Instructors
Instructors at the BCWWA take on the essential role of sharing their knowledge and experience with developing members of the water and wastewater industry. We thank our instructors for their continued hard work and dedication in maintaining their courses and passing their skills onto their students.
Read on to learn more about your instructors!
Pierre Bérubé
Classes taught: Low-Pressure Membrane Technologies
Hobbies: Mountain biking, surfing, trying to keep up with my kids, learning new stuff
Dr. Pierre Bérubé is a professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of British Columbia. He has over 25 years of research and consulting experience in water quality assessment and treatment, with particular emphasis on membrane and other filtration-related technologies. His work has generated new research tools and, in partnership with industry, new processes and products that have become standards in the field.
He serves on the Canadian Association on Water Quality Board and is a member of the Management Committee of the IWA Specialist Group on Membrane Technology.
Learning tip: “Review new material immediately after learning – and as needed and immediately follow up with questions that might be generated during the review.”
Len Clarkson
Classes taught: Small Water Systems, Water Treatment 1 and 2, Source Water Protection, Water Quality and Sampling for Water Systems, Water Quality and Sampling for Water and Wastewater Systems, Preventing Waterborne Illnesses and Ultraviolet Disinfection
Hobbies: I’m happiest on the ocean or in the mountains.
Len Clarkson started work in BC in 1976 in the Chilliwack office of the Upper Fraser Valley Health Unit. In 1979, he transferred to the Coast Garibaldi Health Unit in Squamish. Len has over 40 years of experience overseeing audit inspections and monitoring rural water systems in the Coast Mountain range of southwestern British Columbia.
In addition to providing in-service training for drinking water officers, Len teaches a water supply course for BCIT student environmental health officers and continues to teach education courses for the BCWWA. Len has participated on several BCWWA committees including past Chair of the Drinking Water Committee. Key areas of interest include water quality data management, GIS mapping of water supply sources and distribution system boundaries.
Learning tip: “What causes fear and what causes illness – are not the same.”
Norm Clarkson
Classes taught: Water Distribution 1, Water Treatment 1, Small Water Systems, Prevention of Waterborne Illness, Water Quality and Sampling, Bulk Water Delivery
Hobbies: Boating, fishing or hiking in the desert
Prior to his retirement in 2003, Norm was the manager of health protection programs for the Okanagan service area of Interior Health. This included the inspection of community water systems and issuing operating permits, as well as investigating communicable disease outbreaks.
Since retiring, he has been involved in teaching and updating courses for the BCWWA.
Learning tip: “1. A hose bib vacuum breaker will have no protection against backflow from a pesticide spraying device that is upslope from the tap.
2. To err is human; to blame it on someone else shows management potential.”
James Curtis
Classes taught: Managing People, Introduction to Supervisory and Leadership Skills
Hobbies: Hiking, gardening, cooking
James Curtis worked for over 20 years in communications and management with global firms, including Hewlett-Packard, Expedia and The Weather Network. He has now turned his skills and experience to training and supporting others to become exceptional communicators, managers and leaders. His student-focused, positive and interactive approach has been well-received by participants at organizations in Canada, the US, the UK, Australia, and France.
Learning tip: “Prioritize your learning. During class time, make sure others know you are unavailable; stay focused and engaged to get the most out of your training.”
Dan Deacon
Classes taught: Lift Stations Operation and Maintenance, Pumps & Pumping Hydraulics
Hobbies: Dan enjoys the outdoors, spending time at his summer retreat, boating and enjoying life’s finer points with his wife, two kids, and their dog Shelby.
Dan Deacon is well established as a leader in our industry having served communities in the Lower Mainland for nearly three decades. Currently employed as an Operations Supervisor with Metro Vancouver Liquid Waste Services, Dan oversees field operations and construction, and is passionate about employee relations and development. Holding operator certification in both the water and wastewater fields, he has had much exposure to the many facets of rehabilitating municipal infrastructure, providing top quality service to the community.
Learning tip: “ Reviewing helps keep information fresh in your mind and makes it easier to remember later. Go over what you’ve learned regularly.”
