informer - western canada33 membership application/ renewal 34 buyer’s guide informer summer 2014...

Canada Post Mail Publications Agreement Number: 40609661

InformerSummer 2014

The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association

InsIde: A Message from WCOWMAAfter the Flood: septic Management in Flooded Conditions Onsite Wastewater systems: Clearing the Air on softeners and septic systems

Connected in the Country: sustainable Water Protection systems for new Rural developments Provide a silver Lining in Alberta2015 Convention scheduleAnd more!

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

A Message from WCOWMA

It is safe to say that the more sophisticated our world becomes, the more operational and technical knowledge people need to function effectively. Take for example, the automotive industry. Today’s vehicles bear little resemblance to those originally manufactured in the early 1900s. We seldom see crank window handles, carburetors, and manual steering anymore. Today’s vehicles are computerized and full of technical gadgets and gewgaws. These high tech machines require increasingly costly maintenance in order to operate effectively.

Onsite wastewater systems today are in a very similar situation. With smaller lot sizes to work with and increased demands on the systems, we are seeing far fewer gravity fed treatment fields, and an increasing number of secondary treated systems.

Due to higher population densities, poorer soil and other contributing factors, systems are more and more complex and of course more expensive. Because of the higher complexity of the systems, regulatory authorities put increasing pressure on designers and installers of these systems to ensure system sustainability.

The correct design and installation of the onsite wastewater system is extremely important in order to ensure that the system can handle the load it is being tasked with, and to ensure the protection of ground and surface waters and public health.

Even with all the regulations and oversight available however, there is still something missing. No matter how well designed and installed the onsite wastewater system is, without ongoing maintenance it will eventually become compromised. An unmaintained system will then pose a risk to the environment and public health that was so assiduously avoided in the design and installation phase.

Focussing on the design and installation phase is easy to do. Practitioners and professionals working in the industry must hold some type of certification or designation. This “licensing” of the onsite wastewater industry is a vehicle for ensuring, or at least encouraging, properly designed and installed systems. Once that system is commissioned however, the operation and maintenance falls to the homeowner and the ability to ensure proper ongoing maintenance is significantly compromised.

Regulations and policies may outline the responsibility of the homeowner to operate and maintain their system properly. Indeed, most jurisdictions demand that the system designer provide a maintenance plan to be followed by the homeowner. However, there is little to no monitoring of installed systems to ensure that they are being maintained at all. Many homeowners subscribe to the old F ‘n F policy of flush and forget.

What can your industry association do to support members who provide maintenance services or would like to provide maintenance services? The association is maintaining open dialogue with regulatory authorities and key stakeholders on the importance of ongoing, monitored system maintenance. Development of a maintenance provider program is ongoing, with a targeted roll out for later this year. Finally, the association provides information sessions to homeowners as well as municipalities, counties and regional districts, encouraging them to implement maintenance bylaws within their decentralized communities.

The onsite wastewater industry has seen a lot of changes in the past decade. Working together with our members and key stakeholders to encourage appropriate system management will allow the onsite wastewater industry to continue to provide sustainable solutions for rural living now and in the future.

encouraging Appropriate system Management enables the Industry to Provide sustainable solutions for Rural Living

Connect with WCOWMAwww.wcowma.com is your access point to the association and all

of 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

including installers/contractors, pumpers, and inspectors. From there, homeowners can choose their specific location and then they are taken to a page listing all of the WCOWMA members offering the services required.

Becoming a WCOWMA member ensures that your name and contact information is at the finger tips of those homeowners who need your services. Join the 900+ onsite wastewater professionals in this handy online go-to guide.

For more reasons to join, go to 27, 29 and 31 in this magazine.And make sure to check out www.wcowma.com!

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

ContentsMessAGe05 A message from WCOWMA

FeATURes08 After the Flood: Septic

Management in Flooded Conditions

10 Connected in the Country: Sustainable Water Protection Systems for New Rural Developments Provide a Silver Lining in Alberta

12 Onsite Wastewater Systems: Clearing the Air on Softeners and Septic Systems

15 Troubleshooting: What Should the Service Provider See in the Tank?

19 Business Maintenance: Are You up to Date?

neWs And VIeWs 21 What’s Going on in Western

Canada 21 WCOWMA 21 British Columbia 22 Alberta 24 Saskatchewan

ABOUT WCOWMA27 2015 Convention Calendar29 WCOWMA Member Benefits

Summary31 New Benefits for Members33 Membership Application/

Renewal

34 Buyer’s Guide

InformerSummer 2014

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8 Onsite Informer Summer 2014

It is getting to be that time of year again. Combine the heavy snowfall over the course of 2013/2014 with the arrival of spring rains and suddenly the water table is significantly higher than usual.

Flooding of surface water and/or a significant rise in the water table can result in saturated soil conditions and negatively impact onsite wastewater systems. If septic tanks are compromised in any way due to cracks or fissures in the tank, they may take on groundwater and require pumping to avoid a backup of septage and groundwater. Conversely, if the tank is empty and becomes buoyant, it can “float” and some tanks have been known to actually surface, thus compromising the fittings and piping system.

Contractors and homeowners looking for information on how to care for their system after flood conditions can access fact sheets from their local government. All four government agencies in the Western provinces provide some information on the impact of flooding on septic systems. The information that follows provides a comprehensive guideline for those impacted by flooding; you may wish to provide it to your customers. It is published by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USAEPA) through their Septic Smart program.

Do I pump my tank during flooded or saturated drainfield conditions?

No! At best, pumping the tank is only a temporary solution. Under worst

conditions, pumping it out could cause the tank to try to float out of the ground and may damage the inlet and outlet pipes. The best solution is to plug all drains in the basement and drastically reduce water use in the house.

What if my septic system has been used to dispose wastewater from my business (either a home-based or small business)?

