Session Descriptions
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
8:30-9 a.m. Welcome and Announcements - .5 CSE
Mike Stephens, MOWC planning committee chairThis presentation is eligible for .5 CSE credit.
9-10:15 a.m. EPA Underserved Communities Wastewater Project - 1 CSE
Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, 11.7 billion dollars, with 49 percent of the funding available as grants or principal forgiveness loans, has been provided to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to assist communities. A project known as Closing America's Wastewater Access Gap (CAWAG) helps communities gain access to the funding to address wastewater needs. The assistance is available at no cost to communities through the CAWAG project. If communities experience septic systems backing up into home, sewage pooling in yards, or if the town is struggling to provide adequate sanitation services to the residents, or if the community is struggling to rebuild wastewater and septic systems damaged by natural disasters, they may be eligible for no-cost technical assistance.
This presentation is eligible for 1 CSE credit.
10:15-11:15 a.m. A Deep Dive into Michigan’s Septic Replacement Loan Program - 1 CSE
Since launching last May, the Septic Replacement Loan Program has seen a great deal of early success statewide. This presentation will provide a programmatic update, and attendees will learn about early program successes and challenges, dive into the data collected since the program's launch, and go through some lessons learned in 2024.
This presentation is eligible for 1 CSE credit.
11:15 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lunch and Networking
Lunch and Networking is eligible for 1 CSE credit.
1-4 p.m. AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS – TRACK 1
Pump Sizing and Selection
Dr. Mark Gross
Sizing and selecting pumps for onsite wastewater systems follow a systematic approach of determining the required lift, the pressure losses in pipes and fittings at the appropriate flow rate and matching these factors to the pump performance. Pumps may be low-head pumps or high-head pumps depending upon the designers selection and the application. This presentation illustrates the steps to select the correct pump for the application and how to specify the pump so the contractor can install the correct pump.
Time of Transfer Programs in Antrim County
Casey Clement, Health Department of Northwest Michigan
The session will be an overview of Time of Transfer ordinances in Milton Township, Torch Lake Township, Elk Rapids Township, and Elk Rapids Village in Antrim County. The primary focus of the session will be from a local health department point of view, but also includes feedback from local realtors and zoning officials.
Troubleshooting and Remediating Onsite Wastewater Systems
Dr. Mark Gross
This presentation includes common causes of wastewater malfunctions, methods to diagnose the source of the malfunction, and recommendations for repairing the malfunction. The presentation addresses systems with gravity distribution over the soil dispersal area, but many of the recommendations can be applied to pressurized systems.
1-4 p.m. AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS – TRACK 2
Luxury Bathrooms: Staying Compliant with Part 117 - 1 CSE
This session discusses compliance with Part 117 regulations for luxury bathrooms, focusing on the rise of portable restroom trailers, often used for events, construction, or long-term use. It addresses concerns about waste disposal and unlawful unloading. The session also explains how to properly license these units, whether as vehicles through licensed septage hauling, or as serviced units.
This presentation is eligible for 1 CSE credit.
Honey Wagons in Campgrounds/Marinas: Staying Compliant with Part 117 - 1 CSE
This session addresses compliance with Part 117 for servicing honey wagons at campgrounds and marinas and waste disposal practices. It clarifies what is acceptable when disposing of septage at licensed campgrounds and servicing RVs.
This presentation is eligible for 1 CSE credit.
Watertight Precast Tanks: From Walls to Joints to Risers
Sam Lines, Concrete Sealants, Inc.