Darcy Dragonetti
Classes taught: Wastewater Collection 3-4, Water Distribution 3-4, Pumps and Pumping Hydraulics, Calculations for Water and Wastewater Operators, Lift Stations Operation and Maintenance, Municipal Plan Reading, Watermains Disinfection for the Field Operator
Hobbies: Darcy enjoys taking time out with family and friends to have a few laughs and appreciate the simple things in life, like doodling, hanging out with grandkids and helping out around the house.
Darcy Dragonetti is an industry leader in the area of public operations, having served the public for more than three decades. His passion for this industry has led to numerous leadership roles throughout western Canada, including senior management positions within waterworks, sewers, landfill, public works, sustainable operations, solid waste and underground utilities, prior to his retirement from the role of regional director, Environmental Services, in northern Alberta.
Darcy is also recognized as one of the best trainers the industry has to offer. He has long since been a primary contributor in developing training curricula and delivering programs throughout western Canada.
Learning tip: “Take the initiative to ask any questions that come to mind as there are likely others wondering about the same thing!”
Ronald Enns
Classes taught: Water Distribution 1-2, Wastewater Collection 1-2, Trench Safety Workshop, Utility Locating Fundamentals
Hobbies: Ron enjoys the outdoors. You will find him fishing or hiking or spending his time with his wife and kids travelling the world.
Ronald Enns is one of the industry’s top trainers within public and private operations having served the public and private sectors for more than two decades. His passion for technical operations and safety is well-documented and he has been involved in many associations throughout his career. Ron was involved with CAN-TF1 Heavy Urban Search and Rescue on one of Canada’s elite teams and was deployed to Johnstone Landing landslide as a technical specialist. He was also recognized for his passion for better education when he was asked to join Kwantlen Polytechnic University as Manager of Business Development Building and offer water, wastewater, public works and technical safety courses in BC.
Ron has recently retired from Metro Vancouver as Supervisor of Liquid Waste Services and is now pursuing his passion for teaching full-time.
Learning tip: “Pursue your passion and remember you will never stop learning new things — sometimes even the teacher needs to becomes the student.”
Mark Feltham
Classes taught: Wastewater Collection 1, Wastewater Collection 2
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, woodworking
Mark Feltham has worked in the water and wastewater industry for more than 38 years. His career started in 1985 as a water, fuel and environmental (WFE) technician in the Canadian Armed Forces, where he operated and maintained water and wastewater systems at home and when deployed overseas. In addition, he was both an instructor and standards representative for the WFE trade in the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Gagetown, New Brunswick, during his last two years.
After his retirement, Mark worked as a water and wastewater operator in Alberta and BC. During that time, he actively looked for ways to help pass on some of his experience to the next generation as an instructor for the BCWWA. Over the last 11 years, Mark has been employed as a supervisor and special projects rep travelling to many different sites to help operate, maintain, optimize, and retrofit both water and wastewater plants of all shapes and sizes. Mark currently holds a Level II WWTP and Level I WTP.
Learning tip: “Remember to review the day’s information afterwards to better retain the learning concepts.”
Mike Firlotte
Classes taught: Water Treatment 3-4
Hobbies: Skiing, hot springs, car shows, craft beer
Since completing his studies in water quality at Okanagan University College in the ʼ90s, Mike Firlotte has worked in the field as a certified operator and is one of BC’s recognized leaders in the drinking water industry. He is an accomplished instructor in water and wastewater operations.
Mike has fulfilled various roles, including certified water treatment plant operator, water resources specialist, utilities manager, acting director of utility operations, and most recently, as the water quality supervisor for the City of Penticton. Mike is also very active in supporting the water industry by serving on the EOCP Board of Directors, along with instructing various water quality programs with several training providers in BC and the Yukon Territories.
Learning tip: “I hope I can be an example for those who do not feel they have the ‘necessary’ resources most people have. My learning tip is this: For those who have enthusiasm and curiosity but lack confidence because they feel they are too uneducated or too lost, “I barely made it through high school and here I am today” – be the voice of change. Workplaces and missions all exemplify why experience can be the greatest education of all. Maybe you don’t have an engineering degree, but you can make a humongous change. You just have to have passion. Passion cannot be taught the way that content can, but it can be demonstrated.”
