INNOVATION March-April 2016
As the official publication of Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia, Innovation is circulated to almost 34,000 BC-registered professional engineers and geoscientists, other professionals, industry and government representatives, educational institutions and the general public. The magazine is published six times each year on a bi-monthly basis.
Earthquake Early Warning Systems • OQM Audit Process • Engineering and Geoscience in the Community
JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND GEOSCIENTISTS OF BC
MARCH/APRIL 2016
Exploring BC's Earthquake Preparedness
PM40065271
Flood Management Along The Vedder River and Canal
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MARCH/APRIL 2 016 [ volume 20 number 2)
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Continuing the Legacy: Flood Protection through the Vedder River and Canal Sediment Removal Program Stella Chiu, P.Eng., Rob Isaac, Eng.L., Tara Friesen, P.Eng., Frank Van Nynatten, AScT, Lotte Flint-Petersen, P.Eng. Is BC Prepared for the Big One? Exploring BC's Earthquake Preparedness, Resistance and Resilience Dr. John Clague, P.Geo., FGC, FEC (Hon.), John Sherstobitoff, P.Eng., Andrew Seeton, P.Eng., Don Ehrenholz, P.Eng., Dr. Rishi Gupta, P.Eng., Dr. Dharma Wijewickreme, P.Eng. 29 Earthquake Early Warning Systems: Technology Detects, Analyses and Acts on Seismic Signals Dr. Iain Weir-Jones, P.Eng., FGS, Dr. Anton Zaicenco, P.Eng. 20
ON THE COVER: Like Napa, California, which experienced a 6.0-magnitude earthquake in 2014 (shown), communities on BC's coast are vulnerable to seismic events.
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News Remembering Their Contributions: Robert (Bob) Handel, P.Eng., FEC; John (Jack) Croll, CA
9 Association Notes Working with Government; Nominate a Colleague for an APEGBC Award; Showcase Your Project in Innovation’s 2015/2016 Project Highlights; Guidelines Cited by WorkSafe BC; Building Codes Updates Available; Seeking Volunteers for Innovation Editorial Board
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On March 5, the 2016 Science Games brought together 160 enthusiastic school-aged kids to explore hands-on science. Science Games are part of National Engineering and Geoscience Month, one of APEGBC’s efforts to promote the professions in the community.
4 President’s Viewpoint Oversight: Are You Responsible? 6 Letters 13 APEGBC Professional Development 33 Registration Pilot Program Permits Licensees to Bridge to Professional Status 34 Practice Organizational Quality Management Audit Process Assists Organizations 35 Discipline and Enforcement Disciplinary Notice – Peter T. George, P. Geo.; Disciplinary Notice – Yulin Gao, P.Eng. 36 Community Branch Tours College’s Oil and Gas Training Facility; Imagine the Possibilities: National Engineering and Geoscience Month 2016; Science Games Engage Kids 38 Removals 39 Membership 42 Professional Services
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A 2007 Alberta incident involving two fatalities and a collapsed fuel-tank roof structure resurfaced in February, when the Alberta government publicly released its incident report. In Workers Crushed by Collapse of Tank Roof Support Structure , the investigators indicate that a lack of qualified engineers on the project—which may have included inadequate supervision by qualified engineers—may have contributed to the fatal collapse. The story is complex. A number of international and Canadian companies had created a jointly owned Canadian company to design and construct 14 large fuel tanks in northeastern Alberta. Many professional services and much of the construction were completed by temporary foreign workers. The structure was inappropriately designed to sustain wind loading. Workers were working in, on and around the structure when its roof started to fall in, the support cables failed, and it collapsed. In 2009, Alberta Occupational Health and Safety laid 53 charges against several of the companies—all but three charges were later withdrawn. In 2013, one of the companies, SSEC Canada, pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the safety of its workers and paid fines totaling $1.5 million. Based on the new information within the recently released report, the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) has restarted a review of the case. While APEGA’s review unfolds, APEGBC members may want to reflect on the incident. Offshoring and outsourcing of professional engineering and geoscience services are common in BC and Canada. Complex collaborations between companies with limited legal or financial liability for each other’s misconduct or negligence also occur. As a member who may be working within this framework, have you considered your role in ensuring the public is protected? How are you supervising your team? Or, if you work under a professional member, is your direct supervisor meeting the requirements that enable you to perform your work and meet your obligations under the Engineers and Geoscientists Act ? If you are unsure, read APEGBC’s quality management guideline for direct supervision, which can be found at apeg.bc.ca/QMG/ DirectSupervision. When major incidents occur in BC, the question of whether APEGBC should regulate firms that provide engineering and geoscience services in the province is often raised. Council has appointed a taskforce to explore this issue in depth and consult with the membership on the matter over the next year. In my experience, when multiple-company deals are signed, careful assessment of responsibilities and risks by all collaborating companies and members must occur before a project begins and as changes occur. Changes must be logged and assessed to determine where each professional’s responsibilities start and end. This can protect you, your client, and the public interest. Your Council is working to provide members with resources to assist in preventing incidents—fatal or otherwise—before they happen, by providing programs such as the Organizational Quality Management Program, having professional practice advisors available to answer questions and advise members, and developing practice and quality management guidelines. We encourage you to make full use of these resources.
