Guidance for Septic Professionals and Homeowners: From the Trenches Resource Highlights
In each edition of our monthly newsletter, From the Trenches, we feature a document or resource from our website’s Resource Library that is helpful for professionals in the industry, homeowners with septic systems, or both. We have nearly 800 resources in the library — And we know that for some, this may seem like a lot to sort through! With the monthly newsletter feature, we hope to shine a light on a wide array of knowledge in our library and inspire subscribers to start exploring it themselves.
Below, we have collected a sample of the featured resources from the first year and a half of From the Trenches newsletters, as well as additional resources on similar topics that can also be found in our Resource Library.
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Financing Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems: Pathways to Success with the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This 36-page guide will help you learn ways to utilize the CWSRF for decentralized wastewater treatment system projects. It describes program basics, requirements, alternative financing structures, and mechanisms to effectively reach prospective borrowers to repair, construct, or replace decentralized wastewater systems. The comprehensive guide provides the tools and knowledge to successfully navigate the financing process and to understand the basics of alternative CWSRF financing structures.
Additional resource: What is the CWSRF and why should I care?, Environmental Finance Center Network
Onsite Wastewater Management – A Manual for Tribes
New Mexico State University
This webpage provides onsite wastewater management guidance for Tribal lands. The seven chapters include detailed information regarding: the historical context of the laws and regulations that shaped Tribal wastewater management, treatment system site inspection, an introduction to septic systems, available passive advanced treatment system options, mechanical system options, the disinfection process, and the reuse and conservation of wastewater.
Additional Resource: Do Your Part – Be SepticSmart!: A Homeowner’s Guide to Septic Systems for Tribal Communities | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The Blurred Lines of Onsite and Centralized Wastewater Treatment
Infiltrator Water Technologies
This presentation from the 2021 Onsite Wastewater Mega-Conference provides a comparison of onsite wastewater treatment and centralized wastewater treatment, with an emphasis on the financial benefits of an onsite system. A case study quantifying the energy, carbon, and cost saved by utilizing onsite systems is provided.
Additional Resource: Integration of Decentralized Wastewater Management Concepts Into an Urban “Centralized” Infrastructure in Mobile, Alabama | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Managing Septic Systems to Prevent Contamination of Drinking Water
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This EPA factsheet discusses the basics of preventing septic systems from polluting drinking water supplies. It touches on sources of septic system effluent, the contaminants commonly found in wastewater, and contamination prevention measures to consider (such as siting, design, and operation & maintenance).
Additional Resource: Opportunities to Protect Drinking Water Sources and Advance Watershed Goals Through the Clean Water Act | Source Water Collaborative
Guidance for Septic Systems Before, During, And After a Flood
National Environmental Health Association
This 10-page guide from NEHA provides instructions for septic system users to keep their system safe in the event of a flood. Understanding septic system type, location, and components before flooding occurs will aid in understanding this document. It is recommended that a user consult with a septic professional for additional guidance should a flood impact their system.
Additional Resources: The rest of NEHA’s series of guidance and factsheets covering other disasters like wildfires, earthquakes, winter weather, and power outages | National Environmental Health Association
“How-To” Guide for Wastewater Management of Rural, Underserved Communities in the Black Belt Region of Alabama: A Resource for Local Stakeholders
University of South Alabama
This 28-slide presentation from the 2022 Onsite Wastewater Mega-Conference provides an overview of wastewater management challenges in the Black Belt Region of Alabama, where many residents have ‘straight pipe’ raw sewage discharge. The presentation highlights the barriers to addressing wastewater issues in small communities, wastewater collection strategies, management options, funding sources, and community education and outreach methods.
Additional Resource: Innovative Approaches to Address Decentralized Wastewater Infrastructure in the Alabama Black Belt | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Providing a Supply of Talent for Decentralized/Onsite Wastewater Occupations
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This 27-page EPA guide explains the general education and training requirements & opportunities for five central job functions in the decentralized wastewater industry: installation, O&M, inspection & monitoring, design, and site evaluation. It is meant to illustrate the skills and training necessary for these occupations.
Additional Resource: Surfing the Silver Tsunami: Work-4-Water | Wastewater Alternatives & Innovation
Septic Tank Inspection Basics
Center for Technology & Training – Michigan LTAP
This 14-minute video provides an intro on the basics of inspecting septic tanks, as well as practical tips regarding the measurement of solids levels in order to evaluate pumping frequency. The video is presented by Greg Pearson, a water & wastewater systems trainer at the Great Lakes Environmental Infrastructure Center at Michigan Tech University.
Additional Resource: Do-It-Yourself Septic System Inspection Field Guide | Washington State Department of Health
“More Than Just Dirty” Pathogen Exposures to Workers in the On-Site Industry
Washington On-Site Sewage Association & National Association of Wastewater Technicians
This 107-slide presentation explains research results on a study that examined pathogen exposures to workers in the septic industry, discusses various types of pathogen exposures and health impacts, and advises on PPE and best hygiene practices for septic workers to protect from the risks of handling human waste.
Additional Resource: Exposure to Sewage Can Make You Sick. Learn How to Protect Yourself. | Alabama Department of Health
Protecting Workers from the Effects of Heat
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
This 7-page factsheet from OSHA provides information on how to recognize and respond to symptoms of heat illness, the risk factors for heat illness, and methods to mitigate heat hazards in both indoor and outdoor workplaces. Dozens of workers die and thousands more become ill due to heat exposure in the workplace every year. Hazardous heat exposure can occur indoors or outdoors and during any season, not only during the summer or in heat waves. Heat exposure may result in serious illness or even death, both of which are preventable.
Additional Resource: Septic Tank Safety Warnings | South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
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