George Foley
Classes taught: Wastewater Collection 1, Wastewater Collection 2, Wastewater Treatment 1, Wastewater Treatment 2, Communication and Financial Skills, Project Management Skills, Unidirectional Flushing
Hobbies: Golf, walking, rugby watching (not playing anymore), old-timers’ hockey
George Foley began working for the Town of Sidney, BC, in 1972 and soon after joined their public works department. Later, when Sidney had later been ordered to construct a wastewater treatment plant, George began his career in the wastewater industry by training and working at the plant after its construction.
In 1980, George moved to Pender Island as the utilities foreman at Magic Lake Utilities. Ten years later, he returned to Victoria to become a foreman to operate the East Coast Interceptor project. From that, he moved on to the position of supervisor of Wastewater Treatment & Transmission and, later, to the manager of operations for the Environmental Services Division of the District.
In his time as an ops manager, he gained interest and experience with computerized maintenance management programs.
Learning tip: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and/or help from your instructor or classmates.”
Mike Ippen
Classes taught: Odor and Corrosion Control, Infiltration and Inflow, Distribution System Breaks and Repairs, Operational Best Practices for Water Distribution Systems
Hobbies: Football and gardening
Mike Ippen has worked in local government operations for over 40 years. He started with the District of North Vancouver Utilities in 1977, working his way up to deputy superintendent. In Saanich, Mike worked as a waterworks manager, human resources manager and senior manager, Public Works before moving to the City of Victoria as their Utilities Manager. Since retiring in 2017, Mike has consulted in public works operations across BC and Yukon for local governments and First Nations.
Learning tip: “Stay curious, keep learning and opportunities will come your way.”
Eric de Jong
Classes taught: Small Water Systems, Small Wastewater Systems, Chlorine Handling, Wastewater Collection 1 & 2, Water Distribution 1 & 2
Hobbies: Hiking, boating, SCUBA, ice hockey
Over the 33 years of Eric de Jong’s career in the water industry, he has acquired nearly every certification related to his work, including a Level IV in water distribution and wastewater collection. In the first half of his municipal career, asphalt, concrete, heavy equipment, and waste management were his focus, after which he settled into water and wastewater.
Learning tip: “Take time to grasp the concept. After that, your need to memorize is minimal.”
Ineke Kalwij
Classes taught: Introduction to Hydrogeology, Groundwater Management
Ineke Kalwij, P.Eng., is a hydrogeological engineer with over 22 years of experience in the fields of hydrogeology, groundwater engineering and water management through consulting and research (consulting, academia, applied research organization). Ineke has a PhD degree in groundwater engineering (USA) and received formal training in project management at the University of British Columbia.
Ineke is the owner of Kalwij Water Dynamics Inc. (KWD), a consulting company which specializes in a broad range of groundwater and water management consulting services including design, investigations and project management. She is a member of the Board of Directors of The Groundwater Project, a not-for-profit organization based in Canada with the mission to promote groundwater learning. She also co-leads the educational domain tailored towards developing introductory groundwater books and is co-author of a forthcoming book, “Introduction to Groundwater and Aquifers.”
Chris Kerman
Classes taught: Wastewater Treatment 3 and 4
Hobbies: Exploring Vancouver Island and skeet shooting
Chris Kerman began his career in wastewater treatment over 20 years ago, graduating from the Water Quality Technology program in 2004. After securing full time employment, Chris spent many years learning and progressing through certifications to obtain his Level IV certificate in wastewater treatment.
Outside of work, Chris has dedicated many years to volunteering with EOCP, OWB and WPI. He is passionate about the industry and enthusiastic about collaborating with peers and operators to provide wastewater treatment training across the sector.
Learning tip: “Regular, steady practice is more effective than last-minute studying. Set aside time each day to review and reinforce what you’ve learned, rather than waiting until exams approach.”
