Operators today are faced with many different challenges - regulatory changes, human resource challenges and the responsibility to the public. The modern operator has to face changes not seen in the past and require the modern operator to understand to a new reality and the need to adapt quickly. This presentation will examine the changing landscape of being an operator and provide some insights as to what the future may hold. In this presentation we will examine:

• The changing regulatory environment and in particular, the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.
• The human resource environment and need to adapt to inclusive and responsible workplaces.
• The public's expectations of water quality and reporting.
• The new reality of being an operator in a changing environment.

The presentation provides the perspectives of two very different people who have been part of the industry for many years with the goal of providing ideas and tools to adapt to a new working environment.

Presented by Grant Dixon, Associated Engineering, and Tamara Wuttunee-Campbell and Ashley Rowney, Aquatera Utilities Inc.

CEU's: 0.1

A decade ago a presentation was prepared for the WCW conference entitled “Securing Remote Access to Control Systems”. A lot has changed over the last decade, in respected to technology, connectivity, and threats facing our connected systems. Along with an increase in threats there has been an exponential increase in the number of systems which allow remote access, especially over the last few years where remote connectivity was an essential tool used to adapt to changing work conditions during to the COVID pandemic. With the increases in connectivity and threats facing connected systems, more discussion is needed to determine if there is a way to secure remote access to SCADA. The answer may surprise you!

The presentation will discuss:

• Current concerns regarding cyber security of process controls systems
• Typical remote access schemes to access process control systems
• Examples of system attacks, breaches, vulnerabilities which have been reported
• Steps that your organization can take to strengthen your cyber security posture

Presented by Zane Spencer, MPE

CEU's: TBD

There is increasing concern in our watershed about the need for nutrient removal and operators need to have a good understanding of nutrient impact on the environment. With tighter effluent requirements operators need a good understanding of the various options around nutrient removal. Operational staff will gain a good understanding of phosphorus and nitrogen removal systems. This course will assist operators in recognizing operational issues related to nutrients associated with wastewater, and the various ways to troubleshoot and correct these issues.

Presented by Dave Russell, World Water Operator Training Company

CEU's: 0.3

In this hands-on training sessions, participants will work directly in Cityworks to learn its functionality, and practice relevant tasks conducted on a daily basis including creating work orders and inspections, and using assets and asset history to move through the program effectively and efficiently.

Presented by Serena Labrecque, Aquatera Utilities Inc.

CEU's: 0.2

In this sessions, students will learn about:

• Key stages of the commissioning process and how it fits into the overall project.
• How to develop an overall commissioning and plant start-up strategy and detail plan.
• How to develop an overall commissioning management plan, resource plan, and budget.
• How to manage risks associated with commissioning.
• How to identify safety and training requirements.

Presented by Michel Aubuchon, Carver PA

CEU's: 0.3

Since 2014, we have identified via our Drinking Water Safety Plan (Alberta Environment Requirement), that a high risk for our system is not having a cross connection control program in place.

The implementation of Aquatera's Cross Connection Control Program (CCCP) in accordance with the Standards and Guidelines for Municipal Waterworks, Wastewater, and Storm Drainage Systems issued by Alberta Environment and Parks. The purpose of this program is to protect public health by preventing contamination of the drinking water supply.

Aligning with the National Plumbing Code of Canada; American Water Works Association (AWWA); and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) B64.10, Aquatera must assess the degree of hazard posed by industrial, commercial, and multi-family residential consumer plumbing systems upon the public water system; this will be completed by conducting a cross connection survey of the premise. Depending on the survey results, consumers may need to have a backflow preventer installed on their service line or provide alternate protection.

This presentation is to outlines what cross connections consist of, why there is a need for a formal Cross Connection Control Program and to highlight the importance of protecting the potable water system.

Presented by Kathy Jonzon and Ashley Rowney, Aquatera Utilities Inc.; and Brett Dillman, No Leak Plumbing

CEU's: 0.1

Dissolved Air Flotation is a process used in both water and wastewater treatment. Having a good understanding of the properties and challenges that come with the process assists operators in process optimization. The course objectives are to give participants an understanding of the fundamental principles of Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF), the air saturation process and bubbles in water and an understanding of the fundamental principles and issues in the different zones in the DAF unit.

Presented by Dave Russell, World Water Operator Training Company

CEU's: 0.3

Equipment maintenance is everybody's responsibility. Whether performing the actual maintenance or needing to recognize maintenance issues, everyone has a role to play. Optimizing preventative maintenance programs can save you money. Different types of preventative maintenance will be looked at and how they fit in to an overall maintenance strategy.

Presented by Dave Russell, World Water Operator Training Company

CEU's: 0.3

This course provides water and wastewater operators with an understanding of the different types of flow meters typically used to measure flow of water, sludge, air or biogas. For each measuring technology, the training will focus on the principles of operation, typical use cases in water or wastewater treatment plant, troubleshooting basics, installation influences, handling error codes and possible process issues and challenges.

