied to design flows
based on high flow fixtures or floor area, can
result in working capacity sizes that are very
different across jurisdictions. Designers should be
aware of the way septic tank sizes are calculated
and be prepared to apply different calculations as
required.
Years until working capacity completely full using full occupancy and 95% percentile sludge and scum rates
Bedrooms SK MB AB BC BC Alt CSA Ontario New Brunswick
2 6.2 4.2 6.2 5.5 5.8 4.5 6.6 6.3
3 5.5 3.7 5.5 6.4 6.4 5.9 5.9 5.6
4 5.4 3.4 5.4 5.9 5.8 5.7 4.9 5.0
5 5.4 3.4 5.4 5.6 5.6 5.7 4.9 4.0
6 5.4 3.4 5.4 5.4 5.6 5.7 4.9 5.0
Table 2 - Years Until Filled
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 15
Lastly, the rationale for
the design of onsite
wastewater treatment
systems is that they are
designed and
constructed for the
facility that is being
served. If this is the
case, then the system
must be sized to
appropriately handle
sludge and scum during
periods of occupancy
assumed for the home.
While all jurisdictions
did not explicitly state
this, the resulting tank
sizes all will have some tank volume that can accommodate sludge and scum storage and help to maintain the hydraulic
residence time. However, the working chamber needs to be pumped out on a regular schedule that is determined based on site
specific factors.
4.0 References
• Canadian Standards Association. 2012. Installation Code for Decentralized Wastewater Systems.
• Health Protection Branch. British Columbia Ministry of Health. 2014. Sewerage System Standard Practice Manual Version 3.
• Safety Codes Council. 2015. Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice 2015.
• Saskatchewan Ministry of Health. 2018. Saskatchewan Onsite Wastewater Disposal Guide Third Edition.
• Manitoba Sustainable Development. Onsite Wastewater Management System Program website. Accessed from http://
www.gov.mb.ca/sd/envprograms/wastewater/ on August 5, 2017.
• Ontario Building Code. Building Code Online website. Accessed from http://www.buildingcode.online/1162.html on May 31,
2020.
• New Brunswick Department of Public Safety. 2020.
New Brunswick Technical Guidelines for On-site
Sewage Disposal Systems Version 6. Accessed https://
www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/ps-sp/
pdf/Safety_Protection/Sewage-Disposal-Technical-
Guidelines.pdf on May 31, 2020.
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Individual
Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems. Accessed from
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/pdf/7080/2016-10-
31%2010:51:56+00:00 on May 31, 2020.
• Loudon, T.L., T.R. Bounds, J.C. Converse, T. Konsler and
C. Rock. 2005. Septic Tanks Text in (D.L. Lindbo and
N.E. Deal eds.) Model Decentralized Wastewater
Practitioner Curriculum. National Decentralized Water
Resources Capacity Development Project. North
Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 16
In April 2020, the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) Water Conservation and Quality Improvement Grant Program approved funding for a study to examine the impact of onsite wastewater systems, also called septic systems, on the Okanagan Lake shoreline in the community of Naramata. This work will be completed as part of the data collection to be used in the upcoming Liquid Waste Management Plan (LWMP) for the community. The LWMP is anticipated to begin in early summer 2020. The shoreline study field work is now beginning. Work will include selecting locations along the shoreline and then taking water samples from the ground just before entering the lake. The samples will be taken from the shore in the area
where the groundwater and surface water start to mix. The samples will be analysed for various parameters that could indicate an impact is present from the nearby septic systems. Observations at the different locations will also be made for indications of any algae or other impacts to fish spawning areas. A representative from Caulwell Engineering Geoscience will be starting the field data collection within the next week. Three rounds of testing are anticipated for this study in 2020. The first round of samples will include areas all around the shoreline of the village. Based on the results of the first round of testing, the second round of sampling will focus on areas that showed higher concentrations of the indicators, such as chloride, nitrate or pathogenic bacteria.
