Innovation Summer 2024
As the official publication of Engineers and Geoscientists BC, Innovation is circulated to about 46,000 professional engineers and geoscientists. The magazine is published quarterly.
ASTTBC announcement | Board election | The resourceful Knowledge Centre
INNOVATION ENGINEERS AND GEOSCIENTISTS BRITISH COLUMBIA SUMMER 2024
Project Highlights 2023-2024 A showcase of collaborative and sustainable projects
PM40065271
SUMMER 2024 | volume 28 number 2 INNOVATION
24-47
COMMENT 4 Viewpoint
NEWS
5 ASTTBC reserved practice 10 Board update 11 BCSEG update 11 AGM notice 13 Volunteers sought for EDIT&R
19 Board election 2024 21 Annual reporting due
DEPARTMENTS 22 Guidelines and advisories 23 Professional Practice inquiries 49 Discipline and enforcement 50 Display advertisers’ index 53 In memoriam 54 Continuing Education FEATURES 14 Understanding title use 20 The resourceful Knowledge Centre
Kicking Horse Canyon Phase 4 project. Photo submitted by Aecom Group Inc.
COVER STORY
Project highlights This year’s annual Project Highlights edition, which showcases projects by Engineers and Geoscientists BC registrants, features projects that exemplify environmental stewardship and collaboration with Indigenous communities.
ON THE COVER To replace Whitehorn Bridge in remote Mount Robson Park, it was challenging working in a tight footprint with helicopter-only access to preserve the area. Photo submitted by SNT Engineering
THIS DIGITAL EDITION OF INNOVATION INCLUDES VIDEO EXTRAS. LOOK FOR THIS PLAY ICON, AND CLICK ON IT TO VIEW VIDEO AND OTHER MULTIMEDIA CONTENT. AN INTERNET CONNECTION IS REQUIRED.
Innovation Summer 2024
3
INNOVATION SUMMER 2024 | volume 28 number 2
VIEWPOINT
Duty to report is our responsibility
ENGINEERS AND GEOSCIENTISTS BRITISH COLUMBIA Suite 200 - 4010 Regent Street, Burnaby, BC Canada V5C 6N2 Tel: 604.430.8035 | Toll free: 1.888.430.8035
Email: info@egbc.ca | Web: egbc.ca
As we collectively make our way through evolving technologies and intense weather events that create unpredictable engineering and geoscience conditions, we must remain diligent in our professional responsibility to protect the public and environment.
BOARD 2023/2024 C hair : M ichelle M ahovlich , ME ng , P.E ng ., P.G eo ., FCSSE V ice C hair : M ark P orter , P.E ng ., S truct .E ng . I mmediate P ast C hair : M ark A dams , P.E ng . BOARD MEMBERS B ill C han , CPA, CGA, MBA, ICD.D; L eslie H ildebrandt , ICD.D, LLB; V eronica K nott , P.E ng .; E mily L ewis , CPA, CMA; K aren L ing , P.E ng .; C athy M c I ntyre , MBA, C.D ir ; M ahsoo N aderi -D asoar , P.E ng .; M atthew S almon , P.E ng .; J ens W eber , P.E ng . EXECUTIVE TEAM H eidi Y ang , P.E ng ., FEC, FGC (H on .), C hief E xecutive O fficer L iza A boud , MBA, ABC, ICD.D, C hief O perating O fficer J ennifer C ho , CPA, CGA, C hief F inancial and A dministrative O fficer D avid P avan , R.PH., C hief R egulatory O fficer and R egistrar EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP Ryan Bird, P.Eng.; Allen Heinrichs, P.Eng.; Mahsa Mohajerani, P.Eng.; Roozbeh Nemati, PMP, P.Eng.; Ian Rodriguez, EIT; Raya Smertina, P.Eng.; Aman Tanvir, P.Eng.; Stefano Vitucci, P.Eng. Innovation is published quarterly by Engineers and Geoscientists BC. As the official publication of the organization, Innovation is circulated to all registrants of Engineers and Geoscientists BC as well as architects, contractors and industry executives. The views expressed in any article do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Board or Engineers and Geoscientists BC. Sales Representative: Wing-Yee Kwong Tel: 604.681.1811 Email: advertising@egbc.ca For information see: www.egbc.ca/About/Publications/Innovation/How-to-Advertise SUBMISSIONS Innovation does not accept unsolicited articles or photos, but we do welcome article proposals and ideas. Proposals should be of interest and relevant to our readers and recognize the regulatory role of Engineers and Geoscientists BC in ensuring public safety and environmental protection. They should not be a "sales pitch" for a company or organization. Send suggestions to: innovation@egbc.ca. LETTERS Innovation welcomes letters from our readers. All submitted letters may be subject to editing for length, clarity or accuracy. We reserve the right to reject unsuitable letters and we do not publish open letters to third parties. Send letters to: innovation@egbc.ca REPRINTS & COPIES All material is copyright. For reprint permission or extra copies, contact: innovation@egbc.ca SUBSCRIPTIONS All registrants with Engineers and Geoscientists BC receive Innovation in print or digital form. Registrants can update their communication preferences for Innovation in their accounts at egbc.ca/account. Send print or digital subscription requests to: innovation@egbc.ca. MANAGING EDITOR Shelley Nicholl Printed in Canada by Mitchell Press Ltd. on recycled paper ADVERTISING SALES
As part of that commitment, it is our duty to report. The statutory duty to report is a requirement for registrants in the Code of Ethics and within the Professional Governance Act (PGA) . Specifically, we must report the “practice of an identified registrant when there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe that the identified registrant’s practice may pose a risk of significant harm to the environment or to the health and safety of the public or group of people.” In some cases, determining what should be reported will be obvious, such as identifying an incorrectly designed retaining wall. In other situations, it might be more difficult to recognize what should be reported, such as items not necessarily obvious at first glance like interior building designs or an ethical issue. If you are not sure, you can contact a practice advisor at Engineers and Geoscientists BC for help. The duty to report is not something to take lightly; failure to meet the duty to report is a breach of the Code of Ethics and the PGA and can lead to disciplinary action. However, registrants should be aware that, if they meet their duty to report, they are protected from reprisals. The Engineers and Geoscientists BC Investigation Committee is the independent statutory committee that investigates reports, which can include breaches of the PGA , Engineers and Geoscientists BC Bylaws or the Code of Ethics that all registrants must abide by. The committee determines if the matter should be forwarded to the Discipline Committee, also an independent statutory committee created under the PGA , for consideration and adjudication. The duty to report is one of the tools we have to ensure that engineering and geoscience professionals and firms are meeting their statutory requirements. It is our duty to ourselves.
