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Clayoquot Wilderness Resort Update

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort Update

by | Feb 1, 2020 | news, Wastewater Treatment, Water Treatment

Below is an update on Clayoquot Resort sewage and water repairs.

The wastewater system/water treatment servicing the guest accommodation area was filed under the Sewerage System Regulation (SSR) in in 2011. The treatment system was assessed by MSR Solutions Inc., in May 2018. Most of the deficiencies identified have since been repaired. The assessment identified the existing disposal field had failed due to organic overloading.

Attempts to rehabilitate the field were unsuccessful, so a new force main was installed, and new infiltration basins were built close to the horse barn for effluent disposal. An amendment to the filing was submitted by MSR to document the replacement disposal area. The most recent assessment in October 2019 identified a few operation and maintenance recommendations to improve effluent quality and the longevity of the new infiltration basins. The investigation also identified a potential shortcoming of the original collection system that may partially explain the historically poor effluent quality. If effluent quality targets are not attainable during the 2020 season, despite appropriate routine monitoring and operation as outlined in the operating manual, installation of additional primary treatment (septic tanks) will substantially improve treatment system performance.

New Equipment Installed

New wastewater treatment and disposal systems were installed in 2019 to service the staff accommodation area. The new works have been filed by MSR under the SSR, and consist of primary sedimentation, aerobic treatment, secondary sedimentation with effluent filtration, and dispersal via rapid infiltration basins.

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort (CWR), located at the head of Bedwell Sound near Tofino, British Columbia, is serviced by one water system and two wastewater systems. Works have been implemented over the past 12 months to improve the performance and safety of these three utilities and bring them into compliance with the applicable provincial legislation.

Improvements for Safe Drinking Water

The water source for the resort is a single shallow well, which draws from an aquifer directly connected to the nearby Bedwell River. The Water Sustainability Act (WSA) and Drinking Water Protection Act (DWPA) set out standards for the construction and operation of wells and drinking water systems respectively.

Wellhead improvements, including installation of a well cap and surface grading, have been implemented to meet the standards of the WSA. The water source has been determined to be Groundwater Under Direct Influence (GWUDI) of surface water, which requires a treatment system that meets the Vancouver Island Health Authority’s (VIHA) “43210” policy. At CWR, this level of treatment is being attained by using 1-micron absolute filtration, UV disinfection, and chlorination.

Other Improvements

Other improvements to the water system include the installation of 36 m3 of treated water storage, well pump replacement, and reparation of several major leaks in the distribution system. An inspection was conducted in October. There are a few minor tasks to be completed on site prior to making application to VIHA to issue the drinking water system Operating Permit.

The work is still ongoing.  See our services page or search our site for more information on what MSR Solutions can do for your project.

Small Water Purveyor Solutions

Small Water Purveyor Solutions

by | Jan 21, 2020 | news, Uncategorized, Wastewater Treatment, Water Treatment

The Regional District of Nanaimo held their annual Water Purveyor Working Group (WPWG) workshop on Thursday January 30, 2020. MSR’s Todd Adamsson and Karl WIlliaume were on hand to give a presentation on leak detection/water theft and grant opportunities.

The WPWG aims to assist small water purveyors by providing networking and educational opportunities. As MSR Solutions specializes in small water systems, having Todd and Karl there was a good fit.

MSR Solutions currently supplies their clients with the following: source water assessment and protection, treatment and distribution design, construction coordination and oversight, and ongoing operations consultation. We also offer complimentary services for developments, including onsite sewage treatment, storm water management and civil design.

Todd Adamsson and Karl Williaume

MSR’s Todd Adamsson has a pragmatic approach to water system design by installing, operating and troubleshooting a wide variety of systems drawing from the full gamut of sources including rainwater, seawater, groundwater and surface water. In addition to new builds and upgrades, his MSR clients rely on his chemical engineering expertise to find practical solutions to maintain high water quality as source characteristics change, demand increases, and equipment ages.