For the sample collection, Caulwell field staff will be accessing the shoreline through public access points in the village. The testing will be carried out within a couple metres from the edge of the water. If you would like to ensure a testing area is included in front of
your residence, or if you have concerns with the planned shoreline testing, please contact Liisa Bloomfield, Manager of Engineering with the Regional District.
Shoreline Study Fieldwork Starting in the
Naramata Community
Images of Naramata shoreline courtesy of
Bryer Manwell, Caulwell Engineering
Geoscience.
By the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 17
Did you know you can purchase a variety of supplies from your provincial association? We have homeowner manuals, Munsell charts, Alberta Standard of Practice Manuals, BC Standard of Practice Manual V3, and soils kits. Contact your association office, or purchase them online. Soils kits include: Munsell Soil Colour Chart; Field Book for Classifying Soils; Clip Board; Tape measure; 9-in one tool; 2 felt markers; 4 bags to collect soil; Golf tees; Small bottle of Hydrochloric Acid 10%; Hand wipes; Rain Poncho; Effluent Soil Loading Rate chart; Soils Terminology Glossary; PSDS Site Evaluation and Design Worksheet Package; Laminated –Canadian System of Soil Classification; 11 steps for-Sample Soil Test Pit and Bore Hole Methodology; Call before you dig brochure; Sample Permit application; Homeowner/Site Information Form; Safe Work Form; Site Assessment Form (HO107-02/107-03/107-04/107-05); Down-to-Earth Labs form; 5 each of the different soil log forms
Shop WCOWMA Supplies
AOWMA Store: https://www.aowma.com/resources/supplies/ WCOWMA-BC Store: https://store.wcowma-bc.com/#supplies MOWMA Store: https://www.mowma.org/resources/supplies/ SOWMA Store: https://www.sowma.ca/resources/supplies/
By WCOWMA Staff
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 18
Upcoming Events
September 14-18, 2020 Septic Awareness Week Where: Online Organization: Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management About: The Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association and is affiliates will be promoting septic awareness during the week of September 14 to 18. The purpose of this initiative is to promote proper operation and maintenance of onsite wastewater systems. Notices will be put up on our websites and in local newspapers about the importance of maintaining septic systems along with tips for operation. In some regions of Western Canada, delivery of our Septic Sense program will take place during that week. Join us in asking your customers, regulatory authorities and municipal representatives – Do you have Septic Sense? Contact the association office for materials to hand out to your customers!
October 21, 2020 Imagine a Day Without Water Where: Online Organization: Value of Water Campaign About: No water to drink, or even to make coffee with. No water to shower, flush the toilet, or do laundry. Hospitals would close without water. Firefighters couldn’t put out fires and farmers couldn’t water their crops. Some communities in America already know how impossible it is to try to go a day without our most precious resource: Water. But many Americans take water for granted every day. Imagine a Day Without Water 2020 is the sixth annual day to raise awareness and educate America about the value of water. Website: http://imagineadaywithoutwater.org/
October 25-28, 2020 NOWRA Mega-Conference Where: Hampton, Virginia Organization: NOWRA/NAWT About: Hosted by NOWRA, VOWRA, SORA & NAWT, this mega conference features multiple concurrent sessions on technology, research, policy and management. Website: http://www.nowra.org/
November 19, 2020 World Toilet Day Where: Online Organization: UN Water About: World Toilet Day intends to raise awareness of sanitation issues – including hygiene promotion, the provision of basic sanitation services, and sewerage and wastewater treatment and reuse in the context of integrated water management – and make a case for sanitation for all. Website: https://www.worldtoiletday.info/
Stay in-touch on industry news, learn about our latest training
sessions, and check out photos of some of our events all on our
Facebook pages.
