Courses offered by the OWT Program

The NE Onsite Wastewater Training Program offers 25 different courses covering virtually all aspects of onsite wastewater treatment. Not sure which classes you should take? Check out these course tracks - these outline courses that are required in order to perform certain tasks such as intalling a bottomless sand filter, conducting a system inspection, etc.

Audience: Courses are generally geared toward Wastewater Practitioners, though many courses and workshops serve a broader audience, including municipal officials and interested citizens. Most courses are approved for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for Rhode Island licensed designers and soil evaluators. Certain courses may also be used for Massachusetts Title V Continuing Education Contact Hours. Continuing Education credits may be available for other states with such requirements.

Length: Courses range from one-half day (4.5 hours) to two days in length - please consult the course descriptions for details. Half-day courses are held either in the morning (8am to 12:30pm) or in the evening (3pm to 7:30pm); full day courses run from 8am to 5pm - please see specific course descriptions for details. Lunch is generally not provided, though there are refreshments for mid-morning and mid-afternoon breaks.

Scheduling: Courses are held throughout the year, though fewer are offered in the summer months when most practitioners are in the busiest portion of the year. Some courses are offered once per year, others are offered every other year or on a demand basis, while certain courses are offered multiple times within a single calendar year. Courses offered multiple times per year are generally those that are required in order to install or design particular I&A components, perform inspections, or to provide maintenance by the RI DEM or certain Rhode Island townships. The 2009 course schedule is available below, and an Adobe pdf file of our annual course flyer is available here.

Registration: Courses are open to all interested parties, but it should be recognized that some courses have prerequisites (listed in the course descirptions) to ensure that participants have appropriate background knowledge. You may register for courses via US Mail or in person by submitting a registration form. Payment can be made in the form of check or money order made out to URI Cooperative Extension - credit card payment is not accepted. Policies regarding registration cancellation,transfers, and refunds are stated at the bottom of this page.

Courses offered by the NE OWT Program
Conventional Onsite Wastewater Treatment Basics for Installers (OWT 100)
Innovative & Alternative Technology Overview (OWT 105)
Surveying Basics for the Onsite Wastewater Contractor (OWT 110)
Surveying Techniques for the Wasterwater Professional (OWT 115)
RI Designer Examination Prep (OWT 120)
Bottomless Sand Filter (BSF) Design and Installation (OWT 125)
Hands-on Component Installation (OWT 130)
All About Series: Septic Tanks (OWT 135)
All About Series: Sand Media (OWT 140)
Pumps and Control Panels (OWT 145)
AutoCALCS - Automated BSF Pump Sizing, Pump Calcs, & Support Materials (OWT 150)
Regulatory Setbacks & Buffers (OWT 155)
Nitrogen in the Environment and Onsite Wastewater Systems (OWT 160)
Media Filters (OWT 165)
Microbiology for Wastewater Professionals (OWT 170)
Identifying and Managing High Strength Wastewater (OWT 175)
NEW--Design of Conventional Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWT 180)
NEW--Designing Nitrogen Removal Technologies (OWT185)
Conventional Onsite Wastewater System Inspection (INSP 100)
NEW--Functional Inspections (INSP 150)
National Operation and Maintenance Service Provider Program (INSP 200)
Rhode Island Wastewater Information System Overview (RIWIS)
Site Specific Soil Mapping (SITE)

Courses in Soil Science offered by Dr. Mark Stolt
Soils Basics forthe Onsite Wastewater Contractor (Soils 101)
Advanced Soil Morphology Two Day Course (Soils 209)

OWT100 - Conventional Onsite Wastewater System Basics for Installers

This class is excellent preparation for the RIDEM INstaller's Examination, which is generally scheduled one week following this class. Join OWTP and RIDEM ISDS Staff for this fundamental course to understand septic system regulations, definitions, and application and permit requirements. Learn about your responsibilities, RI State regulations, components of a conventional onsite wastewater treatment system and their function, contaminants in wastewater effluent and their fates, soils and wastewater movement and treatment, basic wastewater mathematics, design overview, installation and inspection issues, and general safety issues. Instructors: Brian Moore, NE OWTP Staff.
Scheduled for September 3, 2009
1 full day course (8AM-5PM) 4 RIDEM CEUs
Class Fee - $140/$165 (late)
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

OWT105 - Innovative & Alternative (I&A) Technology Overview

This course is required in order to be eligible to take OWT125, OWT150 and INSP 200 courses.

