The response to the Region 9 EPA funded COWA scholarship offering was so positive we completed the 50 scholarship allotment 5 months ahead of the contract completion date. We are pleased that co-regulators from local agencies, state and regional water boards and tribal representatives all took advantage of these valuable scholarships. COWA will continue to spread the word on the Underground Injection Control program as we understand the relevancy to onsite wastewater. Please click on the link for more information about the Federal Underground Injection Control Regulations, or attend any of the COWA trainings where the topic will be discussed.

Much thanks to Region 9 EPA and to all those who took the time to learn more about the Decentralized Wastewater option. We hope to see you in future COWA Educational events.

2013 Training Calendar
March 20, 2013 San Francisco EcoCenter	COWA Integrated Water Technologies-Hosted at the San Francisco EcoCenter, a project of Literacy for Environmental Justice, Jennings St.. & Cargo Way, San Francisco, CA 94124.Trainers: Kit Rosefield and guests.Online registration for this event. Visit the event website. View this event’s agenda. Take a tour of the EcoCenter through the perspective of the Bayview Hunter's Point BAYCAT youth!
April 24-25, 2013 Salinas, CA	New this year COWA Soils, Hydrogeology and Site Assessment- Hosted by Monterey County at the Holiday Inn Express, 195 Kern St., Salinas, CA. Trainers: Shane Cummings PG, CHG, CEG and Debra Robertson REHS. Online Registration for this event. Visit the event website. Visit this event's agenda. The Holiday Inn Express is offering a special rate of $84 for training attendees. You can register online Holiday Inn Express Salinas and select "State Government-US" under Rate Preference drop down box or call them directly at 831-737-1160 and ask for "State Government Rate."

You can download a PDF of the 2013 Training Calendar

Course Descriptions

New this year COWA Integrated Water Technologies
To kick off the new COWA vision that recognizes all onsite water resources, we are pleased to hold this event in collaboration with the  LEJ Eco Center in San Francisco. In this program we will discuss the opportunities and concerns around rainwater harvesting, storm water management and grey water reclamation/reuse and it’s benefits/impacts to onsite wastewater treatment. All water resources are relevant and COWA believes the integrated approach is the wave of the future.

New this year COWA Soils, Hydrogeology and Site Assessment
Based on the CIDWT Water Movement in Soil educational materials we have improved and expanded the original COWA flagship program “Science of Soils” to include a better understanding of water movement in soil with additional hands on activities. We welcome to our Soils team of Pam Clifton and Carl Rittiman, Shane Cummings, a professional Hydro geologist from the Chico area.

New this year COWA Low Pressure Pipe & Drip Dispersal Design
Developed and delivered by COWA’s own Nick Weigel this over view of the basics of designing Low Pressure Pipe and Drip Dispersal systems is adapted from CIDWT materials and will help all practitioners better understand the importance of soil application rates and even distribution of primary and advanced treated effluent. The program includes materials from the California Wastewater Training & Research Center and the Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment.

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 2013 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- Jensen PreCast

Course costs for 2013:

• 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