Michelle Mahovlich, MEng, P.Eng., P.Geo., FCSSE Board Chair info@egbc.ca
WEBSITE & DIGITAL EDITION www.egbc.ca/About/Publications/Innovation
ISSN 1206-3622 Publications Mail Agreement No 40065271. Registration No 09799. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Innovation , Suite 200 - 4010 Regent Street, Burnaby, BC V5C 6N2.
4
Summer 2024
Innovation
REGULATORY NEWS
Reserved practice being developed for ASTTBC registrants When the Professional Governance Act was introduced in 2021, it allowed for reserved practice to be developed for each of the professions subject to this legislation. Over the past three years, work has been underway to create a scope of reserved practice for applied science technologists, who are regulated by the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC). In May, a summary of this work was announced, alongside information about the path ahead to create an area of reserved practice for applied science technologists in BC.
The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills has confirmed its intention to develop a reserved practice for applied science technology for registrants of the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC). This means that technologists and technicians would be required to register with ASTTBC if they are engaged in work that falls within the new reserved practice of applied science technology. Currently, technologists and technicians can choose whether to register with ASTTBC. The Ministry has been leading this work in close collaboration with ASTTBC and Engineers and Geoscientists BC over the past three years. In the course of this work, four policy statements were jointly agreed to and will guide the development of a legislative framework for reserved practice (see page 6). Importantly, the policy statements confirm that no changes would be proposed to the reserved practice of professional engineers and licensees. Professional engineers and licensees would continue to supervise those performing work in the reserved practice of engineering and would also be able to practice and supervise others in the future reserved practice of applied science technology.
With reserved practice under ASTTBC, technicians and technologists will be required to register to practice within the ASTTBC scope. Photo: Urbans/Shutterstock
FULL-SERVICE SITE CHARACTERIZATIONS
BETTER INFORMATION BETTER DECISIONS
SCAN TO ACCESS THE 2023 CPT DESIGN PARAMETER MANUAL AND MORE TECHNICAL RESOURCES
Innovation Summer 2024
5
REGULATORY NEWS
Policy statements jointly established
This work also addresses the Ministry’s concern that fewer technologists and technicians are registering with ASTTBC, creating a gap in regulatory oversight. The exact scope of the future reserved practice for applied science technology is currently being defined. Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s goal is to work with ASTTBC and the Ministry to ensure that any proposed scope of work is specific enough to delineate the boundaries between each profession and can be easily understood by the public and others, including registrants of each regulatory body and Authorities Having Jurisdiction. To ensure that development of a reserved practice is informed by feedback from registrants and others who may be impacted by this change, the Ministry has committed to seeking input on the proposal for reserved practice from key partners, including registrants of both regulatory bodies. The Ministry intends to bring the proposal forward for a decision in the near future, depending on proposal readiness and availability of government decision makers. Engineers and Geoscientists BC also intends to gather feedback from registrants and firms as this work progresses. If you have relevant experience related to how engineers and technologists work together that would inform how the area of reserved practice could be defined, or if you have thoughts on this issue you would like to share, please email feedback@egbc.ca .
3. Engineers and Geoscientists BC registrants can continue to practice in the new reserved practice of ASTTBC. 4. Either an ASTTBC registrant or an Engineers and Geoscientists BC registrant can supervise a non-registrant conducting work in the new reserved practice of ASTTBC. undertaken by qualified, accountable professionals strengthens the delivery of safe and reliable services at all levels – something that Engineers and Geoscientists BC and ASTTBC are committed to.”
1. Engineers and Geoscientists BC registrants can choose to supervise either an ASTTBC registrant or any non-registrant to perform work in the reserved practice of Engineers and Geoscientists BC. 2. Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s
reserved practice remains the same and will not be impacted.
