Introduction to On-Site Wastewater Treatment

Jim Newton, P.E., DEE

Course Outline

This eight hour course provides valuable information for those individuals who design, install and operate an onsite wastewater treatment system. 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.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Understand what an onsite wastewater treatment system is;
• Understand the types of pollutants important in an OWTS;
• Understand the history of the OWTS;
• Understand the number and type of households using an OWTS;
• Understand the age of a typical OWTS in the US;
• Understand how to manage OWTSs;
• Understand what agencies regulate OWTSs;
• Understand who develops design standards for OWTSs;
• Understand the weaknesses of the current OWTS management systems;
• Understand the components of an OWTS;
• Understand the benefits of an OWTS;
• Understand the costs of an OWTS;
• Understand how to fund OWTSs;
• Understand the treatment methods to meet specific regulatory requirements;
• Understand how to design a subsurface wastewater infiltration system (SWIS);
• Understand the components of a SWIS;
• Understand what constitutes a properly designed SWIS;
• Understand what constitutes a properly designed septic tank;
• Understand the typical components of a septic tank;
• Understand how baffle function in a septic tank;
• Understand the differing layers in a septic tank;
• Understand what comprises the layers in a septic tank;
• Understand how the differing layers operate in a septic tank;
• Understand how to use the layers to determine if the septic tank is operating properly;
• Understand how to determine the most appropriate OWTS components;
• Understand what legal and other requirements are necessary for an OWTS to meet;
• Understand how to determine the most appropriate OWTS management system; and
• Understand the typical costs of an OWTS.

Intended Audience

The intended audience for this course is any professional who is involved in the design, regulation, installation, operation or maintenance of onsite wastewater treatment systems.

Benefit to Attendees

Attendees of this course will understand how to select, design, install or operate and maintain an onsite wastewater treatment system. This program will greatly reduce the learning curve for any professional interested in an OWTS.

Course Introduction

Approximately 50% of all households in the US utilize an onsite wastewater treatment system to treat their domestic waste. This course utilizes the document "Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Manual", EPA Document No. EPA/625/R-00/008 published by the US EPA as the basic text for designing, installing or managing an OWTS. This course will not qualify the student as a licensed septic tank designer, installer or inspector, but will provide most of the information required to take the appropriate state test. The course material presents introductory information required to obtain proficiency in the required subject matter.

Course Content

You need to view and study the following materials for this course:

1. Introduction to On-Site Wastewater Treatment (slides handout in PDF, 56 pages, 2.72 MB)
2. Introduction to On-Site Wastewater Treatment (video) (Request the link to video)

Please click on the above underlined hypertexts to view, download or print the document for your reference. 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 from your computer.

Course Summary

This course discusses the elements of an OWTS management program, provides critical design and installation information and can serve as a reference for anyone interested in taking their state's septic tank designer, installer and inspector's certifying test.

Related Links

For additional information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:

US Environmental Protection Agency

Quiz

You need to print the quiz questions prior to viewing the videos. At the end of the viewing, you must complete the quiz and submit your answers online to obtain your PDH credits.

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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.

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