URI to host wastewater management
workshop for public officials

KINGSTON, R.I. -- June 8, 2000 -- The University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension will sponsor a two-day workshop for public officials on "Establishing a Community Wastewater Management Program."

Part one of the workshop is a classroom session to be held June 15 from 3:30 to 8 p.m. in the Galanti Lounge of URI's library on the Kingston Campus. Part two is a field tour that participants can attend on June 16 or 22 or July 11 or 13.

According to workshop coordinator Lorraine Joubert, the workshop is designed to provide public officials with a comprehensive understanding of wastewater system alternatives, operations, management, and financing. Town council members, sewer commissioners, planners, and wastewater management staff are encouraged to attend.

"This workshop will benefit any public official who is involved in the management of on-site wastewater systems, whether they're drafting management plans, inspecting septic systems, looking for sources of funding, or just want a better understanding of the subject," explained Joubert, a research associate at URI's Cooperative Extension.

Individual workshop sessions will focus on drafting a wastewater management plan, selecting advanced treatment systems for critical areas, financial incentives, and building public outreach. Case studies will examine wastewater programs in North Kingstown. R.I. and Warren, Vt.

Field tours include visits to the URI Onsite Wastewater Training Center in Kingston and a backyard tour of several alternative and innovative wastewater systems in the Green Hill Pond area of South Kingstown and Charlestown.

For additional information or to register for the workshop, call Joubert at 874-2138.

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For Information: Lorraine Joubert 874-2138, Todd McLeish 874-7892