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC Suite 200 - 4010 Regent Street, Burnaby, BC Canada V5C 6N2 Tel: 604.430.8035 Fax: 604.430.8085 Email: apeginfo@apeg.bc.ca Internet: apeg.bc.ca Toll free: 1.888.430.8035 2015/2016 COUNCIL, APEGBC P resident D r . M.C. Wrinch, P.Eng., FEC V ice P resident R.P. Stewart, P.Eng. I mmediate P ast P resident Dr. J.J. Clague, P.Geo., FGC, FEC (Hon.) COUNCILLORS C.J.A. Andrewes, P.Eng.; D r . C.D. ‘Lyn Anglin, P.Geo. D.E. Campbell, P.Eng.; R. Farbridge, P.Eng. A. Fernandes, CIM, FCSI; C. Hall, P.Eng./P.Geo. D.I. Harvey, P.Eng., Struct.Eng., FEC; K. Laloge, CPA, CA, TEP S. Martin, P.Eng.; T. Mitha, LLB C. Moser, P.Eng.; C.L. Park, P.Eng. K.V. Tarnai-Lokhorst, P.Eng.; J. Turner, P.Ag. ASSOCIATION STAFF A.J. English, P.Eng. C hief E xecutive O fficer and R egistrar T.M.Y. Chong, P.Eng. C hief R egulatory O fficer and D eputy R egistrar J.Y. Sinclair C hief O perating O fficer M.L. Archibald D irector , C ommunications and S takeholder E ngagement J. Cho, CGA D irector , F inance and A dministration D. Gamble D irector , I nformation S ystems P.R. Mitchell, P.Eng. D irector , P rofessional P ractice , S tandards and D evelopment D. Olychick D irector , M ember S ervices G.M. Pichler, P.Eng. D irector , R egistration E. Swartz, LLB D irector , L egislation , E thics and C ompliance V. Lai, CGA A ssociate D irector , F inance and A dministration J.J.G. Larocque P.Eng., LLB, CD A ssociate D irector , P rofessional P ractice M.A. Rigolo P.Eng., A ssociate D irector , E ngineering A dmissions M onique K eiran , M anaging E ditor
Oversight: Are You Responsible?
Dr. Michael Wrinch, P.Eng., FEC President
EDITORIAL BOARD K.C. Chan, P.Eng., CPA; S. Chiu, P.Eng. D.E. Falkins, Eng.L.; T. George, P.Eng. R. Gupta, P.Eng. ; S.K. Hayes, P.Eng.; M.A. Klippenstein, P.Eng. I. Kokan, P.Eng.; M.J. Zieleman, EIT
Advertising material must reach the publication by the 5th of the preceding month (e.g., January 5 for the Jan/Feb issue). Advertising Contact: Gillian Cobban Tel: 604.929.6733 Email: advertising@apeg.bc.ca
president@ apeg.bc.ca
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Subscription rates per issue $4.50; six issues yearly $25.00. Annual subscriptions of Association members are apportioned from membership dues in the amount of $15 per member (rates do not include tax). Innovation is published six times a year by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia. As the official publication of the association, Innovation is circulated to members of the engineering and geoscience professions, architects, contractors and industry executives. The views expressed in any article contained herein do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Council or membership of this association. Submission Guidelines: Innovation encourages unsolicited articles and photos. By submitting material to Innovation , you grant APEGBC a royalty-free, worldwide licence to publish the material; and you warrant that you have the authority to grant such rights and have obtained waivers of all associated moral rights. Innovation reserves the right to edit material for length, clarity and conformity with our editorial guidelines (apeg.bc.ca/innovation-editorial) and is under no obligation to publish any or all submissions or any portion thereof, including credits. All material is copyright. Please contact the Managing Editor for reprint permission.
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US Postmaster: Innovation (ISSN 1206-3622) is published bimonthly for $25.00 per year by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia, c/o US Agent-Transborder Mail, 4708 Caldwell Rd E, Edgewood, WA 98372-9221. Periodicals postage paid at Puyallup, WA, and at additional mailing offices, US PO #007-927. POSTMASTER send address changes (covers only) to Innovation, c/o Transborder Mail, PO Box 6016, Federal Way, WA 98063-6016.
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Robert (Bob) Handel, P.Eng., FEC APEGBC members who knew past president Robert (Bob) Handel, P.Eng., FEC, will remember his contributions to the association and the engineering community, as well as his ready smile. The association reports with regret Handel’s passing on January 31, 2016. Handel earned his B.A.Sc. in electrical engineering from UBC (1949), then worked with Ontario Hydro, BC Power Commission, IPEC, BC Hydro and Power Authority, and others. His career took him across Canada, South America, China, Ethiopia, India, Malaysia, and Pakistan, where he worked with a select team designing major hydroelectric projects. After many years volunteering with various APEGBC committees, Handel was elected to Council in 1972 and 1973, and as association vice-president in 1976/1977, serving as president the following year. He was awarded an APEGBC professional service award in 1980, and continued to volunteer on many of the association’s committees. Handel’s dedication and contributions to the association and the engineering community, his distinguished career and service, and his great humour are remembered with thanks and appreciation.
