2009 CSREES National Water Conference; St. Louis, MO Installation Curriculum for Small Scale Wastewater Treatment Systems

A training course discussing the best practice standards for onsite wastewater treatment system installation processes has been developed through a multi-state collaborative effort facilitated through the Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment. Cooperative Extension groups in Texas, Minnesota, Rhode Island, and North Carolina have joined together to develop the training manual and associated presentation materials to go along with the Installer Training Program. Longevity and performance of decentralized wastewater treatment systems depend on proper siting, design, installation, and operation and maintenance. An error in any phase of this process may result in premature malfunction or failure of the system. The Installer Training Program was designed to focus on the installation aspect. The installation training program is still in development. Pilot testing has occurred since December 2007 and will continue until the Spring of 2009. The training program, training objectives, evaluation instruments, responses and results from the previous pilot trainings will be discussed during the presentation. Impact Statement: This training program will move the wastewater industry closer to the goal of uniform installation practices an raise the level of expertise and professionalism. The critical step of system installation will be defined and the best management practices for installation of small scale wastewater treatment systems will be developed.