MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS

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 3 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.

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!" 

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." 

Aaron Hahn


Classes taught: Dam Inspection and Maintenance, Dam Safety Management

Hobbies: bodybuilding, mountain biking, playing violin, skate/snowboarding, automotive engineering, ... too many things to list.

Aaron Hahn is the founder of Interior Dams Inc., a private engineering consulting firm located in the Interior of BC.  Aaron is a multi-disciplinary engineer (Mech/Civil) who specializes in dams, flood protection, hydrology, and hydraulics. Aaron is an experienced engineer with over a decade of professional practice experience working on dams, dikes, and flood hazard mitigation projects throughout British Columbia. Aaron’s knowledge of BC regulations (water sustainability act, dam safety regulation, dike maintenance act, etcetera) and dedication to keeping current with industry best practices makes him a valuable asset for any project. Aaron is an active member of the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO), the Canadian Dam Association (CDA), the British Columbia Water Supply Association (BC WSA), BC Water and Waste Association (BCWWA), and the Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia.

Learning tip:  “Never trust a coffee cup lid.”