Learn about the regulatory status of I&A systems; selecting the proper system for your site; the treatment train process and standards; and wastewater distribution issues. We will also teach you about pump controls, alarms, and timers; the basic components common to most I &A technologies; media filters – sand, trickle and bio-filters (foam, peat, textile); extended aeration and fixed activated sludge systems; composting and incinerating toilets; drainfield options; and operation, maintenance, and inspection requirements. Instructors: Brian Moore, NEOWTC Staff.
Scheduled for January 29, May 14, and September 17, 2009
1 full day course (8AM-5PM) 4 RIDEM CEUs
Class Fee - $140/$165 (late)
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

OWT110 - Surveying Basics for the Onsite Wastewater Contractor

This course is geared for the Installer who wants to familiarize him/herself with benchmark/elevation transfers, plan interpretation and transferring the plan information to the ground surface. This class is all indoors, but hands-on practice with equipment will be provided Instructor: Steven Pinch (Steven Pinch land Surveying, Wakefield, RI).
Scheduled forAugust 6, 2009
1/2 day course (3PM-7:30PM) 2 RIDEM CEUs
Registration Fee - $105/$130 (late)
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

OWT115 - Surveying Techniques for the Wastewater Professional

This course is geared for the professional who wants to familiarize him/herself with all aspects of surveying, location of physical features and elevation surveys. This class is part indoors part outdoors, and hands-on practice with equipment will be provided. Instructor: Steven Pinch (Steven Pinch Land Surveying, Wakefield, RI).
Scheduled for July 15, 2009
1 day course (8AM-5PM) 4 RIDEM CEUs
Registration Fee - $165/$190 (late)
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

OWT120 - RI Designer Exam Prep

This class is excellent preparation for the RIDEM Class I, II, or III Designer’s Examination. Learn about the types of information and questions that you will need to know to be successful. Taught in conjunction with RIDEM ISDS staff.
Scheduled for November 5,2009
1 day course (8AM-5PM) 0 RIDEM CEUs
Registration Fee - $140/$165 (late)
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

OWT125 - Bottomless Sand Filter (BSF) Design and Installation

Note: This class is required by RIDEM before you can design or install a BSF in Rhode Island. You must take OWT 105 - Innovative & Alternative Technology Overview before taking this BSF class.

Learn about basic bottomless sand filter (BSF) designs and where and when to use them. We will teach you all the essentials about designs, site preparation, locating components in the treatment train, constructing a filter enclosure, and packing the filter with media. Later in the day we’ll view a demonstration BSF at the Training Center located at URI’s Peckham Farm.
Instructors: Tim Stasiunas, Brian
Moore (RIDEM), Dave Burnham, NEOWTP Staff.

Scheduled for April 23, June 25, and October 8, 2009
1 day course (8AM-5PM) 4 RIDEM CEUs
Class size limited to 25 participants
Registration fee - $165(early-bird)/$190
OWT145 - Pumps and Control Panels
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

OWT130 - Hands-on Component Installation Techniques

At this outdoors hands-on class we will demonstrate installation techniques and the tools and materials needed to get the job done correctly. Learn about tank selection, mid-seam tape wrapping, cast in place rubber boots, how to properly install PVC septic tank risers, sanitary tees, effluent screens, and how to conduct septic tank water tightness tests. Installation training will be provided on pump basins; discharge assemblies; pressure dosed shallow narrow drainfields; bottomless sand filters; and commonly used advanced treatment systems. Instructors: Dave Burnham, Tim Stasiunas, Justin Jobin, NEOWTC Staff.
Not offered in 2009
1 full day course (8AM-5PM) 4 RIDEM CEUs
Class Fee - $165/$190 (late)
Class size limited to 25 participants
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