In addition to raw sewage, small businesses may use their septic system to dispose of wastewater containing chemicals. If your septic system that receives chemicals backs up into a basement or drain field, take extra precautions to prevent skin, eye and inhalation contact. The proper clean-up

After the Flood:Septic Management in Flooded Conditions

Staff Report


depends on what chemicals are found in the wastewater. Contact your local authority for specific clean-up information.

Contacts in Western Canada are:• BC: Ministry of Health;• Alberta: Alberta Municipal Affairs;• Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Health; • Manitoba: Manitoba Conservation.

What do I do with my septic system after the flood?

Once floodwaters have receded, there are several things homeowners should remember: • Do not drink well water until it is

tested. Contact your local health department.

• Do not use the sewage system until water in the soil absorption field is lower than the water level around the house.

• Have your septic tank professionally inspected and serviced if you suspect damage. Signs of damage include settling or an inability to accept water. Most septic tanks are not damaged by flooding since they are below ground and completely covered. However, septic tanks and pump chambers can fill with silt and debris, and must be professionally cleaned. If the soil absorption field is clogged with silt, a new system may have to be installed.

• Only trained specialists should clean or repair septic tanks because tanks may contain dangerous gases. Contact your local authority or industry association for a list of septic system contractors who work in your area. Contacts for certified contractors are available through the following sources:

• British Columbia: WCOWMA-BC, ASTTBC;

• Alberta: AOWMA, Alberta Municipal Affairs;

• Saskatchewan: SOWMA;• Manitoba: MOWMA, Manitoba

Conservation.• If sewage has backed up into the

basement, clean the area and disinfect the floor. Use a chlorine solution of a half cup of chlorine bleach to each gallon of water to disinfect the area thoroughly.

• Pump the septic system as soon as possible after the flood. Be sure to

pump both the tank and lift station. This will remove silt and debris that may have washed into the system. Do not pump the tank during flooded or saturated drainfield conditions. At best, pumping the tank is only a temporary solution. Under worst conditions, pumping it out could cause the tank to try to float out of the ground and may damage the inlet and outlet pipes.

• Do not compact the soil over the soil absorption field by driving or operating equipment in the area. Saturated soil is especially susceptible to compaction, which can reduce the soil absorption field’s ability to treat wastewater and lead to system failure.

• Examine all electrical connections for damage before restoring electricity.

• Be sure the septic tank’s manhole cover is secure and that inspection ports have not been blocked or damaged.

• Check the vegetation over your septic tank and soil absorption field. Repair erosion damage and sod or reseed areas as necessary to provide turf grass cover.

Remember: Whenever the water table is high or your sewage system is threatened by flooding there is a risk that sewage will back up into your home. The only way to prevent this backup is to relieve pressure on the system by using it less.

What are some suggestions offered by experts for homeowners with flooded septic systems? • Use common sense. If possible, don’t

use the system if the soil is saturated

and flooded. The wastewater will not be treated and will become a source of pollution. Conserve water as much as possible while the system restores itself and the water table fails.

• Prevent silt from entering septic systems that have pump chambers. When the pump chambers are flooded, silt has a tendency to settle in the chambers and will clog the drainfield if it is not removed.

• Do not open the septic tank for pumping while the soil is still saturated. Mud and silt may enter the tank and end up in the drainfield. Furthermore, pumping out a tank that is in saturated soil may cause it to “pop out” of the ground. (Likewise, recently installed systems may “pop out” of the ground more readily than older systems because the soil has not had enough time to settle and compact.)

• Do not dig into the tank or drainfield area while the soil is still wet or flooded. Try to avoid any work on or around the disposal field with heavy machinery while the soil is still wet. These activities will ruin the soil conductivity.

• Flooding of the septic tank will have lifted the floating crust of fats and grease in the septic tank. Some of this scum may have floated and/or partially plugged the outlet tee. If the septic system backs up into the house check the tank first for outlet blockage. Clean up any floodwater in the house without dumping it into the sink or toilet and allow enough time for the water to recede. Floodwaters from the house that are passed through or pumped through the septic tank will cause higher flows through the system. This may cause solids to transfer from the septic tank to the drainfield and will cause clogging.

• Locate any electrical or mechanical devices the system may have that could be flooded to avoid contact with them until they are dry and clean.

• Aerobic plants, upflow filters, trickling filters, and other media filters have a tendency to clog due to mud and sediment. These systems will need to be washed and raked. l

Contractors and homeowners looking for information on how to care for their system after flood conditions can access fact sheets from their local government.


Albertans might support the XL pipeline as a means to move one resource out of the province, but at the same time, there’s a struggle to protect and sustain another resource―water—within provincial borders. Groundwater supplies are now a key consideration in the approval process for all new subdivisions in the province. In order to move forward, developers must prove that their projects will not deplete local groundwater aquifers or contaminate the local environment with untreated wastewater.

One solution to both issues is to design and install large on-site community wastewater systems, which recycle the treated effluent and put it back in the local hydrologic cycle. Depending on the disposal method, on-site community wastewater systems prevent depletion of local aquifers by keeping the water onsite and thereby reducing overall water loss in the region.

Because these systems are designed and presented as part of the initial development plan, this approach puts water use and the wastewater treatment process in the forefront of development planning and raises awareness about sustainable water management with regulators, developers, and future homeowners.

County supportOver the last three years, a growing

number of counties and municipal districts in Alberta have started to support community wastewater systems. Rocky View,

Lacombe, Clearwater, and Leduc counties have established policies for owning and operating community wastewater systems under their development authority. Other counties, such as the Municipal District of Foothills, Warner, Beaver, Yellowhead Counties, and Kananaskis Improvement District, allow systems to be constructed within their borders, but do not take over ownership. Alternatively, the systems can be owned and operated by the developer or homeowner’s organization provided they contract a certified operator to provide required system maintenance and reporting.