https://www.facebook.com/wcowmabc/
https://www.facebook.com/AOWMAOnline
https://www.facebook.com/
SaskatchewanOnsiteWastewaterManagementAssociation/
https://www.facebook.com/ManitobaOnsite/
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 19
Upcoming Events
January 29-30, 2021 Septic Con Where: Tacoma, WA Organization: Value of Water Campaign About: SEPTIC-CON is the Western United States’ largest trade show and conference for the On-Site Septic Construction, Installation, Operations & Maintenance, Pumper and Design industries. With over 65 exhibitors, and more than 40 educational seminars, SEPTIC-CON attracts over 700 attendees annually and consumes the entire Greater Tacoma Convention Center for two full days. Website: https://septiccon.org/
February 9-11, 2021 AOWMA Convention & Trade Show Where: Red Deer, AB Organization: Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association About: This year’s theme is: Into the Future: Embracing Change. Website: https://www.aowma.com/convention-and-trade-show-information/
February 22-25, 2021 WWETT Show Where: Indiana Convention Centre, Indianapolis, IN Organization: Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport About: The WWETT Show – Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport Show – is the world’s largest annual trade show for wastewater and environmental service professionals. The event offers an unmatched educational program, a full slate of live demos, an array of networking opportunities, and an extensive expo floor where buyers and sellers come together to see and experience the latest product innovations and technology. Website: https://www.wwettshow.com/
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 20
Environmental biologists at the University of Stirling have
warned that the potential spread of COVID-19 via sewage
“must not be neglected” in the battle to protect human
health.
The response to the global pandemic has focused on
preventing person-to-person transmission. However,
environmental biologists at the University of Stirling now
believe the virus could also be spread though wastewater.
A new paper in the journal Environment International
warned that the sewage system itself could pose a
transmission risk. The authors of the study are calling for
“an investment of resources” to investigate their concerns.
“We know that COVID-19 is spread through droplets from
coughs and sneezes, or via objects or materials that carry
infection,” said Richard Quilliam, who is currently leading a
£1.85 million study into the transport of bacteria and
viruses in marine environments. “However, it has recently
been confirmed that the virus can also be found in human
faeces—up to 33 days after the patient has tested negative
for the respiratory symptoms of COVID-19.
“It is not yet known whether the virus can be transmitted
via the faecal-oral route. However, we know that viral
shedding from the digestive system can last longer than
shedding from the respiratory tract. Therefore, this could
be an important—but as yet unquantified—pathway for
increased exposure.”
The authors of the peer-reviewed paper presented the
example of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
outbreak in 2002-2003. The SARS-CoV-1, which is closely
linked to the COVID-19 virus strain (SARS-CoV-2), was
detected in sewage discharged by two hospitals in China.
Richard Quilliam authored the paper alongside Manfred
Weidmann, Vanessa Moresco, Heather Purshouse, Zoe
O’Hara, and David Oliver.
The biologists said a lack of testing “makes it difficult” to
predict the scale of the potential spread. The lack of testing
also makes it difficult to determine the public health
implications of the virus arriving at wastewater treatment
plants.
The biologists added that the structural makeup of COVID-
19—specifically its lipid envelope covering—suggests that it
will behave differently in aqueous environments, compared
to other viruses typically found in the intestine. There is
currently limited information on the environmental
persistence of COVID-19 but it is known that other
coronaviruses can remain viable in sewage for up to 14
days, depending on the environmental conditions.
Sewage Poses Potential COVID-19
Transmission Risk: Researchers By Simran Chattha
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 21
Risk of human exposure
“The transport of coronaviruses in water could increase the
potential for the virus to become aerosolised, particularly
during the pumping of wastewater through sewerage systems,
at the wastewater treatment works, and during its discharge
and the subsequent transport through the catchment drainage
network,” according to the authors.
“Atmospheric loading of coronaviruses in water droplets from
wastewater is poorly understood but could provide a more
direct respiratory route for human exposure, particularly at
sewage pumping stations, wastewater treatment works, and
near waterways that are receiving wastewater.”
Risk could be further increased in parts of the world with high
levels of open defecation, or where safely managed sanitation
systems are limited and waterways are used as both open
sewers and sources of water for domestic purposes.
“Such settings are commonly accompanied by poorly
resourced and fragile healthcare systems, thus amplifying both
exposure risk and potential mortality,” according to the
authors.