“Engineers and Geoscientists BC fully supports the creation of a reserved practice for ASTTBC registrants,” said Heidi Yang, P.Eng., Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s CEO. “Ensuring applied science technology work is
• Marine Drilling Capabili i es • Sonic Track & Truck Drill Rigs • Instrumenta a on Installa a ons • Soil and Groundwater Inves s ga a ons • Anchor, Piling and Grou u ng Services Geotechnical Drilling Solu u ons
www.Foundex.com • 604-594-8333 • info@Foundex.com
6
Summer 2024
Innovation
While we cannot respond to all comments, we will summarize and share feedback with our internal working group. For more information, view the joint statement published by the Ministry and our FAQ at egbc.ca/About/Programs-Initiatives/ Asttbc-Reserved-Practice or scan the QR code below.
Engineers and Geoscientists BC will be seeking input to inform the development of reserved practice for applied science technologists. Photo: Romakoma/Shutterstock
MMCD Accepted, BC MoTI Recognized, AREMA Approved
75
Innovation Summer 2024
7
REGULATORY NEWS
FAQs: ASTTBC reserved practice
remains the same and will not be impacted (see page 6). Engineers and Geoscientists BC registrants will be able to continue practising in
Your top questions answered about reserved practice for ASTTBC registrants. Why is this happening now? Individuals who choose not to register or renew their registration with ASTTBC are not accountable in the way that government contemplated when ASTTBC was brought under the PGA , which is contrary to the public interest. The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills views this issue as a priority and is committed to advancing reserved practice for ASTTBC registrants. What scope of work will be in the reserved practice of applied science technology? The precise scope of work is being defined, guided by four policy statements. As per policy statement number two (see page 6), the scope of reserved practice for ASTTBC registrants will not include work that falls within the reserved practice of professional engineering; rather, it will come from work that is currently in the public domain (e.g., work that can currently be done by a non-registrant of ASTTBC). Will the reserved practice of engineering change? No. The policy statements guiding the development of reserved practice for ASTTBC registrants confirm that the reserved practice of professional engineering
the new reserved practice of ASTTBC. What role is Engineers and Geoscientists BC playing?
Engineers and Geoscientists BC has been collaborating with ASTTBC and the Office of the Superintendent of Professional Governance on this issue for the past three years. We intend to continue working actively with both organizations as well as the Ministry of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills to ensure the framework is specific enough to delineate the boundaries between each profession, and that areas of potential risk or confusion can be addressed. Will registrants be consulted? The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills has committed to sharing the draft regulation for consultation once it is complete. Engineers and Geoscientists BC also intends to gather feedback from registrants and firms as this work progresses. If you have relevant experience related to how engineers and technologists work together that would inform how the area of reserved practice could be defined, please email feedback@egbc.ca .
Building careers to last
Join our growing group of engineers, technologists and scientists and work on some of the most interesting projects across North America.
KGSGROUP.COM/CAREERS
8
Summer 2024
Innovation
Board maintains remuneration rates rates for next 2 years BOARD NEWS
At its April 19 meeting, the Engineers and Geoscientists BC Board agreed to keep its remuneration rates the same for the next two years. Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s Board Remuneration Policy was introduced in 2022 and is scheduled for review every two years as part of the organization’s budgeting cycle. Following an in-depth analysis of the current policy by staff, the Governance Subcommittee recommended to the Board that the remuneration rates be maintained for another two years to allow more time for a thorough analysis. The Board then approved that a more broadly scoped evaluation be conducted in time for the next review. The board also made some updates to the policy to add flexibility to the types of Board-related activities that are eligible for remuneration. Board agrees not to cap fee increases Concerns from registrants about licencing fee increases triggered two motions at the organization’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in October 2023. The Engineers and Geoscientists BC Board considered these motions at its February 16 meeting. The first motion requested the Board consider limiting future licencing fee increases to no more than two percent per year. However, the Board heard from the Finance, Audit and Risk (FAR) Sub-Committee that such a constraint would limit budget flexibility and restrict the ability for the Board to meet its mandate. It would also add difficulty to addressing inflationary challenges. Board members agreed and passed the following motion: “Having carefully considered the 2023 AGM Motion 2, and to ensure that the organization is adequately and sustainably resourced to fulfill its mandate, the Board rejects setting a numerical cap on future fee increases, and re-affirms its rigorous adherence to the budget guidelines that have been established to support a robust budgeting process.” The second motion asked the Board to consider past surpluses when setting future annual licensing fees. The FAR Sub-Committee noted that such reviews already take place, but formalized this practice by approving a motion that the Budget Guidelines “include a provision for the Board to consider past surpluses/deficits when setting future annual licensing fees for registrants and firms.”
Board member remuneration will stay the same for the next two years. Photo: Wendy D Photography
eisted@uvic.ca
+1-250-721-6429
execprograms.uvic.ca/prodev
10
Summer 2024
Innovation
BOARD NEWS
2024 AGM moved to a weekday
The 2024 Engineers and Geoscientists BC Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on a weekday this year: Wednesday, October 16, at 2 p.m. Historically, Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s AGM has been hosted on a Saturday morning, following the Annual Conference events. But, it was challenging for speakers and registrants to attend outside business hours. To address this, at its April 19 meeting, the Board agreed to move the AGM to a weekday. The AGM will fall before the events of the Annual Conference, October 16-18. The AGM is an opportunity for registrants to hear from the Board and senior staff about the organization’s strategic progress, key initiatives, and financial standing. It also provides an opportunity for registrants to bring forward motions for the consideration of the Board. The AGM will be conducted using a hybrid format, allowing registrants to attend online or in-person in Vancouver, BC. All registrants are encouraged to attend and participate in the AGM. Students, and members of the public are welcome to attend as observers. All participants must pre-register to attend by October 8 at 12 p.m. Limited late registrations will be accepted, as space permits. All registrants are eligible to submit and vote on AGM motions. The deadline for submitting motions for consideration is 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 14. For more information on the AGM, the motion submission process or to register, visit egbc.ca/agm .
