There are more than 45 million existing septic systems in North America, and a million new homes built each year use them. Most homeowners don’t understand how their septic system works, nor do they know how much flow it can receive without becoming overloaded. Fortunately, now they don't have to, thanks to a new internet connected device being developed by a PEI company. Dynamic Monitors, a business unit of Engineering Technologies Canada Ltd. (ETC) of Stratford, PEI, is developing a new generation of products that make onsite sewage treatment systems more effective, reliable and affordable.
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Heath MacDonald, PEI Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, today joined staff at ETC to announce support for the company as it moves forward with commercialization.
Dynamic Monitor's latest product, the Septic Sitter™, is currently going through a final field testing phase in about a dozen septic systems right here in the province. Septic Sitter keeps watch to determine if the septic system may be at risk of malfunctioning, before a messy and costly failure occurs. The early warning alert system is similar to the "low oil pressure" warning on a car dashboard, except Septic Sitter's alerts are sent directly to any internet connected device.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada has a solid commitment toward innovation and entrepreneurship, and we are putting in place the right conditions for growth to ensure that Canadian businesses remain competitive. I am pleased to announce a repayable contribution of $291,691 through ACOA’s Business Development Program for Engineering Technologies Canada Ltd., an Island-based company that is dedicated to creating relevant, affordable and clean technology. ”
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
“The strength of Prince Edward Island’s economy relies heavily on the ability of companies like Engineering Technologies Canada to succeed and grow. The provincial government is proud to have contributed – through Innovation PEI – $100,000 in 2015 that has helped develop and commercialize this highly useful and innovative product, and we added another $16,000 in marketing support to help get the word out."
- Honourable Heath MacDonald, PEI Minister of Economic Development and Tourism
“With our ‘connected hardware’ solution, Septic Sitter is poised to take advantage of the growing demand for SmartHome products and help solve the common problem of failing septic systems.
Developing a new product is costly, especially when it involves leading edge hardware and software. My employees and I sincerely appreciate the financial assistance announced today by ACOA, and the previous assistance from NRC IRAP and the Province, which are helping to make our vision for this product a reality.
- Kelly Galloway, President, Dynamic Monitors
Background
Engineering Technologies Canada Ltd. (ETC) was founded in 1996 by Kelly Galloway, of Stratford, PEI. Ms. Galloway is a civil engineer with over 20 years of experience specializing in the planning and design of rural wastewater management systems. Ms. Galloway and her firm have received provincial and national awards for excellence in engineering and sustainable design. Initially, she and her company focused on engineering consulting services, specializing in septic and advanced onsite sewage treatment systems and small community sewage systems that are more appropriate and affordable for rural areas.
In recent years, Ms. Galloway and her staff have identified technology gaps in the onsite wastewater industry and they made it their mission to develop solutions. Dynamic Monitors' first product was the “IVM6000 Intelligent Valve Monitor.” It is being specified by engineers in Canada and the USA to make their commercial sewage system designs more reliable, including two new sewage systems being constructed in the Yosemite National Park in California. The company has also developed Permeameter soil testing equipment for better septic and stormwater system designs which have been sold to customers in North America and Europe.
Dynamic Monitors' newest product is the Septic Sitter™, an internet connected, early warning alert system for septic systems. The ultrasonic sensors install easily in existing and new septic tanks and drainfields, the underground area that receives the effluent runoff from the tank. NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ: NXPI) have been showcasing Septic Sitter for the past year as an "Internet of Tomorrow" demo on their Smarter World Tour.