The Alabama Onsite Wastewater Association
Training Center
TRAINING CLASSES:
THE BASIC, or FIRST TIME INSTALLER LICENSING CLASS
This workshop is conducted over the course of two-and-a-half days. This class is designed to provide the training needed for new installers to enter Alabama's onsite industry. The training qualifies first time licensees to install conventional onsite treatment systems provided they pass the basic installers licensing examination at the end of the training. Conventional systems are loosely defined as those systems consisting of a septic tank, a header line, and field lines. Field lines typically consist of a twelve inch gravel trench with four inch PVC pipe installed between twelve and sixty inches from grade in soils with percolation rates of five to one hundred twenty minutes per inch. Chambers, gravelless pipe, Styrofoam, and tire chips can also be used with conventional systems. This training is conducted three times annually.
Tentative Basic Installer Class Agenda
Note: This agenda is subject to change due to instructor's schedules. If you are interested in a particular topic, please contact us a few days prior to the course for confirmation of the schedule.
Day One
Day
Two
Day Three
GETTING AN EARLY START ON YOUR STUDIES:
The main training text for the Basic Installers Class is the Alabama Department of Public Health's (ADPH) Rules for Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal, Chapter 420-3-1. Students will receive a copy of the Rules when they come to class. However, free copies of the Rules are available through the ADPH Bureau of Environmental Services in Montgomery. You can contact them and request a copy by calling 334-206-5373, or follow the link below to view the rules online.
Onsite Sewage Rules and Regulations in Adobe Acrobat .pdf format
Don't have the Adobe Acrobat reader? Get it here for free!
http://www.adobe.com/products/reader/
Suggested topics of early study include the sections on permitting process/forms and design criteria/technical specifications. The following slideshows are from presentations that you will see during the class. Check them out to get ahead on your studies!
How Onsite Systems Work Permitting Requirements Septic Tank Sizing
System Layout and Installation Sizing and Problem Session Soils and Onsite Systems
More training links coming soon!
THE ADVANCED LEVEL I INSTALLERS LICENSING CLASS
The Advanced Level I Installers Licensing class is a workshop that installers MUST attend prior to taking the Advanced Level I Licensing Examination. In addition, the installer MUST first complete the Basic Installers Class and other requirements before enrolling in the Advanced Level I Licensing program. The curriculum and class material for the advanced licensing class has been approved by the U.S. EPA and the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board.
Representatives from manufacturers of the systems at the Training Center, ADPH staff, and other industry experts provide instruction and are on hand to field specific questions. upon successful completion of the Advanced Level I Installers class and licensing examination, the Advanced Level I Installer License allows the installer to install advanced or secondary treatment systems that treat daily sewage flows up to 1200 gallons per day, Advanced (or secondary) treatment systems are any systems that deviate from conventional design and require an engineer's design plan. Topics in this two and a half day course include attached-growth treatment systems, suspended-growth treatment systems, soils, drip systems, and others. This course is offered twice annually.
Purpose
To provide a greater understanding of how various systems work and why they are selected for specific sites.
To offer an opportunity to observe the application of cutting edge technologies in the onsite wastewater field.
To provide an opportunity to interact with colleagues and manufacturers in the onsite community.
To obtain the Advanced Level I Installer license.
Schedule
The workshop consists of two and a half jam-packed days of training. Dress comfortably and casually because the field sessions usually take place regardless of the weather. Bring an umbrella or rain gear just in case Mother Nature gets uncooperative. Notebooks and pens are provided upon arrival at the training sessions, but attendees should bring a calculator to use during the math section.
Tentative Advanced Class Agenda
Note: This agenda is subject to change due to instructor's schedules. If you are interested in a particular topic, please contact us a few days prior to the course for confirmation of the schedule.