Although there is a transition period between initial construction and the point at which there are enough homes to fully pay for system maintenance, ownership of community wastewater systems can be profitable at full capacity and with the ownership of multiple systems. More importantly, county ownership is an innovative way to control and effectively manage the wastewater infrastructure in new rural developments unable to connect to regional wastewater treatment plants.

Counties already have billing services and most have the capital resources to fund significant capital replacement projects, should they be necessary. In addition, the counties provide a more stable long-term ownership organization compared to homeowners. This is the reason that county ownership is the preferred approach by Alberta Environment.

Streamline approvals

Thanks to a streamlined approval process (due to education and an increased number of projects), community on-site wastewater systems have been approved in three of the five regions of Alberta Environment. Two projects have been approved by the Northern region, two by the Edmonton region, and one large project, Silverhorn, by the Calgary region. The other two regions, Red Deer and Lethbridge, currently have projects pending approval.

Alberta Environment has also released a much needed design guidance document for large soil dispersal systems. This supplements the design guidelines in Alberta’s Standard of Practice for Onsite Wastewater Systems (2009), which focuses on smaller systems. The new guidelines focus on the required hydrogeological investigation required for large soil dispersal systems in order to fully understand the fate and transport of the infiltrating wastewater.

Silverhorn DevelopmentIn Alberta, the largest on-site wastewater

treatment and disposal system serving a residential subdivision was approved in 2011. The Silverhorn Development, which is currently under construction, will consist of 87 three or four bedroom homes connected to a community treatment system.

By Shane Sparks, SD Consulting

Connected in the Country: Sustainable Water Protection Systems for New Rural Developments Provide a Silver Lining in Alberta



Wastewater will be collected via septic tank effluent pumping (STEP) units, which will pressure dose the liquid effluent to the community treatment site, a nine-acre public utility log (PUL). The solids will remain in the STEP tanks at each lot, which will be inspected on a yearly basis by Rocky View County operations staff and pumped out as needed. Although not uncommon in Alberta, this will be the first STEP system in Rocky View.

Secondary treatment was designed using Orenco’s AdvanTex Technology. Eight AX-100 units will be installed in two phases to treat a wastewater flow of 158 m3/day. This is an average installation size for Orenco, but will be the largest AX-100 installation in Alberta. Following secondary treatment, effluent will be pressure dosed to trenches incorporating Infiltrator subsurface chambers installed at five-foot spacing in a seven-acre field.

Due to the size of the development, several regulatory hurdles were encountered in the project, mostly due to the operational requirements of the alternative technologies and hydrogeological concerns related to the large disposal field. A comprehensive

hydrogeological investigation determined potential impacts on nearby wells and surface water bodies. Now a series of monitoring wells identify baseline groundwater conditions and provide long-term monitoring and compliance points.

When enough homes are constructed to fully finance the operation of the wastewater system, Rocky View County will take over ownership. In the meantime, Rocky View will provide the required operations of system to ensure a smooth transition at the appropriate time.

Country Lakes DevelopmentA first-of-its-kind alternative disposal

method was recently approved in Leduc County. Country Lakes Development, an existing 15-unit subdivision, will now discharge its treated and disinfected effluent into a natural wetland. The discharge, which will simulate natural hydraulic flow into the wetland, will enhance the wetland by providing a nutrient source

to encourage plant diversity and a stable water supply.

Before the discharge was approved, the developer treated the effluent in a Bionest treatment unit and hauled the treated effluent to a receiving facility. Most of the year, this involved three trips per week and was a costly approach. With this new approach, the Bionest units will remain in operation with the addition of a UV disinfection system.

Due to this project and with assistance by SD Consulting, Leduc County recently issued a policy for ownership of community wastewater systems. Leduc County will operate the Country Lakes project on a two-year pilot basis. If the system is working as expected at that point, the County will take over ownership and operations.

Due to the innovative use of the water and the alternative approach, the system monitoring will be intensive during the first two years to ensure properly treated effluent is reaching the wetland and not impacting downstream water bodies. The developer, Bob Thiessen, will continue to operate the system and provide the

required reporting to Leduc County and Alberta environment.

ConclusionWater sustainability continues to be

a paramount issue in Alberta. In order to maintain existing water supplies and natural features and protect them for future generations, it will be important to have sustainable approaches to water and wastewater infrastructure in new rural projects. Wastewater systems that recycle water for beneficial uses, whether it is replenishing groundwater or improving local wetlands, should be a preferred approach by both regulators and developers. l

Shane Sparks is a principal and co-founder of the SD Consulting Group. Shane specializes in project management for projects in the United States and Western Canada. Specific areas of expertise include decentralized wastewater services, water resource investigations, back country waste management, and hydrogeological investigations.



designing an onsite wastewater system is not an easy task and a lot of respect must go to the guys who do it right. Gone are the days that it was just a guy and a backhoe. Systems have gotten very complex and sophisticated. And with the progress of time other factors have affected the design of these systems, namely water conservation measures and decreased hydraulic loads to the system, better understanding of soil chemistry and characteristics as wastewater chemistry affects the leach bed and proper design and testing characteristics for the Canadian climate.

All this research and work goes against the grain for the traditional designer who now has to work within a very complex water system.

Let me explain.

Modern homes on septicIt would be a fair statement to say that many homes on

septic are fed from an onsite well, with some degree of water treatment in the system. Increasingly these homes are being upgraded to modernize the occupancy, with low flow toilets and fixtures. Many times the septic system is the last thing considered in the upgrades, if it is considered at all.

Gone are the days where you sized the septic system by the number of beds and baths in the house. Today you have to consider the total hydraulic loading from the home―all the occupants, the utilization of the space and the appliances and technologies within.

