NO Refund will be given after 180 days.
WE ARE CURRENTLY UPDATING PREVIOUSLY AVAILABLE CLASSES – BOOKMARK THIS PAGE OR SUBSCRIBE TO OUR ENEWS ON THE EDUCATION SITE

DPOR’s Continuing Professional Education Requirements for renewals

Master Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator – 16 CPE Contact Hours
Master Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator – 16 CPE Contact Hours
Master Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer – 16 CPE Contact Hours
Master Alternative Onsite Sewage System Operator – 16 CPE Contact Hours
Master Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator – 12 CPE Contact Hours
Master Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer – 12 CPE Contact Hours
Master Conventional Onsite Sewage System Operator – 8 CPE Contact Hours
Journeyman Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator – 8 CPE Contact Hours
Journeyman Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer – 8 CPE Contact Hours
Journeyman Alternative Onsite Sewage System Operator – 8 CPE Contact Hours
Journeyman Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator – 4 CPE Contact Hours
Journeyman Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer – 4 CPE Contact Hours
Journeyman Conventional Onsite Sewage System Operator – 4 CPE Contact Hours

2025VA- 001a Safety Procedures Part One: Electricity: Common Sense Precautions 2 CEU- $80

As more properties have outdoor electrical service, and increasing numbers of advanced systems have electrical components, even if your role is just to service the tank – outdoor electricity can be deadly, both man made and from nature. OSHA considers electrocution one of the ‘fatal four’ prime causes of workplace fatalities and serious injury.

• Recognizing the limit of your ability
• How to be 360º Aware and anticipate electrical hazards
• Site specific features
• Overhead Power lines and buried utilities
• Vehicle electrics
• Static electricity
• Residential property – homeowner wiring
• Lightening awareness

2025VA- 001b Safety Procedures Part Two: Electricity: Best Practices At the Job Site (2 CEU- $80)

OSHA considers electrocution one of the ‘fatal four’ prime causes of workplace fatalities and serious injury.Are your workplace practices written down? Are you prepared?

• Recognizing the limit of your ability
• Your liability for wrongful actions.
• Pumps, panels and components: best practices
• ARC Flash – the basics
• Best practices for responding to a case of electrocution

2025VA-002a: Common Sense Work site safety to avoid personal injury and liability (3 CEU)- $120

Areas to be covered referencing OSHA best practices:

• Gasses present in wastewater systems with reference to enclosed/ confined spaces. Positional asphyxia. Don’t be the second victim – how to respond to potential life threatening situations.
• Hazardous / inflammable conditions
• Safe vehicle operation with particular attention to liquid transport vehicles
• Common sense personal hygiene
• Basic First Aid supply kit components
• Line of sight safety for construction and installation
• Basics of trenching and shoring. In 2016: “Trench deaths have more than doubled nationwide since last year – an alarming and unacceptable trend that must be halted,” said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. “There is no excuse. These fatalities are completely preventable by complying with OSHA standards that every construction contractor should know.”
• Ergonomically safe lifting techniques
• Cell phone use

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2025VA-002b: General Work site safety: Working alone best Practices and basic response to personal injury. (2 CEU)- $80

Areas to be covered referencing OSHA best practices:

• Positional asphyxia. Don’t be the second victim – how to respond to potential life threatening situations.
• Hazardous / inflammable conditions – burns and scalding
• Basic First Aid supply kit components
• Emergency first aid – save yourself first.
• Workplace violence
• Assessing injury

2025VA – 003a: OSHA ‘Fatal Four’ for Wastewater Service Providers – Fall Protection Safety Standards (2 CEU $80)

OSHA considers the “Fatal Four” prime causes of workplace fatalities and serious injury. The leading causes of worker death on construction sites were falls, followed by electrocution, struck by object or caught-in/between.

These “Fatal Four” were responsible for more than half (58.1%) the construction worker deaths. An interactive 2-hour class will be taught online referencing the Fall Protection Safety Standard. We will review recent publicized accidents and fatalities, and latest fall protection techniques and criteria. OSHA rules for fall protection take effect at 6 feet. A quarter of all workplace injuries and fatalities involve a fall – some from less than 4 feet. Mr. Sam Lines is an Authorized OSHA General Industry Trainer.