7:15-7:45 am Registration
8:00 Welcome
8:15 Introduction to Alternative Onsite Systems
9:15 Station Training
11:45 LUNCH
1:00 Pumps
2:00 Sand Filters
3:00 BREAK
3:15 Raised Bed Systems
4:15 Chambers and Drip Irrigation
8:00 Aerobic Treatment Units
9:15 Station Training
11:45 LUNCH
1:00 Peat Biofilters
2:00 Filters & Risers
3:00 BREAK
3:15 Open Cell Foam Systems
4:15 Math
8:00 State Regulations for Alternative Systems
9:00 Soils & Agronomy
10:00 Station Training and Course Review
11:00 LUNCH
12:00 TEST
***Note to Installers (and other interested folks, too!): Look below and you will find many of the presentations that are taught during the sessions. You can study up on some of the material before you attend the class.
Advanced Installer Licensing Class Topics and PowerPoint Presentations
Wastewater Management: Why? Mounds and Controlled Fill Systems Risers and Lids
Filters Advanced Treatment Systems Open Cell Foam Systems
Onsite Sewage Rules and Regulations in Adobe Acrobat .pdf format
Don't have the Adobe Acrobat reader? Get it here for free!
http://www.adobe.com/products/reader/
More presentations coming soon!
THE ADVANCED LEVEL II INSTALLERS LICENSING CLASS
The Advanced Level II Installers Licensing class is a workshop that installers MUST attend prior to taking the Advanced Level II Licensing Examination. In addition, the installer MUST first complete the Advanced Level I Installers Class and other requirements before enrolling in the Advanced Level II Licensing program. The curriculum and class material for the advanced licensing class has been approved by the U.S. EPA and the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board.
Representatives from manufacturers of the systems at the Training Center, ADPH staff, and other industry experts provide instruction and are on hand to field specific questions. upon successful completion of the Advanced Level II Installers class and licensing examination, the Advanced Level I Installer License allows the installer to install advanced or secondary treatment systems that treat daily sewage flows over 1200 gallons per day, Advanced (or secondary) treatment systems are any systems that deviate from conventional design and require an engineer's design plan. Topics in this two and a half day course include constructed wetlands, peat biofilters, aerobic treatment units, open cell foam biofilters, soils, drip systems, and others. This course is offered twice annually.
Purpose
To provide a greater understanding of how decentralized wastewater systems work and why they are selected for specific sites.
To offer an opportunity to observe the application of cutting edge technologies in the onsite wastewater field.
To provide an opportunity to interact with colleagues and manufacturers in the onsite community.
To obtain the Advanced Level II Installer license.
Schedule
The workshop consists of two and a half jam-packed days of training. Dress comfortably and casually because the field sessions usually take place regardless of the weather. Bring an umbrella or rain gear just in case Mother Nature gets uncooperative. Notebooks and pens are provided upon arrival at the training sessions, but attendees should bring a calculator to use during the math section.
Tentative Advanced Class Agenda
Note: This agenda is subject to change due to instructor's schedules. If you are interested in a particular topic, please contact us a few days prior to the course for confirmation of the schedule.
7:15-7:45 am Registration
8:00 Welcome
8:15 Review of Secondary Treatment Systems
9:15 BREAK
9:30 Station Training
11:45 LUNCH
1:00 Intro to Decentralized Wastewater
2:00 Collection Systems Part I
3:00 BREAK
3:15 Collection Systems Part II
4:15 Disposal Methods
8:00 Tertiary Treatment
8:30 Nutrient Removal
9:00 Disinfection
9:30 BREAK
9:45 Station Training
11:45 LUNCH
1:00 Bio-solids Management
2:00 Troubleshooting & Maintenance
3:30 BREAK
3:45 Pumps and Controls
8:00 ADPH Rules: Permitting & Mgmt. Entities
9:00 ADEM Rules: Permitting & Operator Regs
10:00 AOWB Rules Overview
11:00 Station Training Refresher
12:00 LUNCH
1:00 TEST
***Note to Installers (and other interested folks, too!): Look below and you will find many of the presentations that are taught during the sessions. You can study up on some of the material before you attend the class.
