Course Outline
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The foundation course for the series, this course provides a basic understanding of onsite wastewater system techniques and technologies, site and soils investigation, and the roles and responsibilities of the associations that govern the industry, health authorities and Authorized Persons. Topics include: the history of wastewater treatment; disease causes and basic microbiology; regulations; using the Sewerage System Standard Practice Manual; system types and soil distribution; basics of soil and soil assessment; math and industry processes for practitioners. Course materials are included in tuition. Course is a prerequisite for all other BCOSSA courses. (3 days)
This course introduces the student to basic and advanced installation theory and methods. Topics include: organizing the job site; safety precautions; client relations; reading a system plan; estimating materials; developing contracts; and creating quotations. Using both theory and hands-on training, students learn how to read plans, estimate the job, develop a contract, and safely conduct installations for Type 1 and Type 2 treatment and distribution methods. Prerequisite: Completion of OS INTRO. (3 days)
Onsite Planning & Drawing (OS PLANNING & DRAWING)
This course prepares the student to assess for Type 1 and Type 2 wastewater treatment methods using gravity or pressure distribution system application. Topics: component sizing, location, and site orientation; addressing client needs & expectations; Standard Practice Manual requirements for Type 1 & Type 2; distribution for gravity and pressure distribution system planning; input selection for best system location; and techniques and technologies for treatment and distribution of domestic wastewater. Student will understand the use of pumps and controls within dosed and pressure distribution systems, use of sand based techniques, providing proper effluent loading, and how to produce complete file documents for the owner, health authority system installer and maintenance provider as well as an operational/maintenance plan.
Learn to accurately hand-draw systems for filing and other records. Students develop skills to use scale, understand measurement criteria, and clearly identify system components on a plan. Using case studies and collected inputs from site conditions and measurements, students use both topographical information and site measurements to produce a complete drawing. Course materials are included in tuition. Prerequisite: Completion of OS INTRO. (5 days)
Soils Assessment (OS SOILS)
Students will develop a fundamental knowledge of soil origin, parent materials, structure, and classification. Students learn to determine vertical separation, treatment capability, porosity and loading capacity and how to apply field information to system design. Topics include: the basics of soil identification; permeameter and percolation testing; soil observation; and hand texturing techniques. This course prepares the student for making accurate soil specific site assessments to determine the best location for a potential system, based on results of soil identification and hydraulic testing. Course materials are included in tuition. Prerequisite: Completion of OS INTRO. (4 days)
MAIN 201
Maintenance Type 1 & Gravity Systems
This course covers essential maintenance items and common problems that can occur with gravity systems. Conducting observations, methods of testing and maintenance of residential Type 1. (Fast Track or 1 day)
MAIN 203
Maintenance Type 2 & Pressure Distribution Systems
This course covers essential maintenance items and common problems that can occur with type 2systems and pressure distribution. Conducting observations, methods of testing and maintenance of type 2 and pressure distribution of residential systems. (Fast Track or 1 day)
MAIN 205
Electrical and user/system performance
This course provides an introductory level understanding of the electrical Acts, Regulations and
Codes that the maintenance provider should be aware of to follow. (Fast Track or 1 day)
MAIN 206
Maintenance Documentation & Report Writing
How to write reports suitable for a system owner/lay person, as well as meet SPM requirements and best practice for documenting maintenance work. (Fast Track or 1 day)
INSPEC 201
Inspections Applications of Regulations & Legal Issues.
Information geared to protect the inspector and client, as well as assist the inspector in comparing an existing system to the requirements fo the regulation in place when it was installed. (Fast Track or 1 day)
INSPEC 202
Inspections Locating, Exposing & Advanced Testing.
Building on maintenance courses but for specific needs of an inspector working on a site where little to no information may be available on what and where components are present. (Fast Track or 1 day)
INSPEC 204
Inspections Advanced Documentation, Writing Reports & Letters
Builds on maintenance course, specific to legal requirements for real estate transactions and other situations unique to inspectors. (Fast Track or 1 day)
What is Fast Track? This option should only be considered by students who have prior experience in the subject, the classroom component is a vital part of the training program for people new to the wastewater industry. The difference between a regular course and a fast-track course is, the regular course requires a student to come into the classroom while the Fast Track gives the option of coming to class or not. While the student will be able to take fast track courses completely outside a classroom, they will get an exam that tests their true understanding of the course material. Students who do not attend the in class portion of the course must obtain an exam score of 85% or better to pass. Upon completion of the at home course material, the student contacts WOWTC to make arrangements to take the exam OR the classroom portion with the classroom exam. Please note the Fast Track option has a time limit to it, upon receipt of the materials students are required to complete the exam within 90 days.