Town reviewing work done by suspended engineering company

Okotoks: Sprinkler systems approved by DFK Engineering in question

The provincial association of engineers has taken drastic steps to stop an Okotoks area man who was allegedly misusing an engineer’s stamp on various projects including some done locally.

The Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists, Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA) refused to renew the permit to practice of DFK Engineering, a Calgary business owned by an Okotoks area man, Dennis Burton. A Saskatoon engineer named Peter Pybus was also suspended. Both were suspended in November.

The investigation into the situation is ongoing, but Al Schuld, APEGGA’s registrar, said the action was taken because they believe Burton was improperly using Pybus’ stamp on work requiring an engineer’s stamp under the Alberta Building Code.

Schuld said they don’t believe Pybus knew his stamp was being misused, but took the unusual step of suspending both men prior to a hearing because they wanted to stop the alleged misuse of the stamp immediately.

“This is fairly drastic,” Schuld said.

Although they don’t believe Pybus was complicit in the misuse of his stamp, under their professional code engineers are responsible for the care and control of their stamp at all times, Schuld explained.

Burton’s lawyer, Guy Larcourciere, said his client received a letter from APEGGA in May stating his permit to practice was not being renewed because he didn’t have a professional management plan in place. He added his client was allowed to continue working after receiving the letter, but APPEGA did not renew his permit to practice in November for the same reason.

Larcourciere said any other allegations against his client are unproven and said APEGGA has crossed a professional line by discussing the alleged misuse of the stamp.

“They have pre-judged the case,” Larcourcier said. “They are not in a position to hear it.”

A concern for public safety prompted Alberta Municipal Affairs to send notifications to cities and municipalities who may have buildings affected by DFK’s work.

Schuld said the notifications are mainly about work done to design sprinkler systems or work to verify fire alarms are working properly. A mistake in either type of work could jeopardize the public, therefore, APEGGA decided the affected buildings should be made aware of the issue. Across the province up to 2,000 buildings may have had DFK work on their sprinkler or fire alarm verification systems.

In Okotoks eight buildings including the Town’s municipal building, Costco, Home Depot and Church of the Latter Day Saints are on the list of DFK projects.

Rob Mueller, Okotoks safety code officer, said he is still sifting through the permit applications for all the affected buildings to determine what DFK’s involvement was for each one.

He hasn’t been able to find any mention of DFK in the Town’s documents relating to their municipal building’s sprinkler system. However, he said it had to be tested several times, by several different people, including the company that installed the sprinklers, and believes it is working properly.

“I don’t have any doubt that if in need the system will respond,” Mueller said.

He said he will continue to look through that file and others and hopes to be able to speak to the project managers of the other buildings affected by next week.

APEGGA continues to investigate and Schuld said the men will be charged in due course and have a hearing before a disciplinary committee that will decide if they will have their licenses revoked. He said it could take weeks or months for the matter to get to a hearing.

If other work improperly stamped by DFK Engineering surfaces that could pose a risk to the public more notices will be sent out, said Schuld.

Burton was unavailable to comment.