Advanced Installer Licensing Class Topics and PowerPoint Presentations
Advanced Treatment Systems Intro to Decentralized Wastewater Treatment and Disposal
Collection Systems Tertiary Treatment Review of ADPH Permitting Requirements
BASIC, or FIRST TIME PUMPERS LICENSING CLASS
This two-day course is geared toward potential licensees who wish to pump septic tanks or operate portable restrooms. A separate license is required for installers or manufacturers. Participants in this training learn the basics of septic tank maintenance and the ins and outs of performing the tasks associated with the pumping/portable restroom business. They can then receive their license upon successful completion of the pumper's licensing examination. This course is offered three times annually.
SEPTIC TANK MANUFACTURES LICENSING CLASS
This two-day course is offered once a year and is typically conducted at a manufacturing plant, often a concrete plant, somewhere in the state. Location may vary, but plant locations are used because of the unique nature of this licensing program. Participants are required to successfully complete the manufacturers licensing examination at the end of the two-day course.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASSES
Once an installer has completed the licensing process, he or she is required by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board to receive 6 hours of continuing education annually in order to maintain his or her license. Installers/Pumpers who hold multiple licenses (for example, a person holding both a basic installer's license and a pumper's license) must receive 10 credit hours of continuing education annually in order to maintain their licenses. Licensees holding all three licenses must receive 14 credit hours of CEU training each year. Annual continuing education is required by the AOWB for all installers, pumpers, and tank manufacturers in the state of Alabama. Topics for the CEU classes typically include expanded versions of subjects taught in other licensing programs, along with other technical, professional development, and industry-related subjects. Unlike the licensing programs, most of which are only conducted at the AOWATC, continuing education classes are conducted statewide in an effort to bring training right to your backyard, and help you avoid the expenses of overnight travel and time off the job.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
Note that AOWA members receive discounts on some of the class fees. For information on joining the AOWA, please contact them at 334-396-3434.
Contact the AOWATC at 205-652-3803, or the AOWA office at 334-396-3434, to receive a registration packet. Please look over the fee information provided below:
Basic, or First Time Licensing Fees : $275.00 (This fee applies to Basic Installers, Basic Pumpers, and Manufacturers)
Advanced Installer Class Fee: $275.00 (AOWA members receives $50.00 discount on this class)
PLEASE NOTE!!! In addition to the training class fee, you will be required to pay a separate $100.00 examination fee, made payable to the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board (AOWB). You will also be required to show a photo ID when you take the test. DO NOT send this fee in with your registration. Bring a SEPARATE check to the class! An AOWB staff person will collect the examination fee at test time!
Continuing Education Classes:
1 License AOWA Member: $75.00 Non-Member: $150.00
2 Licenses AOWA Member: $125.00 Non-Member:$200.00
3 Licenses AOWA Member: 175.00 Non-Member: $250.00
IMPORTANT: The registration deadline for classes is two weeks before classes begin. You can download a registration form here:
If your registration is not postmarked by two weeks before your scheduled class you will be charged a $50.00 late fee. If you "walk-in," you will be charged an additional $25.00 on top of the $50.00 late fee. Payment by check or money order only, made payable to the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Association, should be sent with your registration form to:
University of West Alabama
Attn: Allen Tartt
Station 7
Livingston, AL 35470
IMPORTANT: Any cancelled registrations MUST be received or phoned in within TEN days of the class date in order to receive a full refund. Fees for cancelled registrations after this deadline WILL NOT BE REFUNDED.
ALABAMA ONSITE WASTEWATER BOARD INFORMATION
The AOWB is the official installer licensing agency for the state of Alabama. On the last day of any licensing class, AOWB staff will be on hand to administer the required licensing examination. The AOWB handles all licensing paperwork, including bond issues, licensing applications and license renewal.
The fee for taking a licensing examination is $100.00. Please be sure you bring an extra check or money order made payable to the AOWB when you arrive for the class. If you have any questions concerning the AOWB, please call them at 334-269-6800.
The 2006 AOWATC Training Schedule