John (Jack) Croll, CA With regret, APEGBC notes the passing of honourary member Jack Croll, CA, on January 7, 2016. A chartered accountant first qualifying in Manitoba in 1952, Croll later qualified in BC, going on to work with Placer Development, MacMillan Bloedel, the Canadian Development Investment Corporation, and Crestbrook Forest Industries, among others. Following his retirement in 1992, he continued to serve on the boards of various resource companies. A member of the first graduating class of Simon Fraser University’s Executive MBA Program (1972), Croll later served on the university’s senate and board of governors, and on committees and as president for the Institute of Chartered Accountants of BC. He also served on APEGBC’s Council as a lay member, and in 2002 was named an honourary member—one of two such individuals outside of the engineering and geoscience professions at the time. In addition to his distinguished career and professional service, Croll will be remembered with gratitude for his contributions to the association and BC’s engineering community.
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1 Ad Name: Women in Engineering 1516
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Working with Government Moving BC’s Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Forward On February 29 and March 1, APEGBC hosted receptions with the BC Liberal Caucus and the BC Official Opposition Caucus in Victoria. The purpose was to provide an informal forum where Council and senior staff could interact with ministers and MLAs to share the ways that APEGBC works on behalf of British Columbians and to answer questions posed by officials. Dr. Carlos Ventura, P.Eng., Director of UBC’s Earthquake Engineering Research Facility, presented on early warning earthquake technology, highlighting an example of how engineers and geoscientists are creating world-class innovations and technologies here in BC. Hon. Andrew Wilkinson, Minister of Advanced Education, brought greetings on behalf of the BC Government at the evening reception, which was attended by 28 caucus members including: Hon. Suzanne Anton, Minister of Justice and Attorney General; Hon. Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines; Hon. Mike Bernier, Minister of Education; Hon. Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport, and Cultural Development; Hon. Norm Letnick, Minister of Agriculture; Hon. Mike Morris, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General; Hon. Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction; Hon. John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations; Hon. Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizen’s Services; Hon. Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade; Hon. Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Emergency Planning; and, Dr. Ralph Sultan, P.Eng., MLA West Vancouver–Capilano. Kathy Corrigan, MLA for Burnaby–Deer Lake and Advanced Education critic brought greetings on behalf of the BC Official Opposition caucus at the breakfast reception, which was also well attended with 12 caucus members present. T op : Hon. Mike Bernier, Minister of Education, receives a “Champions of Earthquake Resilience Award” for BC’s work on seismically upgrading schools. F rom left : APEGBC President Dr. Michael Wrinch, P.Eng., APEGBC CEO Ann English, P.Eng., Minister Bernier, and UBC Professor Dr. Carlos Ventura, P.Eng. M iddle , from left : MLA Jane Thornthwaite; MLA Dr. Ralph Sultan, P.Eng.; APEGBC Councillor Dr. ‘Lyn Anglin, P.Geo.; MLA Gordon Hogg. B ottom , from left : APEGBC CEO Ann English, P.Eng., Hon. Andrew Wilkinson, Minister of Advanced Education; APEGBC Councillor Caroline Andrewes, P.Eng.; APEGBC President Dr. Michael Wrinch, P.Eng. P hotos , R oop J awl
Nominate a Colleague for an APEGBC Award Nominations are being accepted for APEGBC’s President’s Awards and Mentor of the Year Award until April 15, 2016. The APEGBC President’s Awards recognise the exemplary and outstanding professional, technical and community contributions of APEGBC members and allow the association to showcase the professions. The President’s Awards include five categories of achievement, and two awards for exemplary career-long contributions to the engineering and geoscience professions. APEGBC’s Mentor of the Year Award recognises excellence among mentors in BC’s engineering and geoscience community. Nominees must be a mentor in the APEGBC Mentoring Program. For criteria and nomination procedures, visit: apeg.bc.ca/For-Members/Awards.
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Showcase Your Project in Innovation ’s 2015/2016 Project Highlights Deadline April 19 Innovation invites BC’s professional engineers and geoscientists to submit photographs of their recent work for consideration for the magazine’s annual project highlights showcase. Members, licensees and companies may submit photographs of projects undertaken since May 2015, within or outside BC, employing APEGBC members and licensees. Submissions relating to all engineering and geoscience disciplines are encouraged. Submission criteria and details are available at apeg.bc.ca/pictorial. Please note that image files must meet the stated specifications, and that submission grants to APEGBC a royalty-free, worldwide licence to publish the material. For information, see apeg.bc.ca/pictorial. Submit your project highlights to pictorial@apeg.bc.ca no later than Tuesday, April 19 . Guidelines Cited by WorkSafe BC A new WorkSafe BC guideline references three APEGBC/ Association of British Columbia Forest Professionals (ABCFP) practice guidelines as the standards of practice
ActChangeConsultation •●Benevolent Fund and FoundationDonors ●• Investigation andDisciplineUpdate
JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND GEOSCIENTISTS OF BC
JULY/AUGUST 2015
2014/2015 Project Highlights
Five Facets of Successful Innovation
PM40065271
Climate Change: An Issue of Risk Management
out the required standards of practice. In situations where a WorkSafeBC prevention officer identifies that an individual performing assessments lacks the required qualifications, WorkSafe BC guideline G26.18 directs the officer to refer the matter to the appropriate professional association. The referenced guidelines were prepared by the APEGBC/ABCFP Joint Practice Board, which comprises professional members of both regulatory agencies and was mandated to make recommendations on matters concerning practice overlap among the professions. All of APEGBC’s professional practice guidelines are available online at apeg.bc.ca.
