NAWT Stays Involved with the Industry’s Future

The Partnership for Decentralized Wastewater Management (formerly the EPA Decentralized Wastewater Memorandum of Understanding) identified six research projects at its annual meeting.

The Partnership for Decentralized Wastewater Management (formerly the EPA Decentralized Wastewater Memorandum of Understanding) identified six research projects at its annual meeting. One was to evaluate the effectiveness of long-term maintenance contracts on onsite system performance. As part of the Support and Information work group, the National Association of Wastewater Transporters plays an active role. We’re guiding this important project through you, the pumpers who have first-hand experience with the financial and social acceptance of maintenance contracts and the cost of operating and maintaining advanced treatment technologies.

We are an intricate element in the comprehensive design and analysis of this project. Besides the evidence you can provide, documented research by credible facilities using sound science will mean a lot to our industry. It will reinforce and validate the idea of system management programs, and should go a long way in convincing municipalities that decentralized systems are reliable benefits to outlying communities.

Because we’re involved in educating the public and industry, the partnership has a new, EPA-funded booth with fact sheets on every partner. That may not sound exciting, but projects such as these are an opportunity for NAWT to stay visibly and vocally involved in the partnership, while protecting and advancing your interests.

2011 SCHOLARSHIP QUESTION

For five years, NAWT has awarded an annual $1,000 scholarship to a college student or high school senior destined for college and participating in or planning to participate in environmental science, life science or related curriculum. To qualify for the 2011 William Hapchuk Memorial Scholarship, applicants are asked to write a 1,000-word essay on the following subject:

Water has been labeled the new oil of the 21st century because of its limited quantities and scarcity in some places. The next century will challenge us to change the ways we use water. One area receiving a lot of attention is the reuse of wastewater for irrigation, toilet flushing, groundwater recharge and other purposes. Given the importance of this issue, how can pumpers encourage and help promote water reuse as a part of their business?

The deadline for submissions is Jan. 1, 2011. Download the application form at www.nawt.org.

TRAINING IN NEW STATES

We had 86 attendees at our March inspector training and certification course in Massachusetts and 40 the next week in Indiana. This is the first time NAWT classes were offered in those states. In another first, we’ll present the class Aug. 30-31 at the Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Campus. Register at www.nawt.org or call Coda Omness at 575/257-3012. We’re also talking with representatives in Texas, Colorado, Alabama and Kentucky. Call us at 800/236-6298 if you’d like NAWT-training courses in your state.

2010 WASTE TREATMENT SYMPOSIUM HOTELS

Hapchuk Inc., a liquid waste disposal company in Washington, Pa., will host the Fifth Annual Waste Treatment Symposium, Sept. 15-16. Plan to fly into Pittsburgh, then rent a car. It’s a 30-minute drive to Washington. As there is no host hotel, NAWT recommends that you book lodgings at one of the following. All are about three miles from Hapchuk’s business.

Ramada Inn - 724/225-9750

Holiday Inn - 724/222-6200

Hampton Inn - 724/228-4100

Red Roof Inn - 724/228-5750

Spring Hill Suites - 724/223-7800

Comfort Inn - 724/746-9700

Motel 6 - 724/223-8040

The registration fee is $275 for members and $375 for nonmembers. Download the registration form at www.nawt.org, or fill out the form on the preceding page. Registrations must be received by Sept. 8.

FULL SERVICE COMPANIES

Our company usually accumulates some work over the winter and we can’t wait for spring to get going. This year, we didn’t put much on the books and started out worried. We shouldn’t have, because we’re a full service company. The work just came and it keeps on coming. We now have a backlog. We had our strongest first quarter in the company’s history, despite our prices being higher than all our competitors. Full service companies doing quality work at a proper profit margin will survive in any economy. Opportunities abound, especially in system repairs, replacement or inspections. Don’t let that comfortable rut become a tomb. Now, more than ever, it is the time to take command and grow your business.



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