To do this, the designer has to design a system with considerations to occupancy, use and technology to prevent failure of the system. He or she also has to consider the inlet source water characteristics and chemistry, potential chemicals used in treatment of that water and eventual effects of dispersal to the leaching bed, and the parent soil materials and conditions.

All this is just a prelude to showing the difficulty industry has when trying to meet an evolving series of codes and regulations.

Water softeners and septic systemsToday, in many provinces, it is in code that a water softener

discharge may be directed to the sewage system provided the system has been designed to accept such discharges. In retrofits, this may require a professional evaluation.

Many septic installers say otherwise, maintaining that the tank’s warranty will be void if you do... but that may be based on some pretty old work and possibly even a myth that has come down through the ages.

Modern water softener discharges have been proven benign to septic tanks and their settling capabilities. This has been proven chemically and physically via in-lab and in-field testing done in upstate New York by the Water Quality Research Foundation (WQRF), in concert with National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA). What they found was that it is not true that water softener discharges pose a problem to septic tanks and systems.

Onsite Wastewater Systems: Clearing the Air on Softeners and Septic Systems By Kevin Wong


Modern water softeners do not affect the settling performance of the septic tank. The study can be found at www.wqa.org/pdf/septic. Studies have shown that water softener regeneration wastes not only do not interfere with the septic system drain field soil percolation, but actually could, because of the divalent water hardness cations (ions) in the regeneration discharges, improve soil percolation particularly in very fine-textured soils.

Why septic systems failIn the recent years, the Canadian Water Quality Association

(CWQA) and our counterparts in provincial governments have gotten together to explore failures in septic systems, why they fail, and under what conditions. Specifically, it was to explore the claim that softener discharges had a role to play in these failures.

What was found was that the soil conditions of the leach field play significant role in the failure of the system. Some heavy clays, when exposed to a sodium rich water source, will swell and clog, causing failure of the drainage capabilities of the septic system. The findings and policies and guides for design of that work became code in Alberta in 2009 with its Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice Handbook. A copy could be found at www.safetycodes.ab.ca.

In the results of that work, industry discovered that there was more research to be done to solve the chemistry characteristics and behavior of trivalent cations like iron in the system. That is for future research, but it can be solved. For now it was good to have formally solved the softener/septic tank and softener/septic field myths that had plagued the industry for decades.

So, in short, the myths have been solved in a transparent manner, provincial codes for the design of wastewater systems have been updated and each have allowed water softeners to discharge to the septic system.

For future consideration, here is another reason why the extra hydraulic loading from a softener or water filter may be handy for the septic system.

Sewage overloadIn recent years, CWQA and industry have become keenly aware

of the growing over-strength sewage issues in our municipal wastewater treatment system. Cities are growing and the drive towards advanced water conservation is driving the chemistry of our wastewaters to over-strength conditions and in some cases causing clogs and blockages in the infrastructure. Worse yet, it may cause the digestion of the materials in the wrong place, creating conditions that may not be aesthetically pleasing.

In one municipality, San Francisco, they have opted to spend money to flush their sewers out with potable water periodically. Some other municipalities have thought of allowing certain homes on a street to drain the rainwater leaders into the sanitary sewer just to prevent this sort of thing from happening.

The problem may be similar on a private onsite wastewater system, except in a smaller scale, where the homeowner would be responsible for the maintenance of the system without the benefit of a wastewater engineer to retrofit his system.

Options are plentiful. They can upgrade the systems from the start to handle the biodigestion of strong sewage with some

modern systems OR bring the chemistry down for the existing system to manage it. In the latter case, dilution is a solution, and one of the places the extra water could come from is the discharges from the softener regenerations. The extra calcium will be beneficial to the wastewater chemistry and industry has shown that the sodium is not a problem.

This research has been supported in code and may be a viable option instead of an expensive wastewater upgrade. l

Kevin Wong is executive director of the Canadian Water Quality Association. He can be reached at [email protected].

Water conservation and other changes within the home are requiring a more careful

approach to septic system design.


When opening the septic tank, carefully inspect the lids and covers for any damage and structural integrity. If concrete lids are cracked or deteriorating, there may be other structural problems. It should be a red flag to pay close attention during the rest of the investigation.

All parts of the tank need to be accessible to inspection. This means covers over both the inlet and outlet baffles need to be opened and inspected as well as any larger manholes or access points. Any damaged lids need to be noted and replaced, or repaired so they are safe. Every year there are reports of people, often children, falling into tanks through defective lids and being seriously hurt or killed.

If a septic tank is operating normally the liquid level should be at the invert of the outlet pipe. There should be three distinct layers in the tank—a floating scum mat, a clear zone, and the sludge or solids at the

bottom. If these layers are not present, the bacterial action in the tank is not taking place the way it should. This could result in excessive solids in the soil treatment unit, causing plugging and excessive biomat development.

Now that most states require an effluent screen at the outlet baffle, solids are captured rather than moved downstream to the drainfield. When the screen becomes plugged the liquid cannot move out of the tank and backs up.. Depending on elevations and the location of the tank, the liquid can back up into the lower levels of the house or rise into the access risers and to the surface.

There are several potential causes of the tank biology being affected—these can be explored with the homeowner. These include the use of a water softener, use of excessive cleaning products containing bleach (which is chlorine and antibacterial),

or other antibacterial cleaners and soaps, dumping toxic solvents and materials down the drains, and someone in the household using heart medication or being on chemotherapy for cancer treatments.

If it looks like the tank is operating correctly but excessive solids buildup has plugged the effluent screen, the homeowner should be consulted about their water use and system habits. Some common causes of plugging include: • The use of a garbage disposal (this

increases solids and creates solids that are more difficult to break down).

• Certain types of additional food preparation.

• Operating an in-home business (daycare, hair salon).

