Courses offered by the OWT Program

The NE Onsite Wastewater Training Program offers 21different 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 Continuing Education Contact Hours - a list of these courses will be available in early 2007. 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 2008 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 Wastewater Professionals (OWT 110)
Surveying: Benchmark Transfers for Wastewater Professionals (OWT 115)
RI Designer Examination Prep (OWT 120)
Bottomless Sand Filter Design & 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)
RI Regulatory Setbacks & Buffers for ISDS Design & Siting (OWT 155)
Nitrogen Dynamics in the Environment and Septic Systems (OWT 160)
All About Series: Media Filters (OWT 165)
Microbiology for Wastewater Professionals (OWT 170)
Identifying and Managing High Strength Wastewater (OWT 175)
Conventional Septic System Inspection (INSP 100)
Innovative & Alternative Systems Operation and Maintenance (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 for ISDS Siting and Performance (Soils 100)
Advanced Soil Morphology: Understanding wet soil conditions (Soils 207)

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 4, 2008
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 15, May 8, and September 10, 2008
1 full day course (8AM-5PM) 4 RIDEM CEUs
Class Fee - $140/$165 (late)
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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 7, 2008
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, 2008
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 6, 2008
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

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 Onsite Wastewater Training Center located at URI’s Peckham Farm. Instructors: Tim Stasiunas, Brian Moore,Dave Burnham, NEOWTC Staff.
Scheduled for April 17, June 25, and October 2, 2008
1 full day course (8AM-5PM) 4 RIDEM CEUs
Class Fee - $165/$190 (late)
Class size limited to 25 participants
You must take OWT 105 Innovative & Alternative Technology Overview before taking this class.
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.
Scheduled for May 14, 2008
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 for the 2008 Year
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 for the 2008 Year
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 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. Instructors: Mark Gross, Carl Rosen, NEOWTC Staff.
Scheduled for March 5, 2008
1 day course (8AM-5PM) 4 RIDEM CEUs
Registration Fee - $175/$200 (late)
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

OWT150 - AutoCALCS - Automated Support Materials for Pump timers, Tanks, Chambers, BSF sizing, and Buoyancy Calculations

This class is especially focused on BSF designs for Category 1 and 2 systems. Our in-house resident expert, who developed the spreadsheet programs, will provide you with an overview of using pump and system curves for pressurized, as well as non-pressurized 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. We’ll also provide you with another program to help you with tank and pump chamber buoyancy calculations. Instructor: David Kalen (NEOWTP).
Scheduled for February 21, and November 20, 2008
One-half day course (8AM-12:30PM) 2 RIDEM CEUs
Class Fee - $105/$130 (late)
You must take OWT 105 Innovative & Alternative Technology Overview before taking this class.
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

OWT155 - Regulatory Setbacks and Buffers

Are you confused about setback and buffer regulations? Let us provide you with the knowledge to design and site a septic 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: Art Gold, Peter Paton, Jeff Willis, Chuck Horbert, Brian Moore.
Scheduled for January 31, and December 4, 2008
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 Septic Systems

Let us teach you about nitrogen transformation in conventional and innovative and alternative wastewater treatment systems. You’ll learn what types of RI 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, NEOWTC Staff.
Scheduled for February 12, and December 18, 2008
One-half day course (3:00PM-7:30PM) 2 RIDEM CEUs
Class Fee - $90/$115 (late)
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

OWT165 - All About Series: 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 septic system designs for maximum efficiency. Instructors: NEOWTC Staff.
Scheduled for January 29, 2008
One-half day course (8AM-12:30PM) 2 RIDEM CEUs
Class Fee - $90/$115(late)
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