Dave Kidd
Classes taught: Supervising in a Unionized Environment
Hobbies: Travelling, hiking, lacrosse
Dave Kidd received his B.Sc. and an Associated Certificate in Leadership and has spent over two decades leading and supervising employees across multiple municipalities. Throughout his career, Dave has served in several senior managerial roles, including Superintendent of Streets, Superintendent of Operations, Manager of Public Works and Director of Parks and Public Works.
Dave has a passion for helping others achieve their educational and professional goals, with a focus on increasing organizational leadership capacity at all levels.
Learning tip: “Keep track of assignments, deadlines, and notes in an organized way. Use planners, digital tools, or simple to-do lists to manage your time effectively and avoid unnecessary stress.”
Kyle McBeth
Classes taught: Water Treatment 1, Water Distribution 1 and 2, Wastewater Collection 1 and 2, Small Water Systems, Small Wastewater Systems, Leak Detection and Reservoir Maintenance and Cleaning
Hobbies: Hiking, golf, Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Kyle McBeth is a certified Level IV Water Distribution and Level Ill in Wastewater Collection and has a certificate in Operations Management with BCIT.
He started at Metro Vancouver (GVRD at the time) in 2006 as a summer student starting in water distribution and wastewater collection in Vancouver and Burnaby. A decade later, in 2016, Kyle became a supervisor at Metro Vancouver in water, responsible for the water transmission for the municipalities of the District of North Vancouver, City of North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver, and Burnaby. He oversaw the maintenance of pump stations, reservoirs, capital tie-ins, and dam operation and led a team of staff to ensure safe drinking water is supplied to the region. Kyle enjoys building inter-organizational relationships and meeting other municipal staff working towards a common goal of supplying reliable and safe drinking water. More recently in the summer of 2022, Kyle made a career shift to leave Metro Vancouver to become the water superintendent with the City of Coquitlam.
Kyle sees one of the most rewarding parts of his career as being able to teach and help coworkers with their career development and seeing them succeed.
Learning tip: “Be curious. If you have a question about something, ASK – chances are another peer has the same question; you’re helping everyone by asking that question.”
David McMeeken
Classes taught: Wastewater Treatment 2
Hobbies: Camping, cooking, home renovations
David graduated from Okanagan College Water Quality Program in 2008. He started as an operator at the JAMES WWTP with the City of Abbotsford. He has obtained the MWWT Level 4 certification and the AScT designation.
Through the years he has progressed to operations supervisor at the JAMES WWTP while experiencing the growth and technological changes that plant expansion brings.
Learning tip: “Learn the “why” something is, then you can figure out the where, what, when and how. The best way to learn is to try; there is no failure, just attempts.”
Pat Miller
Classes taught: Small Water Systems, Small Wastewater Systems, Wastewater Collection 1, Wastewater Collection 2, Reservoir Maintenance and Cleaning, Leak Detection, Unidirectional Flushing
Hobbies: A life-long quilter that loves to solve the mathematical challenges in creating building blocks that fit back together.
Pat Miller is a certified Level III wastewater treatment operator and Level III in water treatment as well as Level II in water distribution and wastewater collection, a Level 1 compost operator and gas utility technician.
Prior to entering semi-retired in 2020, Pat managed Sun Peaks’ water, wastewater and gas facilities for 26 years. She is still involved in promoting treatment and the beneficial reuse of water and solids that treatment produces.
Pat continues to teach various industry courses at the BCWWA; she has retired from her position as a sessional instructor at Thompson Rivers University in the Water & Wastewater Utilities Certificate Program. Pat currently serves as acting executive director and Board member for the Public Works Association of BC as well as a Board member of BC 1 Call and a long-term member of the Compost Council of Canada.
Learning tip: “Get to know your local operators. It’s a great way to learn about other systems to bounce ideas and challenges off them. You never know when you might need their help or need yours.”
Bart Nelissen
Classes taught: Process Control, SCADA Fundamentals
Hobbies: Woodworking, horseback riding
Bart Nelissen graduated from a Process and Environmental Technologies program in the Netherlands in 1993. He started his working career as a lab tech and later as a plant operator before starting to build control systems in the late ’90s. Since then, he has worked for various consulting companies, where he provided control system solutions for the oil and gas, water and wastewater, food and beverage, and manufacturing industries.
