Print this pageRepairing Failing Onsite Wastewater Systems
Jim Newton, P.E., DEE
Course Outline
This four hour course provides valuable information for those individuals who design, install and operate an onsite wastewater treatment system that must repair a failing OWTS. Completion of this course will provide the student the necessary information and testing to meet the continuing education requirements in order to renew their onsite designer and installer licenses required by most states. It was designed by an instructor who has developed and implemented numerous similar training courses.
This course requires the completion of a multiple-choice quiz at its conclusion in order to obtain the necessary certification for the individuals who are seeking to renew their license to design and install OWTS’s.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Understand what a failed OWTS implies;
- Understand best management practices for repairing a failing OWTS;
- Understand basic OWTS repair regulations;
- Understand the importance of regular OWTS inspections;
- Understand recommended maintenance techniques for a OWTS;
- Understand how to retrofit a OWTS;
- Understand how to upgrade an OWTS;
- Understand the importance of denitrification systems;
- Understand the need to not use phosphate containing detergents;
- Understand the need to eliminate the use of garbage disposals;
- Understand the need not to use acid or organic solvent additives;
- Understand the need for public education and outreach;
- Understand the warning signs of a failing OWTS;
- Understand the recommended septic tank pumping frequencies;
- Understand the do’s for homeowners;
- Understand the don’ts for homeowners;
- Understand the typical cost of common repairs;
- Understand the system types used for repairs;
- Understand basic drain field setback requirements;
- Understand how to size new drain fields;
- Understand gravel disposal systems considerations;
- Understand constructed wetlands considerations;
- Understand overland flow systems considerations;
- Understand spray irrigation system considerations; and
- Understand how to handle multiple point discharges.
Intended Audience
The intended audience for this course is any professional who is involved in the design, regulation, installation, operation, repair or maintenance of onsite wastewater treatment systems, as well as any homeowner who has such a system and must operate and maintain it.
Benefit to Attendees
Attendees of this course will understand how to repair a failing onsite wastewater treatment system. This program will greatly reduce the learning curve for any professional interested in an OWTS.
Course Introduction
Over 50% of all U.S. homes are not on sewers. The primary treatment systems for these homes are on-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). OWTS’s are commonly referred to as septic tank systems. OWTS’s consist of three components: the septic tank, the distribution box, and the drain field. Each component plays an important part in achieving adequate wastewater treatment. This course provides details on how to repair a failing OSWT. The course is based upon the State of Mississippi document, “Repair of Failing Onsite Wastewater Systems.”
Course Content
The associated course materials are contained in an Adobe Acrobat copy of the State of Mississippi document, “Repair of Failing Onsite Wastewater Systems.”
Repairing Failing Onsite Wastewater Systems
Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Course Summary
This course discusses the elements of repairing a failing OWTS.
Related Links
For additional information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:
US Environmental Protection Agency
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
