The program displays the reading you want for your tank based on the stub-out reading, distance to the tank, and the inlet height of the tank you are installing. You start by entering the measurement at the stub-out. Then enter the distance from the stub-out to where the tank will be set.

Touch Select Tank, then choose your tank from the Picker Wheel. Press Calculate to get your measurement for the depth to set your tank. There is a double picker wheel if you are installing two tanks of different sizes and a triple picker wheel if you have three tanks of different sizes to install. The software is pre-populated with a list of common size tanks. You can edit the name of any tank, inlet height or outlet height from the Edit tab. You can also add your own tanks, delete tanks you don’t want, or change the fall rate to the tank.

Find the app on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/septic/id492151390?ls=1&mt=8.

See it at the Gordon & Hardisty Software website at http://web.me.com/ghardisty/Septic/Septic_Tank_Installation_Tool.html.

The video, “A Family Tradition,” shows company founder Ed Malzahn, his granddaughter and current CEO Tiffany Sewell-Howard, and company employees describing the importance of the Ditch Witch organization to its hometown of Perry, Okla., and to the underground construction industry. The videos posted on the “I Make America” website present real-life stories of workers in communities large and small and show how they help “make America.” 

In September 2010, the “I Make America” program was launched by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) to promote manufacturing jobs through infrastructure investment and export agreements as ways to create and sustain American jobs. In its first year, the program registered more than 13,000 people as official supporters, plus more than 850 AEM member companies and other industry organizations.

The ultimate goal is to persuade Congress to pass legislation that will create more manufacturing jobs for American workers. Visit www.imakeamerica.com.

1. Deploy a new NOWRA website during the first quarter

2. Form a task force to lobby federal and state governments to increase awareness of the need for and the benefits of decentralized systems and to gain more equity in government grant and loan programs (by mid-February).

3. Provide decentralized treatment training at the Pumper & Cleaner Expo (in Indianapolis Feb. 27-March 1).

4. Hold a successful Annual Conference (April 2-5 in Providence, R.I.)

5. Provide a distance learning platform to state affiliates by April 5.

6. Form a task force to develop a strategy for promoting regulatory reform through the use of NOWRA’s Model Code (by March 1).

7. Update the Septic Locator (by June 1).

8. Develop Roe-D-Hoe rules and have games available for use by state affiliates (by June 30).

9. Develop a content-rich online resource library for members (by year’s end).

10. Offer distance learning classes (by year’s end).

11. Develop designer training for use by state affiliates (by year’s end).

“These goals are strategic and important for our industry,” Otis wrote. “The board believes these goals can be met, but we need help from our members. Please join one of NOWRA’s committees to help your association achieve these goals.”

You can find the list of the committees, their mission statements, and the committee chairs at www.nowra.org. (Committees are for member only, of course.)

The hydraulic drive system uses a stacked, in-line hydraulic pump configuration that eliminates vertical shafts and belts or flywheel reduction systems. Fully hydrostatic ground drive allows simple skid-steer-style steering. Operators can quickly understand the hand controls – one hand to mobile, two hands to trench. 

A solid, adjustable trail wheel helps keep the unit stable and reduces breakover when loading, unloading, and traveling over curbs and other uneven terrain. To keep the trencher boom in the ground or maintain down pressure when placing the boom in the ground, the trail wheel gives the operator a point of leverage besides the track undercarriage.

The RT12, RT20 and RT24 are powered by 12, 20, and 24 hp Honda engines. The RT16 is equipped with a 16 hp Briggs & Stratton Vanguard engine.  

Options include a choice of high-flotation tires, or a heavy-duty DuraTrak track system for traction and stability over rough and uneven terrain. A wide variety of digging chains are available for different soil conditions. DuraTooth digging teeth are high in tungsten carbide for long life. Visit www.ditchwitch.com.

The unit has a 500-pound SAE-rated operating capacity with a 1,430-pound tipping capacity. A four-pump hydraulic system provides performance and efficiency when powering attachments. A single pilot-operated joystick makes the machine easy to maneuver and use.

Owners can customize the machine with engine and track options. A Kubota 24.8 hp diesel engine is for using attachments requiring high engine torque. A Kohler EFI 27 hp gasoline engine will be available later this year, offering lower fuel consumption, easy maintenance, improved starting and cleaner emissions.

