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THE<br />

Weight Restriction Exemption ....... Pg. 1<br />

KSTP News Story on Exemption ... Pg. 2<br />

From the Executive Director ......... Pg. 3<br />

AgBMP Loans ............................... Pg. 4<br />

Board Profile: Shane Steinbrecher Pg. 5<br />

MPCA Annual Report Factoid ........ Pg. 8<br />

MPCA News Round-Up ................. Pg. 9<br />

U of M Realtor/Septic Course ........ Pg. 11<br />

The Bulletin Board: Safety Rating Pg. 13<br />

TR Scholarship Essay - Johnson .... Pg, 14<br />

Flygare Wins National Roe-D-Hoe ..Pg. 15<br />

TR Scholarship Guidelines ..............Pg. 16<br />

TR Scholarship Application ............ Pg. 17<br />

OSTP Training Schedule .............. Pg. 18<br />

<strong>MOWA</strong> Membership Form ............. Pg. 19<br />

LITTLE<br />

DIGGER<br />

LITTLE<br />

<strong>Apr</strong>il/<strong>May</strong> 2013 - Vol. 28, Issue 2<br />

A bi-monthly<br />

publication<br />

<strong>MOWA</strong> Successful in Weight Restriction Exemption<br />

for Septage Haulers in 2013<br />

by Lori Ende and Brian Koski<br />

Following the <strong>MOWA</strong> Convention, the work<br />

began on obtaining an exemption from weight<br />

restrictions for septage haulers, as requested<br />

by the <strong>MOWA</strong> Members. As the date for weight<br />

restriction postings by MnDOT grew near, panic<br />

set in and we were hearing from septic pumpers<br />

from around the state about their seemingly<br />

endless frozen septic systems service calls.<br />

After a head nod from MPCA of their support,<br />

<strong>MOWA</strong> took the initiative to contact Minnesota’s<br />

Governor and Assistant Governor with a plea for<br />

help. Brian Koski, <strong>MOWA</strong> President, and Lori<br />

Ende, <strong>MOWA</strong> Past President, faxed letters, sent<br />

e-mails and made phone calls requesting the<br />

exemption. There was a precedent set by the<br />

same exemptions septic trucks received in the<br />

Spring of 2003 and 2007, so we didn’t think the<br />

job of getting another exemption would be a difficult task.<br />

But we all know how government works. After a few more<br />

phone calls to get support from State Legislators were<br />

made, it wasn’t until hours before the MnDOT posting were<br />

to go into effect that we received a call from the Governor’s<br />

office inquiring about our request for the exemption. The<br />

Governor’s office then forwarded to Brian Koski a draft of<br />

the Governor’s Order that we were able to review, make<br />

any changes to, and to approve. Once the draft Order<br />

was returned, it was signed and immediately dispatched<br />

out to MnDOT and to the news media. Channel 5 News<br />

happened to pick up on<br />

In this Little Digger:<br />

the story and did a blurb<br />

about the Governor’s<br />

Order on their 10:00<br />

p.m. News Report that<br />

same evening. Check<br />

out the Channel 5 News<br />

video on the <strong>MOWA</strong> <strong>MOWA</strong> was happy to assist its membership by obtaining<br />

Website.<br />

this exemption. We hope you continue to enjoy the<br />

benefits of <strong>MOWA</strong>, and we thank you for supporting our<br />

Here is the Channel 5 organization.<br />

Web blast:<br />

For the full KSTP article, go to Page 2<br />

KSTP.com htp://hbispace.con1/printStory/kstp/index.chn?id-2965<br />

Gov. Issues Emergency Order<br />

Updated: 03/15/2013 11:54 PM KSTP.com By: Stephen TeNier<br />

Septic systems have<br />

executive order. He<br />

up septic systems.<br />

Even with<br />

scrambling<br />

that order,<br />

to keep up<br />

tO Prevent Septi<br />

frozen solid across the state, forcing the governor to issue<br />

acted to prevent thousands of Minnesotans from having to<br />

septic services are<br />

with the problem.<br />

On the back of their trucks are the words, .You<br />

think YOUR job sucks? Lately, Ende Septic<br />

Service in Rogers has been doing<br />

sucking.<br />

- lot of...<br />

"It's been seven days a week, 14 to 16 hours a<br />

day. We've just been running around everywhere<br />

we can, said Tristan Ende, who works for Ende<br />

Septic Service.<br />

Ende's<br />

issues<br />

business is<br />

in six years.<br />

backed up trying tO prevent septic backups, during the worst winter for such<br />

Here's how it happened: During most winters, early snowfall insulates the ground, and the<br />

pipes beneath it, from bitterly cold air. But this winter, frigid temperatures moved in before<br />

significant snowfall, leaving the ground exposed. That allowed frost to hit earlier, and reach<br />

deeper, 3 to 4 feet underground in some places -- right where many septic systems sit.<br />

"And that just<br />

And once that<br />

septic tank.<br />

IISO<br />

And<br />

you can<br />

flushing<br />

caused pipes sitting<br />

happens,<br />

keep taking<br />

the toilet.<br />

Summer Soils Seminar - July 19th in Elk River!<br />

you<br />

a<br />

are in<br />

full of water to freeze<br />

some<br />

shower and<br />

deep<br />

doing the<br />

trouble.<br />

laundry,<br />

up solid,<br />

Someone<br />

Ende<br />

said.<br />

Ende said.<br />

has to come<br />

Every year, on March 15th, seasonal restrictions kick in, preventing heavy trucks from using<br />

city and side streets, which are more susceptible to damage during the springtime thaw. The<br />

restrictions would have sidelined septic trucks, slapping them with heavy fines, just for using<br />

the roads to get to their customers.<br />

So the governor stepped in to<br />

Most frozen septic Systems are<br />

north metro.<br />

prevent that from<br />

In<br />

a<br />

happening.<br />

areas that didn't get a lot of snow early in the season, like the<br />

Once your septic system is frozen, there's not much you can do about it. In some cases, crews<br />

can send hot water through your pipes to thaw them out. But it's much easier to prevent<br />

freezing in the first place. Next fall, try to cover the ground above your system with leaves or<br />

straw. And try not to walk or sled on the snow above your system early in the season.<br />

C<br />

Backups<br />

an<br />

I I emergency<br />

deal with backed<br />

and empty your<br />

lofl 3/1


STP.com htp://hbispace.con1/printStory/kstp/index.chn?id-2965<br />

Page 2 Little Digger<br />

Gov. Issues Emergency Order<br />

Updated: 03/15/2013 11:54 PM KSTP.com By: Stephen TeNier<br />

Septic systems have<br />

executive order. He<br />

up septic systems.<br />

tO Prevent Septi<br />

frozen solid across the state, forcing the governor to issue an<br />

I I emergency<br />

acted to prevent thousands of Minnesotans from having to deal with backed<br />

Even with that order, septic services are<br />

scrambling to keep up with the problem.<br />

On the back of their trucks are the words, .You<br />

think YOUR job sucks? Lately, Ende Septic<br />

Service in Rogers has been doing a-<br />

lot of...<br />

sucking.<br />

"It's been seven days a week, 14 to 16 hours a<br />

day. We've just been running around everywhere<br />

we can, said Tristan Ende, who works for Ende<br />

Septic Service.<br />

Ende's<br />

issues<br />

business is backed up trying tO prevent septic backups, during the worst winter for such<br />

in six years.<br />

Here's how it happened: During most winters, early snowfall insulates the ground, and the<br />

pipes beneath it, from bitterly cold air. But this winter, frigid temperatures moved in before<br />

significant snowfall, leaving the ground exposed. That allowed frost to hit earlier, and reach<br />

deeper, 3 to 4 feet underground in some places -- right where many septic systems sit.<br />

