Qualified Person Program The Nova Scotia Environment Experience Adrian Fuller & Christine Penney September 29, 2008 ENVIRONMENT
Presentation Objectives Qualified Person Program Overview What Challenges was Nova Scotia facing? What Nova Scotia hoped to achieve? How did we decide Next Steps? How we moved from the current situation to results? How are we doing now? Key Elements of the Success of the Program Current Challenges Questions
Qualified Person Program Overview Onsite Sewage Applications supported by selection/design by a Qualified Person (2000) Role previously carried out by NSE staff 2 types of Qualified Persons – QP 1 & 2’s QP 2’s issued certificate of approval each year QP 1’s are engineers, licensing through APENS
The Challenges Nova Scotia faced in the 1990’s? 6,400 permits issued annually Average waiting period of 4 to 6 weeks Staff compliment was significantly reduced
The Challenges Nova Scotia faced in the 1990’s? Great regulatory responsibility/liability on the Department Little Enforcement ability Heavy Supportive Structure – 23 Municipal Boards of Health
What Nova Scotia hoped to achieve? Outcomes Cultural Shift for Inspection staff Industry Increase capacity Technical/Human Improved Client Service Turnaround times
Public Policy Consideration Review of instruments User fees Behavioural Conscientiousness Industry Compliance Approvals and auditing Efficiencies Public, Government, Industry
Public Policy Consideration Review of instruments User fees Behavioural Conscientiousness Industry Compliance Approvals and auditing Efficiencies Public, Government, Industry
The Move from Situation to Results Administrative Changes Necessary New Regulations -1997 Repealed Boards of Health New Approach Private Sector Participation Define private sector capabilities
The Move from Situation to Results Increase staff capacity 50 (1997) to 72 (2008) Time to Transition 3 years for Phase 1 Still evolving
Enforcement required has decreased How are we doing now? Enforcement required has decreased
How are we doing Now? The number of Approvals issued since 2000 has decreased by 31% based on 2008 projections
How are we doing Now? Turnaround Times have Decreased by 92% since 2001 Turnaround times have decreased by 92% since 2000 and continue to do so
Keys Elements to the Programs Continued Success Setting Targets Business Plan Corporate Initiatives Better Business Competitive & Compliance Continuous Improvement Model Constant Re-evaluation of the program
Keys Elements to the Programs Continued Success Demonstrated Commitment to Industry Annual Engagement Opportunity Memorandum of Understanding (2003) with Waste Water Nova Scotia
Keys Elements to the Programs Continued Success Supportive Policies/Infrastructure Update to guidelines 2000, 2004 & 2006 Revisions to regulation in 2007 EIMAS 2000 Ensuring Compliance On-Site Services Advisory Board Streamlined approval and auditing process
Current Challenges Continue to decrease Approval turnaround times Consistency in program delivery Administrative Burden on Industry/Public/Staff Revising Performance Target
Thank you QUESTIONS ?