OWT135 - All About Series: Septic Tanks

We will visit a regional septic tank manufacturing facility and learn about new concrete mixes, vibration techniques, rebar and general tank construction, tank manholes, cast-in-place riser adapters and boots, riser installations, mid-seam wrapping, and vacuum testing techniques. We’ll also cover specifications for recirculating, processing, and fixed activated sludge system tanks, and ordering custom tanks. Instructor: Dennis Jolley, NEOWTC Staff.
Not offered in 2009
One-half day course (8AM-12:30PM) 2 RIDEM CEUs
Class Fee - $85/$110 (late)
Class size limited to 25 participants
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OWT140 - All About Series: Sand Media

This class visits a regional specialty sand and gravel processing facility where you’ll learn about blind sieve analysis of sand samples for comparison with bottomless sand filter requirements; how to conduct a quick field test to determine quality of sand product; and the importance of effective size (D10) and uniformity coefficient (D60/D10). You’ll tour the facility and observe the raw product before processing; the water particle separation process; the kiln dry and bag house; and discuss the results of your sieve analysis.
Not offered in 2009
One-half day course (8AM-12:30PM) 2 RIDEM CEUs
Class Fee - $85/$110 (late)
Class size limited to 25 participants
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

OWT145 - Pumps and Control Panels

Hear from national experts on the differences between the types of onsite wastewater system pumps; an introduction to pump curves, sizing, and head loss; basic pump installation;
and how to trouble shoot common problems. You’ll also learn about the different types of control panels; float controls, alarms, basic time dosed system calculations; and how to resolve common control panel problems. This course is offered every other year. Instructors: Carl Rosen (Yrell, Inc.),
NEOWTC Staff.
Scheduled for February 26,2009
1 day course (8AM-5PM) 4 RIDEM CEUs
Registration Fee - $175(early) /$200
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

OWT150 - AutoCALCS - Automated Support Materials for Pump Timers, Tanks, Chambers,BSF Sizing,
& Buoyancy Calculations

This class is especially focused on BSF designs for Category 1 and 2 systems. We’ll demonstrate how to operate new spreadsheet programs to automatically run calculations that determine system design requirements. The programs will help you to size a BSF with proper orifice and lateral spacing,and will determine the elevations for all floats and screen vaults, and the required timer run times. Another spreadsheet helps you with tank and pump chamber buoyancy calsulations.
Instructor: David Kalen (NEOWTP).
Scheduled for November 19, 2009
1/2 day course (8am-12:30pm) 2 RIDEM CEUs
Registration fee- $105(early-bird)/$130

OWT155 - Regulatory Setbacks and Buffers

New regulations revisions have changed the buffer and setback requirements for onsite wastewater systems. Let our team of partners provide you with the knowledge to design and site an onsite wastewater system when it is within RIDEM or CRMC jurisdiction. Learn about applicable RIDEM ISDS rules and RIDEM freshwater wetland setback requirements. You will learn about CRMC coastal features and associated setback and buffer requirements, and participate in a roundtable discussion with RIDEM and CRMC state regulatory staff to answer your design and siting questions.
Instructors: Jim Boyd, Caitlin Chafee, Peter Paton, Mark Stolt, Chuck Horbert, Brian Moore.
Scheduled for December 3, 2009
1 full day course (8AM-5PM) 4 RIDEM CEUs
Class Fee - $140/$165 (late)
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

OWT160 - Nitrogen Dynamics in the Environment and Onsite Wastewater Systems

Let us teach you about nitrogen transformations in conventional and innovative and alternative wastewater treatment systems. Learn what types of state approved systems can be used to reduce harmful forms of nitrogen, and RI state and local regulatory requirements you should be aware of concerning nitrogen limitations. We will instruct you how to maximize nitrogen removal when monitoring system performance. Instructors: Lorraine Joubert (URI NEMO Program) and NEOWTP Staff.
Scheduled for February 5, 2009(8AM-12:30PM) and
December 10, 2009 (8:00am-12:30PM)
1/2 day course 2 RIDEM CEUs
Class Fee - $90/$115 (late)
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