"And that just<br />

And once that<br />

septic tank.<br />

IISO<br />

And<br />

you can<br />

flushing<br />

caused pipes sitting<br />

happens,<br />

keep taking<br />

the toilet.<br />

you<br />

a<br />

are in<br />

full of water to freeze<br />

some<br />

shower and<br />

deep<br />

doing the<br />

trouble.<br />

laundry,<br />

up solid,<br />

Someone<br />

Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Association<br />

lofl 3/16/2013 8:39<br />

Ende<br />

said.<br />

Ende said.<br />

has to come<br />

Every year, on March 15th, seasonal restrictions kick in, preventing heavy trucks from using<br />

city and side streets, which are more susceptible to damage during the springtime thaw. The<br />

restrictions would have sidelined septic trucks, slapping them with heavy fines, just for using<br />

the roads to get to their customers.<br />

So the governor stepped in to<br />

Most frozen septic Systems are<br />

north metro.<br />

prevent that from<br />

In<br />

happening.<br />

Backups<br />

and empty your<br />

areas that didn't get a lot of snow early in the season, like the<br />

Once your septic system is frozen, there's not much you can do about it. In some cases, crews<br />

can send hot water through your pipes to thaw them out. But it's much easier to prevent<br />

freezing in the first place. Next fall, try to cover the ground above your system with leaves or<br />

straw. And try not to walk or sled on the snow above your system early in the season.<br />

C


<strong>Apr</strong>il/<strong>May</strong> 2013<br />

From the Executive Director’s Office<br />

by Pat Martyn, <strong>MOWA</strong> Executive Director<br />

Recently, your Board of Directors conducted a day long<br />

exercise to plan its efforts for 2013. The reasons we do<br />

Strategic Planning include things like direction for the staff,<br />

a set of ideas that tackles the most important issues in<br />

the organization, and a guide so that work in the year can<br />

become focused and measured. In every case, we ask<br />

how this is going to benefit the membership. It’s done soon after the Convention,<br />

so that Board members have a fresh set of their colleagues’ comments that<br />

they make sure are considered.<br />

Members’ concerns obviously play the largest part in the effort, as do<br />

infrastructure concerns for the stability of the organization. We do this on<br />

an annual basis. It is a process which includes the President independently<br />

thinking about goals that he would like to accomplish. Then, Board members<br />

meet and develop a consensus on Board goals, which are then compared to<br />

the President’s goals. It’s surprising how close these two lists are, and where<br />

there are differences, modifications are made.<br />

In 2013, the Board is absolutely committed to making your membership valuable<br />

and relevant. So, we are after things like developing a consumer directory that<br />

is more accessible for people looking for a septic professional. We want to clear<br />

up a few questions regarding the authority of SSTS professionals so we are<br />

working hard with the MPCA to refine our views. We intend to further emphasize<br />

the open forum approach at the upcoming Convention. That got rave reviews<br />

from the January meeting, and we will replicate that at the next Convention,<br />

which will be held in Duluth on January 27-29, 2014. We will continue to have<br />

a summer seminar—the dates have been set for July 19, 2013, south of Saint<br />

Cloud. Other items like a grant program are being actively discussed, and the<br />

scholarship program will continue.<br />

It’s important to have the membership understand that this is an open<br />

organization, which encourages discussion and debate amongst its members.<br />

So we are going to be talking to you in different ways this year. For example,<br />

we did a survey of our membership in mid-<strong>Apr</strong>il asking for input for an upcoming<br />

event. When you are asked in a survey, please advise us! And as always, we<br />

deeply appreciate comments at any time.<br />

<strong>MOWA</strong> Calendar of Events<br />

<strong>MOWA</strong> Events<br />

July 19th, 2013 – <strong>MOWA</strong> Summer Soils Seminar – Hosted by Plaisted Companies<br />

– Elk River, MN (contact: 952.345-1145 or mowacarla@aol.com for details or<br />

visit our Web site: www.mowa-mn.com)<br />

Industry Events<br />

November 17th – 20th, 2013 - NOWRA Annual Conference – Nashville, TN (visit<br />

www.nowra.org for details, including Call for Papers)<br />

February 24th – February 27th, 2014 - Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo<br />

International – Indiana Convention Center - Indianapolis, IN (contact: 866-933-<br />

2653 or www.pumpershow.com)<br />

The LITTLE DIggER is a bi-monthly publication of the Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Association.<br />

Editor: Carla Tourin E-mail: <strong>MOWA</strong>carla@aol.com The articles printed in the publication do not necessarily reflect the opinion of<br />

this organization. Readers are encouraged to respond to the articles with their own points-of-view. We welcome industry-related<br />

comments or articles. Information or inquires should be sent to any of the following: MN Onsite Wastewater Association, 5200 Willson<br />

Road, Suite 300, Edina, MN 55424 Phone: (952) 345-1141 Toll Free: 888-810-4178, Website: www.mowa-mn.com<br />

