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The Canadian Onsite Technical Resources Association is a not-for-profit research and advocacy group for those involved in the wastewater industry within Canada and abroad. Our focus is onsite treatment of sewage and industrial wastewater with soils-based dispersal.

Vision Statement:

COTRA envisions a future where innovative, sustainable, and science-driven wastewater management practices are adopted across Canada, fostering cleaner, healthier environments for all communities. We aspire to be the leading catalyst for transformative change in the wastewater sector, empowering government and industry stakeholders at every level with the knowledge, tools, and collaboration necessary to build these practices.

Mission Statement:

COTRA's mission is to be a Canada-wide think tank for the wastewater industry providing knowledge-sharing and guidance on leading-edge, rational, science-based information, and best practices in wastewater management to regulators across all orders of government as well as private industry including manufacturers, distributors, and practitioners.

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.

Members:

  • 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, P.Eng.
  • 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.
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