A narrow 7-inch track provides a small machine footprint for tight work areas, such as landscaping and residential construction. The standard 9-inch track offers reduced ground pressure for increased flotation and stability.

A spring-cushioned platform provides cushioning on the front and side for support when working in rough terrain. An operator presence system suspends ground drive and attachment motion if the operator steps off the machine. LED warning lights offer high excellent visibility and long life. A rear panel and side shields provide easy service access. Visit www.vermeer.com.

“This approval is huge given Wisconsin’s recognized leadership in mound research and application for the safe dispersal of effluent,” said Colin Bishop, REHS, RS, director of sales and government relations for Anua. The Puraflo system uses peat fiber with high lignin content for long media life. The peat fiber biofilter is described as a versatile, green-friendly, low energy solution with reliable operation and low maintenance.

The system is designed to handle 150 gpd and produce effluent with less than 10 mg/l BOD and TSS and less than 5 mg/l ammonia. Bishop said the system suitable for seasonal or intermittent use and is an alternative for communities seeking sustainable wastewater treatment systems. Visit www.anua-us.com.

“The plan...included several recommendations on ways to reduce the amount of phosphorous entering the lake and its tributaries from septic systems,” the news article stated. “Some suggestions, most notably the proposal to have all septic systems pumped and inspected once every three years, have already been implemented in West Milford, which contains the entire New Jersey end of the Greenwood Lake watershed.

“Yet others, like the proposal to have as many as 72 homes install potentially bank-breaking alternate water treatment systems, will take some resourcefulness to be realized...”

The On-Site Wastewater Treatment Prioritization Plan for West Milford was designed to reduce phosphorus by 43 percent. Greenwood Lake has been designated as impaired, and if it is to lose that classification, phosphorus loadings must be reduced. The 43 percent reduction could eliminate nearly 750,000 pounds of algae from the lake annually per year, sources said.

NOWRA now endorses errors and omissions insurance as protection against the consequences of mistakes. “Nobody’s perfect,” observes executive director Eric Casey. “Even a business with the best employees and solid business practices can make mistakes. In addition, chances are installers will work with subcontractors. No matter how carefully they are selected, the installer has limited control over contractors' ability to avoid mistakes.”

For all these reasons, says Casey, business owners in the onsite industry who provide professional design or inspection services should carry errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. Even one lawsuit from a client can damage a firm’s reputation and cause financial strain.

A solid E&O policy can give its owner the security needed to come out on the positive side of a bad situation. It covers a company in case a client holds it responsible for a service provided that did not have the expected or promised results. It is similar in many ways to malpractice insurance for doctors. Most E&O policies cover judgments, settlements and legal defense costs, and typically cover both salaried and hourly employees, as well as subcontractors.

Mistakes made while providing engineering, design or inspection-related services are considered professional liability risks and are not covered by commercial general liability policies. Even if the owner is not at fault, litigation is time-consuming and expensive. In addition, more potential clients – especially larger organizations – are requiring E&O coverage in their RFPs.

NOWRA has recently endorsed E&O coverage offered through Alteris. Included as part of the company’s SeptiCover insurance program, this policy is specifically designed for the risks faced by onsite system designers and inspectors. It is a stand-alone policy: It does not have to be purchased in conjunction with any other insurance. The annual premium for $250,000 in coverage is $750; for $1 million coverage, the premium is $1,250.

Visit http://www.nowra.org/documents/2011/SeptiCover2Summary.pdf.

As part of the acquisition, ADS entered a long-term, nonexclusive distribution agreement with Infiltrator Systems and will continue to market and sell its Arc and BioDiffuser product lines. The ADS chamber line includes the Arc 18, Arc 24, Arc 36, Arc 36LP and Arc 36HC chambers as well as BioDiffuser chambers.

“We are excited about the opportunity to expand our product offering to themarketplace,” stated Roy Moore, president and CEO of Infiltrator Systems. “Customers will continue to receive a broad array of products that best suit their needs as well as ISI’s high quality support and individualized service."

Joe Chlapaty, chairman and CEO of ADS, added, “This is a win-win for the industry. The agreement allows ADS to continue to compete vigorously for septic leachfield product sales by distributing Arc and BioDiffuser products manufactured by ISI as well as ADS’s other septic leachfield products.”