Building Codes Updates Available The British Columbia government has released the update package for Revisions 1 through 7 to the 2012 BC Building Code. The package consolidates amendments to December 2014. Hard copies may be ordered from BC Crown Publications. For customers with the online version of the BC Building Code , the updates are available online. Changes to the National Building Code of Canada 2015 and the National Fire Code 2015 now permit construction of for assessing landslide risk in BC and for developing written safe-work procedures under section 26.18 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation . Under WorkSafe BC guideline G26.18 Acceptable standards for landslide risk assessments , the APEGBC/ ABCFP Guideline for Managing Terrain Stability in the Forest Sector , Guideline for Professional Services in the Forest Sector – Terrain Stability Assessments , and Guideline for Professional Services in the Forest Sector – Forest Roads set
six-storey buildings using combustible construction materials. The Building Code also includes updates to accessibility design requirements, changes to hazard values for seismic design and design exemptions, introduction of Apparent Sound Transmission Class, and significant changes that address housing and small buildings. The National Building Code can be purchased online from the National Research Council Canada.
Seeking Volunteers for the Innovation Editorial Board The Editorial Board for Innovation magazine seeks new vol- unteer members. The board advises the Managing Editor on content of interest to the magazine’s readership. Interested volunteers should be able to meet four times each year, for
up to three hours each, as well as provide input by email. For information, see apeg.bc.ca/Editorial-Board-Position. To apply, fill out the volunteer application form at: apeg.bc.ca/Volunteer-Application-Form.
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passed: That Council consider the inclusion of territorial acknowledgement in all meetings. In December 2015, Executive Committee discussed the motion and reviewed a report from staff outlining the practices of other professional associations regarding territorial acknowledgment. Considering this information and advice received from the Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre, Executive Committee recommended to Council that territorial acknowledgment be included in large public meetings and events. Council approved the recommendation. Staff will contact local BC friendship centres to develop appropriate scripts and procedures to support territorial acknowledgement at these events. AGM Special Guest Policy Changes APEGBC has a Council-approved policy for special guest attendance at the APEGBC annual conference and AGM, that specifies the number of complimentary event tickets offered and expenses covered for all special guests. The Division of Engineers and Geoscientists in the Resource Sector (DEGIRS) requested amendments to the policy to allow divisions greater opportunity to interact with members, Council members, and staff at APEGBC annual conferences and AGMs. To ensure the process is fair, fiscally prudent and consistent, Council appointed a working group to review the policy. The working group reviewed each volunteer group category and discussed their participation at the AGM. Generally, the working group felt that the subsidies provided to most volunteer and guest groups were appropriate. Two groups discussed in further detail were divisions and branches. After consideration, the working group recommended that no change be made to the package offered to divisions, and that the package offered to branch representatives be made consistent with what is offered to the divisions, revising the policy to invite one representative from each branch to attend the Fall Branch Representatives Meeting, rather than two. Council approved the amendment. Refugees without Traditional Documentation At Registration Committee’s recommendation, Council approved a policy to create provisions for refugees, displaced persons and persons in refugee-like situations who are unable to
Council meeting, will review and confirm fees for future exam sessions. 2014–2017 Strategic Plan Update Council received information on progress towards achieving the goals indicated in the 2014–2017 Strategic Plan and reviewed the targets for Year 2 of the plan. Member Engagement with Council Meetings At the 2015 AGM, the following motion was passed: That Council consider increasing its transparency and accountability to members, whereby all members may access the Association’s website, in an easy and timely way, in order to view all agendas and supporting materials of Council meetings that are deemed ‘open.’ Currently, materials for Open Council Meetings are provided to members and the public upon request, and many APEGBC documents, including Key Performance Indicator (KPI) status, Council Governance Policies, and approved minutes of Open Council meetings, are posted on the association’s website. This includes the dates for all scheduled Council meetings. In order to facilitate member participation, Council approved a motion to publish its Open Agenda and supporting materials on the APEGBC website no fewer than five days prior to each Council meeting. Publication of Staff Salary Policy At the 2015 AGM, the following motion was passed: That Council consider publishing in the financial reports the total compensation (the sum of salaries and benefits) for all staff who receive over $100,000 per annum, as well as their reimbursed expenses. Council discussed this matter in depth. It recognised that members seek confirmation that APEGBC salaries are reasonable and that appropriate oversight is exercised in setting salaries. Council recognized that publishing staff salaries is not a practice followed by other regulatory bodies in BC or nationally, but wished to meet the intent of the motion without compromising staff privacy. Council therefore directed that the staff compensation policy as well as the processes followed for administration, compliance and oversight be published on the APEGBC website. The information can be found at www.apeg.bc.ca/About-Us/Governance/ Responsible-Financial-Management. First Nations Territorial Acknowledgement At the 2015 AGM, the following motion was
APEGBC’s Council of elected members and government representatives meets throughout the year to conduct the business of association governance.