Precast concrete septic tanks are a common choice for strength, durability, and performance. The requirements for septic tanks to be manufactured as watertight dates to 1993 when ASTM C1227 was first published as a manufacturing standard. A watertight septic tank is necessary for the performance of the septic system and for the protection of the environment. In this session, attendees will learn to:
- Explain the importance of watertightness in wastewater systems
- Describe how different aspects of concrete mix designs impact concrete permeability and watertightness
- Outline how concrete sealers, coatings, and wraps can help reduce concrete permeability and enhance watertightness
- Demonstrate how to properly seal tanks and risers to prevent infiltration and exfiltration
1-4 p.m. AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS – TRACK 3
The Higgins Lake Community Sewer Project: Case Study
Dr. Mark Luttenton, Grand Valley State University R.B. Annis Water Resources Institute; Dr. Anthony Kendall, MSU; Mark Jarski and Ellen Saxton, Central Michigan District Health Department; Jim Barnwell, Garrish-Lyon Utility Authority
Each participant would provide a short presentation on a particular aspect of the community sewer project. Topics would include groundwater modeling, lake conditions, public health, community involvement, local government involvement, and engineering aspect. Presentations would be followed by a moderated panel discussion.
MI Beach Program: Investigating Sources of Contamination
Mark Hansel, Oakland County Health Division and Shannon Briggs
Michigan is using news methods to investigate sources of contamination that impact beaches. New methods include genetic testing to identify hosts of fecal contamination by laboratories that are members of the Michigan Network for Environmental Health and Technology (MiNET). Genetic testing includes human markers that highlight potential sewer leaks or breaks, illicit connections to storm drains, and failing drain fields. This new approach is available to help 167 beaches that posted advisories and closures in 2024.
Mental Health in the Workplace - 1 CSE
Sean Egan, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
Discussing data and information regarding the intersection of the workplace, chronic stress, mental health, and how we build workplaces that recognize the system challenges happening in the workplace, affecting the workplace, and provide the behavioral health supports necessary for stronger workplaces, creating healthier workplaces, and building better communities.
This presentation is eligible for 1 CSE credit.
4-5:30 p.m. Networking in the Exhibit Hall
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
8-11:30 a.m. MORNING BREAKOUT SESSIONS – TRACK 1
Onsite Wastewater Management Unit Update
Tanya Rule, Michigan EGLE
The Onsite Wastewater Management Unit will be on hand to discuss updates in their program at the state. The statewide sewage code next steps will be the focus of the session, depending on the outcome of the pending legislative. Other topics to be discussed will include Michigan Criteria for Subsurface Disposal and the Part 4 Administrative Rules. OWMU staff will be attending to answer any questions that you may have.
Case Study: Mariujana Processing Failures
Kristine Rendon, Michigan EGLE
Session Description Coming Soon
Certification of Advanced Treatment Systems Via NSF/ANSI 40 & 245
Derek Deland, NSF
Protection of groundwater from contamination is an ongoing concern, particularly in areas with low permeability soils and water tables that are rising and/or already high. Over time there has been a shift away from simply disposing of onsite wastewater toward a focus on treatment prior to dispersal into the environment. Safer and healthier environments result when BOD, turbidity and nitrogen are reduced prior to effluent release, and proprietary advanced treatment systems play a key role. But, regardless of the type of onsite treatment system deployed, how do manufacturers demonstrate the effectiveness of their systems/technologies? Further, how are regulators and the public assured that adequate treatment is being achieved? NSF standards 40 and 245 can be leveraged to ensure that treatment technologies and systems are designed and function to treat onsite wastewater safely and effectively, matching performance to end-use needs. When implemented, systems certified to these American National Standards provide regulators with verifiable and reliable solutions to the issues they are facing. As a result, these standards and the certifications to them are frequently referenced as requirements in onsite regulations. This presentation aims to increase attendees’ knowledge of NSF/ANSI 40 (onsite treatment) and NSF/ANSI 245 (nitrogen reduction). The standards and certification process will be discussed, including performance testing details such as influent and effluent characteristics, dosing volume, stress loading, and more.