Investment
Currently, all published data on faecal shedding of SARS-CoV-2
is derived from hospitalised patients—with limited information
available on mild and asymptomatic cases.
The paper concluded that “in the immediate future, there
needs to be an investment of resources to improve our
understanding of the risks associated with faecal transmission
of SARS-CoV-2, and whether this respiratory virus can be
disseminated by enteric transmission.
“Understanding the risk of spread via the faecal-oral route,
while still at a fairly early stage of the pandemic, will allow
more evidence-based information about viral transmission to
be shared with the public.
“Furthermore, the risks associated with sewage loading during
the remainder of the COVID-19 outbreak need to be rapidly
quantified to allow wastewater managers to act quickly and
put in place control measures to decrease human exposure to
this potentially infectious material.
“At a time when the world is so focused on the respiratory
pathways of a respiratory virus, understanding the
opportunities for SARS-CoV-2 to be spread by the faecal-oral
route must not be neglected.”
Reprinted with permission from WaterCanada.
https://www.watercanada.net
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 22
In these difficult times it is important to remember we are a
community. The health and safety of our members and the
general public is of great importance to us.
The staff and Board of Directors for the Association are
following the directives of the Ministry of Health and self-
quarantining if they have been traveling outside the Provincial
boundaries. In-person meetings are being postponed or being
held through telecommunication or virtual means.
Our physical doors may not be open, however our phone lines,
email, and other virtual services certainly are. We are pleased
to be able to continue to answer queries and provide
information to our membership and the general public, as we
always have in the past.
The Association strives to provide good service to our
membership and the general public with information on
industry news, training, regulatory changes, membership
services, etc.
Those working in the onsite wastewater industry have the
potential of exposure to a variety of pathogens during their
day-to-day work.
Please act in a responsible fashion, ensuring the health and
safety of yourself, and all those around you. Wear proper
Personal Protection Equipment when working with
wastewater: Proper eye protection goggles, a face mask,
medical grade gloves (double-glove), waterproof or water
resistant coveralls, and rubber boots. Keep your work clothes
separate from your daily wear. Wash your work clothes
separately from your daily wear.
Finally, wash your hands frequently and do not touch your
face. Washing your hands with soap and water is an important
step in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and other pathogens.
If you are having trouble finding access to hand sanitizer,
medical grade gloves or N95 masks, please contact the office.
Social distancing is also lending some challenges when needing
to refuel and keep equipment running. We have compiled a list
of resources to help you. These resources can be found on our
provincial webpages.
Statement Regarding COVID-19 By WCOWMA Staff
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 23
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 24
Worksite safety is one of the most misunderstood
disciplines in the industry! What should safety be all about?
Simple: Loss prevention. Loss prevention of persons,
property, and process. When an incident occurs on a
worksite it impacts the individual who is injured or caused
the incident, the crew, and the organisation. Downtime to
delay caused by the incident costs money which impacts the
bottom line.
Example. A cut finger which needs stitches.
Two people to go to an emergency facility at 5 hours each
including transportation, a total of 10 hours. So, 2 x5 x 30
(arbitrary, you can put in your company’s wages in this
equation) dollars an hour = $ 300.00 This may
seem not too much, however for every direct $
there are 4 dollars attached to it indirectly for
investigation time, WCB process etc., so that
ends up being up to $1,200.00 for a cut finger
needing stitches. The only thing left to do now is
to pay for the unbudgeted $ 1,200.00. So, at a
10 percent profit margin the company needs to
produce an extra $ 12,000.00 in sales to pay for
the $ 1,200.00. At 1 percent profit margin there
will be $120,000.00 in extra sales needed to pay
for this cut finger incident.