Board discusses additional funding for advocacy body At the April 19 Engineers and Geoscientists BC Board meeting, the Board discussed whether it should increase the seed funding for the BC Society of Engineering and Geoscience (BCSEG), the advocacy body for engineers and geoscientists. A registrant motion from the 2023 AGM requested the Board consider increasing the funding for BCSEG from the $250,000 that had been allotted. However, when approaching the request, the Board decided that more information was needed before making any final decisions. Board members noted that Engineers and Geoscientists BC has a vested interest in the viability and success of BCSEG. However, they felt it was prudent to wait until BCSEG established a financial and strategic plan so funding could be based on their business case. BCSEG was incorporated in April and the organization is working on its strategic vision. Updates are available on the BCSEG interim website ( bcseg.ca ) and on the Engineers and Geoscientists BC website ( egbc.ca/About/ Programs-Initiatives/Advocacy-Body ). The Board deferred its decision to provide additional funding for BCSEG until more financial information is available. Photo: Rasadonyinde/Shutterstock.
Innovation Summer 2024
11
Doers Makers Innovators
CULTIVATING SKILLED LEADERS WITH MASTER OF ENERGY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
CAMPUS AT BROADWAY TECH CENTRE VANCOUVER.NYIT.EDU +1.604.639.0942 // VANCOUVERINFO@NYIT.EDU
1 2
Summer 2024
Innovation
REGULATORY NEWS
Volunteers sought for EDIT&R working group
Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s new Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Truth and Reconciliation (EDIT&R) Working Group is now accepting volunteer applications,
with the inaugural meeting scheduled for mid-June.
The EDIT&R Working Group will work collaboratively with Engineers and Geoscientists BC staff to support organizational Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Truth and Reconciliation (T&R) efforts with a focus on engagement, education, and impact. It will explore challenges faced by registrants in the practice of engineering and geoscience relating to EDI and T&R, and work to enhance visibility and voice underrepresented groups. Some of the functions of the EDIT&R Working Group include: ‣ Helping Engineers and Geoscientists BC provide educational opportunities that clarify its organizational role relating to EDI and T&R. ‣ Supporting Engineers and Geoscientists BC in its actions to support registrants in adopting EDI & T&R lenses in their practices. ‣ Supporting the creation of resources, initiatives, and strategic actions by contributing their expertise and diverse perspectives during the development phase of these items. ‣ Bringing relevant topics and issues relating to EDI and T&R in engineering and geoscience to the attention of Engineers and Geoscientists BC for discussion and consideration.
Photo: Lightspring/Shutterstock
As part of this evaluation, it was determined that the Engineers and Geoscientists BC Women in Engineering and Geoscience Division and the 30 by 30 Champions group would be modified to create the new EDIT&R Working Group. This transition is a step in Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s EDI and T&R journey, recognizing that the range of equity-deserving groups goes beyond women. The EDIT&R Working Group is a more inclusive approach to advancing EDI and T&R in the professions. To learn more about the EDIT&R Working Group, or to apply, visit the volunteer webpage: egbc.ca/registrants/registrant programs/volunteer/volunteer opportunities/volunteer-positions/
‣ Reviewing applicable professional practice guidelines, quality management standards, and guides and providing suggestions for amendments, updates, and revisions. The unique structure of the EDIT&R Working Group allows volunteers to participate at different levels depending on their capacity. Registrants who are interested in learning more about EDI and T&R but are limited in time to volunteer can sign up as a member of the passionate about these issues and want to make a difference within the professions can sign up as a member of the EDIT&R executive committee. The decision to develop the EDIT&R Working Group came in 2023 after significant evaluation of Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s programs and activities as it worked to integrate the requirements of the Professional Governance Act (PGA) into its operations. EDIT&R volunteer pool to stay informed. Registrants who are
edi-and-t-r-working-group or scan the QR code below.
Innovation Summer 2024
13
Using protected titles in BC indicates a registrant has acquired the requisite skills and qualifications to work in the professions. Photo: Wendy D Photography
COMMUNITY
Understanding unauthorized practice and misuse of title that is reserved exclusively for a registrant, it is commonly referred to as misuse of title. With respect to engineering and use of a title is allowed. For example, some people mistakenly assume that if they have an engineering degree,
Taking action against unauthorized practice and misuse of title is a critical public protection measure for regulators across Canada. Many professions – including engineering, geoscience, the various health professions, and the legal profession – are governed by legislation that prevents unlicensed individuals from engaging in certain Engineers and Geoscientists BC is responsible for enforcing prohibitions in the Professional Governance Act ( PGA ) against unauthorized practice and misuse of title. This important responsibility, which the organization also held for decades under the former Engineers and Geoscientists Act , helps keep the public safe from potential harm by guarding against misrepresentation and work being done by unlicensed individuals. Misuse of title Various pieces of legislation across the country reserve titles and language for exclusive use by registrants of specific regulatory bodies. When an unlicensed individual uses a title or language work, and from representing themselves in certain ways.
