Course Outlines

Onsite Wastewater System Introduction (OS INTRO)

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.           (Home Study depending on the student up to 40 hours) This course is a prerequisite for all other BCOSSA courses.

Onsite System Installation (OS INSTALL)

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. (3 days7 to 8 hours a day) Prerequisite: Completion of OS INTRO

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. (5 days 7 to 8 hours a day) Prerequisite: Completion of OS INTRO.

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. (3 days 7 to 8 hours a day) Prerequisite: Completion of OS INTRO.

OS Maintenance (home study up to 80 hours) 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

MAIN 203

Maintenance Type 2 & Pressure Distribution Systems

This course covers essential maintenance items and common problems that can occur with type

2 systems and pressure distribution. You learn to conduct observations, methods of testing and maintenance of type 2 and pressure distribution of residential systems. 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.

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.

OS INSPECTOR

Locating, Exposing and Advanced Testing

The purpose of the Locating, Exposing, and Advanced Testing Course is to introduce the most commonly used methods for the OS Inspector to locate, expose and test components of an onsite system including tanks, treatment systems, chambers, gravity-fed fields and pressure distribution mounds. Through the use of photographs, videos and comprehensive study materials, you will learn how to test these systems, even if there is little or no documentation available and /or they are not readily accessible from the surface.

What is Home study? While the student will be able to take home study courses completely outside a classroom, they will get an exam that tests their true understanding of the course material. Students must obtain an exam score of 75% or better to pass. Upon completion of the course material, the student contacts WOWTC to make arrangements to take the exam email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please do your own work! All our exams are open book.

Please note the home study option has a time limit to it, upon receipt of the materials students are required to complete the exam within 90 days.

 ROWP Lagoons