MINUTES OF THE THIRD PLUMBING TECHNICAL COUNCIL MEETING OF 2014 DATE: September 16, 2014 TIME: LOCATION: PRESENT: 9:00 a.m. 2:20 p.m. Delta Edmonton South, Edmonton Richard Burk, Chair Wayne Ducharme (arrived at 9:10 a.m.) Charles Hallett David Hughes Peter Koenig Ken Morrison Joe van Weenen, Vice Chair South Kenneth Wigmore Garnet Young Sidney Manning, Alberta Municipal Affairs Alf Durnie, Alberta Municipal Affairs Danielle Paradis, Safety Codes Council Heather Torrens, Alberta Municipal Affairs Harry Li, Alberta Municipal Affairs REGRETS: RECORDER: Mark Cardwell Greg Francis Quenton Kusiek Sandi Orr 2014 MEETINGS: Tuesday, October 28, 2014 Edmonton at 9:00 a.m.
A. Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and a round table introduction was held. B. Adoption of Agenda The following items were added to the agenda: E.8.03.14 Grease Traps E.9.03.14 Blokker Back Water Valves E.10.03.14 6-storey Framed Buildings Charles Hallett / Ken Morrison moved to adopt the agenda as amended; CARRIED C. Adoption of Minutes The minutes were reviewed and the following corrections were made: E.3.01.14 should be titled: Water Conservation and Efficiency F.(f)(1) corrected to read: requirement for monitoring works wells David Hughes / Kenneth Wigmore moved to approve the June 2, 2014 meeting minutes, as corrected; CARRIED D. Business Arising from the Minutes & Review of Action Items E.8.04.10 Composting Toilets and Waterless Urinals It was reported that the Building discipline agrees with the Plumbing discipline that a building permit would be required for a non-waterborne toilet installation as well as any additional permits from other applicable disciplines. It was suggested that the Interim Chief Building Administrator consider whether a formal STANDATA should be issued based on the report. The report will be uploaded to the portal as information (Handout #1). [Manning/Paches] E.3.05.11 Water/Sewer/Interceptor Draft STANDATA/Variance The redrafted STANDATA Drainage Systems with Municipal Requirements P-13-01- NPC10 was circulated prior to the meeting and viewed on screen. It was reported that all feedback has been incorporated and the notes have been expanded on for further clarity. Although the notes state that a PSDS installer can obtain a plumbing permit for this type of work, it was questioned regarding where this is written to allow this. It was reported that a PSDS installer typically does all of the work except tying into the Main. In some jurisdictions there are two permits issued and in others only one is issued for the entire installation. The Chief PS Administrator reported that through Ministerial Order, he has the authority to issue a Certificate for a limited scope of work. With regard to the installation itself, it was further clarified that there are specific sections of the Private Sewage Standard of Practice that would need to be followed, including the tank required to be certified to CSA-B66. MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting September 16, 2014 Page 2
After an in depth discussion regarding permitting, it was agreed that the following wording would be added to the STANDATA: The holder of a PSDS installer certificate may apply for a variance/alternate solution to obtain a plumbing permit for the exterior treatment requirements of the local municipality. The tank drawing was deleted. Kenneth Wigmore / Charles Hallett moved to adopt and release the STANDATA Information Bulletin - Drainage Systems with Municipal Requirements P-13-01NPC10, as revised; CARRIED Wayne Ducharme / Peter Koenig moved that the Chief PSDS Administrator issue a variance to allow PSDS installers to obtain a plumbing permit for this limited scope of work; CARRIED [Durnie] E.2.01.12 Definition of equipment in relation to Plumbing Code and Regulation It was reported that this issue has still not moved forward. As it is not possible to gain consistency or develop a guidance document, this is still being handled on a case by case basis. The item was closed, as being incomplete, to continue on a case by case basis. b) SCC Policy Manual Variance Review It was reported that originally Joe Petryk and Cheryl Ryder were working on this and it is uncertain where the Council is on revising the policy. The Chief PS Administrator is creating general information to support anyone on how to develop a variance for a Private sewage system. The agenda item was revised to read [Durnie/Ryder]. The Chief PS Administrator will provide a further update at the next meeting. [Durnie] E.4.04.12 Water Reuse Alternative Solutions Review of STANDATAs It was reported that the task group met yesterday. The Province-wide draft Variance VAR- P-14.01 Reclaimed Water Systems within a single property, under 25 m 3 capacity per day was circulated and reviewed (Handout #2). It was clarified that this does not need a separate SCO-issued variance. It is likely that the Authority Having Jurisdiction would assign personnel to review testing reports and if water quality is not there, they would assign an SCO to investigate. Each condition of the variance was reviewed and the last paragraph was corrected to read: VAR-P-14.01. It was noted that a separate Information Bulletin may also be required but would not form part of the variance. It was also noted that feedback will be sought from both Alberta Environment and Alberta Health. MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting September 16, 2014 Page 3