MISSION: Promoting professionalism in the onsite wastewater industry<br />

Page 3<br />

<strong>MOWA</strong><br />

2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS<br />

Brian Koski, President<br />

Septic Check<br />

brian@septiccheck.com<br />

320-983-2447<br />

Andy Winkler, Vice-President<br />

Wieser Concrete<br />

winkler@wieserconcrete.com<br />

715-647-2311<br />

Lorianne Ende, Secretary -<br />

Past President<br />

Ende Septic Service<br />

info@endeseptic.com<br />

763-428-4489<br />

Chris LeClair, Treasurer<br />

Washington County<br />

chris.leclair@co.washington.mn.us<br />

651-430-6673<br />

Roger Berggren<br />

McLeod Cty. Environmental Services<br />

roger.berggren@co.mcleod.mn.us<br />

320-864-1214<br />

Bob Billiet<br />

Mid MN Septic Services<br />

midmnbob@hutchtel.net<br />

320-583-3261<br />

Nick Haig<br />

MPCA<br />

nick.haig@state.mn.us<br />

651-757-2536<br />

Greg Halling<br />

Halling Engineering, Inc.<br />

grhalling@hallingeng.com<br />

952-440-1680<br />

Jeff Johnson<br />

Jeff Johnson Excavating<br />

jje@hcinet.net<br />

320-847-2607<br />

Shane Steinbrecher<br />

Steinbrecher Companies<br />

shane@steinbrechercompanies.com<br />

612-221-8675<br />

Dave Tuttle<br />

Gunflint Trail Excavating<br />

davet@boreal.org<br />

218-388-4449<br />

LeeAnn Weigt<br />

Olson’s Sewer Service<br />

lee@olsonsinthepink.com<br />

651-464-2082


Page 4 Little Digger<br />

Dept. of Agriculture: AgBMP Loan Program<br />

5,000 Low Interest Loans for SSTS Replacement!<br />

The AgBMP Loan Program has<br />

issued its 5,000th SSTS loan, totaling<br />

almost $40 million in SSTS loans<br />

since the program began in 1995.<br />

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s AgBMP<br />

(Agricultural Best Management Practices) Loan Program<br />

has funds available statewide for SSTS upgrades. The<br />

program offers low interest loans (up to 3%) to farmers and<br />

rural landowners to repair or replace existing non-compliant<br />

and failing septic systems.<br />

More about the program: The AgBMP Loan Program<br />

is a water quality program that provides low interest loans<br />

to farmers, rural landowners, and agriculture supply<br />

businesses through participating local governments and<br />

financial institutions. The loans are for proven pollution<br />

prevention practices that implement the goals of local water<br />

plans. The program uses a perpetual revolving loan account<br />

The program offers low interest loans (up to 3%) to farmers and<br />

rural landowners to repair or replace existing<br />

non-compliant and failing septic systems.<br />

Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Association<br />

structure where repayments from prior loans are continually<br />

reused to fund new loans. For more informatinon, and<br />

a list of local county contacts and participating lenders,<br />

please visit:<br />

www.mda.state.<br />

mn.us/agbmploans<br />

Completed AgBMP SSTS<br />

Loan Projects


<strong>Apr</strong>il/<strong>May</strong> 2013<br />

<strong>MOWA</strong> Board Profile: Shane Steinbrecher<br />

The New Faces of <strong>MOWA</strong>—<br />

Shane Steinbrecher: In His Own Words<br />

1. When you were young, what did<br />

you want to be when you grew<br />

up?<br />

I wanted to be a fighter pilot. Top Gun<br />

on Nintendo was one of my favorite<br />

games when I was allowed to play it.<br />

2. Where did you grow up/go to<br />

school?<br />

I grew up in “Nowthen Minnesota”<br />

and attended Elk River Area schools<br />

and graduated from the Elk River<br />

High School.<br />

3. What did your family do?<br />

My Dad drove tractor-trailer truck for<br />

20+ years. My Mom did daycare for<br />

many years and then worked in the<br />

Anoka Hennepin School District as<br />

preschool teacher.<br />

4. What brought you to your current<br />

career?<br />

I had a neighbor that started a<br />

construction cleanup service. He<br />

hired me to assist him. We did new construction cleanouts<br />

with a pickup and trailer. From there we built hydraulic rolloff<br />

trucks and roll-off containers. We built approximately<br />

60 steel roll-off containers.<br />

I saw how quickly the market was growing and when I was<br />

16, I started Steinbrecher Construction and Snowplowing<br />

and I purchased my first roll-off truck. I became incorporated<br />

in 1999, and in 2001, I changed the name to Steinbrecher<br />

Companies, Inc. I changed the name because we began<br />

to diversify into the excavating market. Since then we have<br />

expanded into the septic market as well. We are currently<br />

a full service septic, excavating, and roll-off company.<br />

I would like to see a basic SSTS code<br />

that uniformly fits across the state.<br />

This would also need to allow the LGUs<br />

to set their region-specific needs and<br />

requirements...These would have to be<br />

based on the needs of the region<br />

MISSION: Promoting professionalism in the onsite wastewater industry<br />

Page 5<br />

5. What do you appreciate about this industry?<br />

The thing I appreciate most about the industry is the need<br />

for constant improvement of wastewater treatment. The<br />

technology of septic systems is growing immensely each<br />

year. We now have the ability to create a wide range of<br />

options for our customers from the basic septic that treats<br />

effluent with a standard drain field to the advanced system<br />

that pre-treats the effluent before it reaches the drain field.<br />

The technology has also evolved to allow us to remotely<br />

monitor our advanced systems through control panel<br />

telemetry.<br />

6. What changes would you like to see?<br />

I would like to see a basic SSTS code that uniformly fits<br />

across the state. This would also need to allow the LUG’s<br />

to set their region-specific needs and requirements to<br />

accommodate the different soil type, etc. These needs and<br />

requirements would have to be based on the needs of the<br />

region and not an individual’s opinion.<br />

7. What changes have you seen since you started your<br />

career?<br />

I think that people are more informed about wastewater—<br />

and continuing to educate them has been a benefit to<br />

everyone in the industry.<br />

and not an individual’s opinion. Board Profile: Steinbrecher, Continued on Page 6


Page 6 Little Digger<br />

Board Profile: Steinbrecher, Continued from Page 5<br />

I also think that the people who work in the industry,<br />

as a whole, do a better job of designing, building, and<br />

maintaining SSTS.<br />

8. Do you serve on any other Boards?<br />

I am Chairman of<br />

the <strong>MOWA</strong> Summer<br />

Seminar Committee. I<br />

am currently a director<br />

on the Elk River School<br />

District Board. I am on<br />

the building committee for St John’s Lutheran Church<br />

in Zimmerman. My wife and I are on the Youth Ministry<br />

Committee at St John’s Lutheran Church. I am also on the<br />

Shiver Elk River Committee (an Elk River Chamber hosted<br />

event that helps raise money for non-profits).<br />

9. You are very active in <strong>MOWA</strong>, both on committees<br />

and on the Board. What does this involvement bring<br />

you?<br />

As Chairman of the Summer Seminar Committee, I really<br />

enjoy bringing in professional vendors to further educate<br />

us on their products and how to properly install and use<br />

them. I also feel it gives me the opportunity to learn both<br />

business and field techniques from others who have been<br />

in the industry longer than I have. I can then implement<br />

WHERE DO YOU GO FOR RELIABLE<br />

TANK & PUMP REPAIR OR SERVICE?<br />

THE MINNESOTA SOLUTION: COME TO ENGLE INDUSTRIAL<br />

TANK & TRAILER SERVICE<br />

Phone: 320.429.5837<br />

Fax: 320.351.3645<br />

E-mail: engleind@arvig.net<br />

SAUK CENTRE, MN 56378-0429<br />

<br />

We’re convenient, capable & cost-effective!<br />

With over 40 years of experience in tank & trailer<br />

manufacturing repair and service<br />

New tank construction & repair - minor to total rebuilds<br />

<br />

Pump & hydraulic service<br />

Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Association<br />

these into my business to positively contribute back to the<br />

industry.<br />

10. What is unique about <strong>MOWA</strong>’s Board and/or <strong>MOWA</strong><br />

as an organization?<br />

VISION FOR <strong>MOWA</strong><br />

I really think that <strong>MOWA</strong> needs to be the link in<br />

providing additional in-depth training on specialty<br />

products that are used in the industry.<br />

industry for the better.<br />

The people who sit on the<br />

board are professionals<br />

that work in the industry<br />

and they are willing to work<br />

together to accomplish,<br />

shape and change the<br />

11. What is your vision for <strong>MOWA</strong> – in both the short- and<br />

in the long-term?<br />

Long term —I really think that <strong>MOWA</strong> needs to be the<br />

link in providing additional in-depth training on specialty<br />

products that are used in the industry. For example: pretreatment<br />

products. Allowing <strong>MOWA</strong> to work with the<br />

products manufacturers to provide this specific training and<br />

continuing updated education on products. Secondly, I‘d<br />

like to see <strong>MOWA</strong> be a resource for realtors who represent<br />

buyers and sellers that have septic systems.<br />

12. What do you wish more people knew about <strong>MOWA</strong>?<br />

That the <strong>MOWA</strong> board is very passionate about the industry<br />

and that we are here to serve the industry as a whole.


