Progress 10/28/15 to 09/30/20
Outputs
Target Audience: Owner/operators of onsite wastewater treatment systems. Soil and site evaluators of OWTS. Designers of OWTS. Installers of OWTS. Inspectors of OWTS. Service providers for OWTS. Regulators of OWTS. Undergraduate and graduate students. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? 153 professionals know how to inspect an onsite wastewater treatment system for the Arizona Transfer of Ownership Inspection Program. Without taking this course, these professionals would not have been eligible to participate as an inspector for the statewide program. Thus, 153 professionals either expanded their business model or were able to continue conducting business in this area. An exam is required to demonstrate knowledge. 23 practitioners (both regulators and in-the-field professionals) know more about conducting soil and site evaluations for onsite wastewater treatment systems and can use the Arizona code to conduct the evaluations. Without attending this class, these practitioners would not be able to conduct these evaluations as part of their jobs. An exam, that includes both a written portion and a practicum, is required to demonstrate knowledge and the ability to texture and color a sample of soil. 11 practitioners have increased knowledge for designing residential, gravity-distributed septic systems using Arizona rules. A homework assignment was used to provide practical application of material learned in the workshop. This class is not required by Arizona law, so those attending really want to learn best practices. 12 practitioners (both regulators and in-the-field professionals) have increased knowledge about designing systems using pressure distribution and pumps. The course covered installation, inspection and operation and maintenance issues regarding pumps. This class is not required by Arizona law, so those attending are interested in improving their life-long skills. 20 septic-system owners have a better understanding of their septic systems and the management needed to extend the life of their system. Conventional septic systems in Arizona have typically cost around $5000, but newer construction is happening on more marginal land and costs are increasing to $15,000-$20,000 for a standard system. Knowing how to take care of their septic system can save the homeowners at least that much. 12 undergraduate and 3 graduate students completed BE 459/559, Design of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems. After taking the class, the students were able to After taking BE 459, students will be able to: 1) Demonstrate an awareness of the science and social disciplines that affect onsite wastewater treatment and the design of those systems. 2) Describe onsite wastewater treatment technologies and their design considerations. 3) Use the Arizona Administrative Code in designing wastewater collection and treatment systems for Arizona. 4) Evaluate the choices of onsite wastewater technologies for clients' needs and desires, soil and site constraints, and regulatory environment. 58 contacts in UA Extension, Arizona County Health Departments, and ADEQ received timely educational materials from ACE Onsite Wastewater Education Program and are more aware of the services that the program can and does provide. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? UA Onsite Wastewater Practitioner listserv Arizona County Departments of Environmental Health Services Association (ACDEHSA) and their subgroup, OnsiteTechnical Advisory Committee Arizona Onsite Wastewater Association (AzOWRA) Arizona Cooperative Extension system Through the University of Arizona Onsite Wastewater Education Program website: https://extension.arizona.edu/onsitewastewater What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
As an Extension Specialist (outreach professional), I educate and train onsite wastewater treatment practitioners and regulators in the soil and site evaluation, design, installation, operation and management, and inspection of onsite wastewater treatment systems, and inform homeowners and users of onsite wastewater treatment systems how to better manage their systems to prolong their useful life while protecting human health and the environment. This is done through formal training classes (1 to 2 days each) and seminars for homeowners. Exit surveys are conducted to obtain knowledge gained for the homeowners. Exams are given in several of the trainings for practitioners.
