Session Descriptions
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Inspecting and Troubleshooting Soil Treatment Systems
Sara Heger, University of Minnesota
This session will cover the process of evaluating and inspecting soil treatment systems including trenches, low-pressure pipe systems, mounds, and sand filters. It will include a discussion on various distribution methods and the relating development of a biomat. Problems associated with hydraulic and organic overload will be highlighted.
Michigan Saves Septic Replacement Loan Program?
Todd Parker and Patrick O’Boyle, Michigan Saves
The recently passed MI Clean Water Plan allocated $500 million to clean drinking water and safe wastewater management projects. $35 million was set aside for specific use towards eliminating onsite septic system failures.
Update on NOWRA Activities
Sara Heger, University of Minnesota
This session will be an update about the activities of NOWRA in 2023. This will include committee work, task forces, federally lobbying activities, affiliate support, online learning. New educational resources recently developed will be highlighted.
AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS – TRACK 1
Case Study of an Elementary School
Jason Buck, Kent County Health Department and Regina Young, Michigan EGLE
A small elementary school in West Michigan began with less than 100 pupils in the 1960s. The school population soon grew to over 200 by the late 1980s. A septic system repair involving a duplex pump station and alternating drain beds was installed in 1986. This system was designed using the 1977 version of the Michigan Guidelines for Subsurface Sewage Disposal. Many years later, the school has undergone a great transformation. The biggest was a large playground improvement that covered the septic system with impervious materials and a rubberized safety surface. When the septic system failed, it left little room for replacement area. The school hired a private registered sanitarian (RS) to design the replacement system. The RS proposed using the smaller existing drain bed installed for an addition for the entire facility by incorporating aeration treatment. This proposal required a variance to the Michigan Criteria for Subsurface Sewage Disposal 1994 Revision. This process involved effluent sampling, water use monitoring, and submittal of plans from a Professional Engineer. This session will highly the major steps involved in reviewing a variance and the approximate expected time frame complete the review.
The Case for Narrow Trenches in a Soil Dispersal System
Larry Stephens, Stephens Consulting
Back in the 1960’s substantial research was conducted at the Sanitary Engineering Research Laboratory, College of Engineering at the University of California, Berkley. The researchers for this project were P.H. McGauhey and John H. Winneberger, and the research seems to be part of the body of work that formed a basis for the original Manual of Septic-Tank Practice published by the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Public Health Service (HUD). The “Manual” was printed in 1957, revised in 1967 with the final printing in 1969. The Manual of Septic Tank Practice was the most comprehensive reference document for onsite septic tank and soil absorption system construction of that early era.
Several papers were published as a part of this research during that time period. One of the most comprehensive was called “Summary Report on CAUSES AND PREVENTION OF FAILURE OF SEPTIC-TANK PERCOLATION SYSTEMS” by McGauhey and Winneberger in May of 1963. This work, backed by 45 significant references to other contemporary works of the time, appears to be the most comprehensive summary of the state-of-the-art of the emerging onsite wastewater industry of the 1960’s. To this day, the conclusions and recommendations of this research have had a lasting impression on this designer. One of the most striking facts of the onsite wastewater industry is that many of the conclusions and recommendations of this comprehensive research have been ignored or gone unnoticed by most practitioners in the onsite industry for half a century now. Most notably among the findings is the importance of sidewall infiltration to the longevity of soil infiltration systems. In fact, one of the “Criterion” suggested in this document is that: “The leaching system should provide a maximum of sidewall surface per unit of volume of effluent, and a minimum of bottom surface.” The case for this principle will be discussed in this presentation.
Separation Distances After Advanced Pretreatment
Sara Heger, University of Minnesota
The separation distance from a limiting condition such as bedrock or a water table has typically been based on the potential number of bacteria and viruses present in septic effluent. This presentation will discuss the research related to how much separation is needed after effluent has undergone advanced pretreatment in an aerobic treatment unit or media filter. The research supports reducing the typical separation required due to the significant reduction in disease causing organisms.
AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS – TRACK 2
EGLE Inspections: What Are We Looking For
Greg Merricle, Michigan EGLE
Greg will present on Septage Program inspections of licensed Septage vehicles, authorized Septage land application sites, approved Septage waste storage facilities, and authorized Septage waste receiving facilities. The presentation will touch on the inspection points for each type of inspection and explain their relevance to Part 117 and the protection of public health and the environment.
Septage Program Question & Answer Session
Greg Merricle, Michigan EGLE
Septage Program Staff will hold a panel discussion and attempt to answer any Septage related questions from the audience. Additionally, common program questions or issues may be discussed as necessary to encourage discussion and/or audience participation.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Part 382
Dolores Thomas, Michigan Center for Truck Safety
This presentation will cover why we get stopped, what the officer would like to see from the driver and what the driver should expect from the office.
AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS – TRACK 3
Vacation Rental Properties and Septic Systems
Sara Heger, University of Minnesota
US short-term rental supply hit record highs in 2022. That means more of your customers may be renting out their vacation homes either part time or full time. Vacation home rental can create numerous resulting in more frequent maintenance and management. Unaware property owners could irreparably damage their system if these issues are not addressed. The first concern is an overall increased hydraulic loading. The second concern is peak loading of water and cleaning products. The third concern is having renters who do not understand how septic systems work and the limitations and rules around proper use. On the design side increasing design flows, incorporating time dosing and upsizing components are all items to address with new systems. On the management and maintenance side of things rental properties that are heavily used should have more frequent service visits. These visits can help alert owners of system abuse and needed maintenance before serious problems arise. On conventional systems annual service visits to measure the accumulation of sludge and scum is advisable along with an evaluation of overall system performance. Advanced treatment systems may also need increased maintenance.
Program Minimum Standards for the Septic Replacement Loan Program
Dave Cotton and Anne Mitchell, Michigan EGLE
This session will discuss the program minimum standards for replacement systems being permitted through the Septic Replacement Loan Program. Topics covered will include isolation to limiting layer, surface water isolations, septic tank pumping and inspection requirements, and an overview of the general provisions of the program.
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
MORNING BREAKOUT SESSIONS – TRACK 1
Low Pressure Distribution: Application, Pipe Network Design, Pump Sizing, Installation Practices and Maintenance
Ron Lindsay, Milan Engineered Systems
Low pressure distribution is a dosing process that enhances wastewater treatment by applying effluent in an unsaturated mode over the entire soil infiltrative area. This presentation will discuss the rationale for pressure distribution, network design, pump sizing requirements, pump controls, installation practices and O&M.
Case Study of a Mobile Home Community
Kevin Green; Jeremy Rubio and Regina Young, Michigan EGLE
Case Study on all the different moving parts there are to permit and install a replacement septic system at a small mobile home park. The collaborative work between the local health department, EGLE, and working with the site, to permit and install a replacement wastewater system (in this case, septic system) at a mobile home park will be discussed. Each speaker will cover their roles and process when working with the site, and provide information on where they started, and where they are currently at.
CMDHD Time-of Transfer Program: History, Outcomes, and Challenges
Taylor Irwin, Central Michigan District Health Department
This presentation will describe the history of the Time-of-Transfer program at CMDHD, 5-year programmatic outcomes, environmental and public health impacts, private inspector partnership, challenges of the program, and future plans to improve program.
MORNING BREAKOUT SESSIONS – TRACK 2
Is This The Time to Sell Your Business? During Uncertain Times
Curtis Kuttnauer and Fred Manuel, Golden Circle Advisors
We will address the key topics that an owner of a wastewater business should be considering when planning for the sale of the business. Topics will include:
- Timing to sell your business
- The valuation process
- Who are the potential buyers?
- Elements of a deal structure
- Discussion of how these uncertain times (rising interest rates & recession fears) impact timing, valuation, and deal structure
- Pitfalls to avoid when selling a business
Insurance Coverage for Septic Tank Damages
Randy Redmer, Michigan Waste and Environmental Services Inc.
This session is designed to help professionals understand the nature of insurance coverage, both homeowner and commercial, as it relates to onsite septic systems. During this session, Randy will share information on what constitutes a covered claim versus a non-covered incident, show examples of failures that are typically covered (you may be surprised!) and those not covered. Session participants will also be given tips on educating insurance agents and adjusters, information on how to write useful reports which will help the owner AND the insurance company, and so much more! Participants may also learn more about their own insurance coverage that may surprise them!
Groundwater Discharge Permits for Septage Receiving Facilities
Kristine Rendon and Greg Merricle, Michigan EGLE
The definition of wastewater includes any liquid waste that is a product of a commercial process that is discharged directly or indirectly to groundwater. Once Septage is removed from a septic tank, transported to a receiving station, and processed through a treatment system, there are other regulations that are in place for the discharge of the resulting waste products, whether liquid or solid. Often, the discharge of liquid and solid waste from the wastewater treatment plant is regulated under a state (groundwater) or national (NPDES) permit. This presentation will go over the requirements necessary to obtain a state groundwater permit for the discharge of liquid waste from septage collected from a receiving facility and discharged to the ground.
MORNING BREAKOUT SESSIONS – TRACK 3
Design, Application, O&M Requirements of Advanced Treatment Systems Manufacturer Session
Eric Daniels, Eljen; Matt Johnson, Infiltrator Water Technologies; Catherine Kirkland, Orenco; and Geoffrey Williams, Consultant and Blog Host
Manufacturers of various advanced and secondary treatment systems will explain their requirements for design, appropriate application of the product, operation, maintenance, and reporting. This will include septic tank sizing, solids management, and tank maintenance. Most of the advanced treatment manufacturers with products common to Michigan have been invited. This session will benefit installers, service providers, designers, and regulatory staff on what is necessary for each treatment technology we have in Michigan.