<strong>Apr</strong>il/<strong>May</strong> 2013<br />

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MISSION: Promoting professionalism in the onsite wastewater industry<br />

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Page 7


Page 8 Little Digger<br />

MPCA Annual Report Documents SSTS<br />

546,000 SSTS in Minnesota—one of many fascinating factoids<br />

in upcoming MPCA 2012 Annual Report<br />

By Barb McCarthy, MPCA<br />

In 2012, 209 local units of governments (LGUs) with septic<br />

system programs reported a total of more than 546,000<br />

septic systems in Minnesota. They also issued 9,240<br />

construction permits for new and replacement systems.<br />

Over a period of 11 years, from 2002 to 2012, more than<br />

133,000 construction permits were issued (Table 1).<br />

Total Number<br />

SSTS Reported<br />

2012<br />

Highest County<br />

SSTS Number<br />

Lowest County<br />

SSTS Number<br />

Total Number of SSTS<br />

Reported in 2012<br />

Visit us on the Web: www.wieserconcrete.com<br />

Number Construction<br />

Permits Issued in 2012<br />

Number Construction<br />

Permits 2002-2012<br />

546,064 9,240 133,058<br />

33,177 528 8,219<br />

577 7 83<br />

Table 1. Statistics on reported number SSTS and construction permits reported by LGUs in 2012.<br />

There is certainly a range in the number of SSTSs reported by counties. The highest number in a<br />

county was 33,177 while the lowest was 577.<br />

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♦ Tanks for Bio-Microbics and Nibblers, Sand Filters<br />

♦ Custom Sizes Available to Fit Your Needs<br />

Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Association<br />

In 2012, the number of SSTS construction permits issued<br />

by counties ranged from seven to 528. That’s a pretty big<br />

difference between counties! Over a period of 11 years,<br />

the number of construction permits issued ranged from a<br />

low of 83 in one county to a high of 8,219 in another.<br />

The 2012 SSTS Annual<br />

Report will be placed on<br />

the MPCA website later this<br />

spring. The 2011 annual<br />

report is still available for<br />

review. The page can also be<br />

found by Googling the phrase<br />

“MPCA SSTS annual report.”<br />

Innovation, Quality<br />

and Service since 1965<br />

1-800-325-8456


<strong>Apr</strong>il/<strong>May</strong> 2013<br />

MPCA News Round-Up<br />

Ziegler sees commonalities in MPCA watershed,<br />

SSTS programs<br />

Now only tanks registered with<br />

MPCA can be installed in Minnesota<br />

by Barb McCarthy, MPCA<br />

Right now, you need to use only fully registered tanks in<br />

Minnesota. This requirement started Jan. 1, 2013. Be sure<br />

to check the MPCA sewage tank list on the Web to see if<br />

the tank(s) you are planning to install in 2013 is on the list<br />

and fully registered.<br />

The list of sewage tanks is<br />

on the MPCA’s website.<br />

You can also find this page by Googling<br />

the phrase “MPCA registered tanks.”<br />

There are 36 tank manufactures registered as of <strong>Apr</strong>il 15,<br />

2013. Thirty two manufacturers are from Minnesota; four<br />

are from other states (Connecticut, Indiana, North Dakota<br />

and Wisconsin). There are about 900 tank models on the<br />

list. The list has information about tank size, rated depth<br />

of burial, number of compartments, usage (i.e. septic,<br />

pump, holding), and other product information (i.e. effluent<br />

screens, transfer holes).<br />

Reminder letters were mailed to 1,010 licensed Installers<br />

about this requirement in March. This letter is posted on<br />

the sewage tank page. LGUs were also notified via email.<br />

MISSION: Promoting professionalism in the onsite wastewater industry<br />

Page 9<br />

by the MPCA<br />

Jim Ziegler has been named manager for the MPCA SSTS program, taking<br />

over from Will Haapala who retired. Ziegler has been with the agency for<br />

more than 20 years, working in the Detroit Lakes regional office. He says he<br />

is looking forward to working with counties and other local program partners<br />

to meet the challenge of updating ordinances across the state and identifying<br />

and fixing or replacing non-compliant systems and straight pipes.<br />

For much of his career, Ziegler worked as a supervisor in the watershed unit,<br />

which is focused on improving water quality in lakes and streams. “I think<br />

much of my experience in the watershed unit is applicable to what we do in<br />

SSTS,” Ziegler said. “That involves working together with experienced local<br />

partners to meet our mutual goals. In the watershed unit that meant working<br />

with watershed districts, SWCD offices and other local stakeholder groups.<br />

In SSTS we’re working with counties and other local units of government,<br />

stakeholder groups such as <strong>MOWA</strong>, the University of Minnesota and others... I’m excited to be working in a new area.”<br />

Ziegler serves as an assistant high school cross-country skiing coach in Detroit Lakes and is an avid bicycler who<br />

often rides to the office in Detroit Lakes from his rural home during warmer months.<br />

To be (a bedroom) or not to be;<br />

that is the question<br />

by the MPCA<br />

And here is the answer. Since SSTS sizing is<br />

determined strongly by the number of bedrooms in a<br />

dwelling, the question of whether or not a room should<br />

be considered a bedroom is one that is frequently<br />

debated between local regulators, SSTS designers and<br />

homeowners.<br />

A bedroom is defined in 7080.1100, Subp. 9, as an area<br />

that is:<br />

a. a room designed or used for sleeping; or<br />

b. a room or area of a dwelling that has a minimum floor<br />

area of 70 square feet with access gained from the<br />

living area or living area hallway. Architectural features<br />

that affect the use as a bedroom under this item may<br />

be considered in making the bedroom determination.<br />

An MPCA fact sheet provides more detail on the architectural<br />

features that affect the use of a room as a bedroom, and<br />

can be helpful when making this determination. You can<br />

also find this page by Googling the phrase “MPCA bedroom<br />

size SSTS.” When building permits are issued in a different<br />

department from the SSTS construction permit, it is critical<br />

these two groups agree on the definition of a bedroom so<br />

the issue is resolved consistently within the jurisdiction.


