Uncategorized

On January 6–7, the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) delivered a two‑day training, Solutions for Difficult Onsite Wastewater Systems. The training, which was held in partnership with RCAP Solutions, brought together wastewater professionals for in‑depth, hands‑on learning focused on managing complex site conditions and addressing challenging system designs. An optional third‑day Train‑the‑Trainer session followed, […]

As a regular segment of YOWA’s newsletter, we will be interviewing local Health Directors to inform our readers about health departments throughout our region, the challenges they encounter, advice for our profession, and how YOWA helps them do their job. The Spring 2026 column features an interview with Mansfield, MA Health Director, Amy Donovan-Palmer. What

Earlier this year, David Boyer moved from the MassDEP Central Regional office to the Boston office to take the position of Director of the NPDES/Groundwater and Title 5 programs. YOWA Board Member Dan Ottenheimer conducted the following interview with David to introduce YOWA members to his background, goals and projects he strives to implement in

Each September, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promotes SepticSmart Week to raise awareness about the importance of properly maintaining septic systems. While the official week has passed, the message remains just as relevant year-round—especially for those of us working in the wastewater industry. Septic systems are an essential, yet often overlooked, part of our

The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association’s (NOWRA) annual Onsite Wastewater Mega-Conference, which will take place October 19-22, 2025 in Sandusky, Ohio, stands out as the go-to event for professionals across the decentralized wastewater field—including soil evaluators and system inspectors. Here’s why: Broad, Relevant Educational Tracks No matter your role—installer, designer, regulator, inspector, or soil scientist—you’ll

50 Vermont licensed designers, state regional engineers, and regulators met at the Cote Recreational Field in Starksboro, Vermont on September 4 to talk about soil, hydrology, and wetlands and to get some hands-on training. Layered Landscapes, a half-day soils training geared specifically for Vermont septic designers, was underway. Bruce Douglas, the program manager, and Spencer

On June 24th YOWA, in conjunction with MASSTC, held a full-day training with 6 hours of continuing education credits titled Innovative/Alternative (I/A) Systems Field Training. This was the first training event at MASSTC’s new facility. Five one-hour classroom presentations covering MADEP approved I/A treatment and dispersal technologies and O&M were followed by a tour of MASSTC’s

On May 20th, 2025, YOWA hosted a Soil Evaluation review day in Western Massachusetts. 29 participants attended and the training was provided by David Zimmerman and Morgan McKee from the Natural Resources Conservation Service at the USDA. We discussed soil disposition and landforms. NRCS reviewed soil resources including topographical maps and soil surveys. The group

Join us for an in-depth field workshop focused on soils, wastewater regulations, and jurisdictional impacts in the Lewis Creek watershed in Starksboro, VT on September 4th. This hands-on workshop brings together local experts and practitioners to explore how soil characteristics and regulatory frameworks intersect to affect wastewater planning and land development in sensitive environmental areas. 

Innovative/Alternative (I/A) SYSTEM FIELD TRAINING June 24, 2025, 8:00 am – 4:00 pmMASSTC, Sandwich, MA Please join YOWA for an all-day training event focusing on Innovative Alternative Treatment Systems (I/A).  Expand your I/A knowledge with presentations given on various onsite wastewater treatment and dispersal practices used here in New England.  Topics will include an overview