Nancy Deal

Speaking the same language: A glossary for the decentralized wastewater treatment field

Onsite/decentralized terminology originated and evolved on the state or regional level in conjunction with regulatory or Agricultural Engineering Extension activities. Adapting terminology from one locale to match that used in another is increasingly cumbersome since resources originally developed to address local issues and inform consumers are now shared nationally. Significant advances from proprietary and academic research and development have resulted in a wide range of treatment options and best management practices in use nation wide. Several national initiatives are also underway to standardize industry practices, but inconsistent terminology is a barrier to acceptance of nationally-developed training materials and guidance documents. Ever-increasing interaction among industry sectors across the country now dictates the use of consistent vocabulary.

Evaluating Existing Best Management Practices (BMP’s) for Site Selection and Septic System Installation

Soil colors are typically used in evaluating sites for on-site wastewater systems. In general, they are used to estimate the seasonal high water table. The rules for interpreting soil morphology and designing onsite systems based on the presence of gray, low chroma color (2 or less as described in the Munsell Color Book) are defined in the North Carolina Laws and Rules for Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems.

Updating North Carolina’s Education and Training Curriculum for Onsite/Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System Operators

North Carolina was one of the first states to require operation and maintenance of certain types of onsite/decentralized wastewater treatment systems. There are approximately 7500 such systems in North Carolina that currently require a certified operator. When this requirement was instituted in 1991, it was necessary to provide specific training to potential system operators and local health department personnel with oversight responsibility. From 1992 through 2003 over 1500 people attended a three-day school, most of them in preparation for taking the state certification examination. Although the curriculum for the school provided effective training for many years, concerns regarding the structure and content of the school emerged over time. These included limited instructor interaction, inadequate hands-on training and the fact that the school was only offered at one location in the state. The need for an updated approach became apparent.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE SERVICE PROVIDER PROGRAM

The Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Service Provider Program is being established to set standards of using best practices for onsite wastewater treatment system service visits. The focus of these materials is single-family residential systems. Through routine service visits and proper maintenance, onsite wastewater treatment systems are a permanent and effective part of our wastewater treatment infrastructure.