RPD MSc Candidate Cameron Curran featured in Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association (OOWA) Summer 2018 Newsletter for work in the Lake Simcoe Watershed

As a second-year MSc student in the Rural Planning and Development program, I’ve already had many outstanding opportunities to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to the “real world”. My thesis project, supported by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MOECP), has served as a gateway to such opportunities. Specifically, through the onsite wastewater industry. My work focuses on best management practice development for mandated reinspection programs for onsite wastewater systems within the Lake Simcoe watershed.

Onsite wastewater systems, commonly known as septic systems, can threaten the natural environment and the life that occurs there. The Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association (OOWA) is an industry leader in developing best practices, facilitating professional accreditation programs, and advocating for policies through connecting practitioners across the Province.

In April 2018 I had the great privilege of accepting the OOWA University Education Scholarship at the annual OOWA Convention and Expo held at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario. This generous contribution to my MSc thesis efforts recognizes its benefit to the onsite wastewater industry, and watershed conservation.  This summer OOWA featured a write-up about my scholarship in their newsletter.  You can read the original article under ‘Special OOWA Education Scholarship Feature”, in OOWA’s summer newsletter entitled  "Best Practices for Onsite Wastewater System Inspections, Maintenance and Record Keeping in the Lake Simcoe Watershed" on page 11 of the PDF version.

I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to OOWA, my supervisor, Dr. John FitzGibbon, committee members, and the MOECP for their continued support.