Continuing Education Forum - Onsite Sewerage
We host free monthly online meetings to provide continuing education for Practitioners and Professionals in the BC onsite sewerage industry.
We also provide recordings of previous Forums ($50 each). Scroll down to ARCHIVED FORUMS to see the topics of previous Forums
Upcoming forums will address new topics.
Typically, we have a guest speaker to deliver a presentation on a specific topic followed with a Q&A opportunity regarding the presenter's topic and an open discussion about any issue that participants wish to raise.
Participating in these sessions qualifies for EGBC continuing education credits or for ASTTBC continuing professional development hours (self-directed learning/informal learning category).
If you would like to take part in the next Continuing Education Forum, please fill in your details in this Event Registration Form and click Register to submit. You will be automatically registered and provided with a ZOOM link. Use that ZOOM link to join the live session on the scheduled date and time.
Fields marked with an * are required.
Live (No Fees) Continuing Education Forum Registration
Register below to get access to our upcoming live forums.
NexT Forum Detail
Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM (Pacific Time)
Format: Live via ZOOM
Facilitator: Jackson Twa, ROWP.
Topics: Installation Insights.
Jim will start the session by sharing recent experiences including technical challenges for difficult sites.
Then Jackson will facilitate a presentation about installation practices, with insights regarding the construction of large and complex systems.
This is an excellent opportunity to connect with peers, share experiences, and gain practical insights relevant to your work.
Archived Forums ($50 Each admin. Fee)
What do we chat about? Here is an overview of recent forums which you can purchase (tax is added).
Click on any of those to see details about the content and to ADD TO CART for access to the recording.
May 28, 2025 - 20 Years of the SSR – A Retrospective
Greg Baytalan, BSc, CPHI(C), provides an incredibly insightful presentation outlining the origins of the SSR, tracing the evolution of its amendments, and examining the current landscape of sewerage management in British Columbia.
This session offers a rare opportunity to learn from an experienced regulator who has played a major role in shaping the province’s sewerage regulatory framework.
Don’t miss this insightful retrospective on 20 years of progress, challenges, and lessons learned in sewerage system regulation.
April 30, 2025 - Cumulative Impacts to Freshwater Bodies
Bryer Manwell, MSc., P.Eng., provided an excellent presentation regarding the impact to freshwater bodies from wastewater dispersal on adjacent land.
The discussion revealed that many lakes within BC show clear signs of water quality degradation, with evidence pointing to onsite sewerage systems as a contributing factor. Bryer outlined the challenges posed by excess nutrients and other contaminants. She also shared her vision for how our industry can become part of the solution. Drawing from her real-world experience as a Hydrogeological Engineer, Bryer highlighted specific strategies and technologies she has implemented at various sites, including the use of Permeable Reactive Barriers and other denitrification methods.
March 26, 2025 - SPM Concerns and Proposed Revisions
A panel discussion was held to address key concerns and considerations related to the BC Sewerage System Standard Practice Manual (SPM).
The session was facilitated by Jim Andersen, AScT, ROWP; Michael Payne, P.Eng., P.Geo.; and Ian Ralston, P.L.Eng.
The discussion focused on sections of the SPM that are often viewed as impractical or difficult to implement. Panelists also highlighted the manual’s strengths, including provisions that allow flexibility and offer practical solutions for challenging site conditions, such as shallow soils and constrained lots.
Common misunderstandings of the SPM were clarified, and the panel put forward several proposals to support better application and interpretation. These included the development of interpretive bulletins, user guidelines, and application manuals, as well as suggestions for future revisions to the SPM.
January 30, 2025 - Insights for Designers from Installers and Maintenance Providers
This panel discussion, facilitated by Jim, featured a select group of experienced installers and maintenance professionals. The session explored common challenges technicians encounter when implementing construction specifications and maintenance plans developed by system designers.
Our panellists—recognized leaders in the field—shared real-world examples illustrating:
- Design specifications that unintentionally hinder efficient installation or ongoing maintenance
- Maintenance plans that omit critical details or include impractical recommendations for field technicians
The discussion offered valuable insight into how designers and technicians can collaborate more effectively to bridge gaps in practice and avoid costly missteps. It was an engaging and eye-opening exchange, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and practical design in achieving successful project outcomes.
December 5, 2024 - Large Flow System for a Public Park
The presentation, delivered by Brent Dennis, P.Eng., explored the complexities of designing a new sewerage system for the Belcarra Picnic Area facilities. It addressed several critical challenges, including:
- Managing environmentally sensitive foreshore and freshwater ecosystems,
- Navigating archaeological constraints,
- Accommodating high-volume sewage flows with significant variability,
- Overcoming difficult soil conditions,
- Pumping effluent over long distances to a dispersal area with varied topography, and
- Coordinating efforts with administrators overseeing multiple properties.
This detailed analysis underscored the multifaceted nature of the project and the innovative approaches required to overcome these challenges.
November 7, 2024 - Case Studies: Ocean discharge or soil dispersal?
