The National Association of Wastewater Technicians is pleased to announce Kit Rosefield as the recipient of this year's Excellence in Service Award. Kit is a retired Qualified Service Provider turned educator who resides in Northern California. Wastewater consultant Mike Treinen, REHS, says, "Kit has made it his journey to upgrade both the knowledge and professional reputation of the onsite wastewater industry."

Kit has worked as an active member of the NAWT Board of Directors representing the California Onsite Wastewater Association. He represents NAWT on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Decentralized Wastewater MOU Partnership, and serves on many other NAWT committees. Kit's actions are above and beyond the call of duty and he accepts responsibilities that result in benefits to the industry.

Come shake Kit's hand as he accepts this year's award at the Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International. The award will be given at the NAWT State Association Breakfast Feb. 27 in Room 109 at the Indiana Convention Center. Thank you, Kit, for all you have done.

Join NAWT Training at the 2013 Pumper & Cleaner Expo

At the end of the month, many of us will be heading to Indianapolis to attend the Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International. Indy was a great location for the Pumper & Cleaner Expo in 2012 and everyone seemed to really enjoy it.

Don't forget the pre-Expo courses NAWT hosts every year. The two days prior to the Expo, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 23-24, we'll be kicking off the Expo with opportunities to get new certificates or get the CEUs you need to maintain certification. It's not too late to sign up and take one of three classes we offer.

The two-day Onsite Inspector Training Course will be available along with a new class called Principles of Septic System Design. Also on Sunday, the one-day Vacuum Truck Technician Training Course will be offered. If you have any questions about these courses or want to register, please call the NAWT office.

Joint NAWT now

There's no time like the present, so get your new NAWT membership or renew your membership and see what NAWT can do for you. Independent/company membership is $150/$300 and you will get $100 off registration for the pre-Expo training and certification. Other benefits include one free admission to the Expo (a $70 value), annual subscription to Pumper magazine, 20 percent off your Verizon Wireless bill, and many other member services.

When is the last time you checked your insurance coverage? Have you looked at the SeptiCover plan? You can get this plan and keep your current insurance agent, but this plan has all the necessary coverage we need in the industry and may not be included in your current plan. Better safe than sorry; check your policy and compare it to SeptiCover.

Meet the NAWT board of directors

Following our two-day Expo warm-up, the real show begins with exhibits, networking, educational opportunities and more. Monday, Feb. 25, is Education Day and NAWT is providing a lineup of speakers with valuable information for you and your company. Join us and welcome these representatives and experts from the industry. That evening, after Education Day, the NAWT Board of Directors will meet for a business meeting. Join us to learn about NAWT affiliations and meet the current board members. The meeting will be held in Room 109 at the Indiana Convention Center.

Summary of NAWT Recertification Requirements

1. Have eight hours (one day) of training on inspection or related onsite wastewater subjects to recertify.

2. Renew only at the anniversary date.

3. There is a six-month waiting period from the time of certification or recertification to begin accumulating continuing education credit hours.

4. Sessions count as long as they pertain directly to decentralized onsite systems. Proprietary sessions and business sessions will not be approved.

5. The NAWT Education Committee suggests that, if possible, you request approval prior to the event. This will help avoid the situation where you get surprised after attending an event that it is not accepted. A subcommittee of three representatives from the education committee will review requests for approval.

6. Documentation of attendance is required through a certificate or some other official document or letter.

The credential registration fee is:

1. $150 for non-NAWT members and non-NAWT courses used for continuing education.

2. $35 for NAWT members and non-NAWT courses used for continuing education, $50 for approved NAWT education partner courses and $0 for NAWT courses used for continuing education (the credential fee is part of the registration fee).

3. You have a one-year grace period after your anniversary date for obtaining continuing education credits. During the grace period, your NAWT certification credential is not valid, but will be reinstated upon successful completion of the continuing education approval. After the grace period, you must begin the certification process as if you had never taken the NAWT training.