Over the past several months, WCOWMA-BC has been in stakeholder sessions with ASTTBC on a number of key issues regarding industry training and practitioner registration. These stakeholder meetings allow the association to bring member interests to the ASTTBC table.

WCOWMA-BC has been asking for a series of improvements in areas of concern that contractors have been struggling with for years, particularly in the area of practitioner registration requirements.

We were hopeful of positive changes, or at least for a regulatory momentum swing that would lay out a path for measured improvements. However, through the December 7 release of ASTTBC’s updated Onsite Wastewater Registration Program, it is clear that our concerns were largely unaddressed.

WCOWMA-BC’s next step is to draft a position paper that outlines concerns with key areas of the Program’s content. The paper will be available to all stakeholders including industry, ASTTBC, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, Health Authorities, and the BC Ministry of Health. The paper will be released in January 2012.

WCOWMA-BC will continue to push for regulatory change that allows all responsible ROWPs to confidently apply their trade without the fear of unreasonable restrictions that inhibit their ability to earn a living while providing rural British Columbian’s with safe and effective wastewater management services.

Despite these concerns, WCOWMA-BC is pleased to see its membership continue to grow. Its in-class and field training sessions will continue to be held throughout 2012. More information is available by contacting us at the number or email address below.