The industry bottom lines have been stressed
with the recession prior to COVID-19 and with
COVID-19 the re-opening is causing a lot of
challenges as well. Safety procedures should
be part of any successful organisation’s
business plan as it will allow the project to be
completed with minimal loss. Leadership from
management who understand loss prevention
will give the organisation a competitive edge
which can be translated as part of the sales
pitch to prospective clients. When the
prospective client understands that the
organisation is professional in all aspects of
their business plan including safety, there is an
opportunity for the relationship to be built on
trust. This will further enhance the business’
reputation for future opportunities. The
standard safety statement “Everyone home
safe every night”, is ever true, but when the
financial implications of not achieving that goal
are understood, the company’s bottom line will not be safe
either.
Safety is good business!
Ernest Cremers NCSO, is a safety consultant and the owner and of Cremers Safety Ltd.
www.cremerssafety.com
No Business is too Small
The Safety Corner By Ernest Cremers NCSO
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 25
The great weather is here, but with warmer sunnier days
comes the risk of heat exhaustion, especially if you are busy
in the field.
Take care of yourself by keeping in mind these tips from
Health Canada.
• Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before
you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration.
Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.
• Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler
parts of the day if possible.
• Avoid sun exposure. Shade yourself by wearing a wide
-brimmed, breathable hat.
A full list of their tips can be found in “Communicating the
Health Risks of Extreme Heat Events” which can be found on
the Government of Canada website.
Tips To Avoid Heat Exhaustion By WCOWMA staff
We polled our members and collected their answers.
Join us on Facebook to be a part of our next poll!
How is Your Association Represented with Other Agencies?
Representatives from your association participate in a variety
of working groups, committees and Boards. Below are some
of the initiatives we are currently engaged in:
CAN/BNQ 3680-600 Standard for Onsite Wastewater
Treatment Technologies – This committee is currently
reviewing the processes and protocols for testing Type II
(secondary) treatment systems.
International Standards Association - ISO 24525 Activities
relating to drinking water and wastewater services —
Guidelines for the management of basic onsite domestic
wastewater services — Operations and maintenance
activities – Working Group 8 is developing an operations and
maintenance manual for domestic onsite wastewater
management systems.
WastewaterEducation.org – Participating on the Board of
this organization devoted to improving access to training on
onsite wastewater treatment system design, installation and
maintenance.
National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) –
collaborating with NAWT on common training initiatives such
as Operation and Maintenance, Inspection for Real Estate
Transactions and Vac Truck Technician Training
National Onsite Wastewater Recyclers Association
(NOWRA) – collaborating with NOWRA on common training
initiatives such as ongoing continuing education.
Ontario Onsite Sewage Association (OOWA) – staying
engaged with our fellow organization with regards to training
and recent participation in their conference agenda.
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 26
WCOWMA’s 1250+ members continue to strengthen and shape the onsite wastewater industry through their role as important
stewards of the environment and key players in rural land use planning.
Providing a voice for the onsite wastewater industry, WCOWMA Board and Committee Members participate in and sit on a variety of
committees and boards, provincially, nationally and internationally.
Setting the national standard for onsite training. The WCOWMA training program is recognized throughout Canada as the premier
onsite wastewater certification program.
A key focus of WCOWMA as an industry association is to promote professionalism among its membership and to provide members
with the skills and tools they need to successfully design, install and maintain onsite wastewater systems to the benefit and
protection of public health and the environment.
What are the benefits of membership?
Training and Certification
The Association through its provincial chapters provides recognized, accredited training to those providing services to the onsite wastewater industry. Members receive a preferred rate on training provided by any of our provincial chapters.
Stakeholder Relations
WCOWMA members have an advocate with key stakeholder groups. The Association recognizes the critical need for strong relationships with other stakeholder groups, whose activities impact the onsite wastewater industry and meets regularly with those stakeholder groups to ensure the industry’s voice is heard. Membership gives the onsite wastewater industry a collective voice ensuring that industry concerns are brought forward to regulatory authorities.
Access to Information
Through our website, social media pages, newsletters and magazines, members have ready access to industry news, events,
products and services. Membership keeps you informed.
Website Listing and Referral Service
Members are listed on the Association website. Homeowners and others can search for members by scope of work and by region.
Direct links from the membership Locate-a-Pro page to the member’s website provides homeowners, developers and others with
information about you, your company and the services you provide. Members should check the website regularly for updates.