OWT170 - Microbiology for 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 helminths may be present in wastewater effluent. Our department experts will instruct you about the variety of microorganisms that are present in wastewater and the dynamic and interactive relationships that occur in septic systems and in the soil environment. Instructor: José Amador
Scheduled forJuly 17, 2008
One-half day course (4PM-8:30PM) 2 RIDEM CEUs
Registration Fee - $90/$115(late)
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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.
Next scheduled in 2009
2 day course (8AM-5PM) 8 RIDEM CEUs
Registration Fee - $425/$475 (late)
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I&A TOUR - Innovative & Alternative Systems Field Tour

Let us provide you with a hands-on class with site visits to new, recently installed innovative and alternative systems located in nearby coastal watersheds. You will learn how to select the proper system for a site to protect water quality; design and build the proper treatment train; and aesthetically blend a system into the home landscape. We will also teach you about system performance, risk, and water quality protection considerations; operation, maintenance, and inspection needs; electrical energy needs; and sampling and monitoring for determining system performance. This class has new information, so if you took it more than 2 years ago, you can now get CEU credits. NEOWTC Staff.
Scheduled for May 29 (morning or afternoon), July 10 (morning or afternoon), October 16 (afternoon)
One-half day course (8AM-12:30PM or 1PM-5:30PM) 2 RIDEM CEUs
Class Fee - $90/$115 (late)
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

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 2008 year.
1 full day course (8AM-5PM) 4 RIDEM CEUs
Class Fee - $135/$160 (late)
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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 2008 year.
1 full day course (8AM-5PM) 4 RIDEM CEUs
Class Fee - $135/$160 (late)
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Septic 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 Septic System Inspection

This course is required in order to be eligible to take the INSP200 course.

This is a 2-day course with an examination. Day 1 you will be in the classroom learning about the RI septic system inspection handbook, 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 of septic systems at the Onsite Wastewater Training Center. Then we head into the field to conduct 2 actual maintenance inspections at existing homes using the standardized RI state inspection procedures and inspection reports. At the end of the day, you will take written and field practical examinations. Participants who successfully pass the examinations will be listed in the URI conventional septic system inspectors’ registration. Instructors: Darlene Gardner, Dave Burnham, NEOWTC Staff.
Scheduled for April 30-May 1 and September 17-18
2 day course (8AM-5PM) 8 RIDEM CEUs
Class Fee - $385/$435 (late)
Class limited to 25 participants
Note: You must be present for the full two days to be eligible for the INSP100 examination.
Back to Course List - - - - - - Back to Schedule

INSP200 - Innovative & Alternative Systems Operation and Maintenance

This is an intensive course involving two full days of class work, followed by a separately scheduled examination as part of a nationally sanctioned service provider program developed by the Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment (CIDWT). Topics will include: inspecting and maintaining primary treatment and recirculating tanks; all RI-approved advanced treatment systems; timers, controls, event counters and meters; float types and functions, recirculation floats and valves; pumps and discharge assemblies; electrical control panel and junction boxes; dosing intervals; drainfield and pump basin operation and maintenance; 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 Septic System Technologies registration. Instructors: Nancy Deal, Bruce Lesikar, NEOWTC Staff.
Scheduled for June 4-5; Examination date: June 19
2 day course (8AM-5PM) 8 RIDEM CEUs
Class Fee - $415/$465 (late)
Notes: If you wish to be listed in the URI Operation and Maintenance Service Provider Registry, then you are required to take OWT 105 and INSP 100 classes also. Additionally, you must be present for the full two days to be eligible for the INSP 200 examination.
If you do not wish to be listed in the registry, then the examination and the two prerequisite classes are optional.
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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 18, 2007
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 207 - Advanced Soil Morphology: Understanding wet soil conditions

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 July 30-31, 2007
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:

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 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 Policy
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 less than 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. Class enrollment may be limited, so register early to avoid disappointment. There will be a $50 fee for all returned checks.

Notes:
This course schedule and the listed instructors are subject to change; please check our website for the most current course information.
Shortly after we receive your registration in the mail, we will send you an email or post card acknowledging the receipt of your registration form and check. Then, about 10 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.
We encourage you to take the classes yearly and avoid the end of the licensing cycle crunch.
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 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.