Beginning this fall, state associations can book the National Association of Wastewater Transporters one-day, eight-hour traveling waste treatment course for their annual conference. The program, compiled by Dave Gustafson and Jim Anderson from the University of Minnesota, addresses how to determine whether to build a treatment facility and what kind. Topics are taken from the classroom portion of NAWT’s Waste Treatment Symposium. The segment for newcomers includes disposal resources, treatment processes, evaluating costs, Part 503 requirements, developing a business plan, and business opportunities. The portion for people already operating facilities cover operational issues like odor control and advanced technologies such as biofuels, composting, and exceptional quality materials.
For the course to count toward CEUs, we’re asking onsite associations to provide the contact information of the individual responsible for approving course materials. NAWT will do the rest. We’d also like to include a two-hour field trip to an operating waste treatment facility, and ask associations to contact possible venues. We’ll arrange the details. As an aside, we’re planning a field trip as part of the waste treatment course next year in Louisville.
Look for the traveling waste treatment course in Michigan and California. To schedule one in your state, call NAWT at 800/236-6298. We have similar traveling programs available for our vacuum truck technician, operation and maintenance, and inspector training courses.
Recertification
NAWT requires recertification by earning eight hours of continuing education units every two years. We’re pleased when you participate in one of our training opportunities. It’s important to remember that when onsite associations invite us to present recertification training or other courses, we work with them to incorporate specific conditions of interest in the state, regulations, and environmental issues. California, Arizona and New Mexico were the first to have customized courses. This year, we’ve added Massachusetts, Indiana, Colorado and Texas.
Credits also can be obtained from many other entities including the Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International in Louisville, Ky., and university extension programs. However, be sure they physically record your presence. Without evidence of attendance, no agency or organization will accept your CEUs.
Except for the business track, the NAWT Education Committee will accept all of the Expo’s Education Day seminars and any related to onsite systems from other providers. However, the committee does not accept municipal treatment plant operator courses. Your submissions to the Education Committee for approval must show content of the particular training and evidence of completion. These credits must be obtained within one year of your certification expiration date. Before taking a course, please call the NAWT toll-free number to see if the credits apply.
NAWT Waste Treatment Symposium
It’s time to finalize your plans for the fifth annual NAWT Waste Treatment Symposium. The Symposium will be held on Sept. 15-16 in Washington, Pa.
This event will give you all you need to know about the decision-making process for taking charge of treating your own wastes. Highlighted at this year’s symposium will be case histories of companies that have been through the same decision-making process. Presentations will be given by leaders in treatment processes and vendors sharing the pros and cons of various equipment. There will be ample time to network with attendees. There also will be a field trip to a Wheeling, W.V., treatment facility where septage and grease trap waste are processed and the resulting water is discharged to a municipal sewer system. You will also see various pieces of equipment working with septage, grease trap waste and sewage sludge. Check our Web site at www.nawt.org for more information. This will be a real hands-on opportunity for those who want to take control of their disposal destiny.
