A track of seminars presented by the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) highlights the education lineup at the 2009 Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International, Feb. 25-28 in Louisville, Ky.
The NOWRA program is part of Education Day on Wednesday, Feb. 25. The complete program includes 46 seminars presented by industry experts across the full range of environmental service industries. Seminars are also offered on Thursday and Friday mornings.
A summary of the NOWRA program follows. The presenters for all the seminars are Ted Loudon, private consultant and past president of NOWRA, and Mark Hooks, regional regulatory consultant with Infiltrator Systems Inc. For a complete seminar schedule, see the Expo pages in this issue of Onsite Installer.
Overview and Industry Trends: Wastewater Chemistry and Biology
After an overview of the evolution of wastewater treatment, Loudon and Hooks will describe the basic science that influences wastewater treatment and the variable characteristics that affect methods used to treat wastewater. The seminar will include a NOWRA overview, member benefits, and new opportunities.
Soil and Site Evaluation Overview
Professionals in onsite installation need a baseline understanding of the soil parameters controlling the efficacy of treatment and the ability to recognize important site issues. Loudon and Hooks will talk about soil morphology, landscape description, interpretation of data, and non-soil data.
Septic Tanks: Function, Inspection, Installation and Troubleshooting
What goes on inside a septic tank once the onsite system is operational? Loudon and Hooks will describe wastewater treatment processes, design features that improve tank function and facilitate operation and maintenance, and the importance of tank capacity and structural integrity.
Aerobic Treatment Units and Media Filters
Compared with conventional septic tanks, ATUs break down organic matter more efficiently, achieve quicker decomposition of organic solids, and reduce the concentration of pathogens in the wastewater. Loudon and Hooks will highlight the principles of treating wastewater using ATUs and media filters, and focus on the effluent quality parameters that may affect design and use. They will describe various units and media including sand, peat, and recirculating filters.
Pumps and Controls: Function and Troubleshooting
Pumps are the heartbeat of pressurized onsite systems. Loudon and Hooks will detail the design, component selection, and configuration of systems to deliver effluent under pressure. They will describe the different pumps and their associated purposes.
Operation and Maintenance of Systems
Modern treatment technologies are highly mechanical and require more management than conventional septic tanks and stone beds. With proper design and a thorough maintenance program, contemporary onsite systems should perform well and treat wastewater for a long time. Loudon and Hooks’ seminar will provide basic information for ensuring long-term system reliability through regular, intensive maintenance schedules.
Here are several other Expo presentations of interest to onsite installers, soil testers, design engineers, and maintenance service providers:
Wednesday, Feb. 25 (Education Day)
• How to Work with Regulators and Regulations – Tony Smithson, National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)
• Pumpers and O&M: Providing the Full Service – Craig Gilbertson, Onsite Wastewater Section Chair, NEHA
• Routine Maintenance Inspections: Increase Profits While Lowering Cost to System Owner – Kit Rosefield, NEHA
• Using the Certified Installer Credential to Help Your Business – Christl Tate, NEHA
Thursday, Feb. 26
• Providing Decentralized Wastewater Sustainability – Eric Evans, Aquatest
To find out more about the education program or any other Expo offering, visit www.pumpershow.com. Register online or by calling 800/257-7222.
