Education is an important component of the 2013 Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo, and a host of valuable seminars are scheduled to help portable sanitation providers grow and improve the services they offer customers in the year ahead.
First off is Expo Education Day, Monday, Feb. 25, which has grown greatly in scope and attendance over the years. Tracks of seminars are sponsored by a variety of professional organizations, including the Portable Sanitation Association International and the National Association of Wastewater Technicians. The full day of seminars includes many opportunities for PROs to earn continuing education credits toward professional certification.
The following days will feature a variety of additional seminars covering a wide range of topics, from wastewater handling to business-building tips.
All of the education seminars, including a lineup of sessions presented in Spanish, will be held at the Indiana Convention Center in meeting rooms adjacent to the Pumper & Cleaner Expo exhibit halls. For more information on seminar times, locations and speakers, visit www.pumpershow.com.
Seminars of interest to PROs include the following:
Education Day, Monday, Feb. 25:
Portable Sanitation Association International
"Good Agricultural Practices," speakers to be announced. A panel discussion introducing the issue of fresh food contamination and exploring how portable sanitation contractors can work to establish industry standards.
National Association of Wastewater Technicians
"Introduction to Pressure Distribution," by onsite consultant Kit Rosefield: Learn how and where to use pressure distribution, practices for installing pressure laterals in gravelless media, and much more.
"Designing Systems: Boundaries and Barriers from a Soils Perspective," by Jim Anderson of the University of Minnesota: Focus on soil design principles for both gravity and pressure distribution systems.
"Pump Choices and Settings: Decisions for Proper Operation," by Dave Gustafson of the University of Minnesota: Get an in-depth look at pump selection and sizing, float setting, timers, controls and dosing.
"Operation and Maintenance of Pressure Distribution Laterals," by Bob Wright, P.E., of CHURCH Onsite Wastewater Consultants: Learn drainfield layouts for aboveground and at-grade systems, plus ways to clean laterals, and types of lateral clean-outs and inspection ports.
"Installing With Management in Mind: How to Get the Most out of Your System," by Dave Gustafson: Learn how to create systems that are easy to maintain and service for the long term.
WaterJet Technology Association
"Safety & Efficiency – You Don't Have to Choose!" by Gary Toothe, training manager for FS Solutions: Learn about safe and efficient use of vacuum to keep your business productive and competitive.
"Understanding the Power: Physics of Vacuum and How it Works," by Phil Stein: Explore how vacuum is used to remove various liquids and solids, as well as the science and calculations related to everyday job situations.
National Environmental Health Association
"Education & Training: Professionalization of the Practitioners," by Anthony Smithson, public health consultant: Discuss the role education and training can play in building professionalism in the industry and your business.
Tuesday, Feb. 26, Education Seminars
Transportation and Land Application
"Driver Compliance and Certification: How to Meet DOT Require-ments," by Tony Cardomone, vice president of sales and marketing, Concorde Inc.: Discuss driver qualifications files, CSA scores, drug testing programs, supervisor training, pre-employment screening, DOT physicals and occupational health.
"Staying in Compliance with 503 Regulations for Land Application," by John Colletti, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regional biosolids coordinator: Look at some of the 503 rules that most often result in administrative penalties.
"Land Application: Case Study of a Long-Term Operation," by Bruce Fox, of Allstate Septic Systems and president of the Pennsylvania Septage Management Association: An in-depth overview of Fox's pumping operation and emerging issues for companies that land-apply.