COMING SOON 2025VA – 003b: OSHA ‘Fatal Four’ for Wastewater Service Providers – Electrical Safety Standards (2 CEU $80)

We will review recent publicized accidents and fatalities, latest protection and safety best practices. This class is a reminder to FULLY assess what you see before you start probing or digging! By law, everyone MUST contact 8-1-1, at least 48 hours but no more than 10 working days (excluding weekends and legal holidays) before beginning ANY digging project.
ASK the homeowner – is there anything I should be aware of? When should you consider ONLY hand digging? LOOK around you – has anything changed since the last time you were there? Use your cell phone – take pictures of the site so you can check them next time you’re there.

• Recognize the limit of your ability.
• Your liability for wrongful actions.
• What happens to you if you are electrocuted – It’s The Current That Kills!
• Static electricity.
• Pumps, panels, floats and electrical component safety.

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2025VA – 003c: OSHA ‘Fatal Four’ for Wastewater Service Providers – Crush, Caught-In/Between, Trenching Safety Standards (2 CEU $80)

Preliminary summary of incident: On September 12, 2019, a 38 year old Michigan laborer was caught in an excavation cave-in during sanitary pipe installation, and killed. We will review recent publicized accidents and fatalities, latest fall protection and safety best practices and criteria.

This is particularly important when you are working a job site with other contractors. When you work alone you can protect yourself with good working practices. When you work with other contractors you need to keep an eye open for multiple vehicle traffic.

As a note, OSHA has a rule called the multiple employer citation policy. By example, on 03/22/16: A 62 year old excavator operator was clearing trees and debris related to a drain/sewer project. The operator dislodged a tree, which fell onto the cab of the excavator, killing the operator. Evaluate your work area. What hazards are present?

Trench collapse are rarely survivable. One cubic yard of soil can weigh up to 3,000 lbs. – the weight of a small automobile – giving a worker in a trench little chance of survival when walls of soil collapse. small automobile – giving a worker in a trench little chance of survival when walls of soil collapse.

“Trench deaths have more than doubled nationwide since last year – an alarming and unacceptable trend that must be halted,” said Dr. David Michaels, a past assistant secretary of labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.  “There is no excuse. These fatalities are completely preventable by complying with OSHA standards that every construction contractor should know.”

2025VA-003d Blood Born Pathogens and Parasites. – (6 CEU $240)

Safety Procedures: Basic primer on personal safety best practices both as an employer and as a single business owner. UPDATED

Areas to be covered will reference:

• UPDATED CDC Guidelines.
• Understanding the difference between parasitic, bacteria and virus structures
• Vectors for infection and recognition of symptoms.
• UPDATED Disinfection best practices
• PPE guidelines and preventative measures
• Legal obligations and responsibility in the safe handling of human waste.
• Public outreach and communication
• Common sense personal hygiene for contact and clothing
• Spill response plan

COMING SOON 2025VA-003e OSHA guidance for Spill Response, clean up best practices, PPE disposal and reporting requirements. – (1 CEU $40)

Safety Procedures: Basic primer on personal safety best practices both as an employer and as a single business owner. UPDATED

Areas to be covered will reference:

• UPDATED CDC Guidelines.
• Vectors for infection and recognition of symptoms.
• UPDATED Disinfection best practices
• PPE guidelines and preventative measures
• Legal obligations and responsibility in the safe handling of human waste.
• Public outreach and communication
• Common sense personal hygiene for contact and clothing
• Spill response plan

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2025VA – 003f: OSHA Rules – PPE gear . ( 1 CEU $40)

• Personal Protective Equipment:Certification of Hazard Assessment Form 29 CFR 1910.132(d) – how to fill it out, when to amend, assessing the risk of PPE gear. Proper maintenance and replacement schedule.
• There is confusion of when federal and or state rules apply. This class will cover both manager and employee requirements – i.e who is responsible/liable in the event of failure to supply/wear proper PPE gear, failure to approve PPE gear supplied by an employee, how to prevent other companies’ employees, including drivers and contractor employees, from exposing Company employees to hazards, and how to address unacceptable contractor behavior.
• Determine which OSHA standards apply to the facility and periodically check to confirm that all required written programs, plans, training and record keeping are complete and updated as required. Utilize Company-wide best practices, but also ensure that your safety program are customized to your location as needed.
• Patrick Dennison is Co-Chair of the The Fisher Phillips Workplace Safety and Catastrophe Management Practice Group providing practical guidance to enable development and maintenance of effective workplace safety and health management programs.This series will be specific to wastewater service providers and portable sanitation employers and will reference:
• https://www.osha.gov/coronavirus/safework And
• https://www.cdc.gov/covid/index.html