Presented by Mike Brown, Intrepid Group

CEU's: 0.6

In recognizing the increasing acceptance of the use of membranes for municipal drinking water and wastewater treatment, this course introduces those considering membrane treatment in the future. The course objectives are to give operators an understanding of the recent history of membrane introduction into water and wastewater treatment. Operators will be able to identify the range of applications which membranes are suitable and the factors affecting membrane performance and life expectancy.

Presented by Dave Russell, World Water Operator Training Company

CEU's: 0.3

Water and wastewater operators have expert knowledge that can be difficult to share with stakeholders who view the day-to-day operations from a distance, if at all.

In this discussion on communication tools and tips for water and wastewater operations, professional editor, communicator, and marketer Bobbi Menard will cover the various facets of communicating effectively with stakeholders who care about water and wastewater. 

Divided into three sections, the talk covers ways to approach raw water, stormwater and wastewater conversations with stakeholders. These stakeholders can include regulators, residents, management, and elected officials. Key tools for defining a problem and crisis communications, knowing how much information is enough and understanding how public expectations are changing will be shared.

Presented by Bobbi Menard, ACC Water Solutions Inc.

CEU's: 0.1

Across the world, municipalities and buried pipelines owners are seeking innovative, cost saving, low impact, and safe technologies to renew their aging underground infrastructure; pipe bursting construction method is a viable option. Pipe bursting is a trenchless pipe replacement method in which deteriorated pipes are replaced with new pipes of the same or somewhat larger diameter.

Since its beginning in the early 1980s in the UK, pipe bursting has been successfully utilized on an international scale and has gained recognition as the only trenchless pipe rehabilitation method in which a buried pipe can be replaced with a completely new pipe that functions independently of the existing host pipe and permits the diameter of the new line to be increased. Like many trenchless pipeline installation methods, pipe bursting is subject to multiple construction risks, which can also have both direct and indirect effect on the project cost, schedule, quality, and safety.

While pipe bursting has been successfully utilized as an innovative pipeline renewal method, the common mistake in the industry is to think of it as a ‘silver bullet’ pipeline renewal method. This course aims to (i) provide an overview of the common bursting systems currently used in North American, (ii) discuss factors to consider when analyzing the viability of pipe bursting for a pipeline renewal projects, as well as potential risks, and (iii) discuss the planning, design and construction requirements for successful installation of new pipeline utilizing pipe bursting method.

This course concludes with two case studies describing scenarios where in one case, pipe bursting was considered a ‘no-go’ option and in the other, the most viable option. Through knowledge and experience sharing, this submission aims to provide guidance to decision makers on the application, strengths and limitations of pipe bursting as a trenchless pipeline construction method.

Presented by Olugbenga Ibikunle, Stantec Consulting Ltd.

CEU's: 0.1

Following this session, students will be able to:

• Understand small project management concepts and risks.
• Define scope of work to ensure project success (Control).
• Explain the role of the job Coordinator.
• Understand small project cost and control elements.
• Understand elements and processes of estimating.
• Understand net value to the company when choosing the resources to complete a job.
• Design and control job workflow and resource allocation.

Presented by Michel Aubuchon, Carver PA

CEU's: 0.3

This course is ideal for operators that are involved in the drinking water industry or wastewater industry. The materials discussed in this presentation are focussed on how operations can be optimized if the operators have tools to test samples for bacteria rapidly. This testing is complementary to the standard process of sending samples to labs in the sense that while standard lab testing is used for compliance, a quick accessible test can be used as an early detector.

Presented Virtually by Amirreza Sohrabi, Roshan Water Solutions

CEU's: 0.1

In this course and live "in field” training, attendees will explore the importance of the Process and Instrumentation Drawings (P&ID) to Operations and Engineering. One of the first drawings created during a design process of a Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility, P&ID's form the basis of the systems that operate, provide control, and how we can interact with our systems. Operators and system managers can benefit from understanding P&ID's as they form the basis for how systems operate and how they are controlled.

Important Info: Attendees will spend the morning (8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.) at the Holiday Inn, and the afternoon (12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.) at Aquatera's Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility. If you re interested in ride-sharing, please check the community board.

Attendees will spend the morning (8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.) at the Holiday Inn, and the afternoon (12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.) at Aquatera's Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility. If you are interested in ride-sharing, please check the community board.

For the afternoon portion of the session, participants will require the following PPE: 

• Steel toed boots (participant must bring their own)
• Hard hat (Aquatera can provide if required)
• Eye protection (Aquatera can provide if required)
• Hi-vis vest (Aquatera can provide if required)

Participants can park on site behind the administration building or where parking is available.  As there is construction occurring on the roadway, it’s best not to park on the roadside as it could pose additional risks. Participants will need to call the number on the gate for access to site.

