The Canadian Onsite Technical Resource Association (COTRA) is a volunteer organization dedicated to the onsite treatment of residential, commercial and industrial wastewater with an emphasis on soils-based dispersal methods. Our mission encompasses the integration of wastewater recycling into broader watershed management strategies guided by the principles of the One Water approach.
COTRA is committed to advancing decentralized wastewater management through sustainable, science-based solutions and industry best practices. We offer technical support and expertise to practitioners, professionals, researchers and regulatory agencies across Canada and internationally.
Operated and funded entirely by volunteers, COTRA delivers all services on a pro bono basis. This independence enables us to serve the onsite wastewater sector with integrity, fostering innovation and collaboration free from external influence.
Vision Statement:
COTRA envisions a future where innovative, sustainable, and science-based wastewater management practices are widely adopted, contributing to cleaner and healthier environments for all communities. We aim to be a leading catalyst for transformative change in the wastewater sector by equipping government and industry stakeholders at all levels with the knowledge, tools, and collaborative support needed to implement these practices effectively.
Mission Statement:
COTRA’s mission is to serve as an independent think tank for the wastewater sector, providing knowledge-sharing, technical guidance, and science-based best practices to regulators at all levels of government and to practitioners in the private sector.
Board of Directors:
- Brent Dennis, P.Eng.
- Ian Ralston, P.L.Eng.
- Jim Andersen, AScT, ROWP.
- Michael Payne, M.Eng., P.Eng., P.Geo.
- Ron McMurtrie, P.Eng.
Associates:
- Bryer Manwell, M.Sc., P.Eng.
- Gord Baird
- Jackson Twa, ROWP
- Jeff Oland, P.Eng.
- Natalya Melnychuk, PhD, ROWP
- Paul Blackett, P.Tech, ROWP, CESA
- Stephen Ramsay, PhD.
- Tim Wilson, ROWP
- Kelly Galloway, P.Eng.
Activities:
- Act as an intermediary by connecting those that require technical support (Authorized Persons, Regulators, and other stakeholders) with suitably qualified subject matter experts willing and able to provide relevant expertise.
- Conduct research on industry-related topics.
- Facilitate stakeholder consultations and offer subject matter expertise to all orders of government, professional certifying bodies, and onsite sewerage training organizations.
- Facilitate a forum for discussion of technical aspects of onsite systems.
- Support the development of performance-based models for onsite wastewater regulation.
- Support public education initiatives regarding onsite sewerage by local government.