Kenneth Wigmore / David Hughes moved to adopt and release the Province wide Variance P-14.01, as revised; CARRIED It was suggested this item remain on the agenda for a few meetings to monitor how it is working. The agenda item title to be revised to read: Water Reuse Alternative Solutions Review of STANDATAs. E.1.02.13 Continuing Education for Safety Codes Officers It was reported that a broad stakeholder consultation was just completed and the Council is reviewing the feedback. Most understand the structure, there is a bit of confusion between formal and informal categories and there is a bit of concern regarding achievability for volunteers in the fire discipline and urban vs. rural. E.4.02.13 Water Reuse Centre of Excellence It was reported that there were some delays with getting a test pad but that the Centre of Excellence should be able to start considering certification applications as an accredited certification body in January 2015. Since the Council and AMA have contributed funds, a report will be circulated when it s available. E.3.01.14 Water Conservation and Efficiency With the next national code recognizing the size of water closets, it was questioned how this might affect piping and waterline sizing. It was reported that waterline sizing issues have been discussed by the National Committee. Although a proposed change was submitted to allow ¾ piping, the committee believes it should remain at 1. That topic was terminated at the national level. CIPH and the Canada Water Association are trying to influence changes to address water efficiency. The Canadian Advisory Committee on Plumbing Code has assisted NRC with 2015 code changes to address low volume high efficiency appliances. Significant revisions are anticipated in the next code that will be available in October. Local authorities will need to have flexibility relative to maximum allowable water closets. It was questioned regarding stainless steel and reported that although a thorough task group report was provided, this was not addressed by the standing committee. However, this could be addressed in Alberta as an amendment to the national code. It was questioned regarding flows through piping systems and reported that the committee is looking at this. E.2.02.14 Fire Cross Connection Control Devices Impacts of Wet-Pipe Fire Sprinkler Systems on Drinking Water Quality: Inorganic, Organic & Microbiological Findings was circulated as information (Handout #3). It was reported that a thorough review of check valves was conducted and that testable and non-testable valves are certified under different standards and tested for different purposes. MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting September 16, 2014 Page 4
Although concern was expressed regarding this going underground and there would be better safety measures if the requirements are reduced, it was believed that it is not within the Council s authorization to deviate from the requirements in CSA B64-10. The Standard requires a testable check valve and it was suggested that this be deferred to CSA for consideration. It was reported that this report mirrors the opinion across Canada. It is believed to be an enforcement issue. This has been on the national committee agenda for 2 years and there is no plan to relax or reduce requirements in the Standard. The committee has been unable to identify an amendment that would still manage the risk. It was suggested that there may be an opportunity for a campaign on backflow protection, similar to what is being done on the safety concerns for temporary heat propane installations. It was noted that the Alberta amendment regarding F style valves will be removed with the proposed 2015 plumbing code regulation and this will be included for consideration during the code cycle review at a later date. This item was considered closed and will be removed from the agenda. E. New Business E.1.03.14 Election of new Chair Person It was reported that the Chair s term expires on January 31, 2015 and due to the length of service, he is no longer eligible for reappointment. The floor was opened for nominations and David Hughes was nominated. After 3 calls and no further nominations, David Hughes was appointed as the Chair of the Plumbing Technical Council, by acclamation. During the transition, the outgoing Chair and incoming Chair will work together with the Council on the next meeting agenda. [Burk / Hughes / Paches] Wayne Ducharme and Joe van Weenen will continue on as the Vice Chairs. It was requested that the Manager of Stakeholder Relations inform the incoming Chair of the next Chair 101 workshop. [Stroud] E.2.03.14 PTC to vet SCC Conference Presenters Material for Code Compliance Concern was expressed regarding the Conference presentation on how to flood-proof your house and references made that were not code-compliant. It was requested of Council that any subject pertaining to the plumbing discipline be vetted by the sub-council or Chief Plumbing Administrator prior to each conference and further suggested that when calling for presentations, reference should be made that all presentations shall be code compliant. [Stroud] MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting September 16, 2014 Page 5
