MINUTES OF THE FOURTH PLUMBING TECHNICAL COUNCIL MEETING OF 2012

Transcription

1 MINUTES OF THE FOURTH PLUMBING TECHNICAL COUNCIL MEETING OF 2012 DATE: September 25, 2012 TIME: LOCATION: PRESENT: 9:00 a.m. 3:20 p.m. Delta Edmonton South, Edmonton Richard Burk, Chair Cameron Braun Gerald Byer Mark Cardwell Wayne Ducharme Greg Francis Charles Hallett David Hughes Dean Taylor Joe van Weenen, Vice Chair South Kenneth Wigmore Garnet Young Sidney Manning, Alberta Municipal Affairs Alf Durnie, Alberta Municipal Affairs Tyler Wightman, Safety Codes Council Shariq Wani, Alberta Municipal Affairs GUESTS: RECORDER: Chad Rich, City of Edmonton Wayne Thiessen, Wet Water Industries Ltd. Sandi Orr 2012 MEETINGS: Tuesday, November 20, 2012

2 A. Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:03 a.m. and a round table introduction was held. B. Adoption of Agenda Kenneth Wigmore / Dean Taylor moved to adopt the agenda, as circulated; CARRIED C. Adoption of Minutes Garnet Young / Gerald Byer moved to approve the May 30, 2012 meeting minutes, as circulated; CARRIED D. Business Arising from the Minutes & Review of Action Items E At-Grade Effluent Disposal Method update The Chief PSDS Administrator reported that the task group had not met over the summer. Research is being conducted on the at-grade system at the Wetaskiwin Rest Stop. The system goes through 1,000 to 7,000 gallons per day and has been in use for 6 years. The research is showing interesting good results. Examples were provided of other at-grade systems throughout Alberta that were originally failing but are being corrected. The Guidelines for Alberta At-Grade Systems for Onsite Wastewater Treatment published by the Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association was circulated with the agenda package. It was noted that although the guidelines have been revised, this document still needs to be reviewed by the task group and revisions are anticipated before a final version is proposed to the PTC for approval. E Composting Toilets and Waterless Urinals Composting Toilets Kenneth Wigmore reported that the group has not had another meeting since May Although Alberta Environment had agreed they would assist with guidelines and calculations, they would not conduct inspections. This changed the direction of that meeting and it is believed that the Plumbing discipline should take over all responsibilities for composting toilets. The minutes of that meeting were circulated electronically to all council members. The Chief Plumbing Administrator reported that CSA has developed an outline for a Standard on composting. However, they are not willing to proceed further without funding from provinces or industry. Since none is forthcoming, this will sit in limbo indefinitely. At present, there are NSF Standards for the composting industry. With no other standards to follow, this may be the only pathway to take at this time. It was suggested this could be considered as acceptable if those standards are met, without the Administrator having to issue a variance. The greatest issue that needs to be determined is the most applicable jurisdiction composting toilets should reside. If a composting toilet is considered under the Private Sewage discipline as a privy, this cannot be installed inside of a building. In order to MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting September 25, 2012 Page 2

