Abstract
Abstract This paper builds on previous research to address the question of whether there is practical value for a made-in-Ontario municipal management system standard (MSS) for wastewater and stormwater related activities, in addition to the Drinking Water Quality Management System Standard (DWQMS) that is already statutorily required. This research specifically addressed the questions: is there value in a mandatory or voluntary MSS; are there neutral, positive, or negative effects of having an MSS; and what standard is more adequate? Through a focus group method, this research finds evidence in support of and wide recognition of the practical value an MSS in assisting municipalities in meeting their environmental objectives, addressing property damage risks, providing an additional mechanism of public accountability, and improving alignment with the legal structure. It was also apparent that there is no political appetite in the provincial government to embark on a mandated MSS, so the preferred option at this time appears to be a provincially endorsed, voluntary, sector-specific standard for wastewater and for stormwater, which could constitute a catalyst to boost voluntary uptake of MSS by small to medium municipalities (as is already occurring with large municipalities). This standard could be based on a customized variation of the ISO 14001 and DWQMS.
Highlights
Governments in the developed world have an inherent level of transparency and accountability, but the private sector is less prone to such levels of scrutiny
This study summarizes the focus group method and coalesces with the results of two different data collection techniques: literature review and the survey in the form of semi-structured interviews
The participants appeared to have a common understanding that the governance structure for the wastewater and stormwater sector relies on a provincial regulatory framework and on proactive action by municipalities in adopting best management practices (BMPs) derived from non-state actors that have developed useful tools such as non-state management system standard (MSS) and protocols (e.g. International Standards Organization (ISO) and Canadian Standard Association (CSA) Group standards, FCM Protocols)
Summary
The expectation of modern society is that governments would ensure the provision of safe drinking water, the collection and treatment of wastewater, as. All these are expected to be done in a responsible way ensuring adherence to environmental, economic, health, and safety objectives. The focus on quality management introduced the idea that standardizing management systems and quality manuals could enhance confidence in a product
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