The National Association of Wastewater Transporters has been an industry leader in the education of practicing professionals. Recently we were asked to report on our education activities as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Memorandum of Understanding discussions.
Since 2007, NAWT certification courses on system inspection, operation and maintenance, system installation, vacuum truck driver training and septage treatment facilities have been offered 79 times with 2,900 professionals attending. While these are good numbers, we hope to do even better in the future as we expand our programs to additional states and begin to establish online education opportunities. NAWT continues to explore new ways to educate industry professionals and provide leadership to address the needs of the profession through education activities.
If you visit the NAWT website, www.nawt.org, you will have the opportunity to review and comment on a set of draft standards to conduct a hydraulic load test during system inspections for point-of-sale real estate transactions. There have been many questions raised about how such tests should be conducted, and the NAWT Education Committee has taken on the task of providing a specific approach. If you are interested, please review the draft standards and comment. We will summarize comments and modify the standards based on the feedback we receive from practicing professionals.
Another resource available to NAWT members on the website is a spreadsheet to help estimate the costs of starting a dewatering facility for the treatment of septage. Todd Frank, while working for NAWT last summer as an intern, in conjunction with the Education Committee, developed the spreadsheet. It was introduced at the October waste treatment workshop in Jackson, Calif., and received excellent reviews from the professionals in attendance. The spreadsheet also will be highlighted during the NAWT sessions at the Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International Education Day in Indianapolis. Continue to read this column for updates on these activities and others in the future.
NAWT Officer Nominations
Approval of candidates will be requested at the NAWT annual meeting held in Indianapolis during the Pumper & Cleaner Expo. Additional nominations must be made in writing two weeks prior to the annual meeting for names to be placed on the official ballot. Nominations must be received in the NAWT Three Lakes, Wis., office by Feb. 13 or submitted electronically at info@nawt.org.
NAWT Board Meeting and State Association Breakfast
On Monday evening, Feb 27, following Education Day courses at the Pumper & Cleaner Expo, the NAWT Board of Directors will conduct a face-to-face business meeting in Room 109 at the Indiana Convention Center. Members of state associations and others interested in learning about NAWT affiliation are welcome to attend and get to know us.
On Wednesday at 7:30 a.m., Feb 29, we will hold the state association breakfast, where the NAWT Excellence in Service award, COLE Publishing Ralph Macchio Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Wm. Hapchuk Scholarship will all be announced. The breakfast also will be held in Room 109 at the Indiana Convention Center. Please come by, have a complimentary breakfast and take part in the award recognition. Also, anyone interested in forming a state association or sharing their problems should attend.
Feedback Requested
Please go to our website, www.nawt.org, and review the Education Sub-committee draft presentation on Hydraulic Load Test Standards and submit comments to info@nawt.org.