3 accept this under the Plumbing jurisdiction, it needs to meet the definition of a plumbing system. There is also the potential issue that a ventilator or exhaust fan, running 24/7, may not be acceptable if and when the Energy Code (NECB) is adopted for use in Alberta. [Manning/Hallett/Wigmore/Durnie] E Shock Absorbers for Water Lines Draft STANDATA The latest draft STANDATA P PC10, Expansion and Contraction for Drainage, Venting and Water Distribution Systems was circulated at the March 2012 meeting. Direction was requested relative to issuing this right away or to wait until the new Plumbing Code is published and issue it with all other STANDATAs. The following revisions were made: (including water hammer) to be added in the subject line. Date changed to October 2012 Kenneth Wigmore / Dean Taylor moved to adopt and release STANDATA P PC10, Expansion and Contraction for Drainage, Venting and Water Distribution Systems (including water hammer) with the release of all other STANDATAs upon adoption of the Alberta Plumbing Code Regulation; CARRIED E Review of 2010 NPC Code Changes It was reported that there are no outstanding issues relative to the 2010 NPC Changes, provided the regulation reflects all changes recommended. E Cross Connection Control Devices for Residential Irrigation Systems Background of the issue was provided for the benefit of new members. The Chief Plumbing Administrator reported that he brought forward this issue at the new Canadian Regulatory Committee on Plumbing (CRCP). The CSA-B64 Committee has already said they will not consider reducing requirements and CRCP has no interest in pursuing a code change. This is deemed as an enforcement issue, not just in Alberta but throughout Canada. E Review of all STANDATAs It was reported that all the STANDATAs are ready for publication and awaiting adoption of the new regulation. The Chief Plumbing Administrator is reviewing the Hydronics STANDATA to ensure consistent wording with the Gas STANDATA. The only outstanding STANDATA is interceptors with the intent to take all three and combine into one. For the upcoming release, it was recommended to keep all three as stand-only STANDATAs and when we get to the point of amalgamating them, the merged STANDATA can be released at a later date. MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting September 25, 2012 Page 3

4 A discussion was held regarding access to archived STANDATAs and whether these should be accessible on the AMA website. After an in depth discussion, it was agreed that as long as this information is available through AMA if needed, there is no need to publish archived STANDATAs on the website. Being no further action, this will be removed from the agenda. Blending Existing Interceptor STANDATAs will be added as a separate agenda item for the next meeting. E Review of Plumbing Regulation update The Chief Plumbing Administrator reported that the 2010 Plumbing Code has been brought in force by Cabinet on September 6, 2012 through an Amendment Regulation. A consolidated regulation which includes Alberta Regulation 119/2007 with amendments up to and including Alberta Regulation 154/2012 is available through the Queens Printer. A Notice, similar to a STANDATA, will be issued to advise the in force date and availability on the new regulation. It was noted that the Regulation expires on November 1, 2016 and it was questioned whether a grace period could be included. It was noted that a 6-month grace period is typically provided from a permitting perspective. It was suggested that there are no significant changes that would make any difference between a September nor November in force date other than SCOs not yet being familiar with the changes in the code. Kenneth Wigmore / Garnet Young moved to recommend to Alberta Municipal Affairs that, if permissible, November 1, 2012 be established as the in force date of the Alberta Regulation 119/2007 with amendments up to and including Alberta Regulation 154/2012; CARRIED E Cisterns and Certification CSA is working on a Standard and there was nothing new to report. The consultation took place in June 2012 and although scheduled for publication in the spring of 2013, CSA hopes to accelerate that. It was suggested this item be left on the agenda pending publication of CSA-B126. E Water/Sewer/Interceptor Draft STANDATA Background was provided for the benefit of new members. Under the current regulations, the definition of a private sewage system includes septic tanks but not anything collected to a municipal system. The Plumbing Regulation states that it does not apply to any private sewage systems. Another option would be considered it a water and sewer service dictated by the Authority Having Jurisdiction but it is believed these systems are much more complex than that. Jurisdiction has been an issue for several years. Once jurisdiction is determined, there is a need to determine what guidelines should apply in order for SCOs to know what to inspect to. MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting September 25, 2012 Page 4