they can use the title “engineer.” However, individuals who use the title “engineer” while working in an applied science-related role, imply to clients and members of the public that they’re licensed to practice engineering, and that they’ve met all of the associated experience and competency requirements to be licensed. Unlicensed individuals with backgrounds in engineering or geoscience can refer to their educational background by indicating: John Doe, BASc Mechanical Engineering or Jane Doe, BSc Geology. They can also use titles that do not imply registration with Engineers and Geoscientist BC. If unlicensed individuals misrepresent themselves as registrants or as being authorized to practice engineering or geoscience, it impairs the public’s ability to trust that they are hiring someone with the right qualifications, knowledge, and experience for the
geoscience in BC, the PGA restricts unlicensed individuals from using certain expressly reserved titles such as professional engineer or geoscientist-in-training, as well as their abbreviations, P.Eng. and GIT. However, the PGA also restricts the use of other names, titles, descriptions, or abbreviations in any manner that expresses or implies that a person is registered with Engineers and Geoscientists BC, associated with the organization, or authorized to practice engineering or geoscience in BC. For example, a non-registrant in BC is prohibited from using the title “P.Eng.” but also prohibited from advertising that they are “a great engineer who is capable and happy to take on the structural engineering work for your next project.” The PGA prohibition can occasionally lead to misconceptions about when
14
Summer 2024
Innovation
job. In many, but not all cases, individuals who misrepresent themselves as registrants are also doing so in connection with unauthorized practice, which puts the public at additional risk. Unauthorized practice The PGA prohibits non-registrants of Engineers and Geoscientists BC from engaging in work that constitutes the “reserved practice” of professional engineering or professional geoscience. Reserved practice can be summarized as: providing advice or services based on an engineering or geoscience discipline in a scenario that requires the experience or technical knowledge of a registrant, when taking into account considerations related to public safety, health,
practice is a longstanding and common practice within professional regulation, it is more important than ever in a world where technology and professions are rapidly evolving. Enforcing against misuse of title builds and maintains public trust and confidence in a profession. Use of a protected title indicates to the public that an individual has the requisite skills, training and qualifications to work in a profession, and signals that they can be held accountable if something goes wrong. Similarly, taking action against unauthorized practice is also critical in not only maintaining public trust in the engineering and geoscience Continued on page 14
welfare, environmental protection, and workplace health and safety. While the specific definitions of reserved practice are new under the PGA , Engineers and Geoscientists BC enforced against the unauthorized practice of engineering and geoscience for decades under the former Engineers and Geoscientists Act . The PGA actually recognizes this history and provides continuity; anything that fell within the practices of professional engineering or professional geoscience under the former Engineers and Geoscientists Act is also captured in the PGA .
The importance of enforcement
Although enforcement against misuse of title and unauthorized
Innovation Summer 2024
15
COMMUNITY
(CPCQA) CANADIAN PRECAST CONCRETE QUALITY ASSURANCE subject to the same oversight as registrants, meaning there is no mechanism to address incompetent, unprofessional or unethical work professions, but also ensuring that the public is kept safe. When unlicensed individuals engage in engineering or geoscience, public health and safety can be put at significant risk. Unlicensed individuals are not bound by Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s Code of Ethics or Bylaws, not subject to any regulatory standards (such as continuing education and audits), and are not obligated to follow any professional practice standards, such as disclosing their insurance coverage to clients. They also aren’t
practices through Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s investigation and disciplinary processes. How concerns are handled Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s enforcement team focuses on preventing unauthorized practice and misuse of title and has opened over 300 enforcement files in the last year. The majority of enforcement files are opened as a result of concerns received directly from members of the public, registrants, and others – including other regulators and public bodies. When a misuse of title or unauthorized practice concern is submitted to Engineers and Geoscientists BC, a preliminary review is conducted to determine
whether the matter is within the organization’s jurisdiction. If it is, a file is opened, evidence is collected and analyzed, and any necessary steps are taken to bring the individual or firm into compliance with the PGA .
Registrants play a key role in helping Engineers and Geoscientists BC protect the
public by reporting misuse of title or unauthorized practice. In fact, principle 9 of the Code of Ethics requires registrants to report to Engineers and Geoscientists BC if they have reasonable and probable grounds to believe that another individual has engaged in practices which may be illegal or unethical. An anonymous reporting form is
CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
(CPCQA) CANADIAN PRECAST CONCRETE QUALITY ASSURANCE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
IS YOUR PRECAST CONCRETE SUPPLIER CERTIFIED?
(CPCQA) CANADIAN PRECAST CONCRETE QUALITY ASSURANCE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
(CPCQA) CANADIAN PRECAST CONCRETE QUALITY ASSURANCE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
(CPCQA) CANADIAN PRECAST CONCRETE QUALITY ASSURANCE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
BE SURE. INSIST ON CPCQA CERTIFICATION. The Canadian Precast Concrete Quality Assurance (CPCQA) Certification Program ensures high-quality precast concrete products for architects, engineers, specifiers, developers, ministries, and construction professionals. • The most stringent precast certification program in Canada • Bi-annual independent third-party plant audits • Products manufactured according to requirements of CSA, PCI MNL, ASTM, and owner specifications
CPCQA Certified Suppliers in BC AE Concrete Centura Building Systems Con-Force Structures Grosso Precast Heidelberg Materials Pipe Leko Precast Mardina Construction MSE Precast Rapid-Span Precast Surespan Structures Tri-Kon Precast Concrete Products
For more information, please visit : www.precastcertification.ca
16
Summer 2024
Innovation
available for individuals who may not want to share their own information. Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s aim is to resolve each misuse of title and unauthorized practice file through voluntary compliance and most files are resolved cooperatively. However, a very small number— typically one to two percent — involve formal legal action. The PGA allows the organization to apply for an injunction from the BC Supreme Court to prevent further misuse of title or unauthorized practice. If a person breaches a court injunction, the organization can apply to the Court for an order that the person is in contempt of court, which carries more serious penalties. Where to learn more For more information on misuse of title and unauthorized practice, see our website: egbc.ca/ Complaints-Discipline/Unauthorized Practice-or-Title/Unauthorized Practice-Misuse-of-Title. For more information on the Duty to Report, please see: egbc.ca/ Complaints-Discipline/Complaints Discipline/Duty-to-Report. For more details on submitting a concern, including a link to an anonymous reporting form, please see: egbc.ca/Complaints-Discipline/ Unauthorized-Practice-or-Title/ Report-a-Non-Registrant.