Page 10 Little Digger<br />

MPCA News Round-Up<br />

More anecdotal evidence on causes, solutions to freezing septics<br />

by Gretchen Sabel, MPCA<br />

Lots of late winter snow and warmer temperatures have<br />

helped lessen the chances of septic systems freezing;<br />

however, the potential for freezing exists throughout the<br />

winter season. Two examples prove this point, as well as<br />

the point that it can happen to anyone.<br />

The new MPCA SSTS Section Manager Jim Ziegler<br />

recently experienced his septic system backing up. Since<br />

his tank had been pumped recently, he knew the problem<br />

had to be in the pipe between the house and septic tank.<br />

He was able to clear the frozen pipe himself by opening a<br />

cleanout plug and running a hose and hot water into the<br />

pipe until it eventually cleared, a process that took about<br />

three hours. He said the area between the house and septic<br />

tank usually blows clear of snow and so he will work on<br />

keeping that area better insulated throughout the late fall<br />

and winter season.<br />

MPCA SSTS staffer Gretchen Sabel was cross-country<br />

skiing recently when she started chatting with another<br />

skier on the trail. When she told the other skier what she<br />

did for a living, he told her, “Well, you’re just the person I<br />

Minor corrections being made<br />

to SSTS Rules<br />

The MPCA is starting a “housekeeping” rulemaking to only<br />

make clarifying changes and correct errors in its rules. A<br />

number of minor errors have been identified in Minn. R.<br />

chs. 7080, 7081, 7082 and 7082 that will be fixed through<br />

this rulemaking. A Request for Comments published in the<br />

State Register on <strong>Apr</strong>il 29th asks for help in identifying<br />

additional corrections that are needed and also encourages<br />

people interested in the rulemaking to register to receive<br />

future notices about these changes.<br />

Contact Carol Nankivel at carol.nankivel@state.mn.us to<br />

identify errors in any of the MPCA’s rules. To receive future<br />

notices about the rule, register at Govdelivery<br />

A draft of the changes is being developed and when it is<br />

available for review, notices will be sent to everyone who<br />

has registered their interest at the Govdelivery site.<br />

Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Association<br />

need to talk to,” He had returned from a trip to find that his<br />

drainfield was frozen. Sabel said the family’s absence and<br />

lack of hot water going into the system contributed to the<br />

problem. In addition, there had been little snow or other<br />

insulation over the drainfield.<br />

Regular daily use of hot water during the winter (making<br />

sure to run a warm load of laundry or using the dishwasher<br />

each day) will help prevent freeze-ups, as will keeping the<br />

area over the entire septic system insulated. That can be<br />

achieved by letting the grass grow at the end of the summer<br />

or applying straw, mulch or other insulating material in the<br />

fall before temperatures start to plummet. It’s also important<br />

to avoid any type of traffic—even foot traffic—over septic<br />

pipes and the drainfield all year long. Compaction allows<br />

frost to move deeper and faster through the soil.<br />

Plugged pipes can sometimes be cleared using steam or<br />

hot water, such as Ziegler used. The only cure for frozen<br />

drainfields, however, is springtime. In such cases, the<br />

septic tank becomes a holding tank that must be pumped<br />

until the spring thaw.<br />

MPCA partners with SE MN Wastewater<br />

Initiative: nominated for award<br />

The MPCA works with local partners throughout the state to<br />

protect and restore water resources. The agency is proud<br />

to be a partner with the Southeast Minnesota Waste Water<br />

Initiative, which is a finalist for the 2013 Environmental<br />

Initiative Awards.<br />

Since 2002, the Southeast Minnesota Wastewater Initiative<br />

has worked with small communities in 13 counties to<br />

address the need for sewage treatment. Over the last ten<br />

years, with the assistance of the Wastewater Initiative, 19<br />

small communities have upgraded their sewer systems,<br />

eliminating about 91 million gallons per year of untreated<br />

sewage from entering the rivers and streams of Southeast<br />

Minnesota, with more projects in the works.<br />

Read more about this nominee on the Environmental<br />

Initiative website at www.environmental-initiative.org.<br />

While the Initiative is a partnership of the Southeast<br />

Minnesota Water Resources Board, Cannon River<br />

Watershed Partnership and MPCA, the members have<br />

found that partnering with citizens, city councils, township<br />

boards and other local entities is the key to their success.


C<br />

M<br />

Y<br />

CM<br />

MY<br />

CY<br />

CMY<br />

K<br />

<strong>Apr</strong>il/<strong>May</strong> 2013<br />

“Offer tendered” on septic course for real estate professionals<br />

by the MPCA<br />

University course educates realtors<br />

MISSION: Promoting professionalism in the onsite wastewater industry<br />

Page 11<br />

Just like septic professionals, realtors and appraisers also need continuing education. The University of Minnesota<br />

has developed a 4-hour class aimed at realtors that has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Commerce.<br />

This introduction to septic systems will help real estate agents and appraisers understand the basics of onsite sewage<br />

treatment and prepare them to handle questions from home buyers and sellers.<br />

A regulatory overview identifies key statutes, administrative rules and local ordinances that govern the design, installation,<br />

maintenance, and replacement of septic systems. Participants will learn about disclosure and compliance inspections to<br />

help them better understand the requirements, costs, and consequences surrounding the inspection of septic systems.<br />

There is also time in the agenda for local updates on requirements of<br />

cities, townships and counties in the area.<br />

Location, location, location<br />

The course is being offered in Stillwater and Alexandria in early <strong>May</strong>.<br />

The training in Stillwater is titled, “Flush away your concerns! Learn all<br />

about septic systems in Washington County.”<br />

For more information on these sessions, or if you are interested in<br />

hosting this training in your area, contact Sara Heger at the University.<br />

Minnesota_1_2-Ad-black_white.pdf 1/15/2009 7:02:33 PM


Page 12 Little Digger<br />

Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Association


<strong>Apr</strong>il/<strong>May</strong> 2013<br />

The Bulletin Board<br />

QBE would like to congratulate participating <strong>MOWA</strong> members for<br />

their 2012 safety group program results!<br />

QBE paid a total of $156,000 to the participating contractors<br />

based on the 2012 program results. You, as members, help<br />

make this Member Benefit Insurance Program successful!<br />

This member benefit program is designed to provide<br />

Property, General Liability, Inland Marine, Business, Auto<br />

and Workers Compensation Insurance to members at a<br />

competitive rate. Our history of assisting in loss reduction<br />

and expense management has helped to build a track<br />

record of paying dividends to the contractor members<br />

enrolled in the insurance program.<br />

QBE not only provides the potential for dividends, but<br />

provides access to their programs and services through<br />

agencies, such as Overland Insurance, who are familiar<br />

with your industry and business insurance needs. Plus<br />

QBE has:<br />

l An “A” rating as a financially strong large carrier, with<br />

a Minnesota-based office for underwriting, marketing,<br />

loss control, plus provides members with strong claims<br />

service.<br />

Tool Box Meeting – Young Worker Mindset<br />

Can your crew answer the following questions about<br />

young work safety correctly? The answers can be<br />

found in the Construction Safety and Health Newsletter.<br />

To subscribe, e-mail Robert.bertera@us.qbe.com<br />

1. Over 110,000 young workers were injured in the workplace<br />

in 2010. True or False?<br />

2. New employee orientation for a young worker may need to<br />

last for weeks or even months. True or False?<br />

3. Young workers may need to be trained differently than adult<br />

workers. In general, young workers need to be shown the<br />

proper way to perform tasks and then demonstrate the tasks,<br />

not just be told how to do them. True or False?<br />

4. The best way for a young worker to learn the company safety<br />

rules is to take the company safety manual home and read<br />

it on their own time.True or False?<br />

5. Learning by trial and error is the most effective way to train<br />

young workers. True or False?<br />

6. Only about half of parents talk to their teens or young adult<br />

children about safety at work. True or False?<br />

7. New employers, just like new employees, have higher<br />

accident rates than established businesses. True or False?<br />

8. Every 9 minutes in the U.S. a young worker is injured in the<br />

workplace. True or False?<br />

9. Mentoring or the buddy system is an excellent way to teach<br />

/ show young workers the proper and safe way to work.<br />

True or False?<br />

10. Statistics show that a significant percentage of all injuries<br />

to young workers occur within the first 30 days on the job.<br />

True or False?<br />

MISSION: Promoting professionalism in the onsite wastewater industry<br />

Page 13<br />

l Commitment and expertise in the areas of workers<br />

compensation, loss control services and safety group<br />

program management.<br />

l The ability to assist <strong>MOWA</strong> in promoting workplace<br />

safety and injury prevention by providing loss control<br />

service to individual members and sponsoring group<br />

classes, such as the OSHA 10-hour, offered to<br />

members.<br />

This article is to recognize QBE (and their subsidiaries,<br />

such as General Casualty Company of Wisconsin and<br />

Regent Insurance Company) for the dividends paid again<br />

this year to <strong>MOWA</strong> members. To obtain an insurance<br />

quote or inquire further about the program and eligibility<br />

requirements, questions may be directed to Dianne at<br />

612-875-0295 or the administrative agency, Overland<br />

Insurance, at 218-346-6250.<br />

Insurance for<br />

septic tank installers<br />

and pumpers.<br />

Our Contractors Insurance<br />

Program is tailored to fit the specific<br />

needs of septic system installers. Plus,<br />

we offer competitive rates and a Group Safety<br />

Dividend Plan for eligible <strong>MOWA</strong> members.<br />

For a free, no obligation quote or more information<br />

you can contact any one of the following:<br />

• Overland Insurance | 218.346.6250 | Perham, MN<br />

• Your local independent QBE agent<br />

10%<br />

Group Safety<br />

Dividend paid<br />

by QBE in 2012<br />

• QBE Minneapolis Regional Office | 800.862.7405<br />

Recommended by:<br />

QBE and the links logo are registered service marks of QBE Insurance Group Limited.<br />

All coverages underwritten by member companies of QBE. © 2013 QBE Holdings, Inc.