Fellow presenter, was Karl Williaume, a professional engineer with a decade of experience designing water and wastewater infrastructure in western Canada. He takes pride in bringing a hands-on, innovative approach to the design process, providing value to clients with practical, optimized solutions. He enjoys a healthy mix of field work and office work, and regularly seeks input from contractors and operators to keep his designs grounded in the practical realities of system operation.

The MSR Solutions, solution

MSR Solutions and their staff are available to assist with your questions and concerns. We’d be happy to assist you with your small water purveyor solutions. MSR is also represented on the WEF Small Communities Committee, as well as the BCWWA, where Mike Seymour, owner of MSR, is President. See our Services page for more in depth information on what MSR can do for you.

Don’t Strain Your Drain

Don’t Strain Your Drain

by | Dec 9, 2019 | news, Uncategorized

This holiday season, spend you time with friends and family, not fixing your septic system or unclogging a drain.

Septic systems can overload during the festivities, and it’s important to stagger your use of water. Don’t run the dishwasher, washing machine, and have a shower all at once.

It’s also a good idea to think at the sink. Food waste goes in the kitchen waste bucket or in the garbage. When it comes to toilets . . . they aren’t trash cans. Don’t be tossing your unused leftovers in the toilet. And remember, if it’s not one of the 3Ps: pee, poo or paper (toilet paper that is), then don’t flush it!

We at MSR Solutions Inc., wish you are yours a happy and festive holiday season.

For more information on what shouldn’t go down your drains, see our blog on Septic Awareness.

Septic Awareness Week

Septic Awareness Week

by | Sep 13, 2019 | news, Wastewater Treatment

The WCOWMA Onsite Wastewater Management of BC (WCOWMA-BC) reminds all of you that September 16 to 20, 2019 is Septic Awareness Week.

Here is an outline at what to do and what not to do if you have a septic system.

Septic Dos

  • Have a ROWP maintenance provider confirm or develop a maintenance plan specific to your septic system that includes at minimum an annual assessment. This maintenance plan should include as constructed drawings.
  • Have your tank pumped out as recommended by your Maintenance Provider.
  • Have your effluent filter cleaned as needed, approximately every 6 months.
  • Remove sludge in spring rather than fall to avoid loading the tank with undigested solids during cold months.
  • Keep your septic tank cover accessible for inspections and pumping. Install risers if necessary and always keep the tank lid secure.
  • Package treatment plants are maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Know the location of your septic tank or package treatment plant and soils treatment components.
  • Be aware there are required setbacks for the installation of underground sprinklers in the vicinity of septic systems.
  • Watch for any ground settlement that might direct water onto the soils treatment components.
  • Keep the area around the septic tank and dispersal area grassed to promote evaporation and avoid erosion.

Septic Don’ts

  • Do not enter or access a septic tank.
  • Do not use septic tank additives.
  • Do not disinfect, scrub and wash the tank.
  • Do not allow vehicles to drive over, or park on, any septic system components.
  • Do not use a septic field as pens or pastures for animals.
  • Do not plant any trees or shrubs on or near the bed or tanks; their roots can clog pipes.
  • Do not drain downspouts, sump pumps, etc. into the septic system.
  • Do not alter drainage features without consideration for impacts to the dispersal field.
  • Do not build over any septic or soils component or cover it with a hard surface such as asphalt, brick or patio stones.
  • Do not excessively water the lawn over the soils treatment component area.

There’s more great information on the WCOWMA -BC site for Septic Awareness Week.

If you live in the following regions, please be aware they also have public education programs available to homeowners with septic systems. See their websites or contact them directly for more information.

Capital Regional District Septic Savvy

Regional District of Nanaimo SepticSmart

Comox Valley Regional District Septic

Columbia Shuswap Regional District Septic Smart

For more information on onsite sewage disposal and wastewater treatment, see our services page. We also have a blog post on onsite sewage disposal.

Septic Awareness Week

Maintaining Your Onsite Sewage Disposal System

by | Jun 27, 2019 | news

The moment you step out of urban environments you’ll find onsite sewage disposal systems are in wide use throughout BC. The Capital Regional District (CRD), the Saanich Peninsula, and western communities all the way to Port Renfrew rely on onsite sewage disposal. There are many methods to discharge effluent from the treatment system into the environment. These include gravity dispersal, shallow drip dispersal and raised sand mounds to provide a vertical separation for adequate removal of remaining pathogens.

