California Onsite Wastewater Association

Education and Training Calendar

Important Changes to Training Calendar!!! Due to multiple requests, the November Training in Mill Valley, CA changed to O&M 1 from O&M2!

Important News!!! COWA Approved Accrediting Agency for REHS CEU Program

The California Onsite Wastewater Association is very pleased to announce that we have been approved by the California Department of Public Health as an Accrediting Agency for the REHS CEU program. Beginning with our upcoming Science of Soils class in May, and continuing with our other trainings, we will be offering Continuation Education Credits now required for all Registered Environmental Health Specialists. This represents another significant step in our goal to provide value to our members as well as the industry as a whole. Please check out the training calendar below for more information.

Mark Adams
President

COWA TRAINING FOR 2010

COWA is also moving forward with our partner organizations and agencies. Last year COWA events were hosted in the facilities of numerous local agencies. All of our 2010 programs are scheduled to be hosted through such partnerships. To learn more about partnering with COWA and hosting an event email Kit Rosefield, COWA E&T Chair at kit@septicguy.com or call 530-513-6658.

With our MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC), COWA and RCAC have agreed to work collaboratively in promoting our industry, particularly in the area of education. With that, we would like to share news about RCAC’s upcoming trainings. If you are interested, please click here.

NAWT Onsite Wastewater Systems Inspector Training and Certification
There is a growing trend in the onsite industry where regulatory agencies, financial institutions, and builders are requiring that onsite practitioners show documentation of education and training for onsite systems inspection and management. This two day course, developed by the National Association of Wastewater Transporters (NAWT) delivers critical education and skills needed to implement standardized procedures in the inspection and management of conventional onsite systems.

Operation & Maintenance Service Provider Training Program
This national training program presents a standardized method for evaluating the status of treatment, distribution and dispersal technologies used in advanced onsite wastewater treatment systems. It establishes a benchmark standard for operation, maintenance and monitoring activities. This program is delivered in two parts.
Part 1, Introduction to O&M is a two day course that covers an industry overview, discusses Business and Ethics, Wastewater Math, Safety, Wastewater Characteristics and details technologies such as Tanks, Pumps, Demand Dosing, Gravity and Low Pressure Pipe distribution systems as well as at and above grade soil treatment applications. Completion of the NAWT Inspector program is recommended for success of Part 1. A certificate is issued for the successful completion of this part of the program.
Part 2 is an advanced course expanding into Timed Dosing, Recirculation Ratios, and treatment technologies including Aerobic Treatment Units, Media Filters, Disinfection and Drip Dispersal. The Advanced program is a two day course and includes an afternoon “hands on” field session. A certificate is issued for the successful completion of this part of the program. Participation in Part 1 is required before taking Part 2.

The Science of Soils and Onsite Wastewater Disposal
This one day course explores and identifies the variety of soil structures and types that may be encountered in the field. Participants will learn the components that compose a professional soil profile description, and will gain an understanding of the important role the soils play in the operation of all types of onsite wastewater systems. A valuable field component engages participants in open trench profiling practicing the evaluation of color, texture, and structure of soils in various test pits under the supervision of the trainer.

OWTS System Controls
This one day program begins with discussion of control functions such as demand and timed dosing, sequencing, recirculation, flushing, data logging and remote communication. You will learn about various types of control sensors, valves, panels and pumps and will take part in hands on demonstrations of the testing and maintenance functions of multiple types of control systems including analog, digital and telemetry. Various panel manufacturers will be on hand to demonstrate the unique features of their control systems.

OWTS Installation
This new two day course was developed by the Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment (CIDWT) and prepares OWTS installers for certification by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA.) The two day comprehensive program covers everything from site layout to component bedding, leveling, piping, slope, final grading and compaction. Discussions also include system serviceability, start up and the relationships with Designers, Regulators and Service Providers. This course is a must for Installers considering involvement with engineered systems and packaged treatment units.

If you are interested in receiving updated training information please email us at: COWAemail@gmail.com . Minimum registration is 25 people.

Dates are tentative until exact locations for classes are confirmed and posted.
Suggestions for classroom sites are always welcome.

COWA Trainers for 2010 include:

Pam Clifton, Von Geldern Engineering
Carl Rittiman – Carl Rittiman & Associates
David "Kit" Rosefield, Onsite Wastewater Management
Mike Treinen, Treinen Consulting
Nick Weigel - Northstar Engineering

Course costs for 2010:

OWTS Inspector Certification: Two days Member - $350, Non-member - $450
Operation & Maintenance 1: Two days Member - $400, Non-member - $500
Operation & Maintenance 2: Two days Member - $400, Non-member - $500
Science of Soils: One day Member - $225, Non-member - $300

Costs for other training programs to be announced shortly.

Other Information

National NAWT Certified Inspector Directory - here