DecentralizedWastewater.org Newsletter for June 2025
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June 2025 Is Trench Safety Month
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This month has been declared Trench Safety Month by the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA). NUCA has also held the annual Trench Safety Stand Down Week for the past nine years, in which employers talk directly with their employees about trench and excavation safety. This year's Safety Stand Down Week begins today, June 16, and ends on Friday, June 20!
Furthermore, NUCA focuses on outreach to the public and to non-member companies about trench safety during June. Occupational Safety and Health Administration data shows that trench collapse deaths have increased in recent years, making this outreach and education increasingly important.
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EPA's Closing America's Wastewater Access Gap Program Seeking Projects in New Communities |
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The Closing America's Wastewater Access Gap Initiative at the US EPA began in August 2022 in 11 pilot communities in southern and southwestern states. Through the initiative, these communities were able to obtain free technical assistance to address failing septic systems and lack of existing wastewater infrastructure. The initiative's approach involves conducting a community wastewater assessment, developing a solutions plan, identifying and pursuing funding opportunities, and building long-term capacity for sustainable wastewater infrastructure.
Since the pilot program, the initiative has expanded considerably: There are now 74 projects in 108 communities, in 27 states. But, the EPA is looking to expand even further! The agency's goal is to add an additional 50 projects by early 2026, particularly in states not yet served by the program.
If you believe your community or one in which you work could qualify, consider applying for the initiative's free technical assistance, or pass the information along to others. Homeowners, utilities, states, Tribes, and territories may all request assistance.
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Post-Disaster Assistance in Kentucky and North Carolina |
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FEMA Assistance For Disaster-Affected Wells & Septic Systems in Kentucky
Well and septic owners in Kentucky whose systems were damaged by the severe storms the state experienced in April may be eligible to apply for financial help from FEMA. The residence must be in one of the 13 counties designated for Individual Assistance. Visit the FEMA press release to determine if you are eligible to apply.
The application deadline is June 25.
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| Learn More » |
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North Carolina DEQ Accepting Public Comment on Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Funding in Helene-Affected Areas
In North Carolina, the state DEQ is seeking comments on their draft Intended Use Plan (IUP) for funding assistance for decentralized wastewater treatment systems in Hurricane Helene-affected areas. The final IUP will administer $22.5 million of Clean Water State Revolving Funding dollars to improve, repair, or replace decentralized wastewater treatment systems, reduce vulnerability to floods, and connect properties to centralized wastewater systems.
The comment deadline is June 30. |
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Wrapping Up the Private Well Conference 2025 |
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The Private Well Class team would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who attended, presented, and moderated at our Private Well Conference 2025 last month! The conference featured 31 speakers, 7 lightning talk presenters, and 92 attendees registered from 25 American states and 2 Canadian provinces. We were thrilled at the conference's success and the opportunity to once again put on the event in-person after a six-year break.
Luckily, we can say with certainty that we will be holding the Private Well Conference in-person again next May. We are already planning and considering new locations for the Private Well Conference 2026, so keep an eye on these newsletters and our social media for word on next year’s event.
Another thing to look out for: This year’s presentations will be posted on our YouTube channel to view in full later this summer. PDFs of the presentation slides will also be made available. In the meantime, if you’re seeking any further information on a presentation, speaker, or topic from this conference, send us an email at info@privatewellclass.org or info@decentralizedwastewater.org.
Once again, thank you from our whole team, and see you next year! |
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Featured Webinars & Training |
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Septic Systems and Sea Level Rise in Maryland: The Where, the How, and the So What
June 17 | 12:00 pm ET | SERCAP and additional partners
Coastal Maryland faces growing challenges as rising seas and frequent flooding threaten thousands of septic systems, particularly in low-lying areas like Dorchester and Somerset counties. This webinar brings together researchers and practitioners to explore the spatial extent of septic vulnerability, health and environmental risks from system failures, and the socioeconomic impacts on affected communities. Presenters will share new analyses on flood exposure projections, public health data, and the trade-offs of infrastructure solutions, such as sewer expansion.
Register here »
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Advantages of Upgrading Your Septic System
June 18 | 12 pm ET | University of Maryland Extension
Join this webinar to learn more about how advanced treatment units (ATU) can provide benefits to the environment and public health. Also, learn about Maryland’s Bay Restoration Fund grant program to help replace septic tanks with advanced treatment units or best available technology (BAT). The increased treatment and nitrogen reduction and operation of these systems greatly reduces the risks to groundwater and helps to extend the lifespan of a drainfield.
Register here » |
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Safety in the Onsite Industry: Best Practices for Job Sites and Septic Tank Secondary Safety Restraints
June 18 | 1:00 pm ET | Infiltrator Water Technologies
An effective safety culture is created in a company through clear commitment to safety by top management. Because the majority of companies in the onsite industry are small businesses with fewer than 10 employees, safety programs require the involvement of all personnel. This session looks at the hazards associated with wastewater and wastewater systems. It explores the concepts of safety management while discussing proper safety equipment to prevent injuries, immunizations recommended for onsite professionals, good hygiene practices, the common causes of accidents and how they might be prevented.
Register here » |
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Working with Homeowners
June 25 | 9 am PT | Orenco Systems
As a wastewater professional, educating homeowners is essential to the success of any residential treatment system. Bringing homeowners into the process from the very beginning helps them be better prepared to handle the basic operation and maintenance of their system. In this webinar, we’ll go over the information that’s necessary for every homeowner to know, including do’s and don’ts, why service contracts are important, and answers to common questions.
Register here » |
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Septic Systems 101
July 9 | 1 pm CT | The Private Well Class
At this free 90-minute webinar hosted annually by our sister program The Private Well Class, attendees will learn about septic system management as part of a larger strategy to protect water in private wells. Common questions from homeowners will be addressed, such as: What is safe to flush down drains? Do septic tanks need additives? How can the life of a septic system be prolonged?
Register here » |
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Highlights from Onsite Installer Magazine
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The Business of Exurban Septic Installs
This feature piece in Onsite Installer covers Allied Waterproofing & Septic, a 10-person company located on the outskirts of Chicagoland. The company performs nearly 40 new and replacement septic system installs a year. With strong technical skills and a well-functioning, close-knit team, the company offers a model for others in the field.
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| Read Here » |
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Colorado Rural OWTS Presentation
This 10-minute video, featuring various onsite wastewater experts from Colorado, such as the Colorado Professionals in Onsite Wastewater and the Colorado Rural Water Association, walks through the steps of the installation process, maintaining systems for sustainable operation, and following septic installation regulations.
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| Watch Here » |
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| 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.
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Follow Us On Social Media! |
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Don't forgot to follow us on our new social media accounts! Give us a follow on Facebook, X/Twitter, and LinkedIn to stay connected with our program and other opportunities around the industry. Find our pages at these links ⬇️ |
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