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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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CONTENTS

Summer 2020

Printed for:

WCOWMA

21115 – 108 Ave NW

Edmonton, AB T5S 1X3

Tel: (780) 489-7471

Toll-Free: (877) 489-7471

Fax: (780) 486-7414

Toll-Free Fax: (855) 420 –6332

[email protected]

Published by:

WCOWMA

Publications Agreement #: 42887518

Return undeliverable Canadian

Addresses to:

21115 – 108 Ave NW

Edmonton, AB T5S 1X3

Toll-Free: (877) 489-7471

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www.wcowma.com

© 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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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


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.


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.


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.


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.


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/

https://www.aowma.com/2020-convention-proceedings/

https://www.wcowma-bc.com/2020-convention-proceedings/

https://www.wcowma-bc.com/2020-convention-proceedings/


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)


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.


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.”


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.


VAN ISLE FULL PAGE ADD TO

BE PLACED HERE


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


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


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


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.


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


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

https://www.aowma.com/resources/supplies/

https://store.wcowma-bc.com/#supplies

https://www.mowma.org/resources/supplies/

https://www.sowma.ca/resources/supplies/


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


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/


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


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


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


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

http://www.cremerssafety.com/


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.


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


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.


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


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


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


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!


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


WESTERN CANADA ONSITE WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION

www.wcowma.com

[email protected]

summer 2020 - wcowma.com · summer 2020 printed for: wowma 21115 – 108 ave nw edmonton, a t5s 1x3...

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