Protecting Shuswap Lake, and the environment in general, is the catalyst for a new business in Salmon Arm.
It Happens is a wastewater management company specializing in inspection and maintenance of septic systems.
Roderic Anamchara and Jayme Franklin are partners in the new venture. Anamchara explains that Franklin is a septic design engineer who noticed the lack of qualified septic maintenance companies in the area. Franklin spent his youth installing septic systems. Anamchara has been working for Franklin’s father Michael for the past two years, installing septic systems.
The two men decided to fill the gap and form their new company.
As of May 31, 2005 it became law to have a septic system maintained by a trained maintenance provider, Anamchara points out. But beyond that, he says he was influenced by the big algae bloom on the lake in June of 2008.
“It’s just a moral issue. People have to start taking care of their systems; they must be maintained so we don’t pollute the lake for our children.”
He says the first thing the company would normally do is ask the homeowner if a maintenance plan is already in place. That gives the men a good idea of what has and hasn’t been done.
“What we’re trying to do is make sure groundwater doesn’t get contaminated by faulty systems. If there are older systems around, we can help get them up to snuff and lessen the impact on the environment.”
Although systems built before 2005 aren’t required by law to be inspected, he says, it’s still a good idea.
“We all have an interest in keeping our groundwater clean.”
To reach It Happens, call 250-253-2059, email info@ithappenswastewater.com, or go to www.ithappenswastewater.com.