• Presence of a sewage sump or large bathtubs on the second floor—both of which may stir the solids off the bottom of the tank.

Troubleshooting: What Should the Service Provider See in the Tank?By Jim Anderson, Ph.D.


Sample Questions to Ask Home Owners

Asking the right questions can help you and your home owners determine the right maintenance schedule. Following are sample questions. Full forms can be downloaded at www.onsiteconsortium.org/omspchecklists.html.1. Is the property a permanent residence

or seasonal?2. Has your system ever backed up?3. How old is the system? 4. Has the system ever been repaired?5. Has effluent ever surfaced or the

alarm ever sounded?6. The number of people living in the

home. Adults? Children.7. Number of bedrooms.8. Number of bathrooms.9. Water supply: private well, centralized

system, other?10. Do you have a home business? If yes,

what type?11. Is any resident using long term

prescription drugs or antibiotics? If yes, what type?

12. Do you use septic system additives? If yes, what products?

13. Is the home equipped with water conserving fixtures or appliances?

14. Is there a garbage disposal? If yes, how often is it used?

15. Is there a dishwasher? If yes, how often is it used?

16. How many loads per day/week of laundry are done?• What is the laundry detergent

used?• Is bleach used?• Is hot or cold water used?

17. Do you have a whirlpool tub? How often is it used?

18. Is a drain cleaner used? If yes, what type?

19. How many rolls of toilet paper are used in a week?

20. What are the commonly used cleaning supplies?

The homeowner and service provider should come up with a plan to address any problems that are identified through discussions.

There are homeowner surveys available to guide the service provider in determining whether water use and homeowner habits are part of the problem. Solutions are usually increased maintenance or inspection routines. Rather than being on a three-year schedule to inspect and clean the tank, the service provider can recommend at least evaluating the tank every six months

to gauge where the solids production is and then come up with the appropriate maintenance schedule. Through these discussions and visits the service provider can better serve the homeowner, but also help them recognize they can impact the maintenance frequency by how they use the system and to adjust their schedules.

Next issue we will look at the inlet and outlet baffles along with tank water levels. l

Jim Anderson is connected with the University of Minnesota onsite wastewater

treatment education program, is an emeritus professor in the university’s Department of Soil Water and Climate, and education coordinator for the National Association of Wastewater Technicians.


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Canada Post Mail Publications Agreement Number: 40609661

InformerSummer 2014

The official publication of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association

INSIDE:

A Message from WCOWMA

After the Flood: Septic

Management in Flooded

Conditions

Onsite Wastewater Systems:

Clearing the Air on Softeners

and Septic Systems

Connected in the Country:

Sustainable Water Protection

Systems for New Rural

Developments Provide a Silver

Lining in Alberta

2015 Convention Schedule

And more!


Just as onsite wastewater systems require maintenance, so do our business practices and habits. Many of us participate in educational opportunities to upgrade our skill sets and help us to be better business people. Opportunities abound through industry training events, conventions and trade shows, through local continuing education programs and the like. Updating and upgrading your knowledge is a good investment in your business. It allows you to reflect on your business activities of previous years and implement new techniques and skills learned in those areas that you feel could be improved upon.

Active participation in your industry association is a good way to ensure you are kept up-to-date with industry news and events, changes to the regulatory framework, and other considerations that impact your business. Demonstrating to your homeowner clients that you are part of an industry association helps promote professionalism. Homeowners appreciate that association members have a Code of Conduct and a network of support, which inspires their confidence in your abilities.

Just as you might review your business plans and activities for the year, it never hurts to refresh yourself on the Code of Conduct. Following it is an excellent way to promote your business.

Association Code of Conduct As a WCOWMA member I commit to

the highest standards of integrity and professionalism and will adhere to the following code of conduct in the interest of the onsite industry and the welfare of all Albertans.

Qualifications and skills. I will • Obtain the needed training and skills to

perform onsite work. • Hold all necessary qualifications and

obtain all necessary permits. • Only do work for which I am qualified.

Professionalism. I will • Follow appropriate safety procedures. • Ensure adequate staff, materials and

support services are in place to carry through the work undertaken.

• Know and understand all applicable codes, bylaws and laws applying to my onsite work.

• Avoid conduct that would discredit the onsite industry.

• Not comment on the work of another unless requested to do so by the other; or if in my professional opinion I know the work in question to be in contravention of the jurisdictional regulations or without due consideration to the association’s code of ethics. In these instances I shall report my concerns to the association.

• Charge appropriate fees for all aspects of onsite work.

Responsibility. I will • Protect the environment to the best of

my ability. • Engage in client and public education

in the proper use and maintenance of onsite systems.

• Convey with pride the credentials, training and experience I have.

• Ensure clients are aware of the responsibility they undertake when they have charge of an onsite system. l

Business Maintenance: Are You up to Date?


What is WCOWMAThe Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association (WCOWMA) is the not-for profit organization established to educate, train and certify industry professionals in western Canada. The association engages its member installers, septage haulers, suppliers, municipalities and provincial government departments to arrive at sound practices that strengthen the industry, and ensure safe and effective septage management for all Western Canada.

For more information, go to www.wcowman.com or call 877.489.7471.


NEWS FROM WCOWMA The four Presidents representing the

onsite wastewater industry associations in Western Canada met in Calgary in early April. The purpose of the meeting was to share news and information from each of the provinces, look at key initiatives in each province and identify areas of common concern.

The ability of the four provinces to work together on common initiatives provides the opportunity to share information and resources, as well as to present a united advocacy group for the onsite wastewater industry in Western Canada.

The group hopes to pull together key stakeholders from industry and government for an open discussion on onsite wastewater issues in the fall.

Representing the provinces were: Dale McLure, Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association; Brent Dennis, WCOWMA Onsite Wastewater Management Association of BC; Norbert Berard, Manitoba Onsite Wastewater Management Association; and Greg Plett, Saskatchewan Onsite Wastewater Management Association.

