2019 PSMA Conference PresentationThe presentation will discuss methods and challenges inspecting septic and pump tanks. It will cover common problems an inspector may need to identify and troubleshoot including locating tanks, roots, leakage, and corrosion. It will also discuss how septic systems of the 21st century often see additions of many types of wastewater that […]

2019 PSMA Conference PresentationThis session will cover the process of evaluating and inspecting soil treatment systems including trenches, low-pressure pipe systems, mounds and sand filters. It will include a discussion of various distribution methods and the relating development of a biomat. Problems associated with hydraulic and organic overload will be highlighted.Download PDF

2019 PSMA Conference PresentationAdult foster homes provide assisted-living services—including nursing and 24/7 care— for individuals requiring special medical and behavioral needs. Wastewater from these homes and the corresponding effects on conventional onsite sewage treatment systems, likely differs from average residential sources but is not fully understood. The University of Minnesota Onsite Sewage Treatment Program (OSTP) […]

2019 PSMA Conference PresentationThe opening keynote address highlights an online vehicle for wastewater professionals to transform rural wastewater management by developing a customizable septic system owners guide. The primary deliverable of the underlying project is a web-interface (H2OandM.com) that allows an individual to produce an expert-driven and locally customized manual (electronic or hard copy) for […]

2019 PSMA Conference PresentationOccasionally individuals or entities may be critical of your septic system inspection report. You can run into concerns expressed by home buyers, home sellers, home inspectors, real estate agents, P.E.s, SEOs, and even regulatory bodies. Some of the more common criticisms that inspectors hear will be discussed during this session. Together, attendees […]

2019 PSMA Conference PresentationHumans along with all our activities cause widespread soil compaction. Compaction constrains oxygen (O2) movement in the soil and shifts soil toward anaerobic conditions. Less O2 diffusion into the soil leads to a chemically reducing soil environment. Compaction leads to smaller pore spaces and slower infiltration rates. This presentation will discuss the […]

2019 PSMA Conference PresentationMore septic systems are being negatively impacted by the use and disposal of varying chemicals, cleaners, medicines and anti-bacterial products. This presentation will cover how to identify this problem and troubleshoot the system. In addition, chemicals of emerging concern that are showing up in our lakes, rivers and streams, groundwater and even […]

2019 PSMA Conference PresentationWithin most septic systems, both anaerobic and aerobic processes are used to treat the wastewater. This presentation will describe each oxygen state, discuss where each method is dominate and present a methodology to evaluate systems to determine if both processes are working properly.Download PDF

2017 PSMA Conference PresentationIn this session the we will cover the operation and maintenance of pumps in an Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS). The discussion will include the purpose of having pumps in an OWTS. How the pump is selected and sized for the specific application. And, the proper operation and maintenance that needs to […]

2017 PSMA Conference PresentationThis session will discuss the importance of understanding the nitrogen cycle as it relates to Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems. The discussion will include what alternative treatments are available to nitrogen reduction and the necessity for on-going operation and maintenance on these systems to ensure that nitrogen levels are met.Download PDF