Tell me something about yourself. Flashcards
Tell me something about yourself.
Starting with education, I have a diploma in Chemical & Environmental Technology from BCIT. Shortly after graduation, I began my career with the City of Abbotsford and worked as a Laboratory Analyst at the City’s wastewater treatment plant. During this time, I continued my education and studied Environmental Engineering at BCIT.
As a Lab Analyst, I was responsible for testing wastewater, analyzing data and preparing reports.
After 6 years as a Lab Analyst, I advanced to the role of Utilities Environment Supervisor. In this capacity, I led the Environmental Services’ Source Control program, which oversees the management and regulation of pollutants at their source, to prevent them from entering the wastewater and stormwater systems, as well as the receiving environment.
Last year, I took on a temporary role as the City’s Solid Waste and Environmental Coordinator, where I administered and managed the City’s solid waste, recycling, and composting diversion programs. I have since returned to my position as the UE supervisor. All in all, that’s over 15 years of dedicated service.
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS from an environmental perspective.
In my role current role, we receive business permit applications from ICI sectors proposing to discharge wastewater into the sanitary sewer. The main focus is the volume and quality of the proposed discharge. In terms of capacity in the collections system, we defer that to our Wastewater Engineer to determine if adjustments to flow rates or discharge limits are necessary. From a Source Control perspective, which would be the environmental perspective, the focus is on the quality of the proposed discharge to make sure that it is in compliance with the Sewer Bylaw. We review the application, identify any potential contaminants of concern, and then recommend/require to install pretreatment system or implement wastewater management solutions to address potential issues. I handle these applications and work with the applicants or consultants to ensure they are aware of the Bylaw requirements.
Development and implementation of ENVIRONMENTAL PLANS, PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES.
In my previous role, I led the Contamination Remediation Program, which was a requirement from RecycleBC to reduce the contamination rate in the recycling stream. During my tenure, the City achieved a 3% reduction and while this fell short of the target, it was sufficient to avoid penalties and fines from Recycle BC. I believe we were able to achieve this through a strategized approach, such as promotion & education, targeted marketing campaigns, and enforcement efforts. For example, I initiated the City’s first Recycling Information Sessions, which were well-received by the public and have since become an ongoing program. I also initiated enforcing the Solid Waste Bylaw and started fining residents with egregious contamination in their recycling bins. Having said that, I wanted to ensure we balanced that with positive reinforcement, which is why I launched the Star Recycling program, which is an incentive-based initiative that rewards residents with zero contamination in their recycling bins. All of these initiatives are still ongoing.
Prepares and drafts environmental objectives, policies, procedures, bylaws and regulations based on research and legislative requirements.
In my current and previous roles, a key part of initiating programs is developing CLEAR objectives, policies, and procedures to ensure the public and businesses understand the regulations and the importance of working together towards compliance.
For example, in my current role, we have a contamination monitoring program designed to identify contaminants of concern in the wastewater. This involves, collecting samples of wastewater from different industries and having them analyzed at an accredited lab. In order for businesses to understand this initiative, I developed a framework of information that was distributed to them, which includes:
* Objective – Ensuring continued compliance with the Bylaw, to protect the collections system and the receiving environment
* Policy – Based on the Sewer Bylaw, WWDP holders are required to participate in pollution prevention initiatives
* Procedure – Outline the steps we will take and actions from them.
By doing this approach, the businesses understand their role in keeping the collections system environmentally safe.
Prepares planning and policy reports for senior staff and Council.
In my current role, I regularly prepare reports for my direct manager, which include data analysis, updates on non-compliance issues and the corresponding corrective actions, as well as future initiatives. For example, I prepare the annual reports that highlight achievements, challenges, and strategic direction. These are available on the City’s website. Additionally, I am heavily involved in developing a Code of Practice for Food Services, which I am actively working to integrate into the Sewer Bylaw.
Similarly, in my previous role, I prepared reports for senior staff, including the Director of Environmental Services, the General Manager of Engineering, the City Manager, and Council. These reports include procurement reports, updates on the City’s current recycling contamination rates, and award recommendations as part of the RFP process. I’ve also written RFPs.
Processing and approval of applications through regulatory agencies.
In my current role, I handle WWDP applications and typically do not involve other regulatory agencies bec I use the Sewer Bylaw on nearly all aspects of my work. Having said that, I have worked with FHA and MOE on a few applications. For example, i have reached out to FHA for questions re hospital effluent and biomedical waste. Similarly, I’ve reached out to MOE for questions re discharges to the receiving env.