Page 14 Little Digger<br />

Tony Ruppert Scholarship Essays<br />

2012 Third Place Scholarship Essay —<br />

Surrounded by water with nothing to drink<br />

by Jared Johnson of of Lucan, MN<br />

As babies we are approximately 75 to 80%<br />

water and as we grow older this percentage<br />

decreases until the percentage is reduced<br />

to approximately 60 to 65% for men and<br />

50 to 60% for women.(ChemCraft, 1998)<br />

The human brain is about 85% water and<br />

our bones are between 10 to 15% water.<br />

What happens when clean water is no<br />

longer available? This essay will cover<br />

some of the health issues caused by an<br />

unhealthy water supply. For the purposes<br />

of this essay I will focus on contamination<br />

caused by the natural disaster of flooding.<br />

Most of us are lucky to have clean water<br />

sources at our disposal either straight out of the tap or in<br />

the form of bottled water. Something that should grab our<br />

attention is the instant request for donations of water after<br />

a flooding.<br />

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• Pedestal Junction Boxes<br />

• Event Counter Pump Controls<br />

• Control & Pump Float Switches<br />

www.septronicsinc.com<br />

Ph: 888.565.8908 • sales@septronicsinc.com<br />

Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Association<br />

It seems ironic that people living in a place full of flood water<br />

would have a hard time finding water to drink. But just<br />

think of all of the possible contaminates in flood water. The<br />

Center for Disease Control (CDC) points out many things<br />

that could be making the water supply unsafe such as:<br />

harmful microbes that come from overflow of privies and<br />

septic systems in rural areas; flooded sewage treatment<br />

plants in urban areas; animal feces from pets, livestock and<br />

wild animals; natural bacteria in the environment; human<br />

waste; and dead bodies of both humans and animals.<br />

These are generally referred to as biological contaminants.<br />

Chemical contaminants such as poisons and sprays used<br />

in agriculture and around the home would likely be present.<br />

Also making the water unsafe would be, industrial waste<br />

and cleaners from factories and businesses, and fuel from<br />

the gas tanks of flooded vehicles. (CDC, 2007)<br />

Some specific illnesses caused by contaminated water as<br />

indicated by the CDC are:<br />

1) Cryptosporidiosis – typically an acute short-term<br />

infection affecting the intestines causing diarrhea.<br />

2) Enterovirses – those infected with these types of viruses<br />

experience mild flu-like symptoms. On some occasions<br />

infected people could develop viral meningitis.<br />

3) Legionnaires’ Disease -- severe form of pneumonia.<br />

When Americans think of floods, many of us have the<br />

images of the flooding after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.<br />

In an interview with Science Daily in September of 2005,<br />

Ruth Berkelman, MD, Chair of the Public and Scientific<br />

Affairs Board of the American Society for Microbiology,<br />

said ““Deadly diseases, such as typhoid or cholera, are<br />

Surrounded by Water, Continued on Page 15


<strong>Apr</strong>il/<strong>May</strong> 2013<br />

Surrounded by Water, Continued from Page 14<br />

unlikely to break out after hurricanes and floods in areas<br />

where these diseases do not already naturally occur.”<br />

That said, I believe there are health issues that are caused<br />

by the flood waters that have nothing to do with actually<br />

ingesting contaminated water.<br />

One lingering risk of contaminated flood water is comes in<br />

the form of mold. After the flood waters retreat, surfaces<br />

that were affected will likely develop mold. Significant<br />

exposure to mold can cause allergic illness, asthma, and<br />

respiratory infections. Hospitals in the Katrina affected<br />

area reported seeing an increased number of patients with<br />

allergy and cold symptoms, and doctors had suggested<br />

that allergy to the mold and dust circulating in New Orleans<br />

was making residents susceptible to respiratory illness.<br />

Another health risk due to standing water after a flood is<br />

mosquito-borne illness such as West Nile disease. One<br />

mosquito-district in Louisiana reported that the number<br />

of trapped mosquitoes had increased 800 percent over<br />

pre-hurricane levels.(Erickson 2005) However, other<br />

researchers observed minimal activity at sampling sites<br />

in New Orleans.(Presley et al. 2006) In either case,<br />

people appeared to be at additional risk because they<br />

were spending extended time outdoors (e.g., relief and<br />

remediation operations), and even when they were inside,<br />

broken windows and screens did not keep mosquitoes<br />

from entering.(Sullivan 2005) A key factor in disease<br />

transmission appeared to be missing. The key vertebrate<br />

hosts, birds, which are required to transmit and maintain<br />

the viral reservoir, were almost nonexistent in these<br />

areas, perhaps driven from the area or killed by Hurricane<br />

Katrina.(Sullivan 2005, Erickson 2005) In the end, very<br />

little mosquito-borne illness was reported.<br />

Let’s return our focus to a safe-for-consumption water<br />

supply. Restoring a safe water supply after a flood may<br />

take a few days to months depending on the size of the<br />

flood and the effect to the public infrastructure. During a<br />

flood, extensive damage can be done to power plants,<br />

wastewater treatment plants, and public sewer systems. I<br />

can only imagine the time and effort it takes to repair all of<br />

those things to gain a glass of safe drinking water out of a<br />

faucet. A little closer to home, I found an article published<br />

by the University of Minnesota Extension with steps to take<br />

after a flood to disinfect a private well.<br />

The article goes on to recommend that you test your well<br />

48 hours after the disinfecting procedure as any bacteria<br />

remaining in the system will reproduce and be detectable<br />

in a water test after that length of time. Until your well has<br />

been tested safe you should boil your water at a full rolling<br />

boil for one minute to kill bacteria or use bottled water as<br />

a safety precaution.<br />

MISSION: Promoting professionalism in the onsite wastewater industry<br />

Page 15<br />

As the residents of the Gulf Coast learned so many years<br />

ago, and the citizens in the Duluth area experienced just a<br />

few weeks ago, life can change with a shift in the wind or<br />

an overnight rain storm. Turning on the faucet and getting a<br />

clean, safe glass of drinking water simply cannot be taken<br />

for granted. We cannot control Mother Nature but we can<br />

learn how to protect ourselves and our families from some<br />

of the outcomes of these devastating occurrences. The<br />

next time I fill a glass with ice and a cool drink of water from<br />

my tap I will think about those that have been surrounded<br />

by water without a drop to drink.<br />

ChemCraft, 1998. Water in the Body. http://www.chemcraft.net/<br />

water.html<br />

Center for Disease Control, 2007. Water Contamination in a<br />

Hurricane’s Aftermath. http://www.cdc.gov/excite/just_in_time.htm<br />

Erickson J. 2005. Mosquito Numbers Explode due to Hurricane<br />

Flooding. Rocky Mountain News.<br />

Presley SM, Rainwater TR, Austin GP, Platt SG, Zak JC et al. 2006.<br />

Assessment of pathogens and toxicants in New Orleans, LA following<br />

Hurricane Katrina. Environ. Sci. Technol. 40(2):468-74<br />

Science Daily. 2005. Hurricane Aftermath: Infectious Disease Threats<br />

From Common, Not Exotic, Diseases. http://www.sciencedaily.com/<br />

releases/2005/09/050913124923.htm<br />

Sullivan MG. 2005. Disrupted ecology may protect La. from West<br />

Nile. Family Practice News 35(19)<br />

University of Minnesota Extension. 2009. Safe Drinking Water from<br />

Wells in Flooded Areas. WW-06213<br />

Darren Flygare Wins 2013 NOWRA<br />

National Backhoe Roe-D-Hoe®<br />

It was a family affair two times over at the 2013<br />

NOWRA National Backhoe Roe-D-Hoe®, as two<br />

sets of fathers and sons took four of the five top<br />

places. Darren Flygare of Flygare Excavating of<br />

Annandale, MN was crowned the 2013 champion<br />

after successfully<br />

negotiating the<br />

excavator skills<br />

competition faster<br />

than the other 14<br />

event finalists.<br />

Darren (shown at left<br />

accepting his $1,000<br />

cash prize) finished<br />

four spots ahead<br />

of his father Dean,<br />

who ended up in fifth<br />

place. Earlier this year,<br />

Dean was the winner<br />

of the Minnesota<br />

Onsite Wastewater<br />

Association’s Roe-D-<br />

Hoe® competition


Page 16 Little Digger<br />

2013 Tony Ruppert Scholarship guidelines<br />

This essay is to be completed by the applicant. The<br />

applicant can choose a topic to write about that is related<br />

to the environment, water quality, etc… The sponsor of<br />

this scholarship is the Minnesota Onsite Wastewater<br />

Association (<strong>MOWA</strong>). <strong>MOWA</strong> is associated with the onsite/<br />