2025VA-003g: OSHA guidelines for dealing with extreme heat and PPE gear (1 CEU $40)

Temperatures across the country are heating up. Will your employees be exposed to the summer heat, either by working outside or in non-climate-controlled buildings? If so, your company needs to consider ways to prevent heat illness among employees and stay compliant with any applicable occupational safety and health laws. This webinar will provide a discussion of the following topics to keep you cool and compliant. Employers have a general duty to furnish workplaces free from recognized hazards. Part of that obligation is providing employees with personal protective equipment (PPE). This leads to a series of questions, such as: What types of PPE are required/preferable during hot weather?

2025VA-003h: OSHA guidelines for working with extreme cold and hypothermia:Personal Safety and health related issues (1 CEU $40)

Employers have a general duty to furnish workplaces free from recognized hazards. Part of that obligation is providing employees with personal protective equipment (PPE). This leads to a series of questions, such as: What types of PPE are required/preferable during cold weather?
Winter conditions can be brutal and especially hazardous for wastewater service providers who regularly work alone outdoors.

This class will examine specific hazards, OSHA Rules and best practices for working safely.

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2025VA-003j:OSHA Rules, Employer Policies and employee best practices concerning opioid and drug use, illegal and prescribed. (1 CEU $40)

The opioid crisis has escalated dramatically in the past decade across the country, and those affected may also be some of your employees. At the same time, the marijuana legalization movement has grown, and a number of states now not only permit medical marijuana but also recreational marijuana. With the potential for more employees to be under the influence of both legal and illegal drugs, what can employers do to maintain a safe workplace? What restrictions are there for testing employees for drug use? This presentation will explore this issue.

This class explores the restrictions for conducting drug tests for employees, reviews best practices and also how to manage the results.

What are the OSHA implications regarding drug testing?

What role does the Americans with Disabilities Act play?

2025VA-004: Dealing with extreme weather events: System Issues and performance problems. (2 CEU $80)

As an active participant in programs and presentations of the OSU Climate Change Outreach Team, and in view of severe weather events from recent years, STS providers will need to become aware of and trained for conditions which stress, damage or limit the performance of onsite wastewater systems. This class will review wet weather events, prolonged ice and snow cover, drought and heat periods as well as natural disasters.

2025VA-005 Best practices for portable sanitation and service providers in handling ‘sharps’ and drug paraphernalia 2 CEU – $80

• Stop! Think! Look! Refer to your check list!
• Do you HAVE written policies and guidelines? If not start here.
• The object of this class is to be a Primer on personal safety best practices both as an employer and as a single business owner.Areas to be covered will reference: Vectors for infection and recognition of symptoms.
• First Aid best practices and health care suggestions
• PPE guidelines and preventative measures
• Public outreach and communication
• Understanding risk

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COMING SOON 2025VA-006a: Starting and operating a septic service or portable sanitation business in Virginia (3 CEU $120)
COMING SOON 2025VA-006b: Employee Policies, Vehicle Inspections (know your vacuum truck) and Record Keeping (2 CEU $80)

COMING SOON 2025VA – 006c: Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda – Being the Responsible Party. Your Options and Obligations for Avoiding Liability and Prosecution (3 CEU $120)

As the business owner, you become liable for ensuring your business operates in compliance with both state law and prevailing local regulations. In October 2014 the headline read: “Man Sues Mom for $4 Million Over Septic Explosion.” In May 2014 the headline read: “Washington Pumper Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Dumping.” In March 2013 the headline read: “Septic professionals indicted in bribery scheme.” And perhaps the saddest of all from September 2014: “Septic Inspection Turns Deadly.” Do you have an employee Handbook? Does it protect you from liability? Will it cover your legal fees if you have to defend from a situation like this from January of 2016: “Family rescues boy who fell into Denny’s grease pit.” In the eyes of the law YOU are the responsible party – are you covered?

