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Staying on top of alternative onsite system technologies and learning about greywater recycling are hot topics for Oregon’s industry association

Since incorporating in 1994, the Oregon Onsite Wastewater Association has focused much of its energy on an annual conference. In 2005, however, that focus expanded to support the state Department of Environmental Quality certification program. O2WA committee members developed the curriculum for associated classes presented at the conference and selected instructors from the membership.

About the same time, the association launched its scholarship program, raising money through a raffle and auction at each conference. In 2009, O2WA awarded a total of $5,500 to four recipients from among 14 applicants. The amount was greater than in 2008.

While most members are installers, the organization represents all facets of the industry — service providers, pumpers, consultants, engineers, designers and regulators. They will meet again at Red Lion Jantzen Beach in Portland on April 9-10 for the 16th Annual Oregon Onsite Wastewater Association Conference. Pumper caught up with president Brian Rabe to learn where the association is going.

Pumper:

What are the hot onsite issues in Oregon?

Rabe:

Until last year, they were certification and continuing education. The biggest thing in 2009 was the economic recession, which touched every member. The hardest hit were installers who built their businesses on relationships with building contractors. Those who diversified into pumping, repairs, and/or service work are fairing better.

Pumper:

How advanced is the state in accepting alternative treatment technologies?

Rabe:

In 2005, the code underwent significant changes, opening the door to numerous products. The first hurdle for all new manufacturers is to meet the NSF Standard 40 protocol, then to meet state code. I’m unaware of any non-approved systems operating as a pilot project. However, Oregon was home to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-funded La Pine Demonstration Project that used alternative treatment technologies in more than 49 new or retrofitted onsite systems.

Pumper:

Did the 2005 legislation require maintenance contracts for all onsite systems?

Rabe:

No, just for alternative treatment technology systems. Service providers must be certified by the DEQ and respective system manufacturers. Many pumpers or installers consider maintenance contracts an additional service. For a few, O & M is their specialty.

Pumper:

What are some major issues facing the Oregon Onsite Wastewater Association?

Rabe:

Growing and adapting to changes in the industry are probably our biggest challenges, which we address primarily through our conferences. Much of our activity throughout the year is preparing for it. We have an all-volunteer board, a handful of committee volunteers, and one part-time contract employee, making it difficult for us to juggle full-time jobs and our personal lives with the demands of the organization.

Pumper:

How do you keep your conferences fresh so members come every year?

Rabe:

For years, attendance grew slowly but steadily, with about half the registrants being regulators and designers, and half pumpers, installers and service providers. When the DEQ certification program swelled the installer ranks, we changed the conference’s dynamics. Our sessions went from emphasizing issues and case studies of interest to regulators and designers to a dedicated track for installers and service providers. This year, we have one installer track, one O & M track, and one technical track.

One of the most popular classes in 2009 was by Gordon Hanna, an attorney from Garrett Hemann Robertson, P.C., in Salem, Ore. He talked about liens and other ways contractors can ensure they will be paid. The feedback was strong, suggesting that Hanna return to speak about contracts, and that’s what he’s doing this year.

Pumper:

How will Rod Hansen’s presentation, “Financing Repairs: Loan and Grant Opportunities for Low-Income People,” be valuable to installers?

Rabe:

Installers aren’t expected to become loan advisors, but they can use the information to refer customers to the appropriate program. If the loan or grant is approved, the installer may get the job. Financing repairs is another tool to help businesses survive in tough economic times.

Pumper:

What will you cover in two technical sessions on reusing greywater?

Rabe:

When I attended the 2009 annual meeting of the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, I heard a greywater presentation by a Colorado State University professor. That spiked my interest, so I spoke to her about potential speakers and she referred me to two co-workers. Sybil Sharvelle will talk on the scientific benefits and limitation of reusing greywater and Larry Roesner, who has a greywater system at his house, will cover the practical nuts and bolts applications.

Pumper:

Are Oregonians anxious to recycle greywater?

Rabe:

As I understand the situation, Oregon’s process probably will focus on the urban environment, where the political drive is. Many urban occupants of a greener persuasion see recycling greywater as another tool to help reduce their contribution to the sanitary sewers. However, the conveyance system has the most problems during the rainy season, and plants don’t need irrigating when Mother Nature is providing plenty of it.

There will be opportunities in the rural areas, particularly in arid regions and where water is scarce. A primary advantage will be offsetting the summer demand for irrigation water by reusing greywater.

Pumper:

Why did you add an Equipment Rodeo to this year’s conference?

Rabe:

Members attending the Washington Onsite Sewage Association conference and the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association Installer Academy reported that their Roe-D-Hoes were a fun competition of speed and dexterity, and another opportunity to interact with their peers. The event also allows local vendors to showcase their equipment.

Pumper:

What is in the rule revision package that the Environmental Quality Commission recently adopted?

Rabe:

Fee increases. For years, the building boom generated enough revenue to hide the fact that onsite permit fees weren’t keeping up with inflation. They haven’t increased in more than 10 years. If the DEP onsite program is to survive, people will have to pay more.

Oregon’s legislature meets every two years, and the DEQ formed another committee to work on a rules revision package for the 2011 session. Among the changes we’d like to see is rewriting the language regarding residential and commercial onsite installations. The rules state that any contractor can install the tanks and pumps on commercial systems larger than 2,500 gpd, but only a licensed, certified installer can install the drainfield.

Meanwhile, contractors must be licensed and certified to install any part of systems smaller than 2,500 gpd. While not a common occurrence, certified installers are underbid by unlicensed contractors whose cost of doing business is lower because they don’t have the expense of specialized certification and licensing. We want the language to read that all contractors must be certified and licensed to install these systems, regardless of size. It’s a matter of fairness and professionalism.

Brian Rabe may be reached at 541/812-6639 or brian.rabe@cascade-earth.com.



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