8-11:30 a.m. MORNING BREAKOUT SESSIONS – TRACK 2
Addressing Homeowners & their Septic Systems - 1 CSE
Bindu Bhakta, MSU Extension and Mark Hansel, Oakland County Health Division
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) estimates that more than 10% of the state’s 1.3 million septic systems are in some state of failure. The current and future reality of onsite systems is that these systems are and will continue to be permanent solutions to wastewater treatment and will remain a long-term part of Michigan’s wastewater infrastructure. Importantly, these systems including those in environmentally sensitive areas adjacent to Michigan’s water bodies, require routine inspection, maintenance and pumping in order to prevent harm to public health and the environment. Furthermore, basic knowledge of a septic system and what is needed to keep it operating optimally can save homeowners money by avoiding costly repairs or replacements. Frontline staff who help provide septic system education to homeowners include health department staff, septic/well service providers including septage pumpers/haulers, and a variety of organizations whose focus is providing education to the public. In this session, we will discuss successful approaches to delivering education to homeowners, frequently questions including critical topics to address, and septic system resources and tools currently available to educate and address homeowner concerns. To conclude this session, participants will be engaged in a process to identify challenges that arise when working with homeowners and brainstorm potential solutions that would be make it easier to work homeowners with the goal of raising their awareness of how septic systems work and what they can do to properly maintain them.
This presentation is eligible for 1 CSE credit.
Examining the Persistence of Coronavirus in Septage - 1 CSE
Wenjing Ren, MSU
Since the onset of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020, monitoring severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) levels through community sewer systems has become crucial for public health. In Michigan, approximately 35% of the population relies on septic tanks, yet wastewater surveillance often overlooks these systems. This highlights the essential need for understanding the persistence of coronavirus in septage to protect public health in rural communities. This study investigated the influence of temperature on the decay of human coronavirus (HCoV-OC43), a typical surrogate coronavirus, in laboratory-scale septage samples. HCoV-OC43 virus was inoculated into seven septage samples and stored at room temperature and 4? for 112 days. The viral RNA concentrations were quantified using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR). Results showed that HCoV-OC43 concentration remained relatively stable at 4?, exhibiting lower decay rate constants, while samples stored at room temperature had higher decay rate constants. Additionally, the decay of HCoV-OC43 in septage can be simulated by either first-order decay pattern or biphasic kinetic models, which varied among samples from different locations and temperatures. These findings highlight temperature as a critical factor in virus persistence, with variable impacts depending on the septage source.
This presentation is eligible for 1 CSE credit.
Drip Irrigation for Wastewater – Basics
Eric Valentine, American Manufacturing Company, Inc.
This presentation offers an overview of the essential principles and applications of on-site wastewater drip dispersal systems. Attendees will gain an understanding of drip dispersal as an efficient, eco-friendly method of treating and dispersing wastewater in residential and commercial settings. The session will cover the basics of system design, including key components such as pumps, filters, tubing, and emitters, along with the importance of soil and site considerations. Emphasis will be placed on cold climate best practices for system installation, operation, and maintenance. Through this presentation, participants will learn the benefits of drip dispersal for sustainable wastewater dispersal and gain insights into addressing common challenges in various environmental contexts.
8-11:30 a.m. MORNING BREAKOUT SESSIONS – TRACK 3
Locating System Components: Tips to Locate Septic Tanks & Final Treatment - 1 CSE
Casey Fiedler, Michigan Septic and Dervin Witmer, Dig-It Excavating and Pump That Septic
Learn some tips, tricks, and processes to save time and effort in the field when you are locating system components. This presentation will primarily focus on in-grade trench and bed type final treatment systems. We will also discuss work that can be done in the office before you even get to the field to help your work!
This presentation is eligible for 1 CSE credit.
Retrofitting Risers to Septic Tanks - 1 CSE
Will Pitylak, Apex Septic and Excavating, Inc.
This session will discuss techniques and practices to attach watertight risers on septic tanks. This will include the various tools and materials needed for attaching risers to the varied and different riser applications and styles.
This presentation is eligible for 1 CSE credit.
