Inside the October 2008 Issue

Features

Rules and Regs: Virginia Adds Mandatory Maintenance and Onsite System Evaluator and Designer Credentials

Virginia law requiring mandatory maintenance for all alternative onsite systems goes into effect July 1, 2009

Special Feature: Pain at the Pump

Supply and demand issues have turned fuel prices upside down in recent months as traditionally economical diesel has trumped gasoline

Special Feature: It’s a Dirty Job ...

The pumpers at Evans Septic Tank Service show they’re proud to serve the North Dakota State Fair

Cover Story: In Good Hands

Valuable life lessons and understanding of the business resulted in an orderly family ownership transition for Old Pueblo Septic and Drain Service

Building the Business: Expect a Run on Gold Watches

The coming years will bring a record number of employee retirements. Make sure you’re prepared for the exodus of baby boomers.

Reading Between the Lines: Enjoy a Harvest of Interesting Stories

Like so many leaves falling to the ground through much of the U.S. this month, this issue of Pumper is blanketed with colorful and unique characters from the liquid waste industry.

Overheard Online: Endless Billing

The tank has been pumped. The bill has been sent. A poster wonders what to do when a customer refuses to pay.

Special Feature: Big & Brawny

We offer a by-the-numbers peek at the latest chassis choices for septic hauling rigs

Columns

NAWT: Take Charge — Become a Responsible Management Entity

The Water Environment Research Foundation, or WERF, funded research that identified business characteristics common among 15 successful Responsible Management Entities, or RMEs.

Septic System Answer Man: Proper Venting Eliminates Odors

When customers complain about a whiff of rotten eggs caused by the septic system, a quick fix usually takes care of the problem

Product Spotlight: Pacific Natural Energy Corp. Bio-Box

The Bio-Box biodiesel fuel factory from Pacific Natural Energy Corp. enables pumpers to economically make fuel from things they’d normally pay to dispose of like grease-trap waste and waste fryer grease.

Reader Pipelines: Mind Your Lugnuts

Picking the right truck for the job and maintaining it carefully will keep a pumper’s job going smoothly

Industry News: Industry News

Lenzyme Designs Maintenance Brochure; Capital Rubber Raises $1,500 for Troops; Hannay Releases Pressure Wash, Spray Hose Reel Catalog; Simple Solutions Adds Distributors

Classy Trucks: Classy Truck of the Month

This month we feature Advantage Septic & Drain

Money Manager: Be a Miser with Expenses, a Hog with Savings

Follow this common sense approach to running your business and do a better job of weathering the next recession

Association News: Association News; Training and Education; Calendar

This all-in-one resource will point you to the information you need.

After Hours: A Growing Hobby

Central Pennsylvania gardener shares septic tank knowledge with other flower enthusiasts