The presenter was Jim Andersen, AScT, ROWP. Jim outlined a site assessment at a remote location with numerous constraints including proximity to ocean foreshore, several creeks and mountainous terrain, with daily discharge >20,000 L.
September 19, 2024 - Higher Linear Loading based on Full-Scale Multi-Day Testing
The presenter was Michael Payne, P.Geo., P.Eng. The presentation focused on in-situ mounding tests and science-based rationale for departures from the minimum system length standards that are currently adopted in BC, Alberta and other jurisdictions - supporting the design and specification of shorter system length.
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June 27, 2024 - Using the SPM - Common Errors
The presenters were Jim Andersen, AScT, ROWP and Ian Ralston, P.L.Eng.
The presentation focused on aspects of the BC Sewerage System Standard Practice Manual that are often misunderstood and common errors in SPM application.
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May 31, 2024 - Renewable Natural Gas from Wastewater and Solid Waste
The presenter was Jamie Betts, P.Eng., Chief Operating Officer/Vice President Operations,
EverGen Infrastructure Corporation. Jamie provided a fascinating presentation about 'biogas' generation from organic waste, agricultural and landfill waste, and wastewater from sewage treatment facilities.
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April 26, 2024 - Documenting SPM Departures
Michael Payne, P.Geo. P.Eng. provided a presentation regarding a difficult site that required significant departures from the Sewerage System Standard Practice Manual - focused on how to document a custom design and provide rationale for departures from the SPM, in accordance with the EGBC Professional Practice Guidelines for Onsite Sewerage.
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February 23, 2024 - Open Discussion
We had an excellent open discussion with contributions by many participants and several of our instructors, regarding a wide range of sewerage topics. (A very wide range!!). Jim chatted about a severely constrained site involving SPM departures; business practices regarding preliminary site visits (fees or no fees? Test pits or not?). Michael Payne and Tim Wilson discussed providing rationale for SPM departures such as reduced setbacks and reduced system length. Trefor Digby chatted about ROWPs changing UV bulbs despite the SSR requirement for Professional maintenance of type 3 systems.
Other topics included anti-flotation strategies for tanks in high groundwater conditions, concrete tanks versus poly tanks, challenges posed by electricians and landscapers, best practices for site cleanup and landscaping preparation, mound sand versus C33, administrative policies of the various Health Authority regions, floating outlet devices, Erickson and Tyler's oxygen flux model to address bed widths greater than 3 m, quantified methods to model the mounding effect and support linear loading departures, etc.
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January 26, 2024 - Case Studies - Severe Site Constraints
Jim Andersen, AScT, ROWP, provided a presentation outlining several onsite sewerage projects for sites with severe constraints. These projects required significant departures from the SPM … with custom hydraulic and linear loading rates, reductions to horizontal separation standards to water bodies, wells, etc.
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December 5, 2023 - Linear Loading, The Mounding Effect, Minimum Length Standards
Jim and the EQUIP team provided a presentation describing the mounding effect, addressing system length challenges on constrained sites and determining custom linear loading rates based on quantified methods.
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November 24, 2023 - Maintenance and the CRD Bylaw
Jim facilitated a discussion regarding initiatives by various local governments to promote sewerage maintenance. Then Dale Green from the Capital Regional District provided a presentation regarding the CRD Maintenance Bylaw and the new CRD maintenance assessment cost-share program.
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October 27, 2023 - One Water and Risk Based Design
Ian Ralston, P.L.Eng. provided a presentation regarding the BC Government's One Water initiative. This is a relatively new regulatory approach that emphasizes the interconnected types of water: drinking water, rainwater, wastewater (including sewage), groundwater and waterbodies. Ian explored risk management based design, from a perspective of greywater reuse and the broader relevance to design of onsite systems in a watershed context
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September 22, 2023 - Case Study - Large Flow System
Jim provided a presentation outlining the design and installation of two large flow systems, each under 22,700L DDF on the same site.
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May 26, 2023 - Onsite Sewerage Maintenance
Jim and the EQUIP team hosted a discussion regarding sewerage maintenance. Topics included:
- What should local government sewerage maintenance bylaws look like?
- What is maintenance? How should it be done?
- How do we improve competencies for maintenance providers?
- How do we get more qualified maintenance providers?
- Should ROWP Installers and Planners be allowed to provide maintenance services?
- How do we promote public awareness and education regarding sewerage maintenance?
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March 31, 2023: SPM Revisions Consultation
Jim and the EQUIP team hosted a discussion to identify and propose revisions to the BC Ministry of Health's Sewerage System Standard Practice Manual.
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February 24, 2023: Large flow system case study
Paul Blackett, P.Tech, ROWP, CESA provided an excellent presentation regarding his project for a large flow system under the Municipal Wastewater Regulation.
Topics included:
- A comparison of the Municipal Wastewater Regulation versus the Sewerage System Regulation.
- The enforcement framework under the MWR.
- Technical challenges fore this specific project.
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January 27, 2023: Septic Tanks, Pump Chambers, Treatment Plants
Jim facilitated a presentation and group discussion regarding tanks..