Septage, Campgrounds, Pools: Enforcement - 1 CSE
Matt Allen and Brad Laskosky, Michigan EGLE
An overview of Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division’s Enforcement unit and how EGLE conducts enforcement related to the Part 117 rules, Haulers rights in the process, and potential consequences of violations. Session will include pool and campground enforcement information.
This presentation is eligible for 1 CSE credit.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Lunch and Networking
Presentation of the Bill Gregory Distinguished Service Award
Lunch and networking is eligible for 1 CSE credit.
12:30-4 p.m. AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS – TRACK 1
Washtenaw County Time-of-Sale: Program Update
Noelle Bowman and Marissa DiCicco, Washtenaw County Health Department
The Washtenaw County Time of Sale (TOS) program has required residential homes with onsite septic systems and/or wells to meet minimum public health standards at the time of deed transfer since 2000. Inspections are performed by certified third party TOS inspectors who submit a standardized TOS report for review. TOS reports result in an approval letter containing recommendations or a denial letter containing required corrections with the most frequent items being discussed in the presentation. A TOS inspection may require septic tanks be pumped with a Pumper’s Report submitted, risers to grade and secondary containment be installed or repaired, and other septic tank maintenance be completed as necessary. While no one wants to pay for another inspection, the TOS program provides some assurance during home sales that the onsite systems are functionable and adequate for the existing home without requiring everything meet new build standards.
Ingham County Failing Septic System Replacement Program Update
Will Pitylak, Apex Septic and Excavating, Inc. and Larry Stephens, Stephens Consulting
Larry Stephens, PE is the owner of Stephens Consulting Services PC, an engineering firm specializing in the design of onsite wastewater treatment systems. Stephens Consulting is one of two engineering firms selected by Ingham County for the design of onsite systems under the ARPA financial assistance program authorized a couple of years ago. Larry will share his experience with the program from a designer’s perspective. Will Pitylak is the owner of Apex Septic and Excavating, Inc., a wastewater system installer, located near Charlotte, MI. Apex is one of two wastewater system contractors that have been chosen by Ingham County for the installation of systems funded under the ARPA program. Will shares his experience with Ingham County’s ARPA program from a contractor’s perspective.
Best Practices: O&M of Alternative Systems
Mike Stephens
What are the critical standards of practice when servicing alternative treatment systems? Through the eyes of a service provider, this session will suggest what the best practices should be for the operation and maintenance of various types of treatment systems involving proprietary systems, pump and control systems, and other non-conventional septic systems. Key elements that will be discussed are: What are the responsibilities of each player - engineer, sanitarian, installer, pumper, and service provider? What role should each player have after the first flush? This session will also provide guidelines for the minimum standards of system data that should be collected during the O&M service, preventative maintenance schedules and activities for various treatment systems, as well as typical operational function of various treatment systems. The expectations of the various components in an alternative treatment system will be explained, including septic tanks and solids development in tanks and treatment units for removal, media performance, and various electrical and mechanical functions. Although this session will not detail the specific O&M requirements of every proprietary system, it will provide a comprehensive recommended best practice for general treatment types used here in Michigan.
12:30-4 p.m. AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS – TRACK 2
Soils Fundamentals & Logging
Marisa Faraldo and Sara Heathman, Michigan EGLE
Appropriate observations 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.
While all attendees are welcome to attend this session, attendees of the soil labs must first attend this presentation.
Soils Lab - This session will be offered at 1:30 p.m. and again at 3 p.m.
Marisa Faraldo, Sara Heathman, Anne Mitchell, Jeffrey Ross, Regina Young, 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 (repeating session, you only need to attend one). Attendees are required to attend the Soils Fundamentals & Logging class scheduled on January 8, 2025 at 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.
12:30-4 p.m. AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS – TRACK 3
Campground/RV Dump Stations: What We Know
Kristine Rendon, Michigan EGLE
Session Description Coming Soon
This presentation is eligible for 1 CSE credit.