OWT165 - Media Filters

This class focuses on media filters, their design, and application for improving the quality of wastewater. Learn about media filter types, how they differ, common similarities, how they function, and how to incorporate these filters into your onsite wastewater system designs for maximum
efficiency. Instructors: NEOWTP Staff.
Scheduled for January 22, 2009
1/2 day course (8AM-12:30PM) 2 RIDEM CEUs
Class Fee - $90/$115(late)
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

OWT170 - Microbiology for Onsite Wastewater Professionals

Microorganisms play a critical role in the transformation,processing, and treatment of wastewater. In addition,numerous types of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and worms may be present in wastewater effluent. Our department expert will instruct you about the variety of
microorganisms that are present in wastewater and the dynamic and interactive relationships that occur in onsite wastewater systems and in the soil environment.
Instructo:José Amador (URI Microbial ecologist).
Scheduled for July 16, 2009
1/2 day course (1PM-5:30PM) 2 RIDEM CEUs
Registration fee $90(eary-bird)/$115
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

OWT175 - Identifying and Managing High Strength Wastewater

Join OWTC staff and several national experts in high strength wastewater for what will be a very popular class. Learn how to identify, design for, treat, and troubleshoot high strength wastewater problems associated with commercial and large institutional situations. Come learn about innovative approaches for managing high concentrations of BOD, TSS, and fats, oils, and greases (FOGs). Instructors: Bill Stuth, David Gustafson, Bruce Lesikar, George Loomis.
Not offered in 2009
2 day course (8AM-5PM) 8 RIDEM CEUs
Registration Fee - $425/$475 (late)
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

OWT180 - Design of Conventional Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems

This class will focus on a complete design, from raw data being placed on paper to a design of a pipe on stone (trenches), flow diffuser and, if time permits, in-drains or a non-pressurized pump design (pump to d-box). Final grades and fill perimeters and compliance with the OWTS rules will be discussed. The format is informal, with participants drawing and working on the design as the instructor drafts from an overhead projector.
Scheduled for April 16, 2009
1day course (8AM-5PM)
Registration Fee - $165(early-bird)/$190 (late)
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

OWT185 - Designing Nitrogen Removal Technologies

Notes: OWT 160 Nitrogen in the Environment andOnsite Wastewater Systems, and OWT 105 arerequired to be eligible to take the OWT185 course.
A complete design of commonly used Rhode Island nitrogen reducing technologies will be addressed for a base plan containing existing natural and man made physical features
and contour lines. A textile filter, a fixed activated sludge and an upflow nitrogen reducing filter will be designed as well as a bottomless sand filter and a shallow narrow drainfield. All support materials will be discussed and finalized including a pressurized pump design. Adherence to the OWTS rules will be discussed.
Scheduled for December 15, 2009
1 day course (8AM-5PM)
Registration Fee - $165(early-bird)/$190.00 (late)
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

I&A Field - I&A Field Technology Overview @ NEOWTC

This new class is held at the NEOWT Center located at URI Peckham Farm. Come to this hands-on class and “kick the wastewater treatment system tires”. You’ll learn about proper treatment trains (and treatment abilities) of all the advanced treatment technologies approved in Southern New England. We’ll discuss sand textile and peat filters, fixed activated sludge treatment units, aerobic treatment units, trickling filters for residential or commercial applications and newly
approved “leachfield renovation” technology. Instructors: Brian Moore (RIDEM), NEOWTP Staff.
Scheduled for May 28, 2009 (8AM-12:30PM) and Oct 1, 2009(1pm-5:30pm)
1/2 day course (see above) 2 RIDEM CEUs
Registration fee - $90(early-bird)/$115