Assists on relevant bylaw enforcement matters.
In my current role, we have not imposed fines or penalties, instead, we strive to work with the businesses because we recognize that some compliance actions require time and resources that may not be readily available. However, for major incidents, such as accidental spills of restricted/prohibited/hazardous waste into the sanitary sewer, we hold businesses accountable by recovering costs associated with cleanup and remediation.
In my previous role, I initiated fining residents with egregious contamination in their recycling bins. Having said that, I made sure we balanced this with positive reinforcement, which is why I launched the Star Recycler Program which is an incentive-based initiative that rewards residents with zero contamination in their recycling bins.
Assesses information of significant environmental impact and identifies issues for community initiatives.
In my current role, I identify issues with significant environmental impact using analytical data on wastewater. I notify businesses regarding parameters outside the allowable Bylaw limits and initiate a compliance plan.
In my previous role, I’ve relayed issues with significant environmental impact through the city website, social media, and educational workshops such as Wildlife & Waste Management Info Sessions, Recycling Information Sessions, and school outreach programs because we recognize the importance of promoting awareness within the community.
Performs site inspections for development projects.
In my current role, performing site inspections is an essential part of the discharge permit application process. During these visits, I engage with businesses to gain a better understanding of their processes and operations that could impact the quality of their wastewater. I identify potential issues, answer questions and offer guidance.
Participates in relevant environmental review and research.
In my current role, I constantly research restricted/prohibited/hazardous waste in the wastewater to identify their sources and mitigate issues. For example, years ago, we were noticing an increasing trend in Mo in our biosolids, which is a by-product of wastewater treatment. Through my research, I was able to identify that Mo is prevalent in corrosion inhibitors used in cooling and boiler systems. I contacted all WWDP holders and advised them to discontinue using Mo-based inhibitors in favour of a more environmentally friendly alternative. This initiative was successful because the Mo decreased and has since been in trace amounts in the biosolids. I also added a section in the permit application that asks for the SDS of corrosion inhibitor used, if applicable to the business.
An incumbent also directs, coordinates and participates in activities carried out by staff and/or consultants and may assign, check and coordinate the work of staff assigned to specific projects.
In my current role, I supervise staff in the laboratory at the wastewater treatment plant where I worked as a lab analyst. I also supervise source control staff conducting inspections and collecting wastewater.
In my previous role, I supervised the solid waste staff responsible for auditing recycling bins, and another one in charge of our educational and marketing campaigns.
In both roles, I’ve directed, coordinated, and participated in their activities. I’ve created their schedules, assigned tasks accordingly, and conducted weekly touchpoints with them.
Considerable independence of action and judgment is exercised, referring complex problems or policy matters to a superior who reviews work performance in terms of achievement of desired objectives.
In my previous role, since the portfolio was new to me, I initially asked for more guidance, and after I became more familiar with the responsibilities, I started working independently and only saw my director during our weekly touchpoints.
In my current role, since I’ve been performing my duties for so long, I rarely escalate or offload anything to my manager. We occasionally run into complex matters, and I make it a point to thoroughly research the issue and provide as much information to my manager. We then collaborate to finalize a course of action.
Coordinates, develops and implements the City’s environmental programs regarding such matters as climate change, environmental management, ecological issues and air and water quality.
I don’t have direct experience with managing air and water quality. However, my extensive experience in managing wastewater and solid waste programs has provided me with the knowledge to successfully develop and implement programs that address contamination and ensure compliance with environmental standards. I am confident that I would also be able to apply my experience to effectively develop & implement programs matters related to climate change, and air and water quality initiatives.
Reviews environmental permit applications for trees, soils, erosion control, hillsides and watercourse management and provides review summaries and recommendations to assist senior staff; and supports monitoring for City initiated works as required by regulatory agencies.
I don’t have direct experience with reviewing environmental permits for trees, soils, erosion control, or hillsides. However, I’m confident that I would be able to apply my experience with reviewing WWDP applications to other environmental permit applications. In addition to my experience, I would also rely on established guidelines and regulations to assist me with making well-informed decisions.
Participates in review and research for stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, soil quality, watercourse and riparian habitat protection, invasive species and species at risk.
For stormwater, I’m familiar with some of the regulations pertaining to discharges to the storm sewer since the Sewer Bylaw governs both storm and sewer systems.
For the others, I don’t have direct experience. However, I did learn about these topics in school, though it’s been some time since I’ve revisited them. That said, I would be eager to refresh my knowledge and apply it to this role.