FEBRUARY 12, 2016 Reduced Wait Time under Looking-to-Exempt Policy APEGBC’s Looking-to-Exempt Policy provides a means to recognise the academic qualifications of applicants with non-accredited engineering degrees who are able to demonstrate they have appropriate engineering or geoscience experience. Previously, applicants who met the defined level of academic qualification, demonstrated low-risk reference profiles, and had at least five years of experience in Canada or the US were brought directly to the Registration Committee for approval. However, they may have had to wait up to eight weeks between committee meetings for their registration to be approved. At the committee’s recommendation, Council approved changes to the Looking-to- Exempt policy that will see these applicants added to the list of ‘non-contentious’ items approved by the Director, Registration, or Associate Director, Engineering Admissions. The changes also take into account experience acquired outside of Canada or the US under this policy, if the required Canadian Environment competencies for registration have been demonstrated and vouched for by appropriate references. Professional Practice Examination Fee Set at $310 To achieve licensure, candidates for professional engineering and geoscience registration in BC must write and pass the Professional Practice Examination. The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) provides the exam. In October 2015, APEGA converted to a computer-based exam from a paper-based exam. Increased charges of $55 for the multiple-choice section and $25 for the essay, which was previously handwritten, resulted. Currently, APEGBC charges exam candidates $230 to sit the exam. Council approved an increase to $310 for the June 2016 Professional Practice Examination session and, at the April 2016
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as soc ia t i on notes c ounc i l repor t obtain or provide traditional documentary evidence for registration, while ensuring administrative fairness and requiring sufficient proof that standards have been met. Under the policy, applicants in the above situations will be given opportunity to provide alternate means of proof of qualifications. APPOINTMENTS Advisory Task Force on Corporate Practice Susan Craig, P.Geo. Mike Currie, P.Eng., FEC Dr. Michael Davies, P.Eng./P.Geo. Catherine Fritter, P.Eng. Adrian Gygax, P.Eng., Struct.Eng. Timothy Kwasnicki, P.Eng. Scott Martin, P.Eng. David Melville, P.Geo. Andy Mill, P.Eng., Struct.Eng., FEC Julius Pataky, P.Eng. Greg Scott, P.Eng. Colin Smith, P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.) John Turner, P.Ag. (ret.) Selena Wilson, P.Eng.
Consultation on Limited Licence Title At its June 19, 2015, meeting, Council made several resolutions regarding further exploration for adding value to the engineering and geoscience licensee grade of membership. These included a motion that APEGBC study the merits of changing the titles “engineering licensee” (Eng.L.) and “geoscience licensee” (Geo.L.) to include the word “professional.” APEGBC/ABCFP Joint Practice Board Jeremy Araki, P.Eng. Building Codes Committee Oon-Soo Ooi, P.Eng. Mihajla Vitkovic, P.Eng., CP Climate Change Advisory Group Dr. Johanna Wolf Consulting Practice Committee Robert Heikkila, P.Eng., FEC Alan Bates, P.Eng. Jason Olmsted, P.Eng.
Based on market research and feedback from the Limited License Subcommittee, Registration Committee recommended to Council that stakeholder consultation be conducted to consider alternate designations for engineering and geoscience licence holders. Council approved the recommendation.
Professional Practice Committee Matthew Cameron, P.Eng., FEC Emily Cheung, P.Eng., FEC Mark Porter, P.Eng., Struct.Eng. Sustainability Committee Christine Bieber, P.Geo. Rimon Estawro, P.Eng. Mukesh Sharma, P.Eng. Dana Zheng, EIT Technical Review Board Adam Lubell, P.Eng Shelly Zhao, P.Eng., Struct.Eng.
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APEGBC Continuing Professional Development Personal Investment. Professional Commitment.
