Education and Training Calendar
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.
| 2012 Training Calendar | |
| February 28-29, 2012 |
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| March 1, 2012 | COWA/NAWT Vacuum Truck Operator Training- Hosted by the City Of Malibu, 23825 Stuart Ranch Rd, Malibu, CA. Trainers: Bruce Fox. REHS CEU contact hours = 8 hours. Online registration for this event. Visit the event website. View this event’s agenda. |
| March 15, 2012 | OWTS System Controls Course- Hosted by Sacramento County EHD, 10590 Armstrong Ave, Sacramento, CA. Trainers: Mark Gross PhD, P.E. and Kit Rosefield. REHS CEU contact hours = 8 hours. Online registration for this event. Visit the event website. View this event’s agenda. |
| March 16, 2012 | Basics of Wastewater Analysis and Troubleshooting- Hosted by Sacramento County EHD, 10590 Armstrong Ave., Sacramento, CA. Trainer: Mark Gross, PhD, P.E.. REHS CEU contact hours = 8 hours. Online registration for this event. Visit the event website. View this event’s agenda. |
You can download a PDF of the 2012 Training Calendar
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.
Principles of Plan Checking
A need to know program for anyone who reviews plans. Designers, Regulators, Installers, O&M Service Providers and Suppliers who bid jobs will all gain from this informative course. You will learn about proper specification writing, accessibility issues and how to verify compatibility of components.
Vacuum Truck Operation
This entry level program is a great tool for Liquid Waste Haulers to train new employees. It covers everything from the basics of safety, truck inspections, proper tank pumping procedures and rules of the road for professional drivers.
Waste Treatment Workshop
Talk about exciting! The ever increasing cost of liquid waste disposal has created a whole new opportunity in our industry. Independent Liquid Waste Haulers around the country are finding the benefits of not only dewatering, but resource recovery including composting and biogas production. A very inspiring and informative course.
If you are interested in receiving updated training information please email us at: COWAemail@gmail.com . Minimum registration is 20 people.
Dates are tentative until exact locations for classes are confirmed and posted.
Suggestions for classroom sites are always welcome.
COWA Trainers for 2011 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
- Jacque Sommers- SOS- Superior Onsite Solutions
- Mike Elliott- Orenco Systems Inc.
Course costs for 2011:
- 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
- System Controls: One day Member - $225, Non-member - $300
- Installation of OWTS: One day Member - $225, Non-member - $300
- Principles of Plan Checking: One day Member - $225, Non-member - $300
- Recertification for all NAWT programs: Member - $250, Non-member- $350
Costs for other training programs to be announced shortly.
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




COWA/NAWT Inspector Course- Hosted by the City of Los Angeles at the
COWA/NAWT Vacuum Truck Operator Training- Hosted by the City Of Malibu, 