What constitutes misuse of title? Misuse of title occurs when a non-registrant of Engineers and Geoscientists BC uses: ‣ One of the following expressly reserved titles: ◻ Professional Engineer or P.Eng. ◻ Professional Geoscientist or P.Geo.
◻ Professional Licensee Engineering or P.L.Eng. ◻ Professional Licensee Geoscience or P.L.Geo. ◻ Engineer-in-Training or EIT ◻ Geoscientist-in-Training or GIT
‣ Any other name, title, or description in a manner implying that they are a registrant of Engineers and Geoscientists BC, associated with Engineers and Geoscientists BC, or are authorized to practice the professions of engineering or
geoscience in BC. Examples include:
◻ Using “engineer” in combination with: an engineering discipline; another word related to the profession of engineering, or; any language that expresses or implies the right to practice engineering. ◻ Using “engineer” on its own if the context expresses or implies a right to practice engineering. ◻ Use of any title that implies the right to practice geoscience, including “geoscientist,” “geologist,” “geochemist,” or “geophysicist.” ◻ Using a restricted word in a business name, including a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. For a list of restricted words, see egbc.ca/registration/firm-registrants/ business-name-consent .
Scan the QR code below for information on unauthorized practice and misuse of title.
Innovation Summer 2024
17
SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR ANNUAL CONFERENCE & AGM
OCTOBER 16–18, 2024 | VANCOUVER, BC VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE, EAST
The 2024 Engineers and Geoscientists BC Annual Conference and AGM will bring together industry experts, thought leaders, and respected partners.
Come for the AGM, informative sessions, and three days of networking events.
Don’t miss out! Mark October 16–18, 2024 in your calendar today.
egbc.ca/conference
18
Summer 2024
Innovation
REGULATORY NEWS
Candidates announced for August Board election
This year, the Board election will take place approximately one month earlier than in previous years. The election period will open by August 8 and close on September 6 at noon. At its April 19 Board meeting, the Engineers and Geoscientists BC Board approved a bylaw amendment to allow flexibility for the election period and a longer runway to onboard new Board members ahead of the
Election information
All registrants and trainees in good standing: P.Eng., P.Geo., P.L.Eng., P.L.Geo., EIT, GIT
Eligibility
By August 8, 2024. Candidate profiles online at egbc.ca/Board-Election
Election opens
Annual General Meeting. Board candidates
Election closes
At noon on September 6, 2024
For the 2024 Board election, registrants will be electing three Board members to each serve a three-year term. The following candidates have been selected to stand for Board member positions this year:
Published by September 13, 2024, at egbc.ca/Board-Election
Results
Board Candidate (Elect three)
Discipline Location
Board structure ‣ Engineers and Geoscientists BC is governed by a board of elected registrants and government appointees. The board oversees the governance and management of the organization and is accountable to the public. ‣ All election information, including candidate
Kirn Dhillon, P.Eng.
Civil
Sechelt
Bijan Pourkarimi, P.Eng.
Electrical
Vancouver
Malcolm Shield, P.Eng.
Mechanical
Vancouver
profiles and voting procedures, will be available at egbc.ca/Board-Election .
Jens Weber, P.Eng.
Software
Victoria
Gordon Zhou, P.Eng.
Civil
Coquitlam
The nominees are selected by the Nomination Committee, which evaluates candidates through a merit based process that considers their demonstrated skills in leadership, strategy, financial literacy, human resources, regulatory understanding, governance, and technical proficiency. The Committee also conducts a gap analysis to identify the skills and competencies most needed for the Board in the upcoming year, and considers how to best enable diverse and balanced leadership for the Board (See: egbc.ca/About/Governance/Board-Election/ Board-Nomination-Application-Process ). How to vote ‣ Registrants will be notified by email by August 8 with instruction on voting procedures. ‣ Voting will be conducted electronically. ‣ All registrants in good standing, including trainees, are eligible to vote.
Our IP lawyers are here to help you build the future.
Oyen Wiggs Green & Mutala LLP
PROTECTING INNOVATION
patentable.com
Innovation Summer 2024
19
COMMUNITY
Knowledge Centre a well-used resource
CE Hours recorded Since July 2021, more than 2.6 million CE Hours have been recorded in the CE Reporting System, with more than 600,000 activities entered by registrants.
