I am pleased to announce a call for nominations for the National Association of Wastewater Transporters Inc. 2011 Excellence in Service Award. The award represents appreciation for an individual or entity that has demonstrated sincere efforts, outstanding leadership, and commitment to the industry. This award is presented annually at the Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International.
Who would you like to see recognized? Please find the nomination form and more information at www.nawt.org. The deadline is Nov. 30.
NAWT volunteers needed at the Expo
Be a part of the team and lend a helping hand at the Pumper & Cleaner Expo. NAWT is putting together a fundraising activity that will require some extra help. There is nothing like a little competition to help generate more revenue and have a whole lot of fun. Call 800/236-NAWT (6298) to find out how you can help and be a part of the action.
See you at the Expo
There is no time like the present to start planning your trip to Indianapolis for the Pumper & Cleaner Expo, Feb. 27-March 1, 2012. NAWT will offer its two-day onsite inspector training course and two-day, 12-hour operation and maintenance course on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 25-26. There also will be a one-day vacuum truck technician training course on Sunday, Feb. 26.
The inspector course is at the operation level. The first day covers the basics of sewage treatment and system types using a troubleshooting perspective. The second day goes through a step-by-step procedure to conduct a system inspection. It requires attendees to locate and identify all parts of the system, assess condition and determine if systems are operating properly. The inspection course is a prerequisite for the operation and maintenance course.
The O & M course concentrates on operation and maintenance of aerobic tanks, single-pass and recirculating media filters, and chlorination or ultraviolet light disinfection. Sessions also include maintenance of drip irrigation systems and proper installation of pump stations. Both courses have field opportunities on Tuesday morning and a written exam for NAWT certification.
NAWT’s vacuum truck technician training course is for new owners and employees who operate vacuum trucks to clean septic tanks, aerobic treatment units, holding tanks or grease traps. It also serves as a refresher course and overview for experienced operators. Training includes presentations, videos, and hands-on exercises with a vacuum truck. The course includes basic vacuum truck operation, materials to pump and avoid, reasons to manage these materials, pumps, basic science of vacuum and pressurization, truck equipment and components, drive and control mechanisms, basic and advanced pump-out skills and procedures, loading and unloading, safety and emergency response plans, customer interaction and education, manifests and reports, and government regulations. NAWT will list all certified service providers at www.nawt.org.
Thanks for participating
Many of you took the emailed membership benefit survey. I want to thank you for taking the time and sharing your ideas. What benefits may be important to you are probably important to others in the industry.