The WCOWMA regularly receives calls from homeowners requesting referrals to contractors in their region. The WCOWMA only
refers callers to WCOWMA members. Membership helps you market your services.
Public Education and Consultation
A key component of having a healthy and effective onsite industry is ensuring that
homeowners have access to the information they need to make sound decisions
regarding their onsite wastewater systems. The Association provides homeowner
education through its Septic Sense program. Membership provides representation to
the general public.
Online Member Forum
Pose technical questions on onsite wastewater issues and discuss solutions with fellow
practitioners and professionals. Network with your fellow members. Network and share
information with other members.
Benefits of WCOWMA Membership
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 27
Office Supply Discount Program
Every company has an office to provide infrastructure to
their business and every office uses business supplies.
Through a partnership with Staples Advantage/Corporate
Express, WCOWMA members may take advantage of savings
of 60% or more on stationery and shop supplies. Staples
Advantage/Corporate Express delivers your order right to
your door, saving you time. Because options are a good
thing, members can also choose to take advantage of a
partnership with Grand & Toy Office Max. This program
offers discounted office supplies, free delivery, and Max
Bucks. Members can save up to 65% on stationery and
office supplies. Even if your small office uses only $1000/
year in supplies, a savings of 60% more than pays for your
annual association membership fees.
Customized Business Insurance Programs
Members have access to insurance programs through Lloyd
Sadd or the Sustainable Infrastructure Society.
Credit Card Processing
If you have customers that want to pay with a major credit
card, and you do not have the capability of accepting credit
card payments, then let us process that payment for you.
Keep that cash flow moving by using our credit card
processing service.
Soils Sampling
We have partnered with two great companies, giving you
options for soils testing. Take advantage of member
discounts for soil sampling with either of the following
companies: Down To Earth Labs (403-328-1133), or ALS
Environmental Labs (306-668-8370).
A Group Health Plan
Lane Quinn Benefit Consultants to help you with
prescriptions, eyeglasses, dental, critical illnesses and other
coverages you may require, or speak with Freedom 55
Financial about creating a health spending account for your
employees.
Additional Benefits
Save 10% on work clothes by presenting the wallet card
included in your membership package at the till with your
purchases from any Mark’s Work Wearhouse outlet.
Complimentary subscription to Onsite Installer Magazine.
Great savings with a complimentary Perkopolis member-
ship.
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 28
One of the biggest stumbling blocks when it comes to
education is finances. Classroom training, be it online or in a
physical classroom, costs. Investment in training is always
positive, but it can be difficult to find the initial funds,
especially with the current economic climate.
In these instances, training or job grants are a good option
to explore. Each of the western provinces has a grant
program in place.
Please carefully review the eligibility requirements in your
province.
BC Employer Training Grant Program
The B.C. Employer Training Grant program (ETG) supports
skills training to address provincial labour market needs. The
program is delivered by the Province of British Columbia and
is funded by the Government of Canada through the
Workforce Development Agreement (WDA).
Up to 100% of training costs may be covered, and any
additional costs must be paid by the employer, not the
participant. There are intake periods, which cover specific
training start dates.
Learn more: https://www.workbc.ca/Employer-Resources/
BC-Employer-Training-Grant.aspx
Canada-Alberta Job Grant
The Canada-Alberta Job Grant is a training
program where an employer applies on behalf
of their employee(s) for eligible training costs.
Employers decide who gets training and what
type of training may be needed for their
employees.
Please carefully review the eligibility.
Self-employed persons and immediate family
members are not eligible.
Learn more: https://www.alberta.ca/canada-
alberta-job-grant.aspx
Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant
The Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant is now accepting
applications from eligible employers, pending available
funding. The Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant is an
employer-driven program that:
• Helps businesses and non-profit organizations train
new or existing employees for available jobs; and
• Provides more opportunities for unemployed and
underemployed workers to receive training.
Approved applicants can take advantage of a non-repayable
grant contribution of 66% of training costs.
