Current Training:
YOWA Training – Innovative/Alternative (I/A) SYSTEM FIELD TRAINING – October 6, 2026, Sandwich, MA
Please join YOWA for an engaging educational session that will explore what is found in wastewater—from nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus to emerging non-organic contaminants—and examine the challenges these substances create for treatment systems and the environment. Whether you’re a wastewater professional, municipal leader, or simply interested in protecting our water resources, this program will provide valuable insights into the science, challenges, and opportunities shaping the industry. A tour of the MASSTC facility will also be offered.
NOWRA Training:
NOWRA’s “Installer Training” – Access it ONLINE and complete at your own pace. This is APPROVED for Title 5 SE/SI credits!
NOWRA’s “A to Z” Overview class – Access it ONLINE and complete at your own pace. This is APPROVED for Title 5 SE/SI credits!
NOWRA’s “Troubleshooting Bundle” – Access it ONLINE and complete at your own pace. This is APPROVED for Title 5 SE/SI credits!
Archived Training:
June 3, 2026: Digging Into Soils: A Hands-On Field Workshop, Southampton, MA
An interactive, field-based training designed for health agents, regulators, and onsite wastewater professionals looking to strengthen their understanding of soil evaluation was held on June 3rd in Southampton, MA. Participants worked directly on multiple soil test pits with the guidance of experienced instructors and NRCS soil scientists to gain practical experience identifying soil horizons, determining texture and structure, recognizing redoximorphic features, and interpreting site conditions for onsite wastewater system suitability. View Program
September 4, 2025: Layered Landscapes: Soils, Waters, and Wastewater Regulation
This hands-on workshop explored how soil characteristics and regulatory frameworks intersect to affect wastewater planning and land development in sensitive environmental areas with local experts and practitioners. The event was held at the Lewis Creek Watershed in Starksboro, VT. View Program
June 24, 2025: Innovative Alternative (I/A) System Field Treatment.
This in-person event looked at different types of treatment and dispersal, applications for use, how to evaluate performance, and inspection/troubleshooting procedures. A tour of the MASSTC facility was also offered.
Agenda
Aerobic Treatment Systems – Lauren Usilton, J&R Sales
Leaching Technologies in MA – Dennis Healy, Infiltrator Water Technologies
I/A O&M – Jared Willey, Advanced Onsite Services, Inc.
Drip Dispersal – Rob Sarmanian, Oakson
Media Filter Technology – Jim Healy, Orenco Water
Failure Rate Summary
Stone Treatment Summary
Performance Summary
March 25, 2025: Women in Public Health, Shaping the Future, Inspiring Change Webinar
This webinar convened leading professionals to share insights, strategies, and personal experiences on navigating and excelling in male-dominated industries. View Program>>
June 25, 2024: Nitrogen and its Effect on Onsite Wastewater Systems Seminar
This event was held at UMASS’s Mt. Ida Campus in Newton, MA. Attendees learned about the nitrogen cycle, I/A technologies and new Cape & Islands regulations. Below are the proceedings.
Agenda
The Many Lives of Nitrogen
Nitrogen Loading and Limitations
Using I/A Technology or Credit Land to Address Nitrogen Loading Limitations
Title 5 Updates and Watershed Permitting Operation & Maintenance Onsite systems DO work
November 15, 2022: SOILS: Back to Basics Workshop was held at UMASS’s Mt. IDA Campus, Newton, MA. Attendees learned about proper site evaluations and system design from experts from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Approved for 5.5 SE/SI credits. View Agenda >>
June 10, 2022: “Title 5 Inspections: Basic to Advanced Topics” View Program >>
March 24, 2022: Dealing with Title 5 and Layer Cake Systems Webinar
This 2-hr webinar featured Emily Michele Olmsted and George Heufelder, MASSTC presenting “Title 5 Setbacks: How Far is Far Enough?” and “Layer Cakes: Are They Still on the Dessert Menu?” View Recording >>
August 5, 2021: YOWA Innovative and Alternative System Troubleshooting Webinar
This webinar featured George Heufelder and Emily Michele Olmstead, MASSTC presenting “Troubleshooting and Recommendations for I/A Septic System Performance”, followed by a live panel discussion with I/A system operators: Mark Cottrell, Clear Water Industries; Joe Smith, NSU Water; and Joe Martins, Accu Sepcheck. View Recording >>
March 24, 2021: YOWA Onsite Wastewater Webinar
A one-hour webinar that included presentations from Bob Silva, Septic Preservation Services on Septic Savy and George Heufelder, MASSTC presented on Viruses, Who Knew? View Recording >>
April 2-4, 2019: Northeast Onsite Wastewater Treatment Short Course & Equipment Exhibition, Mystic, CT View conference materials >>
December 5, 2019: YOWA Pressure Distribution and Pump Calculations Training, Newton, MA
An in-person training held in Newton, MA featured a nationally recognized expert, Larry Stephens who discussed pressure distribution and pump calculations.
October 31, 2018: YOWA Basics of Onsite Wastewater Training, Acton, MA
- Agenda
- 1 – YOWA
- 2 – Treatment Overview
- 3 – Wastewater Characteristics
- 4 – Septic Tanks
- 5 – Pumps and Controls
- 6 – Soil Treatment
- 7 – Title 5
October 6, 2017: YOWA Troubleshooting Septic System Malfunctions Training, Acton, MA
- Agenda
- 1-Challenging Streams
- 2-Troubleshooting Tanks
- 3-Pump Tank and Pretreatment
- 4-Soil and Remediation
- 5-High Strength Waste
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations must be submitted in WRITING at least two weeks prior to any scheduled event and will incur a 25% service fee. Due to Association agreements and guarantees, no refunds will be made on registration fees less than two weeks prior to the event. Registration fees are forfeited if you are not able to attend the event for which you are registered.
If a refund is given, it is given in the same format as received: if paid by check, refund is by check; if paid by credit card, refund goes through that card.
Attendee Terms & Conditions
By registering for and participating in any event hosted by Yankee Onsite Wastewater Association (YOWA), you, on your behalf and on behalf of any other third party acting on your behalf (collectively “you” or “Attendee”) hereby agree to these Terms and Conditions, with YOWA.