Codes of Conduct
The provincial associations are currently working on policy surrounding member and Board of Director Codes of Conduct.
Each member receives a copy of the association Code of Conduct in their membership package yearly, which they should read, sign, and keep on file. A copy of the signed Code of Conduct should be returned to the association office to be kept in the member's file.
Industry associations create Codes of Conduct to stress the importance of professionalism, which should be part of a business' standard operating practice.
When complaints regarding members are received in the association offices, the complaint is reviewed for non-compliance of the Code of Conduct. The Boards are working on policy regarding violation of the Code of Conduct that support the bylaws of the associations.
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Contest Alert: Show Your Creative Side!
A properly working system is important, but do you ever have a little fun with it?
We're calling on our readers to submit their most creative installation component!
The winner, as judged by WCOWMA administration, will be given $100.00 gift card to Mark's. The winner will also have their work featured in the Winter edition of our Onsite Informer magazine, which has a reach of over 4000 members and stakeholders!
Click here for more information, including how to submit your entry.
Bottom left image is by Mike Hyde, bottom right image is by Daniel Morris.
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New Alberta SOP
Release Date: November 1st, 2021
One year following the release of the Standard of Practice, it will come into force. In the interim between the release and coming into force, the 2015 Standard of Practice will continue to be utilized for design and installation of onsite wastewater systems.
Once the new SOP is released, current Certificate of Competency holders will be required to participate in Standard of Practice Update training provided by Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association. Certificate of Competency holders will have one year within which to complete their SOP Update Training.
The Standard of Practice Update training will be a two-day workshop. These workshops will be provided virtually, with a limited opportunity for in-person training throughout the training year for those who prefer to attend a live training event. More information is available from the AOWMA office.
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SK Installation Demonstration
On Wednesday, October 6th, SOWMA had the privilege of attending an Enviro-Septic Installation Day hosted by The Saulteaux First Nations along with Anderson Pump House and FRP Manufacturing.
The Installation Demonstration was a great opportunity to get hands on experience with the Enviro-Septic Systems.
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Join the WCOWMA Facebook Group
We've expanded beyond pages! Come join the group, chat with other with people in the industry, and stay up-to-date with WCOWMA news.
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In-Person or Virtual Convention: Have Your Say
The AOWMA Convention Committee is working on plans for a live convention and trade show to take place in Red Deer, AB on February 15, 16, & 17, 2022.
The WCOWMA-BC Board of Directors is working on plans for a convention and trade show on March 3, 4 & 5, 2022.
With on-going changes to public heath requirements for groups and gatherings, the Associations are trying to gauge industry support for an in-person event. We would appreciate your response to the brief survey below.
AB convention and trade show survey
BC convention and trade show survey
The survey is only four questions, and should be able to be completed in under two minutes. We hope you'll participate.
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High-Water Alarms in Privies
Alberta Municipal Affairs issued a STANDATA regarding the requirement for high-water alarms in privies in September 2021.
The STANDATA removes the requirement for a high-water alarm in privies due to their remote locations, and the absence of power available at these sites needed to operate the alarm. As well, without the addition of flush water to dilute the waste the alarm float would not function properly.
All other onsite wastewater treatment systems continue to require a high-water alarm.
Download the STANDATA for more information.
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Closer Scrutiny Occurring in Alberta Permit Reviews
Onsite wastewater contractors and safety codes officers are undergoing more intense scrutiny as Alberta Municipal Affairs and the Alberta Safety Codes Authority audit permit applications and closed permits to ensure that the regulations and Standard of Practice are being met.
Contractors should be aware that if their permit documents do not meet the requirements of the SOP and if their site and soil evaluations do not incorporate the nomenclature of the Canadian Soil Classification System, they will have their permit returned to them for correction.
Design document templates are available from the association office as are current worksheets and other tools to aid in the design process. Call your provincial association for access to these important tools of the trade.
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Onsite Wastewater Practitioner Training
The Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association provides an excellent industry training program for Onsite Wastewater Professionals throughout Western Canada.
This training program has been found to meet or exceed the requirements of the Agreement on Internal Trade, the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement, and the New West Partnership.
Training, including the number of days, varies by province. More details on each program can be found on the provincial training pages, or by contacting our office.
Students will be required to complete an online training component prior to attending the classroom sessions.
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Virtual ClassroomDays 1 - 5 December 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 2021
Days 6 - 10 January 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 2022
Visit our website or contact the association office at 1-855-872-2645 for more information.
Virtual Classroom
January 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, 2022
February 4 & 5, 2022
Visit our website or contact the association office at 855-872-2650 for more information.
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Virtual Classroom
January 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 2022
Exam Day January 24, 2022
Download a registration form or contact the association office at 877-489-7471 for more information.
Manitoba students are being directed to Alberta or Saskatchewan for participation in their training programs at this time.
Contact the association office at 855-872-2659 for more information.
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Practical Training Opportunities
SK - Site and Soil Evaluation Field Day
Site and Soil Evaluation Field Days provide a great opportunity to get hands-on experience evaluating a site, as well as, practicing hand texturing and sampling.
November 19, 2021
Saskatoon, SK
Register online or download a registration form.
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Maintenance Practitioner Training
November 25, 26, 29, & 30, 2021
WCOWMA-BC is hosting the four-day training program for Maintenance Provider (Operations and Maintenance). This training is split into two parts: Part One covers the business aspects of O and M and the operation and maintenance required for conventional systems including trenches, beds, mounds and at-grades with some aerobic tank discussion. Part Two concentrates more specifically on Aerobic Tanks, drip irrigation, single pass and re-circulating media filters. Both parts are conducted over a four-day period with an exam administered at the conclusion of each level.
This program was developed by the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) and has been adapted to the BC regulatory framework. The training was developed through the Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment (CIDWT). The CIDWT has been instrumental with the assistance of funding from the USEPA to prepare standard educational materials that can be used nationwide. They developed both a University and Practitioner curriculum and then followed this with a comprehensive manual and set of training materials on Operation and Maintenance.
Those who successfully complete the training program can continue on to apply for their ROWP Stamp for Maintenance Provider.
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Provincial/Federal Job Grants Continue to be Available for Training
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World Toilet Day
November 19, 2021
Online
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World Soil Day
December 5, 2021
Online
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