Operator Training School


Locations:

  • Raleigh: April 23-25, 2008 (Class Full)
  • Fletcher: June 10-12, 2008

  • Bolivia: September 10-12, 2008
  • Plymouth: November 5-7, 2008

Sponsored By:

NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
  • Water Pollution Control System Operators Certification Commission
  • On-Site Wastewater Section
  • North Carolina State University
  • Soil Science Department
  • Biological & Agricultural Engineering Department
  • North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
  • Co-Sponsored By:

    • Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment
    • Soil Science Society of North Carolina

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    Objectives

    Proper operation and maintenance are key to assuring the longevity of on-site systems. This training school was developed to teach individuals how to provide quality service to owners of advanced on-site systems. Article 3 of 90A of the North Carolina General Statutes and the state wastewater rules require some wastewater treatment systems such as existing large subsurface disposal systems, newly permitted or repaired small on-site low pressure pipe (LPP) systems, drip irrigation systems, pressure-dosed sand filter systems, and peat biofilter systems to be operated by certified subsurface system operators. These requirements significantly increase the need for subsurface operator training and preparation for the examination for certification as a subsurface system operator.

    Classroom sessions will address laws, rules, and permit requirements, as well as the theory and concepts behind on-site wastewater treatment, dispersal, operation and maintenance. Large portions of the lectures and facilitated discussions will focus on individual technologies and components. A math review for subsurface operators is also included. The curriculum was recently updated to allow classroom presentations on technologies and components, followed immediately by hands-on operation and maintenance field exercises on each day. Registration at each site is limited to 30 attendees to ensure a highly personalized learning environment.


    Agenda

    DAY 1
    8:00am - Registration
    8:15am-5:00pm - Class Time

    CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION

    • Program Overview
    • Laws, Rules, Permits: OSWW Rules
    • Certified Operator Rules
    • Introduction to Wastewater and Subsurface Systems
    • Safety
    • Operator Responsibilities and Resources
    • Site Assessment
    • Primary Treatment: O&M of Tanks
    • O&M of Dosing Systems and Controls

    FIELD INSTRUCTION

    • O&M of Tanks
    • O&M of Dosing Systems and Controls

    DAY 2
    8:00am-5:00pm - Class Time

    CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION

    • Gravity and Pressure Manifold Systems O&M
    • LPP Systems O&M
    • Drip Distribution and Dispersal Systems O&M
    • Math for Subsurface Operators

    FIELD INSTRUCTION

    • O&M of Pressure Manifold & LPP
    • O&M of Drip Distribution and Dispersal

    DAY 3
    8:00am-5:00pm - Class Time

    CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION

    • Advanced Pretreatment: Media Filters and Disinfection
    • Monitoring and Sampling
    • Records, Reports and Contracts

    FIELD INSTRUCTION

    • O&M of Media Filters and Disinfection
    • LPP Troubleshooting

    Since the schedule includes field activities each day, please wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

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    Who Should Attend

    The Subsurface Wastewater System Operator Training School is intended for those planning to become certified operators of subsurface wastewater systems including low pressure pipe systems, drip irrigation systems, large septic systems (flows exceeding 3000 GPD), and subsurface systems involving pretreatment beyond a septic tank (sand filters, peat filters, aerobic treatment units, and package plants).

    This includes:

    • Contract operators of such systems
    • Operators of subsurface treatment systems for public schools
    • Regulatory agency personnel with responsibility for permitting, inspecting, training, or technical assistance.

    What Others are Saying...

    "This class covers everything from systems installations and how they work, to dealing with human relations and permits." Wade A. Tillett

    "This would be a great refresher course for operators due to advancing technologies in subsurface wastewater treatment and dispersal systems." Jason Gidrey

    Out-of-State Professionals

    This training program is also intended to assist individuals from other states who desire a rigorous, concise training program regarding operation and maintenance of on-site systems.

    University Biosecurity Protocol

    In an effort to prevent foot and mouth disease among our livestock, the university now requires that all visitors to field sites must not have traveled outside the United States for at least 14 days prior to the course date. Some international travel may be allowed. Please call if your international travel conflicts with your chosen course date.


    Examination and Certification

    Examinations for certification as a Subsurface System Operator are administered quarterly by the staff of the Water Pollution Control System Operators Certification Commission (WPCSOCC) at 5 locations throughout North Carolina. Application for the certification examination is a separate process from registration for the training school and must be made directly to the WPCSOCC. Completion of the Subsurface Wastewater System Operators Training School is only one of several eligibility requirements that must be met in order to sit for the examination. The examination application and fee must be submitted directly to the WPCSOCC 30 days prior to the desired examination date.