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RIWIS – Tracking Onsite System Inspections, Operation and Maintenance using a Statewide Database (RIWIS)

The Rhode Island Wastewater Information System (RIWIS) is a new web-based wastewater management information system available statewide for use in Rhode Island. This database fills a critical gap in wastewater management by providing a powerful, easily accessed database that any community can use to track septic system condition, inspection results, maintenance, and performance. Maintenance providers can also use the system to efficiently track clients’ inspection and maintenance schedules. This workshop will describe database features, example applications of the system by several RI communities, and how to get started using the database.
Not offered for the 2009 year.
1 full day course (8AM-5PM) 4 RIDEM CEUs
Class Fee - $135/$160 (late)
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

SITE – Using the New Rhode Island Site Specific Soil Mapping Guide

Site specific soil survey mapping provides detailed information on water table depth, hydric soils and restrictive layers that developers, land owners and town officials need to accurately evaluate suitability of land for development. This does not replace on-site testing for ISDS siting or wetland
delineation, but provides a cost-effective assessment of a site for planning purposes and efficient method for selecting soil site evaluation test sites. The workshop will describe a new manual which establishes standard methods and procedures to follow when making site specific soil surveys in Rhode Island. This will focus on practical application of the new method specifically for land developers, system designers, and local officials.
Not offered for the 2009 year.
1 full day course (8AM-5PM) 4 RIDEM CEUs
Class Fee - $135/$160 (late)
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

 

Onsite Wastewater System Inspection and Operation& Maintenance Classes

INSP100 is required of inspectors seeking to work in numerous Rhode Island towns.

INSP200 will soon be required of inspectors seeking to maintain innovative and alternative (I&A) systems in these same towns. So plan ahead and benefit from the knowledge of our five-member operation and maintenance professionals training team with over 75 years of combined experience.

INSP100 - Conventional Onsite Wastewater System Inspection

Note: You must be present for the full two days to be eligible for the INSP 100 examination. There will be no make-up examinations – if you do not pass the exam, you must take the class again. Examination is not required for CEU credits.

This is a 2-day course with an examination. Day 1 you will be in the classroom learning about onsite wastewater system inspection techniques, and general safety issues and
precautions. We will teach you how to use tools and gadgets of the inspection trade and how to recognize typical substandard systems. Day 2 will begin with a hands-on review at our Training Center. Then we head into the field to conduct 2 actual, blind inspections at existing homes using the standardized RI state inspection procedure and inspection reports. At the end of the day, you will take written and field practical examinations. Participants who pass the examinations will be listed in the URI conventional
onsite wastewater system inspectors’ registration and posted to the RIDEM website. Instructors: Darlene Gardner, Dave Burnham, Brian Moore (RIDEM) and NEOWTP Staff.
Scheduled for May 5–6, 2009 and September 22-23, 2009
2 day course (8AM-5PM) 8 RIDEM CEUs
Class limited to 25 participants
Registration fee - $385(early-bird)/$435
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

INSP150 - Functional Inspections

This one-day class focuses on how to perform a functional inspection of a conventional wastewater treatment system which is typically done prior to home sales. Topics to cover include a brief inspection refresher, elements of a functional inspection, newer tools and techniques, updates on cesspool phase-outs, wastewater management, and RIWIS. We’ll also have a brief forum for inspectors and wastewater management specialist. We’ll go in the field later in the day to perform an actual functional inspection and flow trial test.
Scheduled for October 15, 2009
1 day course (8AM – 5PM) 4 RIDEM CEUs
Registration fee - $ 165 (early-bird)/ $ 190
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