decentralized wastewater industry (a.k.a. septic systems).<br />

TITLE<br />

AUTHOR<br />

DATE<br />

INTRODUCTION<br />

What is the problem/issue? Keep the introduction brief,<br />

but do indicate the purpose of the paper as well as present<br />

appropriate background. Make sure that the reader<br />

knows enough to appreciate the relevance of the issue<br />

and why it is appropriate to ask the question that you will<br />

address with your paper. State what angle is going to be<br />

explored and arrange key issues that will be addressed<br />

in this review by answering questions that you have<br />

personally developed and are tailored to fit your topic.<br />

Typical length 2-4 paragraphs.<br />

LITERATURE REVIEWED<br />

This section is a summary of information, references and<br />

research that has been published about your particular<br />

subject. It provides the reader with an idea about the<br />

current situation in terms of what has been done, and<br />

what we know. Sometimes it includes suggestions about<br />

what needs to be done to increase the knowledge and<br />

understanding of a particular problem.<br />

This is the longest section of your essay and will range<br />

from one to several pages.<br />

CONCLUSION<br />

Effectively wraps up the review. Summarize the points<br />

of comparison or contrast among the works based on<br />

information and literature reviewed. It should also provide<br />

insight of relationship between the topic of the review and a<br />

larger area of study such as a specific discipline or profession.<br />

Typical length 2-4 paragraphs.<br />

Overland Insurance Agency<br />

Mike Overland<br />

Nate Overland<br />

Harold Overland<br />

Phone: (888) 346-6250<br />

Fax: (218) 346-9261<br />

Website: http://www.overlandinsurance.com<br />

Our office has been the<br />

Administrating Agency for over 20<br />

years. We know the Wastewater<br />

Industry.<br />

Call us for your Bonding or<br />

Insurance questions.<br />

255 3rd Ave SE<br />

P.O. Box 150<br />

Perham, MN 56573<br />

Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Association<br />

LITERATURE CITED<br />

Literature citations in the body of your paper should be in<br />

parentheses and contain only the author’s last name and<br />

the date; for multiple authors include the last name of the<br />

first author, et al., and the date. If the author’s name is used<br />

in the text then just the date in parentheses is sufficient.<br />

For example: (Monod, 1949) (Neidhardt et al., 1990) or<br />

Monod (1949) compared the reaction….. List all literature<br />

cited in your report in alphabetical order by the last name<br />

of the first author in a separate section. Use the proper<br />

form for citations. If the citation is to a specific page add<br />

the page number. For a technical paper you will need to<br />

review several sources.<br />

For this essay a minimum of four citations is required.<br />

Examples:<br />

For scientific papers:<br />

Monod, J. 1949. The growth of bacterial cultures.<br />

Annu. Rev. Microbiol. 3:371-394.<br />

For a book:<br />

Neidhardt, F.C, Ingraham, J.L. and. Schaechter, .<br />

1990. Physiology of the Bacterial Cell. Sinauer<br />

Associates, Sunderland, MA.<br />

For a newspaper article:<br />

McKay, D. 2000. Arsenic: how much is safe?<br />

lbuquerque Journal. July 30, 2000, p. A1.<br />

For a web site:<br />

National Research Council. 1999. Arsenic in drinking<br />

water. Subcommittee on Arsenic in Drinking Water.<br />

http://www4.nationalacademies.org/news.nsf/<br />

isbn/030906337?OpenDocument.<br />

For a personal communication:<br />

Sanchez, R. 1993. City of Socorro, Water Utilities<br />

Division, Socorro, NM. Personal communication.<br />

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Toll Free 888-693-8440<br />

320-693-8440 • Fax: 320-693-9593<br />

www.darwinconcrete.com<br />

Septic Tanks<br />

Holding Tanks<br />

Traffic Load Rated<br />

Grease Interceptors<br />

Septic tanks are designed<br />

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Guaranteed water tight.<br />

Vacuum testing available.<br />

Prompt Delivery.


<strong>Apr</strong>il/<strong>May</strong> 2013<br />

2013 Tony Ruppert Scholarship Application<br />

MISSION: Promoting professionalism in the onsite wastewater industry<br />

Page 17<br />

The Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Association (<strong>MOWA</strong>) is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for<br />

the Tony Ruppert Scholarship Fund. Up to $5,000 in scholarships are available to high school graduates (as of June 2013)<br />

who will be enrolled as a full-time student in post-secondary undergraduate education during the 2013 - 2014 school year.<br />

In 2012, <strong>MOWA</strong> awarded six scholarships for a total award of $5,000.<br />

Applicants must be no more than 26 years old as of June 1, 2013 and be a <strong>MOWA</strong> member, or a child, sibling, or niece/<br />

nephew of a <strong>MOWA</strong> member. Students may only win this scholarship once. Students must complete an application, write<br />

an essay, and provide certification of the relationship to a <strong>MOWA</strong> member or member’s employee.<br />

A complete application must include: (3 items)<br />

Item 1: Application Form (To be completed by the student; you may use this form or print all required items on a separate sheet.)<br />

Please type or print clearly:<br />

Name: _____________________________________________ Social Security #: __________________________<br />

Address :_________________________________________ City/State/Zip:_______________________________<br />

Phone:__________________________________ E mail address ______________________________________<br />

Year graduated from high school _______ <strong>MOWA</strong> Member Name ______________________________________<br />

Name of school you are/will be attending: _________________________________(Must be a full time student)<br />

Curriculum you are/will be enrolled in: ____________________________________________________________<br />

All of the above information is true and correct and I hereby grant permission to <strong>MOWA</strong> to reprint my essay or abstract<br />

in whole, or in part, or use the created digital media for informational or advertising purposes, such as on the <strong>MOWA</strong><br />

website or as a <strong>MOWA</strong> newsletter article or press release.<br />

_________________________________________________________ (Applicant’s signature)<br />

Item 2: Essay. See Essay Content Form.<br />

Item 3: Certification Form: (To be completed by the <strong>MOWA</strong> member)<br />

Name of Applicant for Tony Ruppert Scholarship: ___________________________________________________<br />

The Tony Ruppert Scholarship Fund Applicant is my:______________________________(insert relation)<br />

I agree that the information contained in this form is true and correct to the best of my knowledge:<br />

<strong>MOWA</strong> Member Name (printed): __________________________________________________________________<br />

<strong>MOWA</strong> Member Signature: ____________________________________________________ Date: ____________<br />

Business Name and Address: ___________________________________________________________________<br />