Topics included:
- Design considerations and configurations; poly vs concrete, favorable configurations of septic tanks, shallow and long versus short and deep, single chamber vs two chamber tanks.
- Using pump vaults within septic tanks.
- Anti-floatation options and considerations.
- Advantages and disadvantages of various treatment products.
- Cold climate considerations.
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November 25, 2022: Useful Bits and Pieces
Brent Dennis, P.Eng. provided an excellent presentation on a wide range of topics related to 'doing business better' in the onsite sewerage industry. Followed with a robust group discussion.
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October 28, 2022: Leaking Sewerage Tanks
We explored the SPM Standards for assuring leak free tanks and piping and the SPM guidelines for water-tight testing. Then, Jackson Twa, ROWP provided an excellent presentation, showed us his equipment and procedures for vacuum testing - a quick and effective means of leak testing.
Jackson had a recent example of discovering and repairing a significant leak. An excellent discussion ensued - with participants sharing their experience with leaking tanks and piping, groundwater infiltration problems, and procedures for leak testing and repair.
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May 27, 2022: Case studies - Sewerage projects with design and installation challenges
Jim and the EQUIP team shared photos and documents outlining several challenging projects - with a focus on 'what went wrong?' and 'how to avoid similar trouble in future?'
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April 29, 2022: Secondary Treatment for Onsite Sewerage - Part 2
As a follow up to the March 25 forum, we had a more detailed discussion regarding selection of treatment processes and hardware.
Other topics included source control and mitigation, flow equalization, the regulatory context for non-sewerage flows (winery waste is an interesting and recurring theme!).
We also focused on 'what does the SPM say?' about selection and specification of treatment.
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March 25, 2022: Secondary Treatment for Onsite Sewerage
We had a very productive group discussion regarding the regulatory framework, exploring the significant differences in the approaches to treatment of the Sewerage System Regulation versus the Municipal Wastewater Regulation, and the wide diversity in treatment requirements by Regional Districts and other local regulators within OCP's, local bylaws, covenants, etc.
We also explored the treatment technologies in common use, advantages and disadvantages of various treatment processes and considerations for selection of appropriate treatment hardware with regard to anticipated sewage characteristics.
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February 25, 2022: Working with First Nations
The panel (Michael, Ian, Brent, Jim, Bruce) provided a presentation exploring the regulatory framework for First Nations sewerage and the unique considerations for design, installation and maintenance.
A robust group discussion followed, with participants contributing insights regarding high occupancy, high strength wastewater, maintenance considerations and development of maintenance competency within First Nations communities.
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January 21, 2022: Cold Weather Considerations
Jim Andersen, AScT, ROWP provided a presentation exploring design and installation challenges for systems with significant risk of freezing. Topics included insulation, piping configurations to minimize freezing, draining the pipe networks, heat tape, tank heaters, sleeved road crossings and other strategies to address cold climates.
Jeff Oland, P.Eng. prepared and delivered valuable contributions to the presentation. Bruce McColm, ROWP, added his insights to the presentation based on his considerable cold weather experience.
Very productive discussion followed with our usual panel (Michael, Ian, Brent etc.) and great participation from the large group (30+) of participants.
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December 17, 2021: A Rational Take on Sewerage Regulation
Brent Dennis, P.Eng, provided a presentation exploring the perceived pitfalls of the Regulation (SSR).
Briefly stated - Brent 'normalized' the negative aspects of the regulatory framework (all industries have similar issues) while highlighting the positive aspects (better outcomes for protection of health & environment and excellent opportunities for Practitioners and Professionals who do good work).
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November 19, 2021: Percolation vs Permeability
Ian and Michael provided insights regarding the distinction between soil percolation rate and soil permeability, the advantages and disadvantages of perc tests and permeameter tests. and procedures for in-situ testing.
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October 22, 2021: The Professional Governance Act - New Practice Requirements for Onsite Sewerage Professionals and Practitioners
Jim Andersen, AScT, ROWP provided a presentation outlining the PGA. Michael Payne, P.Eng, P.Geo and Ian Ralston P.L.Eng anchored the panel discussion and outlined the PGA guidance published by EGBC.
A great discussion ensued with participants.
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September 24, 2021: Gravity vs. Pressure. Pros and Cons
We had an entertaining 'mock' debate to demonstrate a typical interaction with a client who resists pressure dispersal options. Jim took the 'don't want a pump' position and Oscar Long, ROWP supported the 'sometimes you need a pump' position.
Then the panel of EQUIP contributors discussed the underlying principles of uniform and non-uniform distribution to soil dispersal systems, benefits of small dose volumes, timed dosing etc.
Forum participants joined the discussion with anecdotes and insights regarding pros and cons of pressure dispersal.
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August 20, 2021: Sewage Transfer
We proposed a few questions for discussion, such as "which is best - grinder or solids handling pumps?", "in a small pump basin or a larger tank with reserve?" and "can we use sewage transfer basins to depart from septic tank setbacks?"
Don MacRae from Pump Tech Inc. was the primary presenter. The ensuing discussion by participants and the EQUIP team of contributors resulted in an excellent exploration of sewage transfer options.