Watermark > Winter 2000 > Association Reports

Reports

• Small Wastewater Committee—By Colwyn Sunderland
• CCCC Report—By Gregg James
• CWWA Report—By Frank Belfry

Small Wastewater Committee

By Colwyn Sunderland, Chair

Since its inception, the Small Wastewater Systems Committee (SWWSC) has produced seminars every few years to share technical knowledge among onsite sewage treatment professionals. In anticipation of substantial changes in the regulatory framework of onsite treatment, the SWWSC is shifting its focus for the coming two years to support policy changes that encourage the long-term use of effective onsite treatment.

Onsite treatment of domestic sewage by small, high effluent quality systems has emerged in the past several years as a viable alternative to the expansion of large collection networks in many areas. Health authorities, suppliers and consultants in the onsite treatment field are generally aware that there are often economic and environmental advantages in developing decentralised treatment.

However, municipal and regional planners and engineers, who are ultimately responsible for sewage infrastructure, are largely unaware of the developments in onsite technology and management that have occurred in the past decade. Additionally, since the risks associated with onsite treatment have historically outweighed those of large collection networks, onsite treatment and disposal are typically discouraged in the planning decision process for suburban development.

Improved process technology and the information technology revolution have provided new tools to expand the capabilities and reduce the risks associated with onsite treatment. As urban areas continue to grow, infrastructure ages, and the assimilative capacities of receiving environments diminish, the costs and risks associated with large collection networks increase. The SWWSC, through its members, has a unique collective insight into the value of onsite treatment as a liquid waste management strategy.

Over the next two years, the SWWSC will provide local government planners with new tools for evaluation and implementation of decentralised treatment as a component of a long-term liquid waste management plan, through the following objectives:

1. Provide comments and suggestions to the Ministry of Health regarding drafts of the forthcoming Sewage Regulation
2. Develop standard presentation packages including abstracts, speaker outlines and visual aids:
   1. Why Decentralise? Measuring the Benefits of Onsite Treatment to Local Governments
   2. Onsite Treatment in the 21st Century: Technology and Management Beyond the Septic Tank
   3. Cost and Risk Evaluation of Onsite Treatment for a Specific Development or Community
   4. Case Studies of Effective Management of Onsite Treatment: Kitsap County and North Saanich
   5. Fees and Security: Management with Teeth for Onsite Treatment Systems
3. Deliver presentations at key venues such as the Union of BC Municipalities, Urban Development Institute and Municipal Officers' Association annual conferences in 2001 and 2002
4. Provide presentation packages to the Health, Environment and Municipal Affairs ministries, particularly for delivery in regions outside the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
5. Support the Ministry of Health in education of regional health officers regarding management of onsite systems under performance-based regulatory structure by providing or reviewing technology guidelines and presentation materials.

We look forward to an interesting time for onsite sewage professionals in British Columbia, where the BCWWA will play a central role through our committee.

CCCC Report - News and Views

By Gregg James

Well it is that time again. Hard to believe that it has been three years since our last seminar and again from all accounts, it was very successful.

On September 22nd, the Cross-Connection Control Committee (CCCC) and the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA) held a seminar at the Best Western Richmond Inn. It was a one-day seminar focusing on the cross connection control and backflow assembly industry. We were fortunate to have speakers and product representatives from all over North America.

The topics covered a wide spectrum of the industry. From effective cross connection control management and testers liability, to proper installation, care and maintenance of backflow assemblies. The topics appealed to just about every aspect of the industry and it showed in the attendance of delegates. We surpassed our projections and had over 135 delegates. They ranged from Municipal department heads, Universities, all the way to testers in the field. It also showed the growing interest in the industry, as the delegates came from across Canada and from below the border.

The manufacturer displays provided a look at new products and ideas and an opportunity to personally talk to the representatives. We found that the displays elicited a very good response and we will definitely be inviting exhibitors to be part of our next seminar.

It was definitely not all-hard work and no play. We held a golf tournament and from looking at the scores, we know who works and who plays. (Score list available for blackmail purposes only).

The Cross Connection Control Committee would like to thank BCWWA & the APBA for making this possible. Not to mention the hard work from everyone in the CCCC who helped make this seminar a success. Special thanks go out to Karen Hynes, who keeps our committee running smoothly. Without her attention to detail and dedication to making this event the best ever, this seminar would not have been possible. Way to go and keep up the good work.

Our newsletter "The Test Report" will be out shortly. It covers information from most of the municipalities, updating us on progress on their Cross Connection Control Programs, product information on new devices and a most interesting column called Incident Reports. This latter section covers any cross connection incidents that have happened locally and abroad. We also have testing information; devices count as per municipality and usually a quiz just to keep everyone on their toes. If you would like a copy and are not a CCCC member, just give the BCWWA office a call and we can arrange to get you a copy. We also have room for anyone interested in advertising their product or services. We are all fortunate to be living in such a beautiful place, so let's do our part to protect it and our families from possible problems concerning our drinking water.

Canadian Water and Wastewater Association Report

By: Frank Belfry P Eng., BCWWA Rep to CWWA

This report provides a brief update of Fall activities of the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association.

Health Canada

A series of meetings were held on September 28th with Health Canada representatives and covered the following topics:

• The future role of the federal government in drinking water quality and the management of public health issues
• The need for Bottled Water Regulations and their conformity to guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality
• Status of the Chlorine Disinfection Byproducts Task Force

Environment Canada

A series of meetings were held with representatives from Environment Canada on September 29 as follows:

• The Municipal Wastewater Effluent Plan provides for management of wastewater effluents from federal lands, development of national strategies including a type of regulation or control instrument, and involvement of stakeholders in training, monitoring programs and new technologies.
• Review of a program to add ammonia and chloramines to the Priority Substances List leading to establishing substances as toxic under CEPA. A 60 day review period for public comment will commence in December.
• National Wastewater group is addressing gaps between Federal and Provincial regulations.
• The Canadian Water Quality Guidelines document, a summary of regulations and policies, is available at www.mbnet.mb.ca/ccme.
• Review of the Environmental Emergency Planning provisions under CEPA Part 8, where plans can be required for substances listed as CEPA toxic
• The Environmental Economic Branch has completed a report on Municipal Water Pricing. CWWA noted the many variables that are a part of water pricing strategies.

Highlights of the CWWA Board of Directors Meeting, September 30

The CWWA Board has representation from all Regional Associations, Provinces and Territories across Canada. Discussion at the meeting is summarized as follows:

• The annual budget of $274,00 was approved.
• The Ontario Government has established a Walkerton Committee of Inquiry. Part One is a formal investigation about the events at Walkerton. Part Two will focus on the best technical evidence and advice on water issues and policies. The Ontario Water Works Association has received intervener status on the Part 2 process. The findings and recommendations of Part 2 may ultimately be the basis for new water policy across the country.
• The Board approved Position Statements on Drinking Water Guidelines, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Management Systems, Training, Education and Certification of Water and Wastewater System Operators, Publication of Water Quality Data, and Water Rates and Full Cost Pricing.
• Duncan Ellison will retire as Executive director in 2001. It is planned to have a search for a replacement next spring. Duncan will stay on with the CWWA in an advisory capacity.