NEWS FROM BRITISH COLUMBIA Training

The training program originally scheduled for Prince George in May has been postponed until October 2014. The next training session for Onsite Wastewater Practitioner Level I is now scheduled for June 18, 19 and 20 in Abbotsford, followed by July 9, 10 and 11 in the same location.

Installation season is generally when field days are held in order to provide ROWPs with practical experience under the leadership of an industry trainer. Sites for soils, installation and maintenance field days are being sought. Access to training sites allows the association to host more field days and practical training.

Curriculum Development Maintenance Provider

The Maintenance Provider Curriculum Development Committee is working on the training material for this program under the leadership of Garth Millan, WCOWMA-BC Vice-President. Currently, the committee is reviewing resource material and developing appropriate slide decks, handouts and quizzes to support the course outline and anticipated outcomes. The committee hopes to have the program ready for release later in 2014.

Enhanced Onsite Wastewater Practitioner Level I Training

The various regulatory authorities are working together with the association to ensure standardized training across the provinces. With that in mind, and with the understanding that the demographic in the training room has changed significantly

over the past several years, the association is working on an enhanced and updated training program.

Changes to the current training program will include additional entry level information, expanded soils information, mandatory soils field training, added time for design components and planning, and increased review. The updated curriculum should be ready for release in the winter of 2014.

Public Education The association is currently building its

public education platform. The Board has identified two target groups: homeowners and municipal / regional districts. Presentations are being developed for both groups.

Presentations to homeowners focus on the regulatory framework, proper operation and maintenance of their systems, and

neWs & VIeWsWhat’s Going on in Western Canada?


the importance and requirement for using an authorized person to plan, install and maintain their system.

Municipal presentations also look at the same information that homeowners receive, however they are also provided with an overview of the types of decentralized options available along with information on the advantages and sustainability of onsite wastewater systems in rural communities.

Additional groups to target are real estate, insurance and financing. These influential

groups, once informed, could be significant allies to the onsite wastewater industry.

Convention and Trade Show The Convention and Trade Show

held in Kamloops in February was very well supported by industry suppliers, manufacturers and attendees alike. Delegates were able to attend a variety of workshops and presentations, including topics covering technical information, research and practical application. In addition to an engaging schedule of events,

the venue lent itself to a welcoming and interactive atmosphere.

The next annual Convention and Trade Show will take place in Abbotsford on February 12 to 14, 2015, and as usual will be followed by a training day on February 15. Mark your calendars and be sure to attend this important industry event.

SPM V3 The most recent draft of the SPM V3 was

released for public review in early April. The Ministry of Health sent out a notification via email that the draft was available for viewing on the Ministry’s website. Comments and reviews were invited to be submitted by May 31, 2014. This will likely be the final review prior to release of the SPM V3.

Bylaw review The Board of Directors will undertake

a bylaw review during 2014, in advance of the 2015 Annual General Meeting. Bylaw reviews are undertaken every couple of years in order to ensure member’s interests are protected. Any member in good standing may bring forth a suggestion for bylaw reform to be presented for approval at the next AGM.

NEWS FROM ALBERTA Training

Demand for training has been extremely strong this spring. Extra training programs have had to be organized in order to accommodate the demand. A large percentage of this demand stems from the oil industry. There is significant interest in training coming from the Bonnyville/Cold Lake/Lac La Biche region.


So far this year, two sessions have been held in Edmonton and one in High River. Another session is scheduled for High River in June. Each of the classes has been well attended with over 20 participants per class.

Curriculum Development The Curriculum Committee is currently

working on upgrades to the existing Onsite Wastewater Practitioner Training program. Additional information is being added to the modules on soils and the regulatory framework, while a new module is being developed for At-Grade Systems in anticipation of the new Standard of Practice scheduled for release later this year.

The changes to the training program will result in additional training days being required for completion. This is in line with evaluations received from students over the past several years, indicating that more time should be allowed for the course content and for review.

Industrial Camps The Steering Committee for Work Camps

and Drill Sites has held two teleconferences and two in-person meetings in 2014. A meeting was held at the Calgary convention for those who have a stake in the work camp industry. This meeting was held to share information on the Steering Committee, review the briefing note that had been submitted to Alberta Municipal Affairs and to discuss common concerns and suggestions for improvement which will be incorporated into a guideline for the industry.

Following that meeting and a subsequent teleconference, representatives from the Steering Committee met with Tony Winia, Alberta Municipal Affairs to discuss the


editing of the current worksheets for system design and discuss the development of the guideline.

The meeting with Tony was followed by another teleconference to discuss the meeting outcomes and to assign action items to Steering Committee members. Three action items have been identified and are being addressed by teams of two persons who will report back to the committee with the results of their efforts.

The Steering Committee hopes to have a draft guideline submitted to Alberta Municipal Affairs by the end of the year.

Convention The convention and trade show held

in Calgary in March was well-attended, especially in consideration of the extreme weather experienced on the first couple of days. A total of 300 people flowed through over the course of the event.

Feedback from exhibitors and delegates alike was very positive. The presentation program was well received and flowed well, with topics that supported each other throughout the course of the schedule. As well, the At-Grade Workshop on Sunday was well attended and appreciated by the

participants. Having the support of Alberta Municipal Affairs at both the convention and the workshop was extremely gratifying for the association and its members.

The next convention is scheduled for March 5 to 8, 2014 at the River Cree in Edmonton, AB. Mark those dates and your calendar and plan to attend this important industry event!