Presented by Grant Dixon and Steve Justus, Associated Engineering

CEU's: 0.6

In the landscape of wastewater treatment, bacterial and enzyme supplements are often surrounded by a mix of scientific facts and misconceptions. This presentation aims to demystify these supplements, providing a clear, evidence-based perspective on their role and effectiveness in wastewater management.

The presentation will begin by exploring the fundamental principles of how bacterial and enzyme supplements work, breaking down complex processes into understandable terms. The discussion includes an overview of the types of bacteria and enzymes commonly used in these supplements and the specific processes they facilitate.

Following the scientific groundwork, the presentation delves into real-world applications. The potential effectiveness of these supplements in various scenarios, including wastewater collection systems, lagoons and wastewater treatment plants. This section also addresses the limitations of these supplements, offering a balanced view of their capabilities. By contrasting marketing claims with scientific evidence, attendees will gain a critical understanding of what these supplements can realistically achieve.

Attendees will leave with a comprehensive understanding of bacterial and enzyme supplements in wastewater treatment, better equipped to make informed decisions about using these products in the wastewater environments they manage.

Presented by Raymond Menard, ACC Water Solutions Inc.

CEU's: 0.1

This course outlines the importance of collaboration and respect with Indigenous rights and title holders as we conduct work on their ancestral territories.

Presented by Freda Leong, Associated Engineering

CEU's: 0.2

This course will walk participants through how to access GIS in the field and how to navigate maps to find assets and information relevant to their work. This course will introduce applications like Field Maps for updating asset locations and information, Survey 123 for form based inspections, and Cityworks which can update assets from inspection templates, open source applications like Google Maps, and the use of GPS equipment with GIS applications. These different types of data collection can provide informational updates to GIS, better preparing field crews with the data they need.

Presented by Shayne Conway, Ben Dahl and Suraphel Fresenbet, Aquatera Utilities Inc.

CEU's: 0.1

Presented by Christine Donovan and Tammy Elzinga, Government of Alberta

CEU'S: 0.1

Traditionally competency assessment and verification is viewed as a non-starter in a unionized plant. Learn how a focus on safety has allowed a small steel fabrication company in Alberta to forge a new relationship with their union and put in place a unique contract that embeds competency into the fabric of the company’s operating system, and sets them up to thrive in an uncertain, volatile market - in a way that benefits both the company and the workers. Participants will be walked through the history and key steps taken to embed competency as the cornerstone for safety performance improvements, with exercises to identify opportunities and constraints in their own environments.

Presented by Jeff Griffiths, WorkForce Strategies International Inc.

CEU's: 0.3

In this course, participants will learn:

• Hazards associated with outdoor overhead and underground electrical systems
• Actions necessary to avoid interaction with these energized facilities
• Actions necessary should an interaction with an energized system occur
• Arc flash hazards associated with indoor electrical systems and necessary mitigation when working on or in proximity to this equipment.

Presented by Roy Monteith, E.A. Nunn Consulting Ltd.

CEU's: 0.1

This course will provide a practical framework to conduct incident investigations, ranging from hazardous conditions to minor to serious incidents. In this session, participants will understand a risk-based approach to implementing effective incident investigations into their operations, including how to identify root causes and effective corrective actions to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Presented by Sharon Young, 1951901 Alberta Ltd.

CEU's: 0.1

This course provides 24 Hour Health and Safety training for common operations of a collection facility for household and/or conditionally exempt business hazardous waste. Much of this material is equally applicable to collection events. This training should benefit operators of facilities and events by reducing the risk of chemical exposure and other hazards to the public and staff and reducing the risk of accidental discharges to the environment. Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Reduce the risk of hazardous materials exposure to the public and facility workers
• Reduce the risk of accidental discharges of hazardous substances to the environment
• Assist in fostering public and regulatory acceptance of the on-going operation of collection operations

Presented by Tammy Nygaard, SWANA

This course is designed to assist landfill personnel, firefighting professionals, and landfill regulators/inspectors in better understanding the challenges and impacts of landfill fires. The lessons will review the different types and causes of landfill fires, identify tools and best management practices for preventing fires, and review firefighting methods for addressing landfill fires.

Presented by Michel Lefebvre, SWANA

In this keynote presentation, Cherolyn Knapp will explore the dynamics of polarization, how we engage with workplace conflict, what it means to feel safe, and how we can collaborate, problem solve, and forge a path forward.

Presented by Cherolyn Knapp, Knapp Resolutions

Working in the utility industry as an essential service provider can present many challenges that result in stress and anxiety on the workplace. This course will teach attendees about stress and anxiety, the causes of them at work, how they affect employees, and how they can regulate and manage their emotions. With this course, attendees will learn to recognize the signs of excessive stress, and become capable of effectively dealing with it in their own workplace. Upon completion of this course, attendees will walk away with knowledge and resources to support their mental health as it relates to being an essential service provider in the utility industry.