• This class will cover the requirements of the law as it relates to liability and insurance for both septic service and portable sanitation providers against:
• Loss of license.
• Criminal negligence – felony or misdemeanor?
• Employee negligence during the transport of hazardous human waste.
• Proper vehicle coverage and liability for operation.
• Vehicle maintenance: schedules and reports.
• Groundwater or surface water contamination.
• Health and safety – OSHA and Workers Comp.
• Accidental wrongful death or physical harm to the public.
• Environmental damage.
• Trespass.
• Loss of business records.
• Fire and theft.

2025VA-006d:Employee Policies, HIPPA,ADA, EEOC (1 CEU $40)

• HIPPA, work place policies and health related issues – interviewing, reporting and record keeping.
• What does it cover and when does it apply?
• Can it relate to COVID? And Covid testing and vaccinations?
• When can I bar an employee from certain activities which may be impaired by their condition – or do I have to make an allowance/accommodation?

COMING SOON 2025VA-006e: Best practices for working with a wastewater treatment plant (2 CEU $80)

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2025VA – 006f: Never Saw That Coming! How to Recognize and Respond to Violence at the Job Site (2.0 CEU $80)

In any routine day, you go to work, operate the equipment, shake hands, and come home safe to your family.
But what about when things go sideways?
What about when you’re met at the end of the driveway by a guy with a shotgun? What about when you walk in on a domestic assault in progress?
What about when someone storms into your office and pounds on your desk?
What about when you start to get silent phone calls and hang ups?
What about when you start to get fake call outs?
What about when you walk in on a meth lab in progress?

We live in angry times where a situation can escalate at the drop of a hat. How you respond can make or break the rest of your day or, God forbid, your life. In this session we will hear from firsthand real life situations and how they handled it – and lived to tell the story.

1. How to recognize the warning signals from clients and employees.
2. When to back away.
3. How does this end? Coping and avoidance strategies.
4. When to call law enforcement.

Taught by Casey Fielder – a time of sale inspector and Alternative Wastewater Maintenance Provider in Ingham County, Michigan. He also runs and coordinates Michigan Septic, a full-service install, pumping, repair, and operating company based in the Lansing, Michigan area. Casey serves on the Board of Directors
for WasteWater Education and the Michigan Septic Tank Association as well as representing Michigan on the National Association of Wastewater Technicians board.

2025VA-007a: Assessing the site for a first time service visit, or for a repeat established client.(2 CEU $80)

Regardless of whether this is a new or an old established client, the site assessment begins with the initial phone call. Being prepared for what site conditions exist or to be prepared to ensure both safe working conditions, protection for yourself and the property owner.

This class examines how to review the site using online tools and what additional questions this might lead you to ask the property owner. Being prepared enables a pre-visit checklist. When you pull up in front of the property there are basic, common sense observations to make before you begin work. Being 360º aware will protect your personal safety, the investment you have in your vehicles, ensure an efficient use of your time at the site, protect the client’s property and, most important, cement the professional relationship you have with the customer. Good habits build great businesses.
Areas to be covered:

• In this session attendees will create a site-specific database record using standard software and/or Smart Phone apps.
• By recording observations, soil condition evaluations, and conditions at the time of visit, over time a pattern of use, or abuse, becomes evident.
• In this class, attendees will learn how to anticipate potential hazards such as:
• Restricted access or movement on the site, tight driveways, distance to the main roadway.
• Overhead lines, low hanging tree limbs, soft shoulders.
• New structures.
• Evidence of recent underground construction or tampering with the system.
• Reported record of a malfunctioning system.
• Small children or dogs.
• This becomes an education and marketing tool to build a strong relationship with the property owner and a valuable reference tool for yourself or a new employee visiting this property for the first time.

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COMING SOON 2025VA-007b: Assessing the site for a first time installation or repair (2 CEU $80)

2025VA- 007c Assessing the site for portable sanitation service and placement. (2 CEU- $80)

Regardless of whether this is a new or an old established client, the site assessment begins with the initial phone call. Being prepared for what site conditions exist, or may be, will ensure both safe working conditions, protection for your self and the property owner. Are you asking the right questions? Do you have a site preliminary check list? What is the time line for completion?

This class also examines how to review the site using online tools and what additional questions this might lead you to ask the property owner or other contractors working on the site. Such as:

• Will this be in use at night?
• Will my access be lit?
• Am I expected to provide lighting inside the units?
• Is the area itself well lit?
• Where is the outside electrical supply?
• What is my liability for slip and fall, a criminal act, property damage?