E.3.03.14 Permit Regulation Discussion (Water Reuse) It was questioned whether there is a need to properly identify water reuse in the Permit Regulation and whether this needs to be considered when the regulation is opened for review. Some AHJs may determine that since water reuse is not identified, they cannot issue a permit for it. It was clarified that although the Permit Regulation currently would allow for this, there are interpretation issues. It was suggested that a separate water reuse permit be issued in order to ensure the tracking of testing. It was also clarified that if a bylaw is in place for water reuse, an SCO could go out in the capacity of a bylaw officer. Bylaws and fee schedules would be the responsibility of the AHJ. The Chief Plumbing Administrator reported that when calls are received, he informs that a permit is allowable under the Permit Regulation for waste treatment. There is no change to who does the work or takes out the permit. Members were asked to provide any feedback on this topic to the Chief Plumbing Administrator. [All] E.4.03.14 Safe Temporary Heat Education Program Briefing notes were circulated with the agenda package on the Safe Temporary Heat Education Program currently being developed. An overview was provided of the target audience and it was suggested that remote camps, food trucks and those on the Gas STANDATA subscriptions list also be included. As this is a bit of a departure from the work typically done by the Council, it was suggested to watch as this develops as it could be a great tool to use for other educational programs for things like water reuse and backflow protection. E.5.03.14 Alkaline Hydrolysis The Chief Plumbing Administrator reported on the Alkaline Hydrolysis process. Further information is available at www.bioresponsesolutions.com. An explanation was provided of the process used for human and animal dissolution, advertised as a green way to manage end of life. After the process is completed and neutralized, waste is disposed through the drain. The users of this new technology claim that cremation by-product is discharged into the atmosphere and is environmentally undesirable. It was reported that there is already one facility in Saskatchewan and two requests have been received for Alberta one in Peace River and one in Calgary. It was noted that until such time as the Funeral Board makes a decision regarding the Cemeteries Act that currently does not allow Alkaline Hydrolysis, these facilities will not be allowed in Alberta for human disposal. It was noted that animals are not covered under the Cemeteries Act. If allowable through the Cemeteries Act for human disposal, the certification of the equipment could be done through a variance by the Chief Plumbing Administrator. MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting September 16, 2014 Page 6
This item will be removed from the agenda until new information is available. E.6.03.14 Policy 2.50 Scent-Free Workplace An overview was provided of the new Scent-free Workplace policy. E.7.03.14 Policy 2.60 Social Media An overview was provided of the new Social Media policy and members were asked to sign the acknowledgement. [All] E.8.03.14 Grease Traps A discussion was held regarding the STANDATA on grease traps and the fact that CSA- B481 Series 12 is not referenced in regulation. Examples were provided of the inconsistencies where some jurisdictions will allow only one grease trap is sized properly and others will not. It was suggested the STANDATA be reviewed to add more clarity. Ken Morrison, Peter Koenig and Richard Burk volunteered on a working group to assist the Chief Plumbing Administrator on the review of the STANDATA. The Chief Plumbing Administrator will circulate the STANDATA in MS Word for review and feedback. E.9.03.14 Blokker Back Water Valves It was reported that the Blokker Back Water Valve was originally designed and tested for certification with a vent. This product is now available with or without a vent. Although a vent is not required in the Plumbing Code, the manufacturer sees the vent as an integral part of keeping the valve working. It has been suggested that they have the valve without the vent tested and certified. The Chief Plumbing Administrator reported that he has denied a request for a Province-wide Variance; however, the AHJ could issue a variance if deemed suitable. It was noted that if an uncertified vent is being used, this would require a variance from the Chief Plumbing Administrator. E.10.03.14 6-storey Framed Buildings It was suggested that if 6-storey framed buildings become allowable in the National Building Code, STANDATA P-07-NPC 10 [REV2] EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION for drainage, venting and water distribution systems (including water hammer) may need to be revised. Work could be done on this in preparation and simply sit idle until such time as 6-storey framed construction is allowed in the building code. The Chief Plumbing Administrator will contact the Canadian Regulatory Committee on Plumbing to see if there is information from any other jurisdictions. MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting September 16, 2014 Page 7