5 Reference was made to the draft STANDATA P NPC10 Drainage Systems with Municipal Requirements circulated at a previous meeting. When asked for direction, it was recommended that the STANDATA start off simple rather than trying to address all different aspects. Wayne Ducharme, Cameron Braun and Kenneth Wigmore volunteered to form a Task Group along with the Chief PSDS and Chief Plumbing Administrators to review the current draft STANDATA and make recommendations to council. [Ducharme/Braun/Wigmore/Durnie/Manning] E Definition of Equipment in relation to the Plumbing Code & Regulation discussion There was nothing to report as the group has not yet met to discuss this issue. Wayne Ducharme, Tyler Wightman, Sidney Manning and James Orr will meet and report back to the PTC. [Ducharme/Wightman/Manning/Orr] E Recycled Wastewater in Car Washes Wayne Thiessen of Wet Water Industries Ltd. was introduced and provided a presentation on recycled wastewater in car washes. Considerations for Carwash & Safety: Feedwater Quality Flows and Pressures Quality Components Maintenance and Records Water Usage Water Costs Sewer Costs Equipment Costs Impact Fees Fresh Water Make Up and Cross Connection The use of reclaimed water is a result of municipalities strengthening their bylaws relative to wastewater quality and the targeting of and fines issued to car washes when wastewater quality is in excess of local bylaws. Examples were provided of the uses of recycled water at car washes. The PTC questioned the quality of the reclaimed water and it was reported that there are no perimeters set relative to what chemicals are left in the water and not tested before or after. The only testing afterwards is for suspended solids. Photos were shown on screen of a water recovery station with ozone and the ConServ Filtration Process was explained. It was suggested that the greatest issue that needs to be addressed by the PTC would be to ensure employees are protected from ozone. The PTC clarified that the protection of employees would fall under the jurisdiction of Occupational Health and Safety and that the PTC s focus would be the protection from vapour spray containing ozone relative to public safety. MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting September 25, 2012 Page 5

6 It was clarified that water reuse is currently not used at self-serve car washes as the process is too expensive to operate at this time. Water reuse is typically only at automatic tunnel bays where the public doesn t get out of their vehicles. When asked the number of car washes uses water reuse systems, it was reported that there are likely 100+ but only half are operating the system do to cost. Wayne Thiessen was thanked for providing the presentation. A discussion was held after the presentation regarding the question discussed previously by the PTC on whether these are process functions or plumbing systems. After reviewing the presentation, this adds to the opinion that it is a process. If classified as a plumbing system, it would require an alternate solution. Reference was made to Clause of the Alberta Building Code that states the code does not apply to process equipment in industrial occupancies. Industry is pushing back by referencing this clause. However, the Plumbing Code is separate to the Building Code and therefore does not exempt car washes. Although the majority of products used for water reuse are uncertified, most used at car washes are certified and therefore, municipalities can accept them under an alternate solution provided they are willing to take on the responsibility of water quality. Members were asked to gain feedback from their nominating organizations for further discussion at the next meeting. The agenda item will be changed to [Manning/All]. E CSA Standard B Performance of non-potable water reuse systems It was reported that CSA B is planned to be published in October It was explained that it is within the Administrator s authority to accept a system if certified to a particular standard. If supported by the PTC, the Administrator could require that only systems that meet that Standard be acceptable in Alberta. Each PTC council members will receive a copy of the CSA B Standard for review. E. New Business E OBIEC Documents The OBIEC documents were circulated to the members. It was reported the purpose of providing this documentation is that the ETC has recommended adopting OBIEC. Being a significant change, the Coordinating Committee has requested that this be reviewed by all technical councils to gain feedback on any concerns or potential impacts on your discipline. A brief overview was provided of the benefits and potential concerns. Members were asked to provide comments to Doug Clough (clough@safetycodes.ab.ca). MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting September 25, 2012 Page 6