    The exam dates for the schools are March 13, 2008, June 12, 2008, September 11, 2008 and November 13, 2008.

    For an application to become a NC Certified Subsurface System Operator or for further information concerning the examination, please write, call or visit the web site.

    Address: WPCSOCC, 1618 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, 27699-1618
    Phone: 919-733-0026

    Web: http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/tacu/index.html


    Registration Information

    5 Ways To Register

    1. Call: 919-515-7154
    2. E-mail: soils_training@ncsu.edu
    3. Fax: 919-513-0811
    4. Website: www.soil.ncsu.edu/training/
    5. Mail:
      Kathryn Luxford
      NCSU Soil Science Dept.
      Box 7643-UFL
      Raleigh, NC 27695-7643

    Fees:

    • North Carolina Residents $400
    • Out-of-State Residents $500

    The registration fee includes lunch each day, refreshment breaks, course manual, reference notebook, and a certificate of attendance. Lodging, other meals, and the exam fee are not included in the registration fee.

    The full registration fee or an organization purchase order number must accompany the registration form in order to reserve a place in the school. Cancellations will be refunded (minus a $25 processing fee) if written notification (fax acceptable) is received by three business days prior to the school. Notifications made after this time will not be refunded.

    Location and Hotel Information

    BOLIVIA: Brunswick County Government Complex, Agriculture Bldg N, US Hwy 17 Business
    Hotels:
    Hampton Inn Southport, 5181 Southport-Supply Rd SE, Southport, 910-454-0016
    Comfort Inn, 151 S. College Rd., Wilmington, 910-971-4841
    Days Inn, 6040 Market St., Wilmington, 910-799-6300

    FLETCHER: Mountain Horticultural Crops Extension Center, 455 Research Drive, 828-684-3562
    Hotels:
    • Days Inn-Airport, 183 Underwood Rd., Fletcher, 828-684-2281
    • Fairfield Inn, 31 Airport Rd., Fletcher, 828-684-1144
    • Comfort Inn Asheville Airport, 15 Rockwood Rd., Arden, 828-687-9199

    PLYMOUTH: Vernon James Research and Extension Center, US Hwy 64, Plymouth, NC
    Hotels:
    Holiday Inn Express, 840 US Hwy 64, Plymouth, 252-793-4700
    Port of Plymouth, US Hwy 64, Plymouth, 252-793-5006
    Holiday Inn Williamston, 101 East Blvd., US 64 Alt - Hwy 17, 252-792-3184
    Hampton Inn Williamston, 1099 Hampton Court, 252-809-1100

    RALEIGH: Soil and Water Education Training Center, Booth Field Learning Lab, 4000 Chi Rd., just off Lake Wheeler Rd., south of Tryon Rd., 919-513-1678
    Hotels:
    • Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites - Cary, 5630 Dillard Dr., 919-851-1220
    • Best Western Inn & Suites - Cary, 1722 Walnut Street, 800-227-9466
    • Hampton Inn, US 70 East & 110 Drexmere St., Garner, 919-772-6500

    Make your reservation with the hotel of your choice.


    Registration Form

    Subsurface School

    Please provide the following contact information:

    Name
    Job Title
    Firm/Organization
    Street Address
    Address (cont.)
    City
    State/Province
    Zip/Postal Code
    Country
    Work Phone
    FAX
    E-mail
     

      North Carolina Residents $400
      Out-of-State Residents $500

    • Fletcher: June 10-12, 2008
    • Raleigh: April 23-25, 2008 (Class Full)
    • Bolivia: September 10-12, 2008
    • Plymouth: November 5-7, 2008
    • NOTE: Registration at each site is limited to 30 attendees to ensure a highly personalized learning environment. Since the schedule includes field activities each day, please wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

    Method of payment:
    Visa or MasterCard (Submit this form, then call 919-515-7154 with your credit card # and expiration date. OR print the completed form, then fax it with your card information to 919-513-0811.)
    Check:  
         I will mail in check, including a copy of this completed form 
         I will deliver check when I check in for the course
    Please invoice my company

    Make check(s) payable to:
    North Carolina State University

    Mail to:
    Kathryn Murray
    NCSU Soil Science Department
    Campus Box 7643-UFL
    Raleigh, NC 27695-7643

    Total Registration Fee:


    Special Comments:



    Last Updated: June 4, 2008