David Hughes and Richard Burk volunteered to assist the Chief Plumbing Administrator on reviewing STANDATA P-07-NPC 10 [REV2] EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION for drainage, venting and water distribution systems (including water hammer). F. Standing Agenda Items a) Technical Coordinating Committee Update It was reported that the next meeting is October 6 in Calgary. b) Private Sewage Initiatives The Chief PS Administrator provided an overview of a guideline being developed to assist municipalities with creating bylaws to inspect operating sewage systems to ensure they are operating as originally designed. Some municipalities have already begun such inspection programs. Some have determined all systems while others have looked at high area risks only. The key is that municipalities should ensure the engagement of their constituents. The guideline will assist municipalities in determining what is best for their communities as different areas have different needs and priorities. Even within a single municipality, areas could have different levels of risk. c) Education & Training Update It was reported that when the SOP is almost completed, work needs to be done on the development of code update training for SCOs and installers. Danielle Paradis will review the previous code update training for both the SCO and installer to determine the differences. [Paradis] It was also noted that the full course training modules will also need to be revised to reflect the new SOP. Danielle Paradis provided an overview of the new on-line learning of SCO training hosted on Moodle, including Plumbing SCO Group A courses. d) Plumbing Code Questions Joe van Weenen reported that nothing has come up relative to plumbing code questions. A photo was shown of water closets certified in the UK that are currently in a Sea Container in Leduc. An explanation was provided of the violations with our plumbing code and the lack of evidence of certification. The Chief Plumbing Administrator supports the local authority that has deemed these appliances as not being allowed. It was noted that these appliances are on sale on Kijiji but that there has been no success yet in getting these ads removed. (1) Acceptance of Revisions and Errata It was clarified that revisions and erratas are not adopted as law in Alberta. This sub-topic will be removed from the agenda. MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting September 16, 2014 Page 8
e) AMOS Update It was reported that the AMOS fall meeting is scheduled for the end of October. The Canadian Hydronics Council will be meeting in Calgary on November 4, 2014 in conjunction with CIPHEX. f) Private Standard of Practice Review (f)(1) Private Sewage Standard of Practice Recommendations to the Task Group for Consideration and Review A hardcopy of the 2-column document was circulated (Handout #4). An electronic copy will also be circulated by email or available on the portal. [Durnie] It was noted that the reasons and rationale are included in the right hand column regarding any proposed changes to the Standard of Practice. It was also noted that there are several references to Ok with PTC meaning that the intent of the proposed change was brought to the sub-council and supported. One area that is still being worked on with Alberta Environment and consultants is site evaluations for larger wastewater systems. Members were asked to review and provide any feedback to the Chief PS Administrator by October 17, 2014. [All] G. Next Meeting It was agreed that the next meeting date be rescheduled from November 18 to Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. in Edmonton. It was reported that the 2015 meetings will be predominantly focussed on the review and recommendation of the regulation to adopt the new PSDS Standard of Practice and related code update training. The Chief Plumbing Administrator reported that he needs to request the creation of a project for the review and adoption of the 2015 National Plumbing Code. It is hoped that NRC will publish the new code for January 1, 2016. A 3-column document will be requested for the February 2015 meeting. Richard Burk thanked all of the members of the PTC and advised everyone that it has been his pleasure to serve as the Chair for the past several years. Joe van Weenen / Charles Hallett moved that the meeting be adjourned; CARRIED The meeting was adjourned at 2:20 p.m. MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting September 16, 2014 Page 9