Publications
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Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19
Outputs
Target Audience: Owner/operators of onsite wastewater treatment systems. Soil and site evaluators of OWTS. Designers of OWTS. Installers of OWTS. Inspectors of OWTS. Service providers for OWTS. Regulators of OWTS. Undergraduate and graduate students. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?1) 105 professionals know how to inspect an onsite wastewater treatment system for the Arizona Transfer of Ownership Inspection Program. Without taking this course, these professionals would not have been eligible to participate as an inspector for the statewide program. Thus, 105 professionals either expanded their business model or were able to continue conducting business in this area. An exam is required to demonstrate knowledge. (2) 35 practitioners (both regulators and in-the-field professionals) know more about conducting soil and site evaluations for onsite wastewater treatment systems and can use the Arizona code to conduct the evaluations. Without attending this class, these practitioners would not be able to conduct these evaluations as part of their jobs. An exam, that includes both a written portion and a practicum, is required to demonstrate knowledge and the ability to texture and color a sample of soil. (3) 19 practitioners have increased knowledge for designing residential, gravity-distributed septic systems using Arizona rules. A homework assignment was used to provide practical application of material learned in the workshop. This class is not required by Arizona law, so those attending really want to learn best practices. (4) 20 practitioners (both regulators and in-the-field professionals) have increased knowledge about designing systems using pressure distribution and pumps. The course covered installation, inspection and operation and maintenance issues regarding pumps. This class is not required by Arizona law, so those attending are interested in improving their life-long skills. (5) 29 practitioners have increased knowledge on laying out a system hydraulically with special attention to absorption widths, mounding, how wastewater moves through the soil, and general hydraulic movement of wastewater in soil. (6) 58 contacts in UA Extension, Arizona County Health Departments, and ADEQ received timely educational materials from ACE Onsite Wastewater Education Program and are more aware of the services that the program can and does provide. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? UA Onsite Wastewater Practitioner listserv Arizona County Departments of Environmental Health Services Association (ACDEHSA) and their subgroup, OnsiteTechnical Advisory Committee Arizona Onsite Wastewater Association (AzOWRA) Arizona Cooperative Extension system Through the University of Arizona Onsite Wastewater Education Program website: https://extension.arizona.edu/onsite-wastewater What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Conduct 2 classes (2 days each) for Inspection of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Conduct 2 classes (3 days each) for soil and site evaluators Conduct 1 class (2 days) for introduction to design Conduct 1 class (1 day) for on an advanced design topic Conduct workshop for homeowners to help them manage their systems
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
As an Extension Specialist (outreach professional), I educate and train onsite wastewater treatment practitioners and regulators in the soil and site evaluation, design, installation, operation and management, and inspection of onsite wastewater treatment systems, and inform homeowners and users of onsite wastewater treatment systems how to better manage their systems to prolong their useful life while protecting human health and the environment. This is done through formal training classes (1 to 2 days each) and seminars for homeowners. Exit surveys are conducted to obtain knowledge gained for the homeowners. Exams are given in several of the trainings for practitioners.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Farrell-Poe, K. 2018. Inspecting your household septic system. UA Extension publication, AZ1159 (revised from 2000). Tucson, AZ: UA.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Farrell-Poe, K. 2018. Maintaining your septic tank. UA Extension publication, AZ1160 (revised from 2010, original 2000). Tucson, AZ: UA.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Farrell-Poe, K. 2018. Managing your household septic system. UA Extension publication, AZ1161 (revised from 2010, original 2000). Tucson, AZ: UA.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Farrell-Poe, K. 2018. Operation and maintenance tips for your septic system. UA Extension publication, AZ 1175 (revised from 2010, original 2000). Tucson, AZ: UA.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Farrell-Poe, K. 2018. RV holding-tank treatments & deodorizers in septic systems. UA Extension publication, AZ 1233 (revised from 2010, original 2001). Tucson, AZ: UA.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Farrell-Poe, K. 2018. Understanding your household septic system. UA Extension publication, AZ1158 (revised from 2010, original 2000). Tucson, AZ: UA.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Farrell-Poe, K. 2018. What you should know when youre having your septic system inspected for the Transfer of Ownership Program. UA Extension publication, AZ1554 (revised from original 2012).