Navigating Complexity: Implementing Change in Unpredictable Times April 26, 2016; Vancouver, BC Implementing change requires making sense of and influencing the evolutionary potential of the present rather than investing in a future that one faithfully hopes will materialise. A typical change management project has a starting and an ending point. The evolutionary approach is ongoing and focuses on building sustainability and resilience. Heightening Your Communication Image April 28, 2016; Richmond, BC Electronic communication—the use of the written word—is taking business communications by storm. Yet, a good face-to-face conversation is still the best and most effective way to establish trust, build rapport and develop interpersonal relations. Be it one-on-one or presenting to an audience, your words, tone and body language must be in peak shape to achieve the success you strive for in your workplace every working day. Understanding Transient Recovery Voltages May 5, 2016; Vancouver, BC The principal cases of interest are the interruption of the currents associated with terminal faults, short line faults and out-of-phase switching and breaking capacitive and inductive load currents. The seminar discusses each case in detail and explains the origin and derivation of the attributes associated with the transient recovery voltages, including pole factors, amplitude factors, two- and four-parameter representations and travelling waves, where applicable. OQM Training APEGBC’s Organizational Quality Management (OQM) Program has been developed to improve the quality management of professional engineering and geoscience practices at the individual and organizational level. This voluntary program offers certification to participating organizations. Stormwater Modelling: A Hands-on Demonstration May 6, 2016; Vancouver, BC The planning and design of stormwater management infrastructure is becoming increasingly complex, thus demanding a more advanced analysis methodology. Advanced computer models are commonly used engineering tools that address the need for more sophisticated analyses. This seminar includes a hands-on demonstration of the US-EPA SWMM 5 computer model and its application in an urban setting, from initial project set-up of a project through detailed design of a drainage system. May 6, 2016; Fort St. John, BC May 18, 2016; Burnaby, BC
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) & Failure Mode and Effects Criticality Analysis (FMECA): Reliability Boot Camp May 10, 2016; Vancouver, BC Conducting a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a key step in determining the possible failure modes of systems, equipment and processes. FMEAs are also common starting points for asset reliability prediction and improvement. When combined withWeibull analysis and other tools such as RCM and RBDs, FMEAs can lead engineers to optimised strategies for reducing or eliminating the effects of failure such as: safety risks, environmental risks, negative business effects, lost production and consequential damage. This seminar gives participants detailed training on conducting an FMEA, as well as an overview of how to transform the FMEA into a strategic plan. Fundamentals of Pumps, Valves, Piping and Electrical from a Municipal Design Perspective This seminar provides an understanding of the fundamentals and terminology applicable to positive displacement and centrifugal pumps, conventional and automatic valves, piping and fittings, basic electrical, motor control components, motors, generators and basic control. Also provides a ‘holistic’ approach to the application and interrelationship of these water- and wastewater-handling components. Mineral Resource / Reserve Classification and Reporting, including Discussion of NI 43-101 and Other National Reporting Standards May 13, 2016; Vancouver, BC All mining projects depend first and foremost on their mineral resources and mineral reserves. These, in turn, have three supporting processes: estimation, classification and reporting. This seminar concentrates on classification and reporting; estimation is a large topic in its own right and is covered only briefly. Water Quality System Modeling and Optimisation May 13, 2016; Vancouver, BC Participants will be introduced to topics in water quality modeling and optimisation of water distribution and supply systems. Five Dimensions of an Authentic Leader May 16, 2016; Webinar More than ever, individuals at work want a leader whom they can trust and whose values and character they can identify with. The most impactful leaders demonstrate a passion for their purpose; they are driven by vision and are connected to their values while still being able to share their own weaknesses and fears. May 11, 2016; Vancouver, BC June 8, 2016; Kelowna, BC
Writing Effective Proposals and Reports May 17, 2016; Vancouver, BC
Call for Presenters Are you an expert in your field who would like to contribute to the future of engineering and geoscience? APEGBC is actively seeking members to present on a variety of topics. For more information, please visit apeg.bc.ca/Events/Seminar. This seminar provides practical, applicable solutions and techniques for expressing thoughts succinctly in written format. You’ll learn to write effective emails, technical memos, letters, reports, and other documents. Whether you’re a junior employee or a seasoned professional in your technical field, this seminar will help you to improve your technical writing skills. This seminar is for engineers and geoscientists who wish to develop the confidence and writing skills necessary to write effective proposals and reports. They will learn the key elements of writing and submitting winning proposals and reports, and how to tailor content for both technical and non-technical audiences. In addition, they’ll learn to determine what clients (internal and external) are looking for, and how those clients will evaluate proposals or review reports. Maintenance Management: A Rational Approach May 31, 2016; Vancouver, BC This seminar provides a fresh, logical new look at all aspects of maintenance, from business processes to the completion and recording of maintenance work. This seminar is for manufacturing and institutional executives and maintenance, production and engineering leaders who see opportunities for improving reliability and reducing costs through better management of maintenance resources. Take Control of Notes and Collaborate on Projects with Microsoft OneNote 2016 June 2, 2016; Vancouver, BC Your paper and digital notes are invaluable, but who wants to waste time re-organising them, digging through them, or deciding how and where they should be stored? Microsoft OneNote is a digital notebook that makes it easy to save, organise, search, share and review notes, websites, email, voice recordings, images, etc. Technical Writing: Solutions for Effective Written Communication June 14, 2016; Vancouver, BC
For a complete listing of events or for more information, visit apeg.bc.ca/prodev/events or contact APEGBC Professional Development at 604.430.8035 or 1.888.430.8035.
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Dr. Matt Sakals, P.Geo. Flood Protection through the Vedder River and Canal Sediment Removal Program Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in the Natural Resources Sector CONTINUING THE LEGACY
Stella Chiu, P.Eng., Rob Isaac, Eng.L., Tara Friesen, P.Eng., Frank Van Nynatten, AScT, Lotte Flint-Petersen, P.Eng.
