INNOVATION-July-August-2020

PROFESSIONALS PRACTICE AND ONSITE SEWERAGE SYSTEMS The design of small-scale onsite sewerage systems has a direct impact on public health and safety. That’s why this work requires extensive qualifications and training, and a solid understanding of regulatory requirements and guidelines. But a recurring trend of complaints over the past year— comprising up to 20 percent of all received complaints— suggests knowledge of these requirements may not be well understood. The following four complaints are examples that demonstrate this recurring trend. Complaint A : A registrant who practices civil engineering with a focus on building construction and maintenance designed an onsite wastewater system that malfunctioned a year later. The registrant admitted that he had previously only completed three other onsite wastewater systems. Complaint B : A registrant who practices geotechnical engineering signed and sealed design and filing documents for an onsite wastewater system that had been prepared by a non-registrant. This matter is being investigated to determine whether the registrant conducted the design and necessary site assessment work to be in a position to register the onsite wastewater system. Complaint C : A registrant who practices mechanical engineering designed an onsite wastewater system. The system malfunctioned and had to be replaced two years later, much earlier than expected. In their response, the registrant admitted their company did not have experienced or qualified staff to design and install onsite sewerage systems. Complaint D : A registrant who practices geotechnical engineering signed and sealed design and filing documents for an onsite wastewater system, which later became the subject of a complaint. The registrant had witnessed the design process on some systems, but had limited self-study of sewerage system guidelines. Engineers and Geoscientists BC became aware that the typical practice of the registrant’s previous employer was for registrants to sign and seal sewerage system design drawings, as-built drawings, and field reviews that were, in fact, typically created or performed by a technician and not a registered professional. PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE STANDARDS Professional engineers and geoscientists should only design onsite wastewater systems when qualified to do so, and in accordance with the applicable standards, guidelines and regulations. The required knowledge, training, and experience in onsite sewerage system practice is outlined in Professional Practice Guidelines – Onsite Sewerage Systems , found at egbc.ca/guidelines. These guidelines apply to design,

construction, and maintenance of onsite sewerage systems under the Sewerage System Regulation (SSR), which regulates systems in BC of under 22,700 litres daily design flow. QUALIFICATIONS To determine practice qualifications in this area, registrants should pay particular attention to Section 3.0 Qualifications of these guidelines, which specifies that registrants should self-assess their abilities based on several considerations, including experience designing onsite sewerage systems, and knowledge of relevant technology and regulations. Competencies relevant to onsite sewerage systems include: • knowledge of design flows and source characterization; • soil loading and distribution, drainage and site preparation; • process selection skills; and • onsite sewerage system installation, operation, maintenance, and monitoring. A complete list of relevant competencies is provided in Professional Practice Guidelines – Onsite Sewerage Systems. REGULATIONS AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT The SSR requires that system design, construction, and maintenance only be undertaken by or under the supervision of authorized persons—either engineering or geoscience professionals or Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioners. The regulation relies upon the authorized person to certify that sewerage systems are designed and constructed in accordance with standard practice (as defined in SSR); that is, will not cause or contribute to a health hazard. Section 2.3 of the guidelines refers registrants to additional quality management requirements, explained in Engineers and Geoscientists BC quality management guidelines titled Direct Supervision and Use of Seal . Registrants must be aware of the professional responsibilities to undertake field reviews, approve changes, testing and commissioning, and providing a final letter of certification to the health authority, including submission of Design of onsite sewerage systems is complex and requires an understanding of regulatory requirements and guidelines. The Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association of BC and Equip Training Ltd. provide training for professionals who wish to practice in this area. For video training on onsite sewerage systems practice standards, visit egbc.ca/online-offerings . record drawings and a maintenance plan. CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

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