Selecting a ROWP in BC

In this blog, I hope to be able to coach you on where to find, and how to select a ROWP (Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner) to design and install your septic system. 

Why is this important? The province has hefty fines against unqualified installers, homeowners using a septic system that's not certified, and homeowner's septic systems polluting our shared water resources. All septic effluent finds its way back to the water table, do you trust the septic system upgradient from your well? 

ASTTBC Qualified ROWP's are considered Authorized Persons under the Sewage System Regulation. 

Here are the fastest ways to find a suitable ROWP, 

• Google search seems to be the fastest and the most relevant for local ROWP's.
  • but lots of excavation companies say they do septic but are not certified,
  • ask for the ROWP's name, then find them, and the company they work for, on the official ASTTBC ROWP list. 
• ASTTBC ROWP List
  • This is THE OFFICIAL list in BC, unfortunately its cumbersome to navigate the search to the city you need.  eg. I am listed in Osoyoos, but I cover Grand Forks/Christina Lake and up to Joe Rich too,
  • Make sure you search for currently practicing, and the designation you need. Planners for Design, Installer for installations, etc.
  • If the installer is not in good standing with ASTTBC, they or you could be subject to fines. 
• WCOWMA-BC has a list of those taken WCOWMA training
  • Not all are certified ROWP's, go back to the ASTT list to confirm certification.
• Sometimes the Regional District has a list of local ROWP's, 
  • eg: RDOS does, but RDKB doesn't. 

Now the harder part, you have a list of local ROWP's but who is right for your job? 

• Look for businesses that are focused on Septic,
  • they will be the most up to date on changing regulations, new products, industry trends, best practices, and supplier's longevity and reliability,  
  • look for Septic expertise instead of a focus on a multimillion dollar construction or excavation business.  
• Shortlist the ROWP's who's business is both design and install
  • to avoid finger pointing if something goes wrong between the design and install. 
• Find the businesses that offer Maintenance and Inspection as well as Design and Install. 
  • they will add features in the design and install that make it easier to maintain, inspect and sometimes repair.
  • they also have the experience for what systems work and the ones that have problems. 
• If they offer wastewater testing, 
  • which ensures the effluent is meeting the regulations you have a long term partner for your septic system, 
  • If not, they are after the installation revenue and don't have the skills or knowledge to support you if something isn't working down the road.
• Make sure they are insured with Errors and Omissions insurance as well as Work Safe BC
• Look for connections to Engineers and Hydro Geologists
  • In some cases, ROWP's have to rely on Engineers, or Hydro Geologists in order to complete a design or install and these resources can be hard to find in a short period of time.
    

That's all I can think of for now.   Good Luck finding a ROWP, and if your in my neighbourhood, give me a call.   

Graeme Harfman, ROWP B.Eng.