Changing regulations

When he started Bedard Exca-vating in 1980, an installer could learn the business simply by doing installations, which is what he did. Most installations were simple 3-inch pipe-in-trench gravity systems — only a few used pumps.

“I followed the Provincial Policy Manual for onsite sewage disposal and the B.C. sewage disposal regulations,” Bedard says. “I worked closely with several environmental engineers. The local health departments would also send out news-letters explaining any guideline changes. I’ve maintained a good working relationship with local health inspectors over the years.”

That kind of networking has helped him keep up with the many changes in technology and regulations. His industry connections also include memberships in the B.C. Wastewater Association and the B.C. Onsite Sewage Association, and membership on the board of the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of B.C., which certifies installers in the province.

After he attended the province’s first conference on small wastewater systems in 1994, he was asked to sit on a Health Department committee to design a course for the certification of installers, at the same time the province was updating its regulations.

Once enacted, the stricter regulations required more engineered C-33 sand mounds with pressure distribution in place of soil fill pads to support aerobic treatment of the effluent. While these systems did a better job of protecting the environment, the change meant larger and more complex installations at the greenhouses, RV parks, institutions, and homes that make up his custo-mer base. Instead of the 30 systems he installed every year, a normal year now sees about 15 installations.

Bedard is licensed as an installer and planner for Type 1 and Type 2 septic systems. He can also install Type 3 systems, but they have to be designed by an engineer. Bedard prefers to focus on installation, so engineers design nearly all of his projects.