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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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Course List - - - - - - Back
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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 -
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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 -
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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 -
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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
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Course List - - - - - - Back
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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
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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 -
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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 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
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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
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to Course List - - - - - - Back
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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
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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.
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