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BASIC AND INSPECTOR TRAINING

Besides acting as the industry’s voice at the national level, the purpose of the National Association of Wastewater Transporters Inc. is to disseminate information and act as a communication and education conduit. Consequently, NAWT developed a national certification program for inspecting onsite systems, incorporating the five management levels proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Over the past four years, more than 2,000 inspectors have passed the examination and more than 1,100 are registered on NAWT’s Web site.

As part of the project, NAWT trainers conducted “train the trainer” sessions in California, Texas and Iowa. The NAWT approach is used for continuing education programs in Arizona, Delaware, Ohio and New Mexico.

The NAWT onsite inspection course is at the operation level. It requires attendees to locate and identify all parts of the system, assess their condition, and determine if they are operating properly. Septic tanks, pump chambers, pretreatment media filters, aerobic and soil treatment units must be accessible and opened. Graduates must complete eight hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their certification.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, PARTS 1 AND 2

As a member of the Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment, or CIDWT, NAWT participates in developing standard educational materials that can be used nationwide. To date, the organization has written a University and Practitioner onsite wastewater treatment curriculum, and a comprehensive manual and training material on Operation and Maintenance. They also conducted train-the-trainer sessions on developing training courses and the use of the materials.

CIDWT training is conducted over four days, but NAWT’s Board of Directors felt it was impractical for pumpers to be away from their businesses for that long. They also felt that it was important to incorporate field and hands-on experiences. Therefore, the training was split into two, two-day sessions. The first session covers operating and maintaining septic tanks, trenches, beds, mounds and at-grades. The second session covers aerobic tanks, single pass and re-circulating media filters. Both have in-the-field opportunities and an exam. Certified service providers will be listed at www.nawt.org.

VACUUM TRUCK TECHNICIAN TRAINING

This one-day course is for new owners and employees who operate vacuum trucks to clean septic tanks, aerobic treatment units, holding tanks or grease traps. It can also serve as a refresher course and overview for experienced operators. Training is done through presentations, videos, and hands-on training using a vacuum truck. The Pennsylvania Septage Management Association developed a train-the-trainer program so the course can be presented in your state or company. Vacuum truck technician training includes:

• Basic pump 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

• Government regulations

ONSITE INSTALLER PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

This one-day course provides training and an exam to prepare for the National Environmental Health Association Certified Installer of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems credential exam. Topics covered are:

• Planning and site evaluation

• Installing sewage tanks

• Installing below ground systems

• Installing above ground systems

• Installing pumps and pump stations

• Installing media filters

To bring NAWT-sponsored training courses to your area, contact Tom Ferrero, NAWT executive director, at 336 Chestnut Lane, Ambler, Pa. 19002-1001, 800/236-6298 or e-mail tom@ferrero.bz.

3RD ANNUAL WASTE TREATMENT SYMPOSIUM

It’s time to finalize plans to attend the third annual Waste Treatment Symposium Sept. 10-11 at the Holiday Inn in Eureka, Mo. Call 636/938-6661 for room reservations and mention NAWT to receive our discounted rate. Topics include:

(Lunch included both days)

Day 1 (classroom)

Case histories

Description of the treatment process

Treatment alternatives

Economics of treatment

Dewatering operations

Belt filter press

Container filter

Rotary vacuum filter

Other treatment processes

Social hour for networking

Day 2 (in-the-field)

Tour of septage treatment facility

Septage conditioning (polymers)

Screening and grit removal

Hands-on dewatering equipment

Belt filter press

Container filter

Rotary vacuum filter

Other treatment processes

Peripheral equipment

Attendees will learn to evaluate available resources and match them to the necessary unit processes to economically and operationally develop a successful waste treatment facility. Presenters are industry leaders with firsthand experience. Vendors will give presentations about their equipment. A field trip to a septage treatment facility will introduce participants to equipment working with septage, grease trap waste and sewage sludge. The event offers a hands-on opportunity for those with disposal issues wanting to take control of their destiny. To register for the course, call NAWT at 800/236-6298 or download the application form at www.nawt.org.

RENEWING INSPECTION CERTIFICATION

Certification is good for two years. Professionals may submit CEU documentation any time during that period, but the certification is renewed only at the anniversary date. NAWT’s inspection program requires eight educational hours, basically one day of training on inspection or related onsite subjects. However, the training must occur at least six months after the certification or renewal date. NAWT’s Education Committee approves certificates received in onsite system inspections, installations, design, or operation and maintenance. It does not count hours related to municipal treatment plants, business or marketing.

SUMMARY OF NAWT RECERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Renew only at your anniversary date.

Pumpers must wait six months after certification or recertification before accumulating continuing education credits. Pumpers must verify attendance through certificates or other official documents. Three representatives from the education committee will review requests for approval. Please submit them before the event to learn if they count for continuing education credits. Generally, sessions count as long as they pertain to onsite systems. Proprietary and business courses do not qualify.