7 E Maintenance Enforcement under the SCA The agenda item briefing notes were circulated with the agenda package. It was reported that although the issue was originally brought forward by the Building Technical and Barrier Free councils, it has been recognized the issue spans much further beyond this. Examples were provided regarding when infractions occur from a post-occupancy perspective relative to the PTC such as ongoing maintenance of water quality of reclaimed water or private sewage systems. From the Private Sewage perspective, municipalities already have the authority to create bylaws for the requirements of inspections of operating systems. As we move forward with the discussion of water reuse, the Chief Plumbing Administrator s acceptance of alternate solutions includes reporting and monitoring requirements being the responsibility of the municipality. Members were asked to provide feedback to the Administrator of Certification (Tyler.Wightman@safetycodes.ab.ca). E Irrigation Systems Utilizing Harvested Rain Water Dean Taylor asked for feedback regarding multiple installations of large underground rainwater tanks to gravity drainage systems and whether any alternate solution should be considered if backflow protection is installed. The Chief Plumbing Administrator recommended that these be considered storm retention systems if collecting water before it hits the ground. In that case, reuse could be considered as an alternate solution provided the risk is managed through ensuring an equal or greater level of safety. Reference was made to Article of the Plumbing Code. Any rain collected before it touches the ground is typically considered rain water and anything that touches the ground is considered storm water. Members were asked to consider the definitions of rain water vs. storm water for further discussion at the next meeting. E Water Reuse Alternate Solutions / Province Wide Variance It was reported that there are over 100 applications for water reuse in the Administrator s office. As the quantity is overwhelming, there is a need to provide a guide for Alternative Solutions that could be accepted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. As there has not yet been an opportunity to blend the two, both versions were provided. It was requested that members provide feedback to the Chief Plumbing Administrator by the end of next week. The following two documents were provided at the meeting: Alternative Solutions Guide for Reclaimed Water Reuse Handout #1. Alternative Solutions Guide for Reclaimed Water Reuse Handout #2. Although Fact Sheets are typically not approved by council, the Chief Plumbing Administrator requested that a Letter Ballot be issued to gain written support from council on the final draft. The Chief Plumbing Administrator requested that the Letter Ballot be initiated on or before October 15, 2012 and conclude before October 25, 2012 so that the final drafts may be presented at the AMOS Conference. [Manning/Paches] MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting September 25, 2012 Page 7

8 It was noted that the Authority Having Jurisdiction does have the ability not to accept an Alternative Solution should they not have the ability to take on the responsibility. Concern was expressed that smaller jurisdictions would not have this capacity and the council was reminded that they would not necessarily be responsible for doing the work, simply ensuring that the monitoring and reporting is done. The Table of Contents of a written report on province wide variances for the oil and gas industry was circulated and members were asked to request a copy, if desired, from the Chief Plumbing Administrator. It was reported that the department is able to keep Shariq Wani on for another 4 months and during this time he will be undertaking Introduction to the Development of a Provincewide Variance relative to water reuse (Handout #4). After the report is completed, it will assist in creating a draft variance for consideration. Members were encouraged to contact Shariq Wani (shariq.wani@gov.ab.ca) if they wish to provide feedback. E Trap Primers The Chief Plumbing Administrator has received requests for clarification on alternatives to trap primers and requests have been made for a province-wide variance. It was reported that a province-wide variance is not necessary. If it is an approved product and provides an equal or greater level of safety, the Authority Having Jurisdiction can approve its use under an alternate solution. Of the two products being questioned: The ProSet Trap Guard was shown on screen and although it is certified for use with plumbing systems, the product has nothing to do with being a trap primer and therefore not considered of equal or greater level of safety. The Sure Seal product ( was also shown on screen and municipalities are able to accept these as an equal or greater level of safety. F. Standing Agenda Items a) Technical Coordinating Committee Update It was reported that the TCC meets on October 10, The Chair expressed concerns on one of the agenda items being discussed at the Building Technical Council regarding restructuring the Building SCO certification. The Manager of Certification reported on the proposal presented to the BTC, the consultation that occurred and the need to redraft a revised proposal for consideration before any changes are considered. b) Private Sewage Initiatives The Chief PSDS Administrator reported he is working on developing a guidance document process to allow municipalities to require inspections to ensure a PSDS system is still working to the design standards intended and operating properly. Research will be conducted on what problems municipalities have had putting bylaws into place, what challenges they have encouraged and what went well related to enforcement. Guidance will provide what an inspection should include depending on the risk and perceived issues. MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting September 25, 2012 Page 8