Erosion and sediment control, I imagine would be for protecting water quality, reducing flood risks, and designing drainage systems.
Soil quality is for supporting a healthy ecosystem, including supporting vegetation, filtering water, and storing nutrients.
Watercourse and riparian habitat protection, for preserving ecosystem along the banks of watercourses.
Invasive species and species at risk, for controlling non-native plants or animals that threaten the local ecosystem, and protecting endangered or threatened species.
How has your experience prepared you for this Environmental Planner role?
My experience in wastewater & solid waste management has provided me with a solid foundation in environmental planning. I’ve assessed environmental permit applications, conducted site inspections, developed and implemented programs and policies, enforced regulations, and prepared reports and recommendations for senior staff.
Participates in the response to environmental emergencies, as required; participates in debriefing meetings and prepares reports documenting incidents; and liaises with senior environmental agencies, in collaboration with municipal operations staff, regarding response and investigation of environmental incidents.
I have not been involved in environmental emergencies but I have been involved in investigating environmental incidents. For ex, I’ve investigated accidental spills or unauthorized discharges into the sanitary sewer.
Can you describe a time you developed or implemented a program or policy?
In my previous role, I led the Contamination Remediation Program, which was a requirement from RecycleBC to reduce the contamination rate in the recycling stream. During my tenure, the City achieved a 3% reduction and while this fell short of the target, it was sufficient to avoid penalties and fines from Recycle BC. I believe we were able to achieve this through a strategized approach, such as promotion & education, targeted marketing campaigns, and enforcement efforts. For example, I initiated the City’s first Recycling Information Sessions, which were well-received by the public and have since become an ongoing program. I also initiated enforcing the Solid Waste Bylaw and started fining residents with egregious contamination in their recycling bins. Having said that, I wanted to ensure we balanced that with positive reinforcement, which is why I launched the Star Recycling program, which is an incentive-based initiative that rewards residents with zero contamination in their recycling bins. All of these initiatives are still ongoing.
In my current role, I implement programs designed to address contamination in the sanitary sewer such as contamination monitoring program (CMP) and BOD & TSS program. CMP is designed to check for contamination in the wastewater by collecting samples of wastewater from different industries and having them analyzed at an accredited laboratory. BOD & TSS program is designed to address the amount extra treatment necessary at the wastewater treatment plant. I calculate BOD & TSS surcharges and send the information to our finance for invoicing.
How do you handle situations involving politically sensitive topics?
I approach politically sensitive topics with tact and professionalism. I focus on the impact of the issue and the ways the City can help. For instance, there was a resident that complained directly to the Mayor about receiving tickets for contamination in their recycling bin. I prepared a report with the rationale behind the non-compliance and all efforts on our end, and provided this to our GM of Engineering and the Mayor.
How would you approach educating the public or businesses about environmental policies?
I’ve presented to the public while in my role as the SWEC. I created clear and engaging presentations, also invited the director of the recycling depot that receives the City’s recyclables to explain the impact of non-recyclable items they receive to their staff.
How do you manage multiple projects with tight deadlines?
I break down a project and prioritize tasks based on deadlines and project impact. I make use of resources available to me, including delegating tasks to staff to ensure efficient workflow. I also communicate realistic timeline to recipients. I’m also diligent about following up to obtain answers or clarifications in a timely manner.
BOD & TSS
BOD measures the amount of oxygen required by microorganisms to break down organic matter. It is an indicator of the level of organic pollution.
TSS is the total amount of solid particles suspended in wastewater and is an indicator for assessing water quality.
- How do you ensure compliance with municipal bylaws in your work?
Current role, Sewer Bylaw:
* I rely on metrics derived from the outcome of our contamination monitoring program. Samples of wastewater are collected and analyzed for various parameters as part of a routine schedule. I review the results and if any parameters exceed Bylaw limits, I notify the business and initiate a compliance plan complete with timelines for progress reports, touchpoints, and implementation and conclusion of compliance.
* WWDP holders are required to renew their permits annually, which provides us an opportunity to confirm their processes and operations and ensure continued compliance with the Bylaw.
Previous role, Solid Waste Bylaw:
* Also relied on metrics from external and internal sources. External would be from Recycle BC and internally, I’ve initiated Waste Composition Studies to determine the types and amount of materials present in a waste stream, this is done through a consulting firm. It helps identify trends in waste generation to assist with waste management strategies.
* Ticketing residents
