Regulators participate in Model Code workshops
NOWRA and the U.S. EPA sponsored Model Code Workshops in Lexington, Ky., and Baltimore, Md., last spring. Regulators and policy officials learned how to use the Model Code Framework, developed to guide state and localities in addressing conflicts with the permitting and use of decentralized systems.
The workshops covered how to evaluate, revise, or develop codes governing onsite systems, reasons for doing so, industry issues, and a problem-solving group activity. Participants reported that the primary challenges affecting their efforts to revise onsite codes included political opposition, disagreement among groups outside the regulatory environment, lack of interest from the onsite industry, and lack of available information on the long-term performance of onsite systems.
NOWRA and EPA are sponsoring one final workshop, date and location undetermined. To suggest a city, call 800/966-2942 or e-mail executivedirector@nowra.com. More information on the Model Code is at www.modelcode.org.
Call for papers
NOWRA is accepting abstract submissions for its annual Technical Exhibition and Conference in Memphis, Tenn., at the Cook Convention Center, April 7-10, 2008. The conference theme is Past, Present & Future: Water’s Value is a Constant.
Papers should address technical case studies with limited data, research projects with larger data sets, and policy topics dealing with regulations and management. Formats include posters, 30- to 45-minute breakout or plenary sessions, panel discussions, and topic-focused seminars. Download a submission form and instructions from www.nowra.org/abstracts.html. Questions about the applicability of topics should be discussed with committee chair Sara Christopherson by e-mailing shc@umn.edu or calling 612/625-7243. Abstracts are due by Sept. 7.
Cesspools prevalent in Suffolk County, N.Y.
The Long Island Liquid Waste Association Inc. (LILWA) reports that despite efforts to raise public awareness about the dangers of old-fashioned, block-construction cesspools through press releases, posted warnings, and reprinted articles from other sources, yet another life was claimed.
The victim, a husband and father, drove a one-ton, heavy-duty lawn mower over the 6-foot deep underground vault. When the 60-year-old structure collapsed, the mower pinned the man against a wall of the cesspool and he was unable to free himself. It was unclear whether he died from injuries or from drowning.
LILWA is calling on government agencies and the media to join its renewed efforts to alert residents of Suffolk County and other localities of the dangers lurking beneath their properties, and the measures homeowners can take to avoid unnecessary injuries or fatalities.
Safety through poetry
The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) is driving home the message of safety in the workplace through poems by Don Merrell, a training administrator at J.R. Simplot Co. in Boise, Idaho.
“I Chose to Look the Other Way” focuses on the difficulty of talking to co-workers about safety and the consequences of not doing so. “It’s Up to Me” is an outline in rhyme of what individuals can do to make a difference where safety is concerned. Merrell says that people are more open to and better able to remember ideas in rhyme. The poems are a free download at www.nuca.com/files/public/Don_Merrell_Poems.pdf.
NUCA’s training programs include Excavation Safety/Competent Person, Confined Space Entry, and refresher courses for both. Contact an instructor in your area about upcoming classes, or to schedule them for your company, contact George Kennedy at 518/885-2560 or e-mail gkennedy @nycap.rr.com.
Better communication
The May newsletter of the Florida Onsite Wastewater Associ-ation lists ways to strengthen the bond between employees and management by improving communication skills. Written by psychologist Dr. Mimi Hull, the article suggests:
• Setting quarterly forums where workers can talk with decision makers about issues that are important to them. Facilitators should not become discouraged if the forums focus first on areas of dissatisfaction. “Making an effort to address issues and report progress creates more productive meetings,” writes Hull.
• Improving credibility. Facili-tators must do what they commit to do.
• Finding new ways of sharing information. Management may want to start an internal newsletter and highlight an employee who is going the extra mile.
• Treating employees as partners and communicating the good and the bad news. Hoarding information because of the fear its effects may have on others is unwise. The grapevine is usually worse than reality, and sharing information may produce new solutions to old problems.
FOG not a problem
Pumpers faced with nowhere to dispose of fats, oils, and grease may have a new champion. Engineers at North Carolina State University-Raleigh have developed a technology that can potentially transform most fat sources into aviation fuel.
The Centia biofuels process is 100 percent green, according to William Roberts, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at the NCSU Applied Energy Research Laboratory. Additionally, Centia potentially can create fuel for gasoline-powered automobiles, as well as make additives for cold weather biodiesel fuels. Visit www.diversified-energy. com/index.cfm?s_webAction=centia.