Three years ago, the Knowledge Centre was introduced to provide registrants access to courses they need to meet their Continuing Education (CE) requirements. Since then, about 42,170 registrants have completed courses in the online platform. Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s Continuing Education (CE) Program became mandatory July 1, 2021, with the implementation of the Professional Governance Act . The program allows registrants to choose the amount and mix of CE activities across the four areas of learning — ethical, technical, regulatory and communications and leadership — that are appropriate for their individual areas of practice, roles, and responsibilities. The Knowledge Centre includes mandatory regulatory modules along with the courses that can be used to complete the required CE Hours and ethical learning. The high usage of the Knowledge Centre allows Engineers and Geoscientists BC to track which courses registrants are interested in to inform decisions about what courses to offer. New courses and on-demand webinars are added to the Knowledge Centre through the year.
5.80% CE Hours recorded
13.10%
23.10%
58%
Ethical learning Communications and leadership learning
Regulatory learning Technical learning
What are registrants learning? The most popular courses from the Knowledge Centre (outside the mandatory Regulatory Learning Modules) are shown in this chart.
Course
Completions
Ethics in Contractual Agreements 17,248
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) for Engineers and Geoscientists Psychological Safety, Understanding Bias, and Allyship 21 st Century Energy Transition: The Global Challenge of Our Time Land Acknowledgements for Engineers and Geoscientists
11,515
4,365
3,706
3,428
Courses in the Knowledge Centre have been widely used by registrants. Photo: Wendy D Photography
20
Summer 2024
Innovation
Sources of CE Activities In the 2023-2024 reporting year, the Knowledge Centre accounted for 42.3 percent of the courses and activities registrants needed to fulfil requirements. Attendance at Engineers and Geoscientists BC events accounted for 4.6 percent. Most learning activities, 53.1 percent, were from self-reported sources. Usually, self-reported activities are provided by employers, post-secondary institutions, and other professional associations such as the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta, Association for Mineral Exploration, and the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies. CE Program information Registrants can visit the CE Program webpages to access resources, including videos, templates, and guides, The first three-year rolling period (60 CE Hours) deadline for CE compliance is June 30. Registrants can review their requirements and deadlines by logging onto their Account Dashboard. Scan the QR code for more information on the Knowledge Centre. at egbc.ca/Annual-Reporting and egbc.ca/continuing-education .
Photo: Wendy D Photography
It’s time for registrants to complete their Annual Reporting (AR) requirements and file their declaration. Registrants are required to update their personal and professional information and complete annual declarations by June 30. Registrants who need to complete AR will have the requirement listed under the Requirements and Deadlines section of their Account Dashboard. The following need to complete AR: ‣ Professional registrants (having practice rights); ‣ Trainees (EITs and GITs); and ‣ Registrants with a declared non-practising or retired status. Only non-practising life registrants and newly registered individuals (i.e., registrants receiving their first registration as a professional or trainee in BC after May 1) are exempt from submitting AR. Registrants who miss the June 30 deadline must log into their online account and complete the outstanding reporting requirements and pay the late fees to bring their registration into compliance. ‣ If AR is not submitted by September 30, registration is suspended. ‣ If AR is not submitted by December 31, registration is cancelled. See the AR webpage for resources, including an updated video, information and FAQs, by scanning the QR code below. Annual Reporting due June 30
Innovation Summer 2024
21
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
Recently published professional practice guidelines and advisories egbc.ca/Guidelines
Guideline - Use and Development of Seismic Microzonation Maps in BC These professional practice guidelines provide professional practice guidance for registrants involved in developing and using seismic microzonation maps, and identify the role that seismic microzonation maps can play in the planning and operation of communities. The guidelines were developed to complement the Metro Vancouver Seismic Microzonation Mapping Project, an initiative crafted and implemented by the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, and the University of Western Ontario, and funded by Emergency Management and Climate Readiness BC. Interim Professional Practice Guidelines: Preparation of One Water System Risk Management Plans in British Columbia These interim professional practice guidelines guide professional practice related to managing a community’s enterprise-level water system risks. These guidelines establish the duties and obligations expected of engineering and geoscience professionals engaged in applying a One Water lens to water system risk management in BC. A One Water approach is an integrated planning and implementation approach to managing finite water resources for long-term resilience and reliability, meeting community and ecosystem needs. These are interim guidelines that will be revised following feedback on their application and will be finalized in a few years. Joint Professional Practice Guidelines - Erosion and Sediment Control These professional practice guidelines were jointly drafted by Engineers and Geoscientists BC, the College of Applied Biologists, and the BC Institute of Agrologists. They provide guidance to registrants of these regulatory bodies who develop, monitor, implement or audit erosion and sediment control (ESC) plans in BC. The guidelines provide an overview of the regulatory context in BC, discuss roles and responsibilities of various parties, describe the standard of practice for ESC professionals, and discuss quality management considerations, such as field reviews and ongoing monitoring. An assurance statement is also included to assist professionals with the communication of ESC responsibilities.
22
Summer 2024
Innovation
Professional practice inquiries
How can I make sure my work is not used for unintended purposes?
