INNOVATION November-December 2016

commun i t y

Divisions Expand Members Networks and Opportunities APEGBC has five special interest divisions that provide a unique opportunity for members to connect and discuss a variety of engineering and geoscience issues, including energy efficiency and renewable energy, the resource sector, environmental matters, municipal engineering, and the advancement of women in the professions. The divisions allow members with common technical or other interests to share and disseminate information, review and comment on relevant policy, and build a network among like-minded professionals. Joining a division puts you in contact with practitioners with similar experiences and knowledge, and promotes discussion amongst members. “Divisions are an inexpensive and practical way to stay current with both technology and external factors affecting a specific practice area,” says Cal Merry, P.Eng., Chair of the Municipal Engineers Division.

Divisions provide tours, networking events, professional development seminars and access to newsletters for their members. They also provide feedback on guidelines developed by APEGBC, Engineers Canada, and the government, and are consulted on other professional practice-related matters. Victoria Stevens, P.Geo., Chair of the Division of Engineers and Geoscientists in the Resource Sector, says, “Being a division member has allowed me to keep up-to-date on current standards of practice, new innovations, and provided access to mentors.” To join an APEGBC division, register with one while renewing your APEGBC membership or at any time online. Division membership is open to any APEGBC member upon payment of a nominal annual fee. To learn more, visit apeg.bc.ca/Divisions

Division for the Advancement of Women in Engineering and Geoscience (DAWEG) Membership Fee: Free–$10.00 (depending on membership type) DAWEG promotes, enhances and facilitates opportunities for women to succeed in engineering and geoscience. Division of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DEERE) Membership Fee: $15.70–$26.25 (depending on membership type) DEERE reviews all aspects of renewable energy and energy efficiency, and

promotes high standards of practice in these fields. Division of Engineers and Geoscientists in the Resource Sector (DEGIRS Membership Fee: $10.50–$31.50 (depending on membership type) DEGIRS provides a forum for discussing current issues relating to the practice of engineering and geoscience within the resource sector. Municipal Engineers Division (MED) Membership Fee: $10.50–$26.25 (depending on membership type) MED provides a forum for professional

engineers and those with an interest in municipal engineering to meet, exchange ideas, debate issues, and be a catalyst for improvement, innovation, sustainability, and change in municipal engineering. Division of Environmental Professionals (DEP) Membership Fee: $15.75–$26.25 (depending on membership type) DEP reviews matters related to environmental engineering and environmental geoscience, and promotes education and high standards of practice in the field.

Spotlight on DEGIRS, the Division of Engineers and Geoscientists in the Resource Sector Watershed survey reveals century-old logging-related channel disturbance DEGIRS member Dr. Kim Green, P.Geo., shared findings from her recent investigation of the West Kootenay, BC, Glade Creek watershed. Her watershed survey reveals that channel and riparian-area disturbances from early-1900s logging continue to affect the watershed today. Kim determined that ongoing, long-term water quality problems experienced by downstream water users are likely in part related to bank instability caused by old logging practices that included clearcut logging of the riparian area and construction of a large flume for transporting logs. The survey of Glade Creek’s channel geometry reveals that the tributary subjected to extensive logging and log fluming a century ago is wider and deeper today than an adjacent, less-disturbed tributary. The heavily disturbed tributary continues to experience ongoing bank erosion due to the lack of mature riparian species needed to armour the channel banks and stabilise the channel. Kim reported her findings to Glade water users earlier this year. Her report is available at gladewater.weebly.com/uploads/1/4/9/2/14923104/glade_ hydrogeomorphic_assessment__january_20_2016.pdf. Visit apeg.bc.ca/degirs for information about the division, to download DEGIRS newsletter, and review minutes from DEGIRS’s monthly executive meetings. Contact DEGIRS at degirsgeneral@gmail.com.

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