SPRING 2024

YOWA NEWSLETTER

YOWA

WELCOME MESSAGE

YOWA is pleased to bring you our Spring 2024 issue, which is packed full of industry and association news.

Scroll down to learn about our upcoming training and new Board members. Also included in this issue is information about the NOWRA Mega-Conference call for abstracts, an interview with a local Health Director, Innovation/Alternative Onsite Wastewater System developments, and more!

Registration is Open for Nitrogen Training

Join YOWA on June 25, 2024 in Newton, MA to learn about the nitrogen cycle and the effect on onsite wastewater systems. I/A technologies and new Cape & Islands regulations will also be reviewed.

The program features presentations on

the nitrogen cycle
nitrogen loading and limitations
using I/A technology and/or land credit to address nitrogen loading limitations
operations and maintenance and
new regulations

View the agenda to learn more and register to attend.

Board of Director Introductions

YOWA recently held an election to vote in new members to the Board of Directors. Newly appointed Board Members began their term on March 1, 2024 and will serve for three years.

To introduce the YOWA membership to the recently elected officials serving our association, we will feature a Q&A with new Board members in each of our 2024 YOWA newsletter issues.

Rebekah Novak

Technical Assistance Provider, RCAP Solutions

Read Interview

Rob Sarmanian

President, Oakson, Inc.

Read Interview

Interview with Director of Public Health Services, Rike Sterrett

In this 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.

This issue's column features an interview with Rike Sterrett, Director of Public Health Services for the Town of Oxford, MA.

NOWRA Onsite Wastewater Mega-Conference Call for Abstracts

NOWRA is actively seeking submissions for papers, captivating oral presentations, and visually stimulating posters. Unveil your groundbreaking research and expertise at the premier gathering for decentralized wastewater professionals nationwide.

Mark your calendars for October 20-23 in Spokane, Washington, where we'll immerse ourselves in the theme "Celebrating Tomorrow’s Environment: Clean Water for the Future", paying homage to the 50th anniversary of the Spokane World's Fair. Let's harness this spirit of stewardship and introspection to elevate the Mega-Conference to new heights.

Abstracts must be submitted by Tuesday, May 28. Click the button below to learn more and submit.

Wastewater Challenges in Rural Alabama

The spring edition of NOWRA’s Onsite Journal features an article by the University of Alabama focusing on the "Black Belt" region. This area encompasses 17 counties in Alabama and is named for its abundant Blackland Prairie soil, characterized by its distinctive shrink-swell qualities that pose challenges for traditional drainfields. While advanced treatment systems could offer a solution in certain areas, they are financially out of reach for the majority of households in this region.

Innovation/Alternative Onsite Wastewater System Developments

Taking a glance at the recent developments in the “Innovative/Alternative” approvals of various onsite wastewater system components under 310 CMR 15.280 over the past few years reveals an interesting pattern. We will dig deep into the two issued last year and also touch on approvals issued over the three prior years as well.

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