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Farrell-Poe, K. 2018. Septic system owners guide. UA Extension bulletin, AZ 1226 (revised from 2001). Tucson, AZ: UA.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Farrell-Poe, K. 2019. Antibacterial products in septic systems. UA Extension publication, AZ1258 (revised from 2010, original 2001). Tucson, AZ: UA.
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Progress 10/01/17 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Target Audience: Owner/operators of onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). Soil and site evaluators of OWTS. Designers of OWTS. Installers of OWTS. Inspectors of OWTS. Service providers for OWTS. Regulators of OWTS. Undergraduate and graduate students. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Conducted 2, 2-day NAWT Inspection Training classes to 223 professionals who want to be eligible for or maintain eligibility to be Transfer of Property Inspectors. By law, part of the eligibility is that they must attend a recognized Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) course. This is the only course recognized by ADEQ to meet the requirements of the law. I negotiated a contract with the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) to teach the course AND provide the web database for Arizona. Conducted a 2-day Soils & Site Evaluation class to 48 practitioners (up from 31 the previous year). This is one of three soil and site evaluation courses recognized by ADEQ, and the only one offered regularly, that allows non-registered professionals (the regulations recognize registered professionals as registered engineers, registered sanitarians, and registered geologists) to conduct soil and site evaluations for onsite wastewater treatment systems. I developed the manual, the field skills, and the course completion exam. I contract with nationally-recognized instructors to help teach the class. Conducted a 1-day NAWT Installer class to 27 practitioners. This class covers planning and site evaluation and installing tanks, in-ground and above-ground soil treatment systems, pumps, and media filters. I contracted with the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) to teach the course. This course hadn't been offered in Arizona since 2014. This class is not required by Arizona law, so those attending really want to learn best practices, and this class met the 8 hours of continuing education required to maintain NAWT certification. Conducted a 1-day introduction to design class to 9 practitioners for designing onsite wastewater treatment and dispersal systems using Arizona regulations. A homework assignment was used to provide practical application of material learned in the workshop. This class is not required by Arizona law, so those attending really want to learn best practices, and this class met the 8 hours of continuing education required to maintain NAWT certification. Worked with the onsite industry leaders to develop Need-to-Know statements for two of six sectors of the Arizona onsite industry: installers and operation & maintenance providers during monthly 2-hour webinars. [NOTE: In 2017, I conducted a one-day workshop in April 2017 followed by a series of 2-hour webinar meetings (May, June, August, September, November, and December) to build out the pumper, soil & site evaluator, designer need-to-know statements.] Need-to-Know statements describe what knowledge and skills a practitioner needs to have to do their job and/or do their job well. This is the second step (behind having a plan) of a unified training and education program. The skills and knowledge are independent of regulations (current or proposed). All practitioners were encouraged to be engaged in the process and participate in the working sessions. The ultimate goal of these working sessions was to build a foundation for future rule-making. Taught a three-unit semester online course, Design of Onsite Wastewater Treatment & Dispersal Systems, for graduate (7) and undergraduate students (14). Students were introduced to the science and engineering of individual wastewater treatment facilities. Topics included history of septic systems, basic biological science concepts for the onsite wastewater industry, soil & site evaluations, pretreatment systems (including septic tanks, aerobic treatment units, media filters, constructed wetlands, disinfection, nitrogen-reduction systems), soil treatment systems using both gravity and pressure (including trenches, beds, seepage pits, mounds, drip distribution), selecting systems, controls, wiring, operation and maintenance, inspections, septage, biosolids, and water reuse. All designs used the Arizona Administrative Code guidelines and requirements. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? UA Onsite Wastewater Practitioner listserv Arizona County Departments of Environmental Health Services Association (ACDEHSA) and their subgroup, Onsite Technical Advisory Committee Arizona Onsite Wastewater Association (AzOWRA) Arizona Cooperative Extension system What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Conduct 2 trainings for Inspection of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Conduct 2 trainings for soil and site evaluators and increase the teaching period to 3 days Conduct 1 introduction to design trainings Conduct 2 advanced design trainings Conduct workshop for homeowners to help them manage their systems
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
As an Extension Specialist (outreach professional), I educate and train onsite wastewater treatment practitioners in the soil and site evaluation, design, installation, operation and management, and inspection of onsite wastewater treatment systems, and inform homeowners and users of onsite wastewater treatment systems how to better manage their systems to prolong their useful life while protecting human health and the environment. This is done through formal training classes (1 to 2 days each) for practitioners and regulators and seminars for homeowners. Exit surveys are conducted to obtain knowledge gained for the homeowners. Exams are given in several of the trainings for practitioners. Six Extension onsite wastewater education publications were revised and updated. A folder for septic system owners was updated and assembled, and distributed to 135 practitioners participating in the second inspection training course.