Engineering and geoscience work is often heavily reliant on project-specific inputs. The assumptions, decisions, and documentation made for one project by an engineering or geoscience professional should not be used on another project without the involvement of that engineering or geoscience professional to assess applicability and make revisions, if necessary. Testing and field review reports, particularly final reports, have been used for unintended purposes, or have been repurposed without permission in the past, To limit unintended use of work, professionals should consider implementing the following strategies: ‣ Registrants can leverage contractual terms to include language to restrict the duplication of application of the work product to other projects without permission of the professional and restrict the distribution of the work product for the intended project beyond the distribution required for effective project implementation. ‣ Disclaimers may be included on submitted documentation to restrict the use to the agreed upon, project-specific scope of work, particularly for work that could be perceived as generic or adaptable or will be made public. Documents could also include detailed project information, such as project name, location, date and time of review, date of report, name, and firm of
professional, name and firm of recipient, and scope of work. ‣ In instances where the work may become outdated, registrants should reference the inputs used to make the engineering or geoscience decisions and any limitations on use of the work if the inputs become outdated. ‣ When sealing documents, registrants should ensure that the date and signature touch the image of the seal, and use digital certification technology that shows if a document has been revised after authentication. Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s digital seal provider is Notarius. Clients and regulatory or approving authorities can also play a role in limiting the unintended use of engineering or geoscience work by consistently requiring that all professional documents submitted to them are originally authenticated according to Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s Quality Management Guide: Guide to the Standard for Authentication of Documents ( egbc.ca/Registrants/Practice Resources/Quality-Management-Guides ). For more information or if you have questions, please contact practiceadvisor@egbc.ca . Kendra Zammit, MSc., P.Geo. Practice Advisor
Upcoming Webinars For a complete list of our upcoming technical webinars, please visit egbc.ca/Events
Mandatory Regulatory Learning Module, 2023-2024 Registrants are reminded to complete the Mandatory Regulatory Learning Module for 2023-2024: Climate Change and Sustainability, by June 30. The course can be accessed in the Knowledge Centre ( egbc.ca/knowledge-centre ).
Innovation Summer 2024
23
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS 2023 • 2024 Innovation presents the annual Project Highlights edition showcasing projects by Engineers and Geoscientists BC registrants. This year’s highlights feature projects that exemplify environmental stewardship and collaboration with Indigenous communities.
24
Summer 2024
Innovation
MUD BAY NATURE-BASED LIVING DYKE The Mud Bay nature-based foreshore enhancement, or living dyke, is located along Surrey’s coastal foreshore and is the first living dyke to be constructed in BC. The project is testing various natural approaches, including sediment, cobbles, oyster bags, and brushwood dams, for their effectiveness in facilitating the growth of native foreshore plantings while reducing coastal wave run-up along the shoreline. The pilot was constructed in 2023 in partnership with the City of Surrey, Semiahmoo First Nation, and the City of Delta. Initial monitoring results indicate that the living dyke is effective for wave energy dissipation, slope stabilization, and retention of a sediment-rich intertidal zone, creating a nutrient-rich ecosystem that is naturally designed to mitigate flooding. Following the monitoring period, the living dyke design will be refined and expanded over a larger section of the Mud Bay shoreline. Company: City of Surrey Participants: Project partners: Matt Osler, P.Eng.; Samantha Ward, P.Eng.; Harvy Takhar, P.Eng.; Rosaline Choy, P.Eng. Project consultants: Eric Morris, P.Eng.; Allison Matfin, P.Eng.; Stephen Mills, P.Eng.; Steve Coulter, P.Eng.
Photo courtesy of City of Surrey
Innovation Summer 2024
25
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS 2023•2024
Photo: Yad Rana
Photo: Marcello Veiga
FORT ST. JOHN NEW RCMP BUILDING
ALTERNATIVE TO USING MERCURY IN ARTISANAL GOLD MINING
The new RCMP building in Fort St. John is equipped to generate its own power. In accordance with the guidelines of the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model, Status Electrical has successfully finished installing the electrical, communication, CCTV, access control, block heaters, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), and solar-system infrastructure at the new 3-storey, heavy mass timber RCMP detachment. Newly installed 600-volt incoming service is scaled down by modern electrical switchboards to a 208/120-volt level, suitable for power distribution inside and outside the building. During a BC Hydro power outage, an effective power transition can be accomplished using a 500 kW diesel fuel generator that has a 72-hour runtime. In an economically feasible way, the 128-kW photovoltaic (PV) solar generating system installed on the roof meets BC Hydro’s Net Metering Program requirements for net-zero energy-efficient buildings. On sunny days, the system may produce enough energy to power about 40 energy-efficient homes. Company: Status Electrical Corporation Participants: Keith Falardeau; Yadvirender Rana, P.Eng.; Chris Eldridge; Taylor Callaway.
Worldwide, more than 2,000 tonnes of mercury (much from Canada) is released annually into the environment by 20 million artisanal gold miners (AGM). This represents the world’s largest human-made source of mercury pollution. These miners usually extract less than 30% of the gold with amalgamation, a process that uses mercury. As an alternative to amalgamation, manipueira, a cyanide-rich liquid by-product from the cassava starch industry, is being studied by researchers at UBC and in Brazil. In two studies in Brazil and Colombia, a higher gold extraction rate was achieved with manipueira. A strategic advantage in Brazil is that the mine is close to a starch production factory that generates up to 128,000 L/day of manipueira. Company: UBC, Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering Participants: UBC: Marcello Veiga, P.Eng.; Pariya Torkaman. University of São Paulo, Brazil: Emiliano M. Silva; Giorgio de Tomi. Maná Alimentos Agroindústria, Brazil: Maria do Carmo S. Barreto. Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil: Jorge Valença Mariz.
26
Summer 2024
Innovation
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator