By decision dated December 21, 2023, the Discipline Committee of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of New Brunswick accepted a Voluntary Submission regarding a complaint alleging professional misconduct or incompetence as contemplated in the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act.
The matter concerned the design and construction of a playground for the New Brunswick School system and the application of a CSA Standard Z614-14.
The playground was constructed, in part, using reclaimed wood from hydro polls which contain certain toxic substances not recommended for such structures as provided for by the CSA Standard.
Despite the involvement of Architects in the design, an Engineer in the construction, and inspections by similar qualified individuals the playground was completed with the use of the reclaimed hydro polls.
Upon later discovery, the playground was remediated, and the matter is the subject of civil litigation involving multiple parties.
In resolution of the matter the member voluntarily accepted a reprimand, $1,500 in fees payable to the Association, and the publication of this matter without names or reference to geographic location for the education of the membership of APEGNB.