Association News - July 2013

WISCONSIN

Glass cullet approved for onsite applications
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recently approved glass cullet generated from recycling for use as onsite system backfill, drainage aggregate, concrete additives, and aggregate base for road construction. Project manager Don Biely of Universal Recycling Technologies, a recycling company in Janesville, Wis., led the effort to have the material approved. It is not sharp, as the recycling process rounds the edges. Municipalities use glass cullet for bedding pipes, but it hasn’t crossed over to the onsite industry.

“The product warrants our consideration,” says Aaron Ausen, vice president of Dalmaray Concrete Products and president of Wisconsin Onsite Water Recycling Association. “It is readily available in bulk or super sacks, and competitive with or cheaper than gravel and sand.” Glass cullet for onsite applications is equivalent in size to 3/4 washed stone, but it is stronger and harder than limestone and will not break down over time. For product information, email Biely at dbiely@universalrecyclers.com.

The Wisconsin Onsite Water Recycling Association donated an onsite system from design to installation to a family with an expired drainfield. The owner turned to WOWRA for help after learning he can’t sell the property to pay medical bills without replacing the system.

The association also awarded $5,000 in scholarships to four college students. Kelsey Wieser is majoring in English education at UW-Eau Claire. Mitchell Jentges plans to major in natural resources and forestry at UW-Stevens Point. Brian Falk is studying instrumental music education at St. Norbert College. Sam Ritger plans to study to become an electrician at Moraine Park Technical College.

MICHIGAN

Septic advances
The Michigan Septic Tank Association legislative committee is working with State Rep. Ken Goike (R-Ray Township) to advance a bill that would allow haulers access to secondary roads, eliminate the 2025 requirement to abandon storage facilities, and allow haulers to use receiving stations of their choice.

NATION

NOWRA Nuggets
“Design and Technology: Moving Forward Nationally” is the theme of the 22nd Annual National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association Technical Educational Conference Nov. 18-20 at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville, Tenn. Presentations will focus on design standards with national applicability, technology transfer and reciprocity across jurisdiction lines, high-strength wastewater, innovations in treatment technologies, and design, installation, and responsible management of large commercial cluster systems. Download the conference schedule and registration form at www.nowra.org/annualconference.

ONTARIO, CANADA

Biosolids video
The Water Environment Association of Ontario produced the video “Biosolids: Naturally Sustainable,’’ to increase public knowledge of the beneficial use of biosolids. The video highlights regulations, best management practices and research initiatives, and demonstrates sustainability in biosolids management. The 38-minute video is available through the organization at www.weao.org.

Training & Education

Alabama

Licensing classes are the joint effort of the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Association and University of West Alabama. Courses are at UWA Livingston campus unless stated otherwise:
•  Aug. 8-9 – Continuing Education, Guntersville
•  Aug. 21-23 – Basic Installer
•  Sept. 12-13 – Continuing Education, Rogersville
•  Sept. 19-20 – Pumper
The first day of continuing education classes is for installers and the second day is for pumpers and portable restroom operators. Call the training center at 205/652-3803 or visit http://aowatc.uwa.edu.

Iowa

The Iowa Onsite Waste Water Association has an Operation and Maintenance course on Sept. 17 in Ainsworth. Contact Alice Vinsand at 515/225-1051, execdir@iowwa.com, or visit www.iowwa.com.

Minnesota

Onsite class for Realtors/appraisers
The University of Minnesota developed a four-hour class to help real estate agents and appraisers understand the basics of onsite systems and prepare them to answer questions from homebuyers and sellers. The state Department of Commerce approved the course, which includes regulatory overview, disclosure and compliance inspections, and updates on local requirements. For more information or to schedule the class, email Sara Heger at sheger@umn.edu.

The University of Minnesota Onsite Sewage Treatment Program has these classes:
•  Aug. 7 – Soils Continuing Education, Two Harbors
•  Aug. 14 – Soils Continuing Education, Winona
•  Aug. 20-23 – Service Provider, St. Cloud
•  Sept. 5 – Sampling Onsite Systems, Waterville
•  Sept. 12 – Soils Continuing Education, Bemidji
Call Nick Haig at 800/322-8642 (612/625-9797) or visit http://septic.umn.edu.

Missouri

The Missouri Smallflows Organization has these classes:
•  Sept. 18-19 – Operations & Maintenance, Cape Girardeau
•  Sept. 24 – Aerated Treatment Units, Springfield
•  Sept. 25 – Pumps, Panels, and Electrical, Springfield
Call Tammy Trantham at 417/739-4100 or visit www.mosmallflows.org.

New England

The New England Onsite Wastewater Training Center at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston has these classes:
•  Sept. 5 – Conventional Onsite Wastewater Treatment Basics for Installers
•  Sept. 12 – Functional Inspections
•  Sept. 19 – Innovative and Alternative Technologies
•  Sept. 26 – Conventional Onsite Wastewater System Inspection
•  Sept. 27 – Conventional Onsite Wastewater System Inspection Field Training
Call 401/874-5950 or visit www.uri.edu/ce/wq. For soil courses, call Mark Stolt at 401/874-2915 or e-mail mstolt@uri.edu.

North Carolina

The North Carolina Septic Tank Association has an Installer/Inspector class Sept. 9 in Swansboro. Call the association at 336/416-3564 or visit www.ncsta.net.

North Carolina State University has a Subsurface Wastewater Operation and Maintenance course Sept. 10-12 in Mills River. Contact Joni Tanner at 919/513-1678; soils_training@ncsu.edu, or visit www.go.ncsu.ed/subsurfaceschool.

The North Carolina Pumper Group and Portable Toilet Group have an educational seminar on septage management and land application Sept. 21 in Asheville. Call Joe McClees at 252/249-1097 or visit www.ncpumpergroup.org or www.ncportabletoiletgroup.org.

Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Septage Management Association has a Basic and Advanced Onlot Wastewater Treatment System Inspections course Sept. 17-18 in Montoursville. Call 717/763-7762 or visit www.psma.net.

Utah

Utah State University has onsite wastewater treatment certification and renewal workshops in Logan on:
•  Sept. 9 – Level 1 Renewal
•  Sept. 10 – Level 2 Renewal
•  Sept. 11-12 – Level 1 Certification
•  Sept. 24-25 – Level 2 Certification
Call Ivonne Harris at 435/797-3693 or visit http://uwrl.usu.edu/partnerships/training/classes.html.

Pumper invites your state association to post notices and news items in this column. Send contributions to editor@pumper.com.



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