Whether it’s for 12 or 200 – how you install and service will either make you a client for life or break your business.
Assessing the site will focus on 7 main items:
Is the site safe, can I access it, can I service it, how many people/how many units, risks, invisibility, hygiene.

2025VA-007d Check Lists, Inspections and Disclosure Forms 2 CEU – $80

• Service providers routinely do system inspections, both on occupied properties as part of a normal service call, but also on a property that has sat empty for an extended period of time. There are legal and ethical considerations – and development of sound policies and procedure are essential. 
• Utilizing checklists for all service visits is a best practice to ensure nothing is overlooked.
• Creating a Disclosure Statement is good business practice for many reasons.
• Recognizing the difference between an inspection and an evaluation will be covered, also best practices for collecting system samples for performance evaluation.
• This class will expand on previous year’s best practices and options for official onsite inspector certification

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2025VA- 007e. HOW TO USE Google Earth Pro,  and USDA NRCS WEB Soil Survey (1.5 CEU – $60)

In the Class titled Assessing the Site, service providers were introduced to the tools available to them to look at the location beforehand, assessing best access routes, anticipating logistical problems.

This class is both for service providers and installers.Taught by Paul Finnel – past manager of the WebSoil Program at NRCS.

This class will allow attendees to experiment and to review an actual site using:
* Google Earth’s layers and functions.
* Web Soil Survey (WSS) provides soil data and information produced by the National Cooperative Soil Survey. It is operated by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and provides access to the largest natural resource information system in the world. NRCS has soil maps and data available online for more than 95 percent of the nation’s counties and anticipates having 100 percent in the near future. The site is updated and maintained online as the single authoritative source of soil survey information – and invaluable tool for assessment and troubleshooting onsite systems. See http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm
*And SoilWeb – an online tool developed by UC Davies

2025VA- 007f. Soil Profiles in Virginia: A Basic Primer for troubleshooting and servicing systems and land application best practices including how to use Google Earth Pro, and USDA NRCS WEB Soil Survey (2 CEU – $80)

This class is both for service providers and installers.Taught by Paul Finnel – past manager of the WebSoil Program at NRCS.

2025OH- 007g. The Basics: An introduction to wastewater treatment processes and microbiology for package treatment and septage receiving. (2 CEU – $80)

A 2 hour introduction to the absolute basics of how biological wastewater treatment systems and microorganisms operate.

This class is both for those at the very start of their careers as well as those who would just like to know more about the hidden world of microbes!

We have good health in this country because we train professionals to understand how biology and chemistry make wastewater treatment systems work.
Come learn the basics!
It’s been since 1911 since the US has had a major outbreak of cholera but preventing incidences of water born illness are the central reason environmental professionals strive for excellence in wastewater system design, operation and maintenance.
Wastewater practitioners have to start somewhere on their long road to becoming a professional operator.

2025VA- 008a. Understanding Conventional Systems – TANKS SERVICING, CLEANING AND INSPECTING (2 CEU- $80)

How they work, what to look for, in the home, inlets, outlets, tank construction, tank issues, effluent filters, measuring and observations, inspecting the drain field; when to do borings, where, what you may find. Compliance with OH Code

2025OH- 008b Introduction to history and use of precast concrete tanks: Is it cement or concrete? Why does it even make a difference? (1.5 hours $60)

In this class you will learn the difference between cement and concrete and how they are used. A brief history of concrete will be presented showing that concrete is the oldest building material still being used today. The class will also provide the learner with a brief overview of current issues in the industry, including associations, Certifications, and ASTM standards applicable to precast concrete.

2025VA- 008ci Who’s in charge – are YOU in charge? What are your responsibilities for installing a precast tank? (3 CEU $120)

a) Getting organized Reviewing the design, the location, the grade, the layout, the elevation. Is this a new, replace or repair visit? Reviewing the site. Do you see potential problems now and for the future? How easy will it be to service this system? Assessing the site, soils, conditions BEFORE choosing and hiring equipment. Assessing the landscape view – (i.e the problems with slopes and walk out basements, snow plowing sites etc.) Protecting the site and why. Equipment staging for hauling, digging, lifting, leveling. Pipe choices, staging, handling.

b) SAFETY – THINK FIRST! As a service provider you are the responsible person on site. Tank delivery, clearance, trenching, confined space, types of tanks and the various installation guides, leveling and setting the bed.

c) Watertightness, repairing and inspecting risers, filters and inspection ports. Checking for integrity of existing boots, seals and mastics. ASTM standards.