Learn more: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/hire-
train-and-manage-employees/apply-for-the-canada-
saskatchewan-job-grant
Canada-Manitoba Job Grant
The Canada-Manitoba Job Grant is an employer-driven
approach to help Manitobans gain the skills they need to fill
available jobs and to help employers develop the skills of
their existing workers to meet the requirements of their
present job, or to move into a better job.
The deadline for applications for the current grants is July 3,
2020. Please see their website for more information about
future grants.
Learn more: https://www.gov.mb.ca/wd/ites/is/cjg.html
Training Grants Compiled by WCOWMA staff
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 29
Industry training is offered through each provincial chapter throughout the year. Training for design, installation, maintenance, and
inspection are available both virtually and in the classroom.
The training in each province provides knowledge of the concepts needed to design and install onsite wastewater systems in any
jurisdiction, although each province focuses on their own regulatory framework. It is important to note that if you take training in a
province that you do not typically work in and then transfer that training certification to another province, you must learn the
regulatory framework for the province in which you are working and apply your knowledge and experience to that regulatory
framework.
Certification received through one of WCOWMA’s provincial chapters is well-received and respected across Canada through different
trade agreements. Certification in onsite wastewater design and installation is recognized in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and
Manitoba through the New West Partnership (formerly the TILMA). This same certification is recognized in the rest of Canada
through the Agreement on Internal Trade.
Our organizations offer the following training:
Classroom or Virtual Training
Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (Design/Plan and
Install)
Operations and Maintenance (Maintenance
Provider)
Inspection for Real Estate
Practical Training in the Field:
Site and Soil Evaluation
Onsite Wastewater System Installation (Mound,
At-Grade, or Field)
Maintenance Assessment
Workshops:
Pumps and Controls (Timed Dosing)
Pressure Distribution
System Design (Mounds, LFH At-Grades, Fields, etc.)
Training development is ongoing.
If you would like more information on training offerings, contact your provincial association:
WCOWMA-BC 604-424-4462 or 855-872-2645 tf
AOWMA 780-489-7471 or 877-489-7471 tf
SOWMA 306-988-2102 or 855-872-2650 tf
MOWMA 204-771-0455 or 855-872-2659 tf
WCOWMA Training
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 30
Maintenance providers know all too well the burden of
improperly disposed of materials in a septic system. Here is
some information you can share with your clients.
Flushable Wipes
In recent years there has a marked increase of news articles
regarding “flushable wipes.” Municipalities especially are
finding the damage done by these products to be costly.
Barry Orr, who was part of a study conducted at Ryerson
University, estimates Canadian municipalities spend at least
$250 million a year to remove blockages. While not all of
those blockages are caused by wipes, they are thought to be
the main culprit.
Toilet paper shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic
earlier this year no doubt had some families reaching for
paper towel or other solutions. Government bodies like the
Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District and the City of
Kelowna pleaded with the public to avoid flushing non-toilet
paper solutions in hopes of avoiding damage and costly
repairs.
Homeowner tip: Flushable wipes are no less troublesome
for septic systems and should not be flushed down the
toilet.
Personal Protective Equipment
With the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a substantial
increase in the amount of personal protective equipment
(PPE) being used. Most of this is disposable, and not all of it
is ending up in the garbage can. Countless pictures have
been shared across social media of latex or plastic gloves,
along with wipes and masks, laying abandoned in parking
lots, on sidewalks, and even along beaches.
Government officials have been concerned where else they
are being disposed of and are reminding the public that
paper towels, disinfectant wipes (even the ‘flushable’ kind)
and latex gloves pose a significant risk to sanitary collection
systems.
Homeowner tip: Improper disposable of foreign objects in
your septic system can lead to clogs, blockages and sewer
pump damage. Any of these situations can shut down your
septic system.
The Government of Canada has recommended wearing a
homemade non-medical mask or face cover when it isn’t
possible to maintain a 2-metre physical distance from other
people. This has led to countless videos on how to sew your
own masks, or create one using a scarf and some elastics.
