Aims & Objectives
The BCOSSA membership has agreed to the following aims and objectives:
- To provide persons engaged in the design, installation, maintenance and regulation of onsite wastewater treatment and dispersal systems as an association.
- To work towards solving problems within the onsite wastewater industry in order that the general public shall receive the highest possible standard of a safe, sanitary, and environmentally sound wastewater service.
- To provide a forum for research, exchange of ideas, information, and technology amoung the industries professionals, and government policy and regulation makers.
- To develop programs to further the education, training, and certification of all persons involved in design, installation, maintenance, inspection, and regulation of all onsite systems.
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About BCOSSA
Over the past year the British Columbia Onsite Wastewater Association (BCOSSA) has been thrust into the forefront by provincial and national initiatives related onsite and decentralized wastewater infrastructure regulation, standard setting, research and education. As a result of a regulatory defined role in the British Columbia provincial regulation governing (the Sewerage System regulation) wastewater systems with flows less than 22,700 litres, the BCOSSA has developed and delivered mandated educational programs to over 450 onsite wastewater practitioners. Additionally, the BCOSSA has provided direct technical and organizational expertise to the mandated registration body, (Applied Science Technicians and Technologists of BC) under the same regulation to ensure qualified persons are registered and provided with appropriate support through programs managed by ASTTBC.
Through the activities of its board BCOSSA has developed partnerships with ASTTBC, Ministry of Health Services, Ministry of Water Land and Air Protection, and Health Authorities to ensure policy direction in the province of BC provide support to its membership and prevent undue roadblocks to the development of the onsite and decentralized industry.
Nationally, BCOSSA has played a prominent role in the development of a Canadian National Decentralized Wastewater Management Network and is working with Canadian Water and Waste Association, Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Ontario Onsite Sewage Association and Alberta Onsite Sewage Association to ensure that this committee provide for national oversight on wastewater issues related to research and policy.
Through the work of the board and its members BCOSSA has grown form an organization of 65 members in 2004 to over 800 members in 2007.
To support this growth and to ensure service to its membership BCOSSA must develop strategies and policies to ensure its viability. What will be developed is a comprehensive program of strategies, products and educational opportunities that will support the onsite wastewater industry in British Columbia and provide a template for national growth in policy and research.
BCOSSA continues to grow into Canada's most prominent Onsite Wastewater organization and will continue to support its members through education and strategic initiatives. |
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