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2025VA- 008cii Microbial Induced Corrosion: Causes and Methods of Prevention Septic Tank Deterioration – recognition, causes and assessment. (1.5 CEU $60)

Microbial Induced Corrosion (MIC) shortens the life span of concrete products. Unfortunately, there are some incorrect myths about the cause and effect. What systematic events lead to the colonization of bacteria that causes this corrosion. The impact and severity of this corrosion will be explained, and the actions necessary for the prevention of MIC will be presented. Concrete corrosion can be prevented. Attendees will be invited to present their own experiences.

COMING SOON 2025VA- 008civ. Who’s In Charge – Are YOU In Charge? What Are Your Responsibilities for Installing a NON Precast Tank? (2 CEU- $80)

2025VA- 008d. Understanding Conventional Systems – TREATMENT FIELDS SERVICING, TROUBLE SHOOTING AND INSPECTING (2 CEU- $80)

• How they work, what to look for, and different media.
• Inspecting the drain field; when to do borings, where, what you may find.
• Groundwater issues, surface water discharge and hydrologic flow. 
• Understanding and recognizing local soils.
• Compliance with OH Code as an example

COMING SOON 2025VA- 008e. Understanding Chamber Treatment Fields Servicing, Troubleshooting and Inspecting – (2 CEU $80)

2025VA- 008f. Understanding Conventional Systems – SITE SPECIFIC SERVICING AND REPAIRS – (2 CEU $80)

For many long time service providers, just when you think you’ve seen it all, a surprise waits for you! Reminding yourself of best practices for servicing conventional systems is a good refresher, especially as there may have been changes and additions to the system since your last visit. In this class, service providers will be encouraged to share stories and experiences – including finding a tank installed backwards!

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2025VA- 008g. Understanding and Servicing Holding Tanks and Pump Chambers – (2 CEU $80)

In this class we will review the reasons these systems have been installed and the special challenges of servicing.

2025VA- 008h. Understanding and Servicing Mound systems and at grade / above grade systems – (2 CEU $80)

In this class we will review the reasons these systems have been installed and the special challenges of servicing.

COMING SOON 2025VA- 008i. Understanding and Servicing, Alternative Systems and ATUs- (2 CEU $80

2025VA- 009.PPCPs, FOG and ‘Flushables’ (2 CEU- $80)

A conversation about pollutants and their impacts on system performance, special needs for servicing and disposal. Pharmaceutical Products, Personal Care Products, Pesticides, Petroleum Based Cleaning and Plasticizing Products and their effect on wastewater system performance and the environment. What to look for, basic safety precautions, legal considerations. Issues with acceptance by a WWTP.

2025VA – 010: Basic Math and System Calculations (6 CSE $240)

Rationale: A competency in basic math is essential to be sure the system is working correctly and can be professionally serviced.

1. Basic refresher course in understanding and performing calculations for area, volume, and formulas.
2. Gallons per cubic foot.
   • Detention time and displacement.
   • Pump efficiency.
   • Event counters and timed dosing.
3. Flow rate.
   • Soil loading rate.
   • Assessing bed and trench sizing.
4. Comparing design to “as built” specifications.
   • Measure twice – pump once! Using basic and digital measuring devices.
5. Pump distal head pressure.
6. Coefficient of friction and advanced servicing math skills.

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2025VA- 011: Pumps, panels, switches and floats (6 CEU – $240)

To be covered: Local and State requirements, Servicing, inspecting, installing, safety, sizing.

In conjunction with SSPMA [Sump and Sewage Pump Manufacturers Association] a 6 CEU course specifically for septic service providers – Each class (1 CEU) may be taken as a stand alone option. To be covered: Local and State requirements, Servicing, inspecting, installing, safety, sizing.