Bart has been a SCADA / control system instructor for over 20 years, having instructed both general control system-related courses and specific SCADA software courses. In addition, he presents at various industry events throughout the province. Bart has been an active member of the BCWWA and Alberta AWWOA since 2015.
Learning tip: “Ask questions and interact with the instructor and fellow students, even though many courses are online.”
Kim Organ
Classes taught: Dam Inspection and Maintenance, Dam Safety Management
Hobbies: British comedies, event planning, walks with her golden retriever and competitive fantasy baseball with her family.
Kim Organ is a passionate educator and training professional with over 25 years of experience helping others learn and grow. She spent 22 years as a teacher, leading professional development for fellow educators, followed by roles as a training coordinator in industry, where she boosted engagement by 70%, and as an assessment developer with the BC Ministry of Education.
Kim holds a combined Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Lethbridge, a post-graduate certificate in Special Education and Assessment, and has recently completed an Industrial Supervisor Certificate with Canscott.
Based in Cranbrook, BC, Kim is a proud mom of two young adults. She enjoys British comedies, event planning, long walks with her golden retriever, and competitive fantasy baseball with her family. Her warm, approachable style makes her a trusted and engaging instructor.
Learning tip: “Stay curious and ask questions to discover something new. Start by talking to an expert—they love sharing their knowledge and passion. While googling is helpful, engaging with someone in the field can ignite your enthusiasm and fuel your learning journey!”
Dean Scovill
Classes taught: Water Distribution 1, Water Distribution 2, Small Water Systems, Small Wastewater Systems, Water Treatment 1, Water Treatment 2, Chlorine Handling, Hypochlorination, Ultraviolet Disinfection, Preventing Waterborne Illnesses
Hobbies: Reading, hiking, running, and biking
For over 33 years Dean Scovill has been in the field of health protection and water operations. He started work in 1989 in northern British Columbia with Health Canada. His primary role was overseeing drinking water and wastewater systems for First Nation Bands. In 1992, Dean worked for the Province of BC and relocated to the Lower Mainland. In 2013, he moved to the City of Surrey’s Water Operations as an engineering assistant, where he has been ever since.
Dean has many years of experience in the water and wastewater industry. He has presented a variety of topics at the BCWWA and Canadian Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) conferences, among others. In 2008, Dean began instructing at the BCWWA and has taught many students all over the province in various programs, including small water systems, water distribution, water treatment, managing small water systems, supervisor and leadership, UV disinfection, preventing waterborne illness, and small wastewater systems.
Dean holds a bachelor of technology in management and is a member of Applied Science Technologists & Technicians in Civil Engineering and the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors.
Learning tip: “Always reach out to your instructor regardless of how small your question may seem to you.”
Mike Wei
Classes taught: Water Right for Ground Water Users
Hobbies: Fly-fishing, travelling
Mike Wei, P. Eng. is a physical hydrogeologist with sound knowledge of the Water Sustainability Act. Prior to 2018, Mike was the Province of BC’s technical expert in developing and implementing groundwater legislation under the Act. Mike is a sought-after instructor who taught hydrogeology and environmental science at the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University. He has developed and delivered groundwater workshops to numerous Indigenous communities in BC, to industry, as well as, to the Province of BC and Yukon government staff.
Learning tip: “Mike is a life-long learner and two questions he frequently asks are: 1) why and 2) what for? to help provide context to motivate learning.”
Yonatan Yohannes
Classes taught: Watermain Disinfection for Field Operator
Hobbies: Enjoys hiking in nature and exploring outdoors in beautiful BC’s forested areas.
Yonatan Yohannes has been working in municipal water and wastewater for the last three decades, in numerous operator and managerial positions in Ontario and British Columbia. Throughout his career, Yonatan has had opportunities to commission a few treatment plants and implement innovative solutions to treatment and distribution challenges. He has also been involved in developing and delivering training programs to help operators achieve provincial certification in both the water and wastewater fields, in both Ontario and British Columbia.