9 c) Education & Training Update This agenda item will be changed to [Wightman]. d) Plumbing Code Questions There was nothing to report. e) AMOS Update It was reported that the next AMOS meeting is scheduled for the end of October. f) Private Standard of Practice Review (f)(1) Private Sewage Standard of Practice Recommendations to the Task Group for Consideration and Review There was nothing to report as the task group has not met since the last meeting. The Chief PS Administrator is attempting to schedule a task group meeting for October 17 and 18, 2012 in Red Deer. G. Next Meeting: Nov. 20, Edmonton It was reported that Municipal Affairs has created a Technical Advisor position in the plumbing discipline. Claude Valliere will be attending future PTC meetings. The meeting was adjourned at 3:20 p.m. MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting September 25, 2012 Page 9

10 --- A C T I O N I T E M S --- E Composting Toilets and Waterless Urinals Composting Toilets The Chief Private Sewage Administrator volunteered to join the task group. [Manning/Hallett/Wigmore/Durnie] E Review of 2010 NPC Code Changes E Cross Connection Control Devices for Residential Irrigation Systems E Review of all STANDATAs Being no further action, this will be removed from the agenda. Blending Existing Interceptor STANDATAs will be added as a separate agenda item for the next meeting. E Review of Plumbing Regulation update E Water/Sewer/Interceptor Draft STANDATA Wayne Ducharme, Cameron Braun and Kenneth Wigmore volunteered to form a Task Group along with the Chief PSDS and Chief Plumbing Administrators to review the current draft STANDATA and make recommendations to council. [Ducharme/Braun/Wigmore/Durnie/Manning] E Definition of Equipment in relation to the Plumbing Code & Regulation discussion Wayne Ducharme, Tyler Wightman, Sidney Manning and James Orr will meet and report back to the PTC. [Ducharme/Wightman/Manning/Orr] E Recycled Wastewater in Car Washes Members were asked to gain feedback from their nominating organizations for further discussion at the next meeting. The agenda item will be changed to [Manning/All]. E CSA Standard B Performance of non-potable water reuse systems Each PTC council members will receive a copy of the CSA B Standard for review. MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting September 25, 2012 Page 10

11 E OBIEC Documents Members were asked to provide comments to Doug Clough E Maintenance Enforcement under the SCA Members were asked to provide feedback to the Administrator of Certification E Irrigation Systems Utilizing Harvested Rain Water Members were asked to consider the definitions of rain water vs. storm water for further discussion at the next meeting. E Water Reuse Alternate Solutions / Province Wide Variance It was requested that members provide feedback to the Chief Plumbing Administrator by the end of next week. Although Fact Sheets are typically not approved by council, the Chief Plumbing Administrator requested that a Letter Ballot be issued to gain written support from council on the final draft. [Manning/Paches] The Table of Contents of a written report on province wide variances for the oil and gas industry was circulated and members were asked to request a copy, if desired, from the Chief Plumbing Administrator. Members were encouraged to contact Shariq Wani (shariq.wani@gov.ab.ca) if they wish to provide feedback. E Trap Primers F. c) Education & Training Update This agenda item will be changed to [Wightman]. MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting September 25, 2012 Page 11

12 --- M O T I O N S --- B. Adoption of Agenda Kenneth Wigmore / Dean Taylor moved to adopt the agenda, as circulated; CARRIED C. Adoption of Minutes Garnet Young / Gerald Byer moved to approve the May 30, 2012 meeting minutes, as circulated; CARRIED E Shock Absorbers for Water Lines Draft STANDATA Kenneth Wigmore / Dean Taylor moved to adopt and release STANDATA P PC10, Expansion and Contraction for Drainage, Venting and Water Distribution Systems (including water hammer) with the release of all other STANDATAs upon adoption of the Alberta Plumbing Code Regulation; CARRIED E Review of Plumbing Regulation update Kenneth Wigmore / Garnet Young moved to recommend to Alberta Municipal Affairs that, if permissible, November 1, 2012 be established as the in force date of the Alberta Regulation 119/2007 with amendments up to and including Alberta Regulation 154/2012; CARRIED MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting September 25, 2012 Page 12