Publications
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Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:1. Owner/operators of onsite wastewater treatment systems. 2. Soil and site evaluators of OWTS. 3. Designers of OWTS. 4. Installers of OWTS. 5. Inspectors of OWTS. 6. Service providers for OWTS. 7. Regulators of OWTS. 8. Undergraduate and graduate students. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Conducted 2, 2-day NAWT Inspection Training & Certification classes to 150 professionals who want to be eligible to be Transfer of Property Inspectors. By law, part of the eligibility is that they must attend and be certified by a recognized ADEQ course. This is the only course recognized by ADEQ to meet the requirements of the law. I negotiated a contract with the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) to teach the course AND provide the credentialing and web database for Arizona. Conducted a 2-day Soils & Site Evaluation class to 31 practitioners. This is one of three courses recognized by ADEQ, and the only one offered regularly, that allows non-registered professionals (the regulations recognize registered professionals as engineers, sanitarians, and geologists) to conduct soil and site evaluations for onsite wastewater treatment systems. I developed the manual, the field skills, and the course completion exam. I contract with nationally-recognized instructors to help teach the class. Conducted a 2-day introduction to design class to 20 practitioners for designing onsite wastewater treatment and dispersal systems using Arizona regulations. A homework assignment was used to provide practical application of material learned in the workshop. This class is not required by Arizona law, so those attending really want to learn best practices, and this class met the 8 hours of continuing education required to maintain NAWT certification. Delivered a 2-1/2-hour presentation to Cochise County's Water Wise workshop series on "Septic Care" to 40 homeowners in Sierra Vista. Worked with the onsite industry leaders to develop Need-to-Know statements for six sectors of the Arizona onsite industry: septic-tank technicians, installers, inspectors, designers, operation & maintenance providers, and soil and site evaluators. Need-to-Know statements describe what knowledge and skills a practitioner needs to have to do their job and/or do their job well. This is the second step (behind having a plan) of a unified training and education program. The skills and knowledge are independent of regulations (current or proposed). All practitioners are encouraged to be engaged in the process and participate in the working sessions. The ultimate goal of these working sessions is to build a foundation for future rule-making. I conducted a one-day workshop in April 2017 followed by a series of 2-hour webinar meetings (May, June, August, September, November, and December). Responding to a stakeholder request to have the Septic System Owner's Guide available for purchase, I worked with Extension publications to recreate the guide as the original guide was no longer available. The two pocket folder was created and edits were made to the text. Manuals were purchased for the folders, UA Cooperative Extension publications were confirmed for duplication to be put into the folder. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? UA Onsite Wastewater Practitioner listserv Arizona County Departments of Environmental Health Services Association (ACDEHSA) and their subgroup, Onsite Technical Advisory Committee Arizona Onsite Wastewater Association (AzOWRA) Arizona Cooperative Extension system What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Conduct training for the inspection of onsite wastewater treatment systems Conduct training for soil and site evaluators Conduct training for designers Conduct training for installers Conduct workshop for homeowners to help them manage their systems Complete the development of Need-to-Know statements for six sectors of the onsite industry in Arizona (septic tank technicians, installers, inspectors, designers, soil and site evaluators, and O&M service providers) Complete the UA Septic System Owner's guide
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
As an Extension Specialist (outreach professional), I educate and train onsite wastewater treatment practitioners in the soil and site evaluation, design, installation, operation and management, and inspection of onsite wastewater treatment systems, and inform homeowners and users of onsite wastewater treatment systems how to better manage their systems to prolong their useful life while protecting human health and the environment. This is done through formal training classes (1 to 2 days each) and seminars for homeowners. Exit surveys are conducted to obtain knowledge gained for the homeowners. Exams are given in several of the trainings for practitioners.