Presented by Sarah Martin, Aquatera Utilities Inc.

CEU's: 0.1

This course explores employee engagement and developing company culture. It focusses on how to create teams that people want to be part of and strategies to engage your team towards optimal performance. Topics include:

• The bigger picture of what employees really want in this day and age
• Defining a company culture rooted in values and ethics
• Teamwork and accountability
• The difference between the leader with a title and true leadership
• How to get the buy-in

Presented by Diana Noble, Noble Choice Coaching Ltd.

CEU's: 0.3
Note that attendees must attend three consecutive hours of training to receive CEU's.

The idea of creativity, specifically in the area of business or career, can be quite limited and narrow. Not everyone thinks they are creative. Learning how to think more creatively and work with those who are creative will benefit your entire career, no matter what industry you are in. Research and economic trends show us that creativity is fast becoming one of the most important skills in business moving forward. We can move from solutions that worked yesterday to think of new ideas that lead to a better future.

Presented by Kim Westlund, Kim Westlund Inc.

CEU's: 0.2

Each and every one of us serves customers, whether we realize it or not. Maybe you’re on the frontlines of a company, serving the people who buy your products. Perhaps you’re an accountant, serving the employees by producing their pay checks and keeping the company running. Or maybe you’re a manager, serving your staff and your customers. This workshop will look at all types of customers and how we can serve them better and improve ourselves in the process.

Presented by Danielle Hessler and Jocelyn Claggett, Two Twelve Consulting

CEU's: 0.3

Supervisors play a critical role in an organization's leadership hierarchy. New supervisors often transition from individual contributor roles without enough preparation and may find the transitioning quite challenging. Therefor training for supervisors is crucial because it equips them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead effectively, foster a positive work environment, enhance productivity, resolve conflicts, ensure compliance, and achieve organizational goals. It also helps them adapt to change, reduce risks, and support employee development, ultimately contributing to the success of the organization and its workforce.

Presented by Dirk Volschenk, Workforce Strategies International Inc.

CEU's: 0.3

Working in the utility industry as an essential service provider can present many challenges that impact employee health and wellness in the workplace. This course will provide attendees with evidence-based mental health and wellness practices they can incorporate everyday to protect their mental health and psychological safety. Upon completion of this course, attendees will walk away with knowledge and resources to support their mental health as it relates to being an essential service provider in the utility industry.

Presented by Sarah Martin, Aquatera Utilities Inc.

CEU's: 0.1

To unlock the power of Excel, you need to use formulas and functions. These calculation tools help you bring information to the surface and make better decisions. This course will summarize how to use formals such as basis equations, cell referencing, pivot tables, VLOOKUP's, sum if's and many more quick tips. This courses will be at a beginner/intermediate level.

Presented by Amanda Shinkewski, Aquatera Utilties Inc.

CEU's: 0.1

The course explores personal leadership and resiliency, focussing on accountability and ownership of outcomes, the ability to overcome obstacles and challenges, and strategies to face difficult situations. Topics include:

• Cultivating a mastery mindset for your life
• Strategies to overcome setbacks
• Breakdown of the 6 influencers and how to use them to work for you
• A framework to develop high performance in all areas of your life

Presented by Diana Noble, Noble Choice Coaching Ltd.

CEU's: 0.3

In the current workplace climate, conflict can be experienced in very big ways. On the one hand, tight-knit work groups can be powerfully productive work teams. Or they can also feel like a dysfunctional family that has lost its way when there is poor communication and disagreements escalate. How have expectations changed in terms of how we deal with conflict in a modern workplace? How can all of us be effective role models for engaging productively with conflict? With an updated set of conflict resolution skills, everyone can give and receive the respect they crave, while engaging in conflict in a healthy way.

Presented by Cherolyn Knapp, Knapp Resolutions

CEU's: 0.3

Psychological safety at work refers to an environment where employees feel safe to express their thoughts, ideas, concerns, and even take risks without fear of negative consequences to their self-esteem, status, or career. It's a crucial aspect of a healthy workplace culture that encourages open communication, collaboration, and innovation. Psychological safety can have a significant impact on employee well-being, engagement, and overall organizational performance. This course applies to all industries and will provide learners with valuable skills and resources to create and support a psychologically safe working environment.

Presented by Sarah Martin, Aquatera Utilities Inc.

CEU's: 0.1

Work-life balance is essential to combat stress, ensuring both individual and company success. The stress associated with unbalanced lifestyles is costly; it damages productivity and increases individual health risks. Employees who have the tools to balance their professional and personal lives are happier, healthier, and more productive.

Presented by Danielle Hessler and Jocelyn Claggett, Two Twelve Consulting

CEU's: 0.3