Events The AOWMA represents its members at

meetings and events throughout the year. Following is a list of events that association representatives have attended or have scheduled to attend to-date: • AAMDC Trade Show: March 18, 2014. • Woodlands County Homeowner

Presentation: May 28, 2014.• Strathcona County Rural Days –

Homeowner Presentation: June 7, 2014.• Safety Codes Council 20th Convention:

June 3 to 5, 2014. • Western Water and Wastewater

Association Trade Show: September 23 to 26, 2014.

• Rural Utilities and Safety Association Convention and Trade Show: December 3, 2014.

NEWS FROM SASKATCHEWAN Training

A session of the Onsite Wastewater Practitioner Training was held in Lloydminster, SK during the month of May. This timing was fortuitous as it occurred during break up, which allowed several of those installing


onsite wastewater systems in the oil patch to participate in the training.

New training dates for the program will be set for late fall/early winter.

The association will focus on delivering practical field days such as site and soil evaluation, field installation and mound installation around the province again this summer. Members with sites that are available for practical training days should contact the SOWMA office or get hold of a board member.

Outreach Representatives from the Board of

Directors and administration regularly represent the membership at events throughout the year. These outreach opportunities are important in order to ensure those stakeholders who impact our industry are aware of the presence of the association and its mandate.

The association will be representing its members at the following upcoming events:

• Western Canada Water & Wastewater Association Trade Show, Regina: September 23 to 26, 2014.

• Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors, Saskatchewan Branch: Fall/Winter 2014.

• Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities Trade Show: Saskatoon March 9 to 12, 2015.

Convention and Trade Show The association was fortunate to host

Jerry Tyler at the Convention and Trade Show held in Saskatoon in March. Jerry was the chief developer of the Tyler table, which is used throughout North America to determine appropriate loading rates for soils.

Jerry began the day with a brief presentation and followed it up with an afternoon workshop. Delegates also participated in workshops on pressure distribution and mound design, and system design and cost. Presentations on subdivision development and appropriate

tank burial depths and techniques were also much appreciated.

The association owes a huge vote of thanks to the vendors who came out and supported the event. Without their participation and support, events such as these would not be possible.

The date for the next upcoming Convention and Trade Show is March 12, 2015. Mark your calendars and join us for education and networking! l


MARCH

13

FEBRUARy

12 1314 15

WCOWMA-BC Convention and Trade ShowAbbotsford, BC

MARCH

5 6 7 8

AOWMA Convention and Trade Show

Edmonton, AB

SOWMA Convention and Trade Show

Saskatoon, SK

2015 CONVENTION CALENDAR


WCOWMA 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.

The WCOWMA continues to grow with its membership of over 1,000 onsite wastewater professionals:• Influencing provincial and municipal regulations ― WCOWMA Board and

Committee Members represent all members by participating in and sitting on a variety of committees and boards both provincially and nationally.

• Setting the national standard for onsite training. The WCOWMA training program is recognized throughout Canada as the premier onsite wastewater certification program.

• Influencing land use planning. The WCOWMA administration consults with regional, municipal districts and counties, providing information on onsite wastewater technologies and resources to help them build effective and sustainable wastewater treatment and disposal policies.

• Spearheading onsite system research and development. The WCOWMA participates in ongoing research on onsite technologies.

• 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 WCOWMA provides that information to the general public, acting as a resource and providing referrals to our member professionals.

• Holding industry information and networking sessions. The WCOWMA will continue regional meetings in order to maintain open lines of communication with our membership.

• Quarterly newsletters are emailed or mailed out, keeping members abreast with advancements in the onsite industry.• Semi-annual industry magazine.

On the business front, members can benefit from:• Website listing ― Members are listed on our website directory in the regions in which they work. Homeowners utilize this directory

service daily to locate contractors in their area.• Referral service – The WCOWMA regularly receives calls from homeowners requesting referrals to contractors in their region. The

WCOWMA only refers callers to WCOWMA members.• Online Member Forum – Pose technical questions on onsite wastewater issues and discuss solutions with fellow practitioners and

Professionals. Network with your fellow members.• Customized business insurance programs through either Lloyd Sadd or the Sustainable Infrastructure Society (AON Reed Stenhouse).

This insurance program provides those coverages not generally available through business insurance such as Errors and Omissions coverage and Pollution Liability.

• Office Supply Discount Programs 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 per cent or more on stationery and shop supplies. Staples Advantage/Corporate Express delivers your order right to your door, saving you time. Even if your small office uses only $1,000/year in supplies, a savings of 60 per cent more than pays for your annual association membership fees.

• Grand & Toy Office Max – Discounted office supplies, free delivery, and Max Bucks. Members can save up to 65 per cent on stationery and office supplies.

• 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.

• Free subscription to Onsite Installer magazine.• In your member package is a wallet card for you to present at the till with your purchases and save 10 per cent when you buy work

clothes from any Mark’s Work Wearhouse outlet.• A 20 per cent discount on soils sampling from Kaizen Laboratories. Just call Kaizen at 403.297.0411 for more information.• A 20 per cent discount on soils testing from Down to Earth Labs. Contact DTE at 403.328.1133• A new Group Health Plan with Lane Quinn Benefit Consultants to help you with prescriptions, eyeglasses, dental, critical illnesses

and other coverages you may require.Over the course of 2014, the WCOWMA will continue to build its business service discount program incentives for members,

so stay tuned for even more benefits to come.

WCOWMA Member Benefits summary


new Benefits for Members!WCOWMA welcomes two new members to our Affinity Program:

OfficeMax/Grand & ToyOfficeMax/Grand & Toy has been a leading provider of office solutions for over 125

years. OfficeMax/Grand & Toy is pleased to offer WCOWMA member’s access to:

Discounts – Group Savings of an average of 65 per cent off catalogue pricing.

Online Ordering ― 24/7, place your own orders when it’s convenient for you at www.officemaxcanada.com. Track your orders, check availability, online specials and confirmation when orders are placed.

E-Invoicing – Invoices will come direct to your email address.