Treatment of High Strength Wastewater from Food Processing: Craft Beverage and Meat Processing
Carley Allison and Greg Rouland, MSU
High strength wastewater from food processing plants is an increasing problem. Its highly variable in composition and flow, which makes it hard to treat at a municipal wastewater treatment plant. This presentation will focus on two novel ideas to treat two different types of food processing wastewater.
The first idea is coagulation and flocculation to treat meat processing wastewater. This technology utilizes chemicals, typically metal salts, to cause compounds in wastewater to clump together. These compounds then become heavier enough to settle to the bottom. The metal salt coagulants typically require a specialized system due to their very low pH, and there are concerns about adding metals to the wastewater. These coagulants are compared to natural coagulants to determine if the natural coagulants could be used with minimal effort and reasonable cost by facility operators. Possible system designs will be included based on these results. The second idea is using a greenhouse ecosystem to treat craft beverage (winery, cidery, and brewery) wastewater. Craft beverage wastewater has high amounts of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous, as well as high chemical oxygen demand. The greenhouse ecosystem consists of barrels with plants held in the wastewater media, and the water is pumped through the treatment train. The wastewater is treated to different levels as it moves through the train until it comes out with less chemical oxygen demand, nitrogen, and phosphorus than what went in. This is intended to be a small footprint, onsite wastewater treatment system that can be customized depending on location.
AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS – TRACK 1
Soils Fundamentals & Logging
Marisa Faraldo, Jeffrey Ross and Rob Wolfe, EGLE
Appropriate observation and identification of soils in the field is essential to the siting and design of onsite wastewater treatment systems. This session will educate attendees on soil textures, particle size, color, and structure utilized to classify and log soil information. The session will also cover the USDA soil textural classification system and the corresponding abbreviations utilized in Michigan for the uniform logging of soils throughout the state.
Basics of Surveying
Joel East, Wightman
This presentation will cover some of the different types of documents created by Land Surveyors, their interpretation, and why multiple irons may exist at one property corner. Additionally, there will be a brief discussion on who is the ultimate approving authority for land divisions and lot line adjustments.
Part 22 Exemptions
Kristine Rendon and Yvonne Alexander, Michigan EGLE
Under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, Part 31, Water Resources Protection, specifies that any discharge of liquid waste into the waters of the state is not allowed unless they have a valid permit from the department. The Administrative Rules for Groundwater Quality have specific categories that were made available to offer exemptions from needing a state permit if the discharge to the ground has been found to not be injurious to the waters of the state. This presentation will explore these exemption categories and work through some examples of where state permitting exemptions may be granted, the decision making process, and the specific requirements that each facility must meet.
AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS – TRACK 2
Part 41 Presentation
Alissa Yanochko, Michigan EGLE
A wastewater discharge to the ground may require the oversight of a variety of permitting authorities. This presentation will cover the regulatory requirements for a groundwater discharge and the relationship between obtaining required permits including a Part 41 Construction Permit, a Part 22 Groundwater Discharge Permit, and/or a Local Health Department Construction Permit. Staff from EGLE will discuss Part 41 Wastewater Construction and Part 22 Groundwater Discharge permitting processes – and how they are coordinated.
Soils Labs (Offered both at 1:30 p.m. and at 3 p.m.)
Marisa Faraldo, Jeffrey Ross and Rob Wolfe, Michigan EGLE
This session requires pre-registration. Due to space limitations, the soil texture lab will be offered in two time slots: 1:30 and 3:00 (repeat session, you only need to attend one). Attendees are required to first attend the Soils Fundamentals & Logging class scheduled at 1/10/23, 12:30pm.
Throughout the state, Michigan Sanitarians and private consultants utilize the “texture by feel” method to classify soils for the appropriate siting and design of onsite wastewater treatment systems. In this session, attendees will have the opportunity to practice identifying soil textures with a wide variety of soil samples. As attendees will be handling soil samples, it is recommended to dress appropriately to this session.
AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS – TRACK 3
Local Health Department Permitting and Management of Advance Treatment Technologies with Oversight
Dave Cotton, Michigan EGLE and LHD Panel
There are five local health departments in Michigan that permit advance treatment technologies as part of a single-family onsite wastewater system utilizing recurring “operating permits” to ensure continued operation and maintenance. They have developed individual programs with varied management tools for their permitting program. As advance treatment technology continues to be increasingly important in decentralized wastewater management in Michigan we will hear from local health department programs that have been running for many years on what works well and not so well.
MOWRA An Organization of Onsite Wastewater Professionals and the Three W’s Who, Why, and What
Dave Cotton, Michigan EGLE and MOWRA President
The Michigan Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (MOWRA) is made up of practitioners from all sectors of the onsite wastewater industry, including regulators, designers, academics, manufacturers, installers, pumpers, service providers and others. MOWRA stated purpose is for promoting and improving onsite wastewater management practices which are safe, effective, ecologically sound, and economically feasible. Come hear and see how MOWRA has continued to be active in the industry through education and training, and implementation of new and innovative approaches to onsite wastewater management. You can be a part of MOWRA, make a difference.
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