YOWA's Fall Newsletter

FALL 2023

YOWA NEWSLETTER

YOWA

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

The 2023 National On-site Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) Mega-Conference located in Hampton, Virginia was an enlightening educational experience. Not only did this conference provide excellent networking opportunities, but it also provided new information and positive goals to which we can aspire as a State affiliate.

COMING SOON

YOWA is working in partnership with the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center (MASSTC) of Barnstable County on a two-hour webinar on Pressure Distribution in on-site wastewater systems. MASSTC staff and YOWA members will provide overall training and guidance for oversight and inspections. Watch for upcoming email announcements for a late fall or early winter on-line presentation.

IN MEMORIAM - PETER VENEMAN

Dr. Peter (Petrus) Veneman, 75, passed away peacefully at home in Amherst, MA in April 2023. Peter was on the faculty, and was later Department Head, of the Plant and Soil Science Department at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, MA. Peter Veneman, along with his friend and colleague, Peter Fletcher, was instrumental in the development of Department of Environmental Protection’s program for Soil Evaluators for the state of Massachusetts’ on-site regulations known as “Title 5.” Peter trained many Health Agents and acted as a mentor to those who sought out his expertise in the on-site wastewater field. Peter’s research passion included wetlands identification and he co-authored the industry standard guide, “Hydric Soils of New England” with colleague and friend Ralph Tiner.

Peter was a devoted husband and father. Peter was a model train railroad enthusiast, and he was on the Board of the Amherst Railroad Society. He and his wife, Valerie, were involved in community and school efforts including The Montessori School, scouting and school sports, notably soccer and basketball.

Peter will be greatly missed by the on-site wastewater industry and everyone who knew him.

(See the online obituary at czelusniakfuneralhome.com)

Interview with Health Director Melissa Ranieri

In this new regular newsletter segment, 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.

Our inaugural column features an interview with Melissa Ranieri, Health Director for the Walpole Health Department and current YOWA Board Member.

NOWRA Onsite Wastewater Mega-Conference

In October, NOWRA conducted its 9th Onsite Wastewater Mega-Conference: "Clean Water For Healthy Communities" in the picturesque setting of Norfolk, VA. The event was a collaborative effort between NOWRA, the National Association of Wastewater Technicians, State Onsite Regulators Alliance, and the Virginia Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association, the state's affiliate to NOWRA.

Click the button below to read YOWA Board Member Michelle Jenkins' summary of this year's event.

YOWA New Homeowner Training Material Available

Planning an educational session for residents of your community or neighborhood? If so, YOWA is pleased to share with you the availability of a brand-new series of educational trainings you can download, modify, and use as needed.

Recently, our national affiliated organization - NOWRA - developed a comprehensive onsite wastewater education package for trainings for homeowners. This was developed in conjunction with RCAP and has four modules available for download and use. Next year a Spanish version will also be made available.

For further information visit the library at NOWRA’s website NOWRA.org.

SepticSmart Week 2023

SepticSmart Week 2023 took place September 18-22. This annual event brings awareness to the importance of caring for and maintaining septic systems. Communities, organizations, and state governments recognize this weeklong event by organizing homeowner education events, hosting workshops, and sharing informational content, and it is an opportunity to issue a proclamation in support of this week.

This year, SepticSmart Week partnered with Youth Engaged 4 Change to ask youth what “septic systems of the future might look like and how they can sustainably safeguard community health and protect waterways”.

The $100 gift card was award to Tyler, Karolina, and Ahana, who submitted a septic system diagram, poem, and essay respectively. Visit the EPA’s website to view the winning submissions and learn more about SepticSmart.

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