Role of Engineering

Submission to
Part II of the Walkerton Inquiry
The Roles and Responsibilities of Professional Engineers in the Provision of Safe Drinking Water

April 2001

CONTENTS
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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1.

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INTRODUCTION
1.1
1.2
1.3

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THE WALKERTON INQUIRY
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING AND DRINKING WATER SAFETY
A BOUT THIS REPORT

PROFESSIONAL ENGIN EERING REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
2.1 THE RULES GOVERNING PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING
2.1.1
Historical Overview of Engineering Regulation
2.1.2
The Professional Engineers Act
2.1.3
Regulation 941 of the Act
2.1.4
Code of Ethics
2.1.5
Professional Engineers Seal
2.2 ROLE OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS ONTARIO
2.2.1
PEO’s Legislated Mandate
2.2.2
Licensing
2.2.3
Certificates of Authorization
2.2.4
Negligence and Professional Misconduct
2.2.5
Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures
2.2.6
Demonstrating Duty to Public Welfare
2.2.7
PEO Environment Committee
2.3 THE LICENSED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER
2.3.1
Continuing Competence
2.3.2
Professional Conduct and Liability
2.3.3
Conflict of Interest
2.3.4
Duty to Report

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THE CURRENT PRACTICE OF ENGINEERING IN THE PROVISION OF DRINKING
WATER
3.1 A CADEMIC TRAINING
3.1.1
Environmental Engineering
3.1.2
Chemical Engineering
3.1.3
Civil Engineering
3.1.4
Geological and Geotechnical Engineering
3.1.5
Mechanical Engineering
3.2 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
3.2.1
Ontario Water Resources Act
3.2.2
Ontario Regulation 459/00 Drinking Water Protection
3.2.3
Regulation 435/93
3.2.4
Environmental Protection Act
3.2.5
Environmental Assessment Act
3.2.6
Drainage Act
3.2.7
Ontario Building Code Act
3.2.8
Other Legislation Impacting Water Supply
3.3 THE PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER’S ROLE
3.3.1
Municipal Responsibilities
3.3.2
Public Sector Engineers
3.3.3
Private Sector Engineers

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