The Alabama Onsite Wastewater Association Training Center
General Information
The Alabama Onsite Wastewater Association Training Center (AOWATC) was established in 1997 because of a growing need for education in the rapidly changing wastewater field. The organization is dedicated to expanding public awareness of water quality issues, with a particular emphasis on wastewater management. The center was established with funding from the United States Environmental Protection Agency through the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, and by donations from the University of West Alabama and other contributors. The center is a member in a partnership that includes many federal, state, and local agencies, including the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Association, the Tombigbee Resource Conservation and Development Council, the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board, , the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee, and the Sumter County Soil and Water Conservation District. Recently, the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Association (AOWA) and the University of West Alabama (UWA) have joined forces to conduct the bulk of licensee training for onsite industry professionals in the state of Alabama. Most of the Licensing classes are taught at the AOWATC, located on the UWA Campus. Continuing education classes are offered throughout Alabama each year.
Wastewater Management: Why?
The Alabama Department of Public Health has reported that 50% of all conventional, onsite septic systems are currently failing or are expected to fail in the future. Here in the Black Belt region of West Alabama, the anticipated failure rate is 90%. Traditionally, rural homeowners have used simple wastewater treatment systems consisting of a concrete septic tank and a connected network of perforated pipes, or field lines, buried in the neighboring soil. Sewage generated within the home flows into the septic tank. In the septic tank, solids settle down to the tank bottom, and the wastewater is partially treated by anaerobic microorganisms within the tank. The wastewater, also called effluent, leaves the septic tank and flows into the field lines. As the effluent trickles out of the perforations in the lines, soil borne microorganisms, along with the natural filtering properties of the soil itself, continue the treatment process. By the time the wastewater reenters the groundwater supply, it is relatively free of pollutants. However, many people who live in rural areas cannot utilize a conventional system. Why? Conditions within the soil, such as the presence of thick clays, high seasonal water tables, shallow bedrock, or an overabundance of sand can prevent a conventional system from performing properly. When a septic system fails, disease-causing pathogens, nutrients, and chemicals can contaminate local water supplies. Thus, the use of alternative wastewater treatment methods has become necessary.
Our Mission
To install and demonstrate various advanced wastewater treatment systems.
To provide education regarding installation, cost, maintenance, and suitability of advanced treatment systems to specific site conditions for system designers, installers, and government personnel.
To bring about attitudinal and behavioral changes on the part of local and state policy makers and general public by educating them on the use of advanced treatment systems.
To serve as a regional and international demonstration and educational facility.
Classes
In 2000, the state of Alabama passed legislation requiring all onsite professionals to have special licenses before performing work in the field. There are three licensing programs in Alabama for professionals in the onsite industry. The first is the Pumpers Licensing Program, the second is the Septic Tank Manufacturers Program, and the third is the Installers Licensing Program. The Installers Licensing Program is divided into three categories of licensure: the Basic Installers License, the Advanced Level I Installers License, and the Advanced Level II Installers License. The Basic Installers Licensing Class must be completed before an individual can perform any installations of conventional onsite wastewater treatment systems. Basic Installers who have completed the licensing class and passed the Basic Installers Licensing Exam are required to fulfill a minimum two years "time-in-grade" period, and must also install a minimum of 18 conventional, basic level systems before applying for the Advanced Level I Installers Class. After having completed the Advanced Level I Class and Exam, Advanced Level I Installers are required to fulfill a minimum two years "time-in-grade" period, and must also install a minimum of 18 engineered (advanced) onsite systems before applying for the Advanced Level II Installers Class. In the state of Alabama, any onsite system that generates more than 1200 gallons of daily sewage flow must be installed by an Advanced Level II Installer. Advanced Level I Installers that have completed the "time-in-grade" requirements and installed the required Advanced Level I systems may apply for the Advanced Level II Installers Class and Exam.
All individuals seeking licensure in Alabama must complete the appropriate licensing class and then pass the required licensing examination, which is administered by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board at the end of each class. After becoming licensed, individuals are then required to receive continuing education each year in order to maintain their licensure. Complete information on the licensing programs and the continuing education program can be found by clicking on the Training Classes link at the bottom of this page. For more information, click on any of the links below or call the AOWATC at 205-652-3803.
Training Classes at the AOWATC
The 2008 AOWATC Training Schedule
Back to the UWA College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
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