Publications
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Progress 10/28/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience: Owner/operators of onsite wastewater treatment systems. Soil and site evaluators of OWTS. Designers of OWTS. Installers of OWTS. Inspectors of OWTS. Service providers for OWTS. Regulators of OWTS. Undergraduate and graduate students. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Conducted 2, 2-day NAWT Inspection Training & Certification classes to 183 professionals who want to be eligible to be Transfer of Property Inspectors. By law, part of the eligibility is that they must attend and be certified by a recognized ADEQ course. This is the only course recognized by ADEQ to meet the requirements of the law. I negotiated a contract with the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) to teach the course AND provide the credentialing and web database for Arizona. Conducted a 2-day Soils & Site Evaluation class to 37 practitioners (up from 20 the previous year). This is one of three courses recognized by ADEQ, and the only one offered regularly, that allows non-registered professionals (the regulations recognize registered professionals as engineers, sanitarians, and geologists) to conduct soil and site evaluations for onsite wastewater treatment systems. I developed the manual, the field skills, and the course completion exam. I contract with nationally-recognized instructors to help teach the class. Conducted a new 1-day In-depth Technology-specific Education class dealing with troubleshooting onsite wastewater systems to 12 practitioners. A topic that all levels of professionals can learn and develop a plan for deciphering the symptoms and identifying the root problems creating a plan for better system performance. The activities fit between System inspection and System O&M, applying to both but being outside this class will develop a plan for evaluating systems by measuring a couple key factors. Then applying the information to create a solution for the identified conditions. Having a clear set of measurements and connections allows for professionals to develop system renovations that can be a long-term solution for the site. This class provides another avenue for certified NAWT inspectors to obtain their 8-hours every 2 years of continuing education. I was VERY disappointed in the attendance for these classes and am considering eliminating these 1-day classes. The reason I initiated them was to provide alternative choices to those seeking recertification hours. Conducted a 1-day introduction to design class to 14 practitioners for designing onsite wastewater treatment and dispersal systems using Arizona regulations. A homework assignment was used to provide practical application of material learned in the workshop. This class is not required by Arizona law, so those attending really want to learn best practices, and this class met the 8 hours of continuing education required to maintain NAWT certification. Delivered a 2-1/2-hour presentation to Cochise County's Water Wise workshop series on "Septic Care" to 50 homeowners in Sierra Vista. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? UA Onsite Wastewater Practitioner listserv Arizona County Departments of Environmental Health Services Association (ACDEHSA) and their subgroup, Onsite Technical Advisory Committee Arizona Onsite Wastewater Association (AzOWRA) Arizona Cooperative Extension system What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Conduct training for Inspection of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Conduct training for soil and site evaluators Conduct training for designers Conduct workshop for homeowners to help them manage their systems
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Reviewed and revised the Soil & Site Evaluation manual for training practitioners. As an Extension Specialist (outreach professional), I educate and train onsite wastewater treatment practitioners in the soil and site evaluation, design, installation, operation and management, and inspection of onsite wastewater treatment systems, and inform homeowners and users of onsite wastewater treatment systems how to better manage their systems to prolong their useful life while protecting human health and the environment. This is done through formal training classes (1 to 2 days each) and seminars for homeowners. Exit surveys are conducted to obtain knowledge gained for the homeowners. Exams are given in several of the trainings for practitioners.
Publications
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