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Vedder River and Canal System: Now and Then The Vedder River and Canal, located in the City of Chilliwack and City of Abbotsford, British Columbia, conveys water from the Chilliwack River to the Fraser River. The Chilliwack River originates in North Cascades National Park in Washington State, crosses the US–Canadian border, then enters Chilliwack Lake. The river exits the lake, flows west for 40 kilometres, and changes its name to Vedder River at Vedder Crossing. The river then crosses the floodplain and becomes the Vedder Canal, which joins the Sumas River and flows into the Fraser River. The entire Vedder River and Canal system is approximately 12 kilometres long, with a Design Flood 1 of 1,470 m 3 /s (Q200 2 ). The system provides prime habitat for chinook, chum, coho, pink and sockeye salmon and rainbow and steelhead trout, and is a popular location for fishing. Today, residents and private properties on both sides of the system in the cities of Abbotsford and Chilliwack are protected by flood control dykes. However, the system differs considerably from what it was a century ago. In those days, flooding from the Chilliwack and Fraser rivers caused major damage and concern to early settlers and communities. Before 1875, the Chilliwack River flowed north from Vedder Crossing over a broad alluvial fan to the Fraser River. In 1875, heavy rains caused a logjam that diverted the river into two small streams: Vedder Creek flowed west, and Luckakuck Creek flowed north. In 1882, a new logjam formed, causing several streams to shift course westwards to become the Vedder River and flow into what was then Sumas Lake (now Sumas Prairie). In the early 1900s, the river was dyked and channelised. The former Sumas Lake also experienced flooding from the Fraser River during spring freshet. The flow of Vedder River into the lake compounded drainage issues. The lake would swell from 4,050 hectares to 13,000 hectares during spring floods. In the early 1910s, Frederick (Fred) Sinclair, an engineer with the BC Electric Railway, developed a plan for draining Sumas Lake to provide flood control and to take advantage of the fertile soil in the lakebed for farming. As part of the Sinclair Plan, the Vedder Canal was constructed to divert Vedder River into the Sumas River. The diversion of Vedder River was completed by 1922. Draining of the lake began in 1923, with water pumped over the dykes into the Fraser River by the old Sumas Station. This facility was upgraded in 1975 and is now known as Barrowtown Pump Station. It is the sole drainage point of the Sumas Lake-bottom area and is one of the largest drainage pump stations in Canada. Need for River Management A major flood on December 3, 1975, caused significant damage in the community of Yarrow and the Greendale area within the City of Chilliwack, and a portion of Sumas Prairie in the City of Abbotsford. The flood caused infilling of almost the entire river channel downstream of the Vedder Crossing to the canal. The need for improved river management, including dyking and sediment removal along the Vedder River, became apparent. As sediment accumulates on the river and canal bottom, conveyance capacity decreases and water levels tend to rise. This sediment aggradation in the Vedder River and Canal can increase the risk of flooding and compromise public safety. In
T op : Vedder River, early 1900s; B ottom : The canal is dredged to divert Vedder River into the Sumas River.
1976, the river channel was excavated to restore the channel capacity prior to the fall and winter flood season. Subsequent engineering investigations determined that new dykes set back from the watercourse were required for flood protection and to allow sufficient room for natural river processes. In order to accommodate the setback dykes, it was necessary to purchase a number of private properties along the river. Vedder River Management Plan The Vedder River Management Plan was adopted in 1983 to “ensure the integrity of the Vedder River floodway while maintaining and enhancing the natural resources of the area and incorporating, where compatible and desirable, recognised historical uses and educational programs for the benefit of the people of British Columbia” (BC Ministry of Environment 1983). The area encompasses lands managed by the cities of Chilliwack and Abbotsford, the provincial government, and private entities. The Vedder River Management Area Committee (VRMAC) oversees the plan’s ongoing implementation. The VRMAC is made up of representatives from the City of Chilliwack, City of Abbotsford, BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. It also includes stakeholders such as the Fraser Valley Regional District, First Nations and fishing groups. A technical committee develops and recommends to the VRMAC a sediment removal plan every second year on even years—timing that was established to avoid affecting spawning pink salmon.
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The VRMAC has planned and managed sediment removals for flood control purposes annually from 1990 to 1997, and biennially from 1998 to present. Sediment was removed prior to 1990, but those removals were not coordinated by VRMAC. The Process Natural river processes carry sediment from the upstream Chilliwack River Basin into the Vedder River and Canal. Historically, approximately 50,000 cubic metres of sediment are deposited, on average, every year. The sediment reduces the channel’s capacity to convey the Design Flood Event (DFE) and thereby increases flood threat to surrounding communities. Sediment removal is necessary to maintain the provincially recommended level of flood protection (Q200), and removal sites are selected to preserve sufficient freeboard along the dyking system during the DFE. The sediment removal program, jointly funded by the cities of Chilliwack and Abbotsford and the MFLNRO, is carried out in two phases: (1) planning, and (2) removal and assessment. The planning phase begins with a survey. More than 70 permanently established cross-sections along the system are surveyed every second winter to calculate changes in sediment volume over the preceding two years. The collected data are run through a hydraulic model to calculate the DFE water surface profile and to evaluate the change in dyke freeboard. Sites for sediment removal are then selected, in consultation with a registered professional biologist, to improve the channel’s conveyance capacity where it is most required. Other considerations include presence of vegetation, proximity to sensitive and valuable habitat, road or other access for machinery, and potential effects of sediment removal on existing channel features and configurations. During the removal and assessment phase, the three agencies jointly tender the sediment removal, according to the jurisdiction of each specific removal site. During removal, a registered professional biologist monitors the activities. A survey undertaken after the removal is necessary to determine the actual removal volume. In addition, one year after removal, a biological assessment by a registered professional biologist is conducted to determine impacts on habitat along the river and canal. This assessment concludes the removal and assessment phase. GIC Innovation Qtr Pg PRINT.pdf 1 2016-03-11 1:03 PM
High water in the Vedder River, November 2006.