Source-separation systems in Michigan: What these systems mean for nutrient management, plumbing fixtures, septic tanks, pump trucks, portable toilets, regulations, market demand, and workforce development - 1 CSE
Arthur Davis, Rich Earth Institute; Mathew Lippincott; Dr. Nancy Love, University of Michigan; Dr. Hayley Smith
This session presented the potential, challenges, and ongoing projects demonstrating urine diversion for onsite wastewater systems and portable toilets. There will be time to discuss these topics. We seek feedback on the concepts and design plans presented and welcome attendees who are curious, skeptical, or enthusiastic attendees.
This session will cover four main topics:
- Geographical Context and Relevance of Urine Diversion in Michigan
Dr. Nancy Love will provide an overview of urine diversion and how they function in an onsite wastewater system setting. The presentation will also present maps that compare nutrient levels for each county in the state that can be recovered via urine diversion in centralized and onsite systems versus purchased nutrient imports as fertilizer. These maps show regions in Michigan where urine diversion would be beneficial by offsetting the cost of imported fertilizer. Nancy is a professor of engineering at the University of Michigan. She is a pioneer in source separation in the region and runs a toilet and treatment system on campus, which uses fertilizer in local landscaping.
- Technologies for Urine Diversion Systems: Pipes, Pasteurizers, Portable Toilets and Pump Trucks
Arthur Davis will provide an honest review of the technologies available for urine diversion implementation, including the pros and cons, and how challenges are being addressed. We will show images of the different parts of the system and highlight case studies from The Rich Earth Institute’s regional urine diversion project. Photos and diagrams will cover the different toilet options, pipe configurations, and onsite storage options. Next, we will explain the modifications of a pump truck used to collect urine from household tanks in a community-scale system. Lastly, we will provide an overview of treatment options and processes. Arthur has over a decade of experience with installing, fixing and maintaining urine diversion systems. As the Program Director of Rich Earth Institute’s Urine Nutrient Reclamation Program, he manages the urine collection, treatment, and distribution program, assisting farmers with field application. He has extensive experience designing, testing, and operating equipment to process and field-apply urine-derived fertilizer.
- Plumbing Code and Regulatory Hurdles for Innovative Wastewater Systems
Mathew Lippincott will begin by giving an overview of the regulatory bodies involved in establishing a circular nutrient economy. There will be a focus on the plumbing codes that allow for the permitting of urine diversion systems. This presentation will also outline the processes of obtaining certification for urine-derived fertilizer, which is critical for having a revenue stream from the onsite system. Mathew has been working with regulators, fixture manufacturers, and plumbers to establish legal pathways for urine diversion systems
- Education and Workforce Development for Urine Diversion Systems
Dr. Hayley Smith will share plans for experiential education for urine diversion. The primary focus of this presentation is to show the design for a mobile unit that will have a functioning urine diversion system that includes treatment within the unit. The unit is intended to be used at large gatherings in Michigan to expose the public to the concept. It will also be used to train urine diversion system installers. Hayley is the founding president of PHLUSH, a non-profit that works with communities to improve equitable access to safe sanitation options.
This presentation is eligible for 1 CSE credit.
What Motor Carrier Regulations Apply to Me? - 1 CSE
Charles Culton, MTA Safety Center
This PowerPoint based presentation provides participants with an overview of state and federal motor carrier regulations that apply to both drivers and companies that operate commercial motor vehicle in both intrastate and interstate operations.
KEY POINTS TO BE COVERED
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- Applicability of state and federal safety regulations
- Chauffeurs Vs. CDL license.
- Driver Qualifications
- Drug and Alcohol Testing
- Intrastate exemptions
- Pre/Post vehicle inspections
- Required record keeping requirements
- Review registration , IFTA and IRP requirements.
This presentation is eligible for 1 CSE credit.
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