The Alf Durnie Education and Research Scholarship Fund was developed in memory of Alf Durnie, Technical Administrator, Private Sewage Systems (Chief Inspector), Province of Alberta.

Alf’s work focused on the private sewage discipline from 1996 to September 2016. He led the development of technical standards for private sewage systems, the development and implementation of programs for the management of onsite systems and provided interpretation of standards. Alf led the development of the Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice and its supporting handbook, which substantially improved the quality and standard of onsite wastewater treatment and dispersal in the Province of Alberta. The success of the process and extensive stakeholder input used in developing the standard and handbook was recognized by a Premier’s Award of Excellence.

Alf has made many contacts across Canada and was recognized provincially, nationally and internationally as a subject matter expert in onsite wastewater management. He was a leader in the effort to establish a National Canadian Standards for Onsite Sewage Systems.

Alf worked closely with the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts & Counties as they developed a Model Process for the Consideration of Subdivisions that Rely on Private Sewage Systems. He often dealt with issues involving land use and planning in municipalities as they relate to wastewater management.

In the course of his work life, Alf served on and chaired many committees addressing onsite wastewater issues including rainwater recapture and wastewater recapture and reuse.

The Alf Durnie Education and Research Scholarship Fund will be directed towards:

a) Students who are enrolled and accepted in a post-secondary program or are within the returning years of their respective full-time programs. Preference will be given to applicants who are enrolled in programs that will benefit the onsite wastewater industry. Some examples of qualifying programs are: Environmental Studies, Public Health Enforcement, Wastewater Treatment, Civil Engineering, Plumbing, Water Technology, Soils Science (Agrology), Onsite Wastewater or a Heavy Equipment Construction Program.

b) Graduate students engaged in research focused on onsite wastewater treatment and dispersal,
environmental management, hydrogeology or a related research topic

The Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association (AOWMA) is sponsoring one annual education and research scholarship award to support students who are enrolled in a post-secondary program and are within the returning years of their respective fulltime programs.

The value of the annual scholarship is:

• University Award $2000
• College or Technical School/Technical Program Award: $1500

Preference will be given to applicants who are enrolled in programs that will benefit the onsite wastewater industry. Some examples of qualifying programs are: Environmental Studies, Public Health Enforcement, Wastewater Treatment, Civil Engineering, Plumbing, Water Technology, Onsite Wastewater Practitioner, Wastewater Operator, or a Heavy Equipment Construction Program. Confirmation of summer internship or employment in the onsite industry will also be considered.

As the scholarship program is funded through member donations, the Scholarship Award is available to Association members and their children who are currently enrolled at a Canadian University, College or Technical School or in a Technical Program. Participants may only receive the award once during their studies.

University Award requirements to be included in the application package:

• Letter of interest

• Proof of registration and acceptance in their course of study or program

• Two letters of reference with signature

• Transcript of related program grades

The College/Technical School/Technical Program Award requirements to be included in the application package:

• Letter of interest

• Proof of registration and acceptance in their course of study or program

• Transcript of related program grades

• Two letters of reference with signatures

The Graduate Student Engaged in Research Award requirements to be included in the application package:

• Letter of interest

• Name of research project

• A lay description of the proposed project/study (max 250 words)

• The purpose and background rationale for the project

• A list of other funding sources

• Two letters of reference with signatures

Submissions to be in a PDF electronic file format and emailed to lesley@aowma.com subject “AOWMA Scholarship Program.” Applications must be received by August 31. Chosen applicants will be announced at the first AOWMA Convention following application (i.e. the successful candidate from applications received by August 31 will be announced at the February Convention).