1. Floats and Alternative Level Sensing / Joe Zimmerman and Jeremy Drinkwine, SJE Rhombus
2. Best Installation Practices For Trouble-free Pump Controls / Mark McCollum, SJE Rhombus
3. Basic Electric Theory Relating to Onsite Septic Control / Mark McCollum, SJE Rhombus
4. Troubleshooting Pumps, Panels and Switches with Digital Multimeters / Tom Stephan, Xylem
5. Understanding Pumps and Common Pumping Issues / Deron Oberkorn, Zoeller
6. Sizing Guidelines for Sump, Sewage and Grinder Pumps / Deron Oberkorn, Zoeller

2025VA – 012a: Educating the Property Owner on Best Management and Operation Practices (2 CEU – $80)

Building a relationship of trust with the property owner is more than just a ‘pump and go’ event. Educating the public about their responsibility as an onsite system owner is compatible with your role as an environmental and public health professional.
A recent study made the claim that the average adult has a 5-8th Grade understanding of science but a basic understanding of how a septic system works is essential to their performance and your ability to properly service them.

This class will cover resources available for you to develop communication skills and customize education services and messaging for the property owner to promote the reason we are all in this business – to protect public and environmental health:

• An appreciation, and understanding, of how their specific system works
• Helpful tips on how to cut down on both service and electricity costs by practicing water conservation – using EPA WaterSense
• Drain field and system protection best practices – and understanding of basic soil biology and structures and how this affects good treatment – using resources available from NRCS.
• Seasonal issues – protecting the system and reserve treatment area in both freezing and drought conditions.
• Why there IS a reserve treatment area – explanation of Groundwater Awareness Week.
• A better appreciation of what you do as a service provider.

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COMING SOON 2025VA – 012b: Educating the Property Owner: Talking to school students (2 CEU – $80)

2025VA- 013: Online Tool for Creating a Community/Individual Septic System Owners Guide- currently being updated

Many residential and commercial properties rely on onsite systems to safely treat their wastewater.

The delivery of proper system management is a key issue to ensure cost-effective and long-term wastewater treatment for both new development and existing communities. The System Owner’s Guide will help community members and leaders understand how their system works, what management tasks need to occur on a regular basis, and how they can protect their infrastructure from premature failure. Using this tool, an engineer, septic professional, community facilitator, or educated community member will be able to develop a guide to effective management by entering basic information on the users, system, rate structures and any regional, state, or local differences in regulations that affect the management of community systems.

A Team lead by Onsite Sewage Treatment Program in the Water Resources Center at the University of Minnesota originally created H2OandM [dot]com. The newly updated version will enable creation of a customizable System Guide Template.

While the new hosting platform is being developed this course is currently unavailable.

2025VA – 014: “Did You Just Click on That!!?” – Employee Best Practices for Data Protection (2.0 CSE $80)

• Your employee just had some free time and clicked on a Google Ad.
• You got an email from a client wanting to know why you sent him a bill that you have no record of.
• You log in to your bank account to find it’s empty.
• You can’t get past a pop up screen that is asking for $250k in crypto currency.
• Your pump system or lift station is no longer responding to remote commands.

You are experiencing a multi-billion dollar problem affecting companies of every size and this is particularly troubling for the water and wastewater sector. The bad guys are getting much clever at fooling you and your employees into making that fateful click! And it’s affecting all your devices, desktop and mobile.
Learn what’s new and even old strategies that still lure the unwary and how to instill that culture of ‘don’t do it! ’into your employees, friends, and family. So the next time your lead operator wants to know why chemical XXX is now running at 200% of normal…..?

ABC News reports “of all the country’s critical infrastructure, water might be the most vulnerable to hackers: the hardest in which to guarantee everyone follows basic cybersecurity steps, and the easiest in which to cause major, real-world harm to large numbers of people.” Many onsite service providers also work in the municipal field where malicious attacks are taking on a national significance.

Learning Objectives:

• Every organization including those responsible for critical infrastructures needs cyber security awareness training. This has been proposed as a federal mandate.
• What IS this message? IS it genuine? I clicked on it – now what do I do?
• Learn basic cyber security awareness strategies and response.
• Understand authentication strategies and ransomware prevention.
• Learn the fundamentals of cyber security hygiene.
• Don’t become another unwitting victim!

Instructor: Robert Siciliano CSP, CSI, CITRMS CEO of Safr.Me and Head Trainer at ProtectNowLLC.com Robert is a security expert and private investigator with 30+ years’ experience.

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