Challenges and Solutions Although the program has been in place for many years, timing remains a major challenge and is dictated by salmon runs and water levels. Sediment removals are permitted to occur only during a specific window—typically a month and a half in late summer— when the river system’s salmon stocks would not be affected. This means the planning phase work must be completed early in the year to allow sufficient time for the Water Act and Fisheries Act environmental reviews and the tendering process. However, high water levels and velocities, as well as snow on the ground, can delay the planning phase’s survey work, which needs to take place in January or February. The Vedder River is subject to fall and winter storm events, with water levels also rising each spring and summer due to snow melt. Water levels in the Vedder Canal are affected by the Vedder River events as well as Fraser River spring and summer freshet events. Overcoming these timeline challenges requires close coordination and cooperation among the three agencies and the consultants who undertake the work. Sediment removal comes with other challenges. The sediment removals can be delayed or interrupted by increasing water levels, as mentioned above. Removal sites along the river and canal are selected based primarily on the need to provide optimum Design Flood protection, with secondary selection factors considering how to minimise environmental impacts. However, tendering
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Stella Chiu, P.Eng., is the City of Abbotsford’s Senior Drainage and Wastewater Engineer, and has been involved with the Vedder River Management Area Committee since 2011. She is a recipient of the 2007 APEGBC Young Professional Award and the 2008 Engineers Canada Young Engineers Award. City of Abbotsford’s Director of Wastewater and Drainage Rob Isaac, Eng.L., has worked with the City of Abbotsford for close to 30 years, and currently oversees the wastewater, drainage and soil divisions of the Engineering Department. He has been a member of the Vedder River Management Area Committee since 2011. As the City of Chilliwack’s Manager of Environmental Services, Tara Friesen, P.Eng., oversees flood protection and environmental programs. She has been a member of the Vedder River Management Area Committee since 2002. Frank Van Nynatten, AScT, has been employed by the City of Chilliwack Engineering Department for the past 20 years. He has been involved with the Vedder River Sediment Removal Program and VRMAC since 2013. Lotte Flint-Petersen, P.Eng., is a BC Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO) Senior Flood Hazard Management Engineer in the Flood Safety Section of South Coast Water Authorizations. She has worked with MFLNRO for more than six years and has been a member of the Vedder River Management Area Committee since 2010.
Sediment is removed, 2014.
of the sediment removal is linked to influences unrelated to the goals of the management plan—namely, the market’s capacity to absorb sediment volumes. This capacity fluctuates according to sediment supplies and construction activity in the region and varies depending on the needs of local industries and economies. The difference in sediment quality from one site to another along the Vedder system adds to the tendering process’s complexity. In any given cycle, the agencies may receive no bids, positive bids, or negative bids to remove sediment. Positive bids help subsidise the costs of the studies, but agency funding is still required to cover shortfalls and to cover the costs of negative bids. Moving Forward Despite the challenges, the Vedder River and Canal sediment removal program continues to meet its objectives to protect public safety while maintaining and, where possible, enhancing the area’s natural resources. For example, in 2014, during the last cycle, approximately 55,000 cubic metres of sediment were removed from six sites during the fisheries window to improve the system’s conveyance capacity and reduce flood risk. Habitat-enhancement activities included placement of large woody debris, flow improvements to secondary channels, and management of invasive plants. Comprehensive planning and monitoring efforts, well- documented outcomes, and long-established relationships among VRMAC members help facilitate the process to achieve continued successes. The planning phase of another sediment removal cycle began in early 2016, with renewed emphasis on timing, cooperation and coordination. Past experience indicates that this year—and in future years—the Vedder River and Canal sediment removal program will continue furthering Frederick Sinclair’s century-old legacy for flood protection, achieving the goals of the Vedder River Management Plan, and protecting the public and the environment. v 1 Design Flood is a hypothetical flood used for dyke safety design, planning, floodplain management investigations and emergency management. A design flood is typically defined by its probability of occurrence. 2 Q200 means the return period of a flood might be 200 years; otherwise expressed as its probability of occurring equaling 1/200 or 0.5% in any one year. This does not mean that, if a flood with such a return period occurs, the next will occur in two hundred years’ time; instead, it means that, in any given year, there is a 0.5% chance that such a flood will happen, regardless of when the last similar event occurred.
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