Exclusive Brands – OfficeMax/Grand & Toy has branded items, which can help your organization save money compared to name brands.

Loyalty Program – As part of the incentives for WCOWMA-BC, you have access to our loyalty and rewards program, MaxPerks. As a member, you will earn 25 points for every $500* you spend throughout the year, with opportunities to earn even more with exciting bonus offers and promotions. With 1 point equal to $1.

Free Delivery† ― Free delivery on orders above $50.

www.officemaxcanada.com

neW employee Benefits Program for WCOWMA MembersWCOWMA has partnered with Lane Quinn Benefit Consultants Ltd. to provide members with a new solution to customize your

benefits plan to fit your needs and your budgets.Through this partnership, Lane Quinn Benefit Consultants Ltd. will offer a no obligation (and no charge) review of your benefit plan

to ensure it is meeting your needs and that you are getting the best available combination of coverage, service and price.They will meet with you to understand your corporate culture and learn your employee benefits strategy so that the best solutions

can be found. They take a fully independent approach and test the market of available insurance carriers on your behalf.You will be provided with assistance in implementing a new program, as well as ongoing service support in the areas of employee

communication, plan administration assistance, and annual renewal negotiations with the insurance carrier.This is an exciting new opportunity for our members for reviewing your current benefits plan or to take steps to implementing a

program for the first time.To obtain more information or to enroll, please contact:

JEFF NICHOLPhone: (403) 261-6084 extension [email protected] WHITEPhone: (403) 261-6084 extension [email protected]: www.lanequinn.com

Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management AssociationThe Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association (WCOWMA) is a not-for-profit organization that was created to educate, train and certify industry professionals in Western Canada. The association engages its member installers, septage haulers, suppliers, municipalities and provincial government departments to arrive at sound practices that strengthen the industry, and ensure safe and effective septage management for all Western Canada.

For more information:18303 – 60th AvenueEdmonton, AB T6M 1T7Office Toll Free: 877.489.7471Office Tel: 780.489.7471Fax: 250.381.6667 (BC)Fax: 780.486.7414 (AB, SK, MB)[email protected]

Operations Manager – Lesley DesjardinsCell: 780.994.8955Email: [email protected]: [email protected]


!

!

Your WCOWMA membership provides full membership in the industry association chapter in your province:

• Alberta – Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association• British Columbia – WCOWMA Onsite Wastewater Management Association of B.C.• Saskatchewan – Saskatchewan Onsite Wastewater Management Association• Manitoba – Manitoba Onsite Wastewater Management Association


Fiberglass Septic TanksProgressive Yard

Works Ltd. ......................................................18

Fiberglass Tank ManufacturerZCL Composites ...............................................28

Hydrogeology WastewaterH2O Environmental Ltd. ..................................17

Innovative Portable Restroom SolutionsF. M. Manufacturing Inc. ..................................20

Irrigation SystemsNetafim Irrigation Inc. ......................................18

Land Development and Engineering ConsultantsSite Engineering Technology Inc. ....................18

Onsite Septic System ComponentsSIM/Tech Filter .................................................17

Onsite Wastewater System ConsultantsWSP ...................................................................17

Plastic Chambers and TanksInfiltrator Systems Inc. .....................................20

Poly Super TanksPremier Plastics Inc. ........................................23

Portable Restroom, Outdoor SanitationPolyJohn Canada ..............................................18

Potable Water Storage Tanks, Buried DesignEMCO Roth ......................................................IBC

Potable Water TrucksCamex Equipment Sales & Rentals Inc. ...........3

Pro Flow SystemsWestcon Precast Inc. ...................................... IFC

Project ManagementAquatic Sentry Controls ...................................18

Pump ManufacturerZoeller Pump Company ....................................22

Pump ServiceLiberty Pumps Inc. ...........................................26

Pump SystemsElectric Motor Service Limited ........................30

PumpsAquateck West Ltd. ..........................................30

Pumps Sales and ServiceAnderson Pump House Ltd. ............................30

Restroom Trailer ManufacturerComforts of Home Services, Inc. ....................32

Septic Systems and InstallersEMCO ADS ..................................................... OBC

Septic Systems, Pumps and SuppliesMoro USA ..........................................................23

Septic Tank and Riser ComponentsBrenLin Company Inc. ......................................32

Septic Tank ManufacturersAlberta Wilbert Sales .......................................16Bashaw Concrete Products .............................25Pembina Concrete Products Ltd. ....................14

Septic Wastewater Pipes, Valve Fittings and IrrigationEMCO Roth ......................................................IBC

Specialist in Residential and Commercial Water and Wastewater SystemsWig’s Pump & Waterworks Ltd. .......................30

Tank Sales and InstallationsBridge Vault & Precast .....................................30

Vacuum Trucks-SepticElmira Machine Industries ................................4

Wastewater Collection Products and Treatment SystemsOnsite Specialties ............................................13

Wastewater Filter SupplierPremier Tech Aqua ...........................................11

Wastewater Software SupplierSJE Rhombus Inc. ............................................25

Wastewater TreatmentBionest ..............................................................20Eljen Corporation .............................................34

Wastewater Treatment EquipmentWestern Pump Ltd. ...........................................14

Wastewater Treatment SpecialistsANUA USA Inc. ..................................................24

Water Collection Water ReuseEMCO Roth ......................................................IBC

Water Treatment ProductsDegremont Technologies .................................28

Waterworks and Pump SupplyFrontier Plumbing & Heating .............................6

Well Size, Septic Containment and DisposalShack Vac Ltd. ..................................................18

Wholesale Pump DistributionArndt Motor & Pump Service Ltd. ...................32Van Isle Water ..................................................32

Buyer’s Guide

informer - western canada33 membership application/ renewal 34 buyer’s guide informer summer 2014...

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