Summertime is the best time to inspect your field

Generally, summertime is an excellent opportunity to see the outline of your disposal field and to gauge the performance of your onsite sewage disposal system. It’s then when surrounding grass areas turn brown from lack of summertime precipitation. Take this opportunity to inspect the condition of your disposal field. Are there any areas which are noticeably more damp than others? This can be as little as excessive growth of grass, to surfacing of water like a puddle. A broken pipe could be the problem in more serious cases, as water floods the field each time a pump cycle occurs. This is the time to call a service provider for repairs.

You can complete minor repairs with little fuss and get your system operational again with little impact. Opportunities for further inspection and potentially flushing of the disposal laterals may be considered in conjunction with the service provider. When was the last time your septic tank was pumped? The septic tank is designed to settle solids and provide slow treatment and breakdown. This creates a sludge settling on the bottom of the tank and as it rises, the treatment capacity of the septic tank diminishes. A good operating system should be pumped every 3 to 5 years. More frequently if there is high usage of the system.

Watch for plant growth patterns

As noted in the photographs, the first system is obvious as that is where the vegetation grows. The field is in good condition, and the field is the only source of moisture at this time, hence the growth. The second photograph is from a wetter community and you can still see the disposal laterals. This field is in good condition, and routine maintenance ensures a reasonable operating life for the system.

Feel free to call MSR Solutions to discuss your onsite sewage disposal issues. We are more than happy to assist you and provide support as required.

See our Services page for a listing of all our services.

BCWWA Welcomes New President

BCWWA Welcomes New President

by | Jun 7, 2019 | news

On May 21, 2019, Mike Seymour, President of MSR Solutions Inc., was welcomed as the new President of the BCWWA. Mike served on the BCWWA board for seven years, most recently as vice-president.

“I’ve enjoyed serving on the board with Mike who always keeps our discussions interesting and lively,” said past president, Jeremy Clowes. “Mike is one the most passionate and engaged persons I’ve worked with at this organization and I wish him all the best over the next year as we continue to move forward with our new strategic plan.”

Mike has been involved with the BCWWA since the early 1990s as a member. He noted to his former employer, and a past President, Bill Hyslop of NovaTec Consultants, that he had hoped to follow in his footsteps. Mike has now attained that goal and is grateful to Bill for his support and mentoring.

“I appreciate the guidance and mentoring I received from Bill, as well as from Mike Nolan of KWL. He was the president I first served under on my initial start on the BCWWA board seven years ago.”

Mike has been attending conferences since the ’90s and joined a volunteer committee on Small Sewer Systems in 2001. He became chair of that committee and then joined the Leadership Council. As a member of the Board, Mike chaired the Leadership Council.

In his role as president, Mike will work with other BCWWA board members and the CAO. He will support the BCWWA Strategic Plan as they continue to support water sector professionals, in reaching out to their constituents. Other involvements include:

  • supporting a growth in membership
  • providing opportunities to advance knowledge due to changes in the Lead in Water Guidelines
  • expanding the communities of practice to support in increased member participation and knowledge exchange.

Mike is always available to hear from you and express your comments to the rest of the Board and Association. Feel free to reach out to him. He looks forward to seeing everyone in Penticton for the next Conference on April 26-28, 2020.

Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers

The 5S Award (Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers) was also awarded to Mike Seymour at the 2019 BCWWA Conference in Victoria. This award recognizes outstanding meritorious service, above and beyond the call of duty to the BCWWA through active, continuous and meaningful contribution to the BCWWA over many years.

Through his active membership on many committees over the years, and his volunteering on the BCWWA board, Mike was recognized, along with Thomas Dunn of WSP, for his contributions to the SCADA committee, and training sessions over many years. Also recognized was Pat Miller of Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality for her service to BCWWA and the Environmental Operators Certification Program (EOCP) and linking of those two organizations to advance training and sharing of information.