Some people have seized the opportunity to create
facemasks, and corporations and small business alike are
churning out fabric facemasks out as quickly as they can.
There are even environmentally conscious facemasks made
from recycled ocean plastic. Hopefully the increase in usage
of reusable facemasks will lead to a decrease in the amount
of one-time use masks being discarded.
The Public Health Agency of Canada has also advised that,
for the general public, hand washing is actually a better way
to ward off COVID-19 than wearing gloves.
Fatbergs
Non-flushable wipes, tampons, condoms, and other items
such as pens, or cotton swabs are improperly disposed of
down the toilet. They then become surrounded by cooking
fat and other oil and grease that has been poured down the
drain. This mass, know as a fatberg, continues to grow and
can eventually block a sewage system or septic tank.
Back in 2003 Nathan Wright, a Des Moines based illustrator,
artist, and self-proclaimed hermit, created a comic strip
titled “The Adventures of Fatberg.” He was inspired to
create the comic strip, which details a friendly,
misunderstood creature, after learning about the fatbergs
clogging London’s sewers.
Fatberg has become well-known in the wastewater
community, and even has a recurring comic strip in the
Water Canada magazine, but there’s still more to be done.
Homeowner tip: Fatbergs don’t just happen in city pipes.
They can happen in your pipes or septic system.
Information For Your Customers By WCOWMA staff
Read the adventures of Fatberg
https://www.nathantwright.com/the-adventures-of
-fatberg
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 31
PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS TODAY
Did you know that are plenty of opportunities to support your industry organization and
promote your business? We have options for a variety of price points.
• Sponsor a training event with any of our provincial chapters
• Advertise in our monthly newsletter
• Have your ad featured in an upcoming issue of this magazine
• Promote your business at the spring trade shows in British Columbia and Alberta, either
in the printed convention magazine, on the delegate bags, by sponsoring a meal, or by
exhibiting in our trade show hall
Contact WCOWMA, or your provincial chapter, today for more information.
ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES
Educate Your Clients
Here at WCOWMA we are always trying to educate the
public and teach those with a septic system how to properly
care for it. We have an area of our website dedicated to
homeowners: www.wcowma.com/home-owners.
In addition, we will be participating in Septic Awareness
Week from September 14 to 18. Resources will be available
on our websites and on our social media pages.
We strongly encourage both installers and maintenance
providers to educate the homeowner on the importance of
maintenance and proper use of their system. If you ever
need assistance with this, please contact our office for more
information.
We polled our members and collected their answers.
Join us on Facebook to be a part of our next poll!
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 32
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 33
ALBERTA ONSITE WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
21115 – 108 AVE NW, EDMONTON, AB T5S 1X3
www.aowma.com PH: 1.877.489.7471 FX: 1.855.420.6332
https://www.facebook.com/AOWMAOnline
WCOWMA ONSITE WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION OF BC
PO BOX 36086, VICTORIA, BC V9A 7J5
www.wcowma-bc.com PH: 1.855.472.2645 FX: 1.855.420.6330
https://www.facebook.com/wcowmabc/ Twitter: @WCOWMABC
SASKATCHEWAN ONSITE WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
449 HAVILAND CRES, SASKATOON, SK S7L 5B3
www.sowma.ca PH: 1.855.872.2650 FX: 1.855.420.6336
https://www.facebook.com/SaskatchewanOnsiteWastewaterManagementAssociation/
MANITOBA ONSITE WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
BOX 386, STONEWALL, MB R0C-2Z0
www.mowma.org PH: 1.855.872.2659 FX: 1.855.420.6338
https://www.facebook.com/ManitobaOnsite/
Stay In Touch
WESTERN CANADA ONSITE WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
21115 – 108 AVE NW, EDMONTON, AB T5S 1X3
www.wcowma.com PH: 1.877.489.7471 FX: 1.855.420.6332
https://www.facebook.com/wcowma/
Sign up for our monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gIs2KD
The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association 34
WESTERN CANADA ONSITE WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
www.wcowma.com