--- A C T I O N I T E M S --- E.8.04.10 Composting Toilets and Waterless Urinals It was suggested that the new Chief Building Administrator consider whether a formal STANDATA should be issued based on the report. The report will be uploaded to the portal as information (Handout #1). [Manning/Paches] E.3.05.11 Water/Sewer/Interceptor Draft STANDATA/Variance Release the STANDATA Information Bulletin Drainage Systems with Municipal Requirements P-14.01-NPC10, as revised. Chief PSDS Administrator Draft a variance to allow PSDS installers to obtain a plumbing permit for this limited scope of work. [Durnie] E.2.01.12 Definition of equipment in relation to Plumbing Code and Regulation The item was closed, as being incomplete, to continue on a case by case basis. b) SCC Policy Manual Variance Review The agenda item was revised to read [Durnie/Ryder]. The Chief PS Administrator will provide a further update at the next meeting. [Durnie] E.4.04.12 Water Reuse Alternative Solutions Review of STANDATAs The agenda item title to be revised to read: Water Reuse Alternative Solutions Review of STANDATAs. E.4.02.13 Water Reuse Centre of Excellence A report will be circulated when it s available. E.2.02.14 Fire Cross Connection Control Devices This item was considered closed and will be removed from the agenda. E.1.03.14 Election of new Chair Person During the transition, the outgoing Chair and incoming Chair will work together with the Council on the next meeting agenda. [Burk / Hughes / Paches] It was requested that the Manager of Stakeholder Relations inform the incoming Chair of the next Chair 101 workshop. [Stroud] E.2.03.14 PTC to vet SCC Conference Presenters Material for Code Compliance It was requested of Council that any subject pertaining to the plumbing discipline be vetted by the sub-council or Chief Plumbing Administrator prior to each conference and further suggested that when calling for presentations, reference should be made that all presentations shall be code compliant. [Stroud] MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting September 16, 2014 Page 10
E.3.03.14 Permit Regulation Discussion (Water Reuse) Members were asked to provide any feedback on this topic to the Chief Plumbing Administrator. E.4.03.14 Safe Temporary Heat Education Program An overview was provided of the target audience and it was suggested that remote camps, food trucks and those on the Gas STANDATA subscriptions list also be included. [Anderson] E.5.03.14 Alkaline Hydrolysis This item will be removed from the agenda until new information is available. E.7.03.14 Policy 2.60 Social Media An overview was provided of the new Social Media policy and members were asked to sign the acknowledgement. [All] E.8.03.14 Grease Traps The Chief Plumbing Administrator will circulate the STANDATA in MS Word for review and feedback. E.10.03.14 6-storey Framed Buildings The Chief Plumbing Administrator will contact the Canadian Regulatory Committee on Plumbing to see if there is information from any other jurisdictions. F. c) Education & Training Update Danielle Paradis will review the previous code update training for both the SCO and installer to determine the differences. [Paradis] F. d) (2) Acceptance of Revisions and Errata It was clarified that revisions and erratas are not adopted as law in Alberta. This sub-topic will be removed from the agenda. F. (f)(1) Private Sewage Standard of Practice Recommendations to the Task Group for Consideration and Review A hardcopy of the 2-column document was circulated (Handout #4). An electronic copy will also be circulated by email or available on the portal. [Durnie] Members were asked to review and provide any feedback to the Chief PS Administrator by October 17, 2014. [All] G. Next Meeting A 3-column document (2015 NPC) is being drafted and meeting dates are being requested to ensure the allocation of resources with AMA before February 2015 meeting. MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting September 16, 2014 Page 11
B. Adoption of Agenda --- M O T I O N S --- Charles Hallett / Ken Morrison moved to adopt the agenda as amended; CARRIED C. Adoption of Minutes David Hughes / Kenneth Wigmore moved to approve the June 2, 2014 meeting minutes, as corrected; CARRIED E.3.05.11 Water/Sewer/Interceptor Draft STANDATA/Variance Kenneth Wigmore / Charles Hallett moved to adopt and release the STANDATA Drainage Systems with Municipal Requirements P-13-01-NPC10, as revised; CARRIED Wayne Ducharme / Peter Koenig moved that the Chief PSDS Administrator issue a variance to allow PSDS installers to obtain a plumbing permit for this limited scope of work; CARRIED E.4.04.12 Water Reuse Alternative Solutions Review of STANDATAs Kenneth Wigmore / David Hughes moved to adopt and release the Province wide Variance P-14.01, as revised; CARRIED E.1.03.14 Election of new Chair Person David Hughes was appointed as the Chair of the Plumbing Technical Council, by acclamation. G. Next Meeting Joe van Weenen / Charles Hallett moved that the meeting be adjourned; CARRIED MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting September 16, 2014 Page 12