INSP200 - National Operation and Maintenance Service Provider Program

Notes: It is strongly recommended that you attend OWT 105 and INSP100 (or have similar professional experience) before taking the INSP200 course exam. Additionally, you must be present for the full two days to be eligible for the INSP200 examination. There will be no make-up examinations – if you do not pass the exam, you must take the class again. Examination is not required for CEU Credits.
This is an intensive course involving two full days of class work, followed by a separately scheduled examination as part of a NATIONALLY SANCTIONED operation and maintenance
service provider program developed by the Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment (CIDWT). Topics include: inspecting and maintaining primary treatment and recirculating tanks; all approved advanced treatment systems; timers, controls, event counters and meters; pumps and discharge assemblies; dosing intervals; and safety issues. A written examination will be given on a separate date. Participants who successfully pass the examination will be listed in the URI Operation & Maintenance Service Providers for Innovative and Alternative Onsite Wastewater System Technologies registration and posted to the RIDEM website.
Instructors: Bruce Lesikar (Texas), Nancy Deal (NorthCarolina), NEOWTP Staff.
Scheduled for June 2-3, 2009; 2 day course (8AM-5PM)
Examination date: June 11, 2009 (2:00 PM-5:00 PM)
8 RIDEM CEUs
Registration fee - $415(early-bird)/$465
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

Soils Classes Offered by Dr. Mark Stolt

Soils 101 - Soils Basics for the Onsite Wastewater Contractor

Basic soils information applied to siting of ISDS systems. Emphasis is placed on physical and morphological properties related to the proper placement and performance of an ISDS system. Landscape attributes are also considered. Good review of soil morphology basics for Class IV Soil Evaluators or those interested in Soil Evaluations for ISDS. Half day in the classroom-half day in the field.
Scheduled for June 25, 2009
1 day course (8AM-5PM) 4 RIDEM CEUs for RI Designer classes I-IV
Class Fee - $150
Notes: Registration for this course is handled by Dr. Mark Stolt (401)874-2915
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

Soils 209 - Advanced Soil Morphology: Two Day Course

Emphasis is placed on identifying morphological properties indicative of wetness in a range of soil parent materials. Differences of morphology and wetness across the landscape and among different soil parent materials is discussed and illustrated. New techniques used to identify zones of soil saturation are discussed. Recent changes in soil morphology terminology and use will also be included in the discussion. Half day lecture and one and half day field.
Scheduled for July29-30, 2009
2 day course (8AM-5PM) 8 RIDEM CEUs Class IV, practicing soil evaluators
Class Fee - $350
Notes: Registration for this course is handled by Dr. Mark Stolt (401)874-2915
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

NEOWTP POLICIES:

NEOWTP POLICIES: Early-bird Registration Policy

An early-bird registration fee will be awarded for all registrations received at the OWTC more than 14 calendar days before a scheduled class. We must receive your registration at least 2 weeks before the scheduled class so that we can email or mail your parking pass, and other materials to you in a timely manner. Those registrations received less than 14 days before a class will be charged the regular registration fee.

Cancellation/transfer and other Policies

Should you wish to cancel your registration, we will refund your fee (minus a $25 processing fee) if we receive written notice seven (7) days prior to the scheduled class date. Should you wish to transfer your registration a $25 processing fee will be assessed if we receive written notice seven (7) days prior to the scheduled class date. You may not cancel or transfer your registration to another class within seven days of the scheduled class. Many classes have a minimum and maximum number of registrants. Should the minimum number not be reached, we reserve the right to cancel the class and return your fees, or try to reschedule the class at a later date.

There will be a $50 fee for all returned checks.

There will be a $30 fee for researching attendance records. The request and fee for this research must be received by mail.

Notes:

This course schedule and the listed instructors are subject to change; please check our website for the most current course information. A few days before the class starts we will email you a campus parking pass, a map designating the parking area and class location. We are unable to reserve seats by phone, fax or emails. If a class fills before your registration form and check reaches us, we will notify you for alternative options. Class enrollment in some classes is limited
(see course descriptions), so please register early to avoid disappointment.

You can download additional registration forms from our web page:
http://www.uri.edu/ce/wq. Call 401-874-5950 if you have questions.

Disability Information Statement

Any NE OWTC class attendee with a documented disability is welcome and encouraged to contact the Onsite Wastewater Training Program office at 401-874-5950 as early as possible prior to
the class so that we may arrange reasonable accommodations to the extent practicable.