On August 27 and 28, close to a dozen students joined Barry Rumsey and Liesbeth Glotze in Falkland, BC to install a Type 2, pressure-distributed subsurface trench field. In addition to students helping to set and water test tanks, dig trenches, and build a venting system, stations were set up around the site where students […]

September 16 to 20, 2024 is Septic Awareness Week, and the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association has partnered with the Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association (OOWA) to promote proper operation and maintenance of onsite wastewater systems. Throughout Septic Awareness Week we’ll share information on the importance of maintaining septic systems along with tips for operation. In

For several months now, WCOWMA has been hearing concerns from pumpers about lack of access to receiving facilities. The latest issues have arisen in the Fraser Valley in British Columbia where pumpers in the Chilliwack area are limited in where they can haul wastewater from areas outside city limits. Receiving facilities are over capacity and

Joe Karthein, a WCOWMA-BC member and owner of Sentinel Excavating, used to work as self-employment counsellor with Community Futures. In that role, he helped over 100 small businesses develop business plans and grow their existing businesses. In March, Karthein delivered a presentation at the 2024 WCOWMA-BC Convention on building a business plan.  Keep an eye

On May 8, 2024, the Office of the Superintendent of Professional Governance (OSPG) released a joint statement from the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (the Ministry), Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC), and the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC). The joint statement provides an update on the progress towards reserved practice for technology

Update Your Mailing Address Don’t miss out on your chance to receive the Summer 2024 issue of WCOWMA’s Onsite Informer Magazine! Take a moment to contact our office with your updated address. Be A Part of the Magazine WCOWMA is sourcing articles for publication in our printed magazine, which includes information, news, and events from each of the Western provinces. Articles

Elections were held at the Annual General Meeting on Friday, March 15, 2024 for the WCOWMA-BC’s Board of Directors. Thank you to departing board member Mike Hyde for all his hard work, and welcome to new board members Trefor Digby! 2024 WCOWMA-BC Board of DirectorsPresident: Barry RumseyVice-President: James StiksmaSecretary-Treasurer: Craig SaprikenDirector: Chris BayleyDirector: Trefor DigbyDirector: Bruce McColmDirector: Krista Podwin

WCOWMA-BC is looking for administrative support for the day-to-day activities of the association. This would be a half-time, contracted position with the potential for full time in the future. The position would be performed remotely, so a workable home office would be required. Anyone interested in learning more about this opportunity should contact Lesley at