All applications must be submitted to <strong>MOWA</strong>, postmarked no later than August 15, 2013. Applications will be rated by<br />

a panel of <strong>MOWA</strong> members. Winners will be notified in September 2013.<br />

Send the complete application to: <strong>MOWA</strong><br />

Attn: Scholarship Committee<br />

5200 Willson Road, Suite 300<br />

Edina, MN 55424<br />

Questions? mowacarla@aol.com


Page 18 Little Digger<br />

Onsite Sewage Treatment Program<br />

2013 Certification Classes and Continuing Education<br />

Certification Courses<br />

INTRODUCTION TO ONSITE SYSTEMS $345 (includes manual)<br />

10-3 Mankato 12/9 - 11/201 3 Deadline: 11/29/2013<br />

INSTALLING ONSITE SYSTEMS $250<br />

112-3 Mankato 12/12 - 13/2013 Deadline: 12/2/2013<br />

BASIC DESIGN OF ONSITE SYSTEMS $295<br />

20-2 St. Cloud 5/7 - 9/2013 Deadline: 4/27/2013<br />

INTERMEDIATE DESIGN AND INSPECTION $425<br />

27-2 Brainerd 10/22 - 25/2013 Deadline: 10/12/2013<br />

INSPECTING ONSITE SYSTEMS $250<br />

30-1 St. Cloud 6/11 - 12/2013<br />

Deadline: 6/ 1/2013<br />

MAINTAINING ONSITE SYSTEMS $295<br />

415-2 Mankato 5/20 - 22/2013 Deadline: 5/10/2013<br />

SERVICE PROVIDER $475 (includes CIDWT O/M Manual)<br />

49-1 Mankato 5/21 - 24/2013 Deadline: 5/11/2013<br />

49-2 St. Cloud 8/20 - 23/201 3 Deadline: 8/10/2013<br />

SOILS $295/$460 with Munsell Color Guide<br />

515-1 Mankato 5/29 - 31/2013 Deadline: 5/19/2013<br />

515-2 Brainerd 7/9 - 11/2013 Deadline: 6/29/2013<br />

By completing this form, you agree to OSTP enrollment policies:<br />

http://septic.umn.edu/events/generalinfo/index.htm<br />

Payment is required to reserve a spot in any course.<br />

All checks are payable to: University of Minnesota<br />

Confirmation with instructions will be mailed to your address.<br />

Questions? Call 800-322-8642<br />

1. NAME<br />

Please Print First Middle Initial Last<br />

2. PREFERRED CONTACT ADDRESS<br />

3. CITY 4. STATE 5. ZIP<br />

6. COMPANY<br />

7. PHONE ( ) 8. FAX ( ) 9. EMAIL<br />

Continuing Education (CE) Courses<br />

Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Association<br />

Enroll online at: septic.umn.edu<br />

INSTALLER CE $250<br />

69-3 Mankato 12/18 - 19/2013 Deadline: 12/8/2013<br />

PIPELAYER CERTIFICATION – 3 HR 1:00 PM START $50/$100<br />

92-3 Mankato 12/19/2013 Deadline: 12/9/2013<br />

GENERAL CE $250<br />

60-3 St. Cloud 11/20 - 21/2013 Deadline: 11/10/2013<br />

60-4 Brainerd 12/16 - 17/2013 Deadline: 12/6/2013<br />

SOILS CE $225/$390 with Munsell Color Guide<br />

55-1 Fergus Falls 6/14/2013<br />

Deadline: 6/ 4/2013<br />

55-2 Mankato<br />

55-3 Farmington<br />

6/18/2013<br />

6/20/2013<br />

Deadline: 6/ 8/2013<br />

Deadline: 6/10/2013<br />

55-4 Two Harbors 8/7/2013 Deadline: 7/28/2013<br />

55-5 Winona 8/14/2013<br />

Deadline: 8/ 4/2013<br />

55-6 Bemidji 9/12/2013<br />

Deadline: 9/ 2/2013<br />

55-7 Brainerd 10/3/2013 Deadline: 9/23/2013<br />

SAMPLING ONSITE SYSTEMS $175<br />

72-1 Waterville 9/5/2013 Deadline: 8/26/2013<br />

Home<br />

Business<br />

10. PAYMENT OPTION (Select One) : Check or Money Order Local Government PO attached Major Credit Card<br />

CARDHOLDER NAME BILLING ZIP CODE<br />

CARD NUMBER EXP. DATE X<br />

Total for selected workshops: $ __________<br />

Late fee ($45 per workshop): $ __________<br />

Updated Manual ($40): $ __________<br />

A manual is provided with enrollment in the Introduction to Onsites;<br />

Only purchase one if you want the 2011 version (purple cover).<br />

Total Amount Due: $ __________<br />

Please check one:<br />

Continuing Education Pre-Certification<br />

Cardholder Signature - Required<br />

OSTP 173 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Ave., St Paul, MN 55108 Phone: 800-322-8642 Fax: 612-624-6434<br />

Engle Industrial<br />

Roger Engle, Sauk Centre, MN<br />

Elavsky Excavating & Septic Maintenance<br />

Jordan Elavsky, Akeley, MN<br />

Welcome New Members!<br />

Statewide Septic Inspections LLC<br />

Loren Miller, Long Prairie, MN<br />

Tom’s Sewer Service<br />

James Vaughan, Scandia, MN


<strong>Apr</strong>il/<strong>May</strong> 2013<br />

• 1 st Member _______________________________________________ Company Name __________________________________________________________________<br />

Address __________________________________________________ City/State/Zip ______________________________________________________________________<br />

Title ________________________________ Phone _________________________ Mobile/800# _______________________________ Fax ________________________<br />

Email __________________________________________ Website ___________________________________________ County _________________________________<br />

Additional Business/Government Members:<br />

Membership: Renewal New Member<br />

Individual Member Business Group /Government Unit Student Life-time<br />

$240 (1 person) $340 (up to 5 people; $100 /person after 5) $140 (1 person) Honorary<br />

Note: Your <strong>MOWA</strong> Membership includes one NOWRA membership<br />

Memberships are based on calendar year - After July 1st, new members pay $140-individual / $190-business or gov’t groups for remainder of 2013<br />

Statewide .................... 88<br />

Aitkin..................................1<br />

Anoka ...............................2<br />

Becker ..............................3<br />

Beltrami ............................4<br />

Benton ..............................5<br />

Big Stone ..........................6<br />

Blue Earth .........................7<br />

Brown ...............................8<br />

Carlton ..............................9<br />

Carver .............................10<br />

Cass ............................... 11<br />

Chippewa ........................12<br />

Chisago ..........................13<br />

2013 <strong>MOWA</strong> MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION<br />

Individual/Group Contact: This person will be listed as the NOWRA member on the Septic Locator website. They will be listed first in all <strong>MOWA</strong> publications. Please print clearly.<br />

Circle the counties you work in: Needed for Directory and Website.<br />

Clay ................................14<br />

Clearwater ......................15<br />

Cook ...............................16<br />

Cottonwood ....................17<br />

Crow Wing ......................18<br />

Dakota ............................19<br />

Dodge .............................20<br />

Douglas ..........................21<br />

Faribault ..........................22<br />

Fillmore ...........................23<br />

Freeborn .........................24<br />

Goodhue .........................25<br />

Grant ...............................26<br />

Hennepin ........................27<br />

Houston ..........................28<br />

Hubbard ..........................29<br />

Isanti ...............................30<br />

Itasca ..............................31<br />

Jackson ..........................32<br />

Kanabec .........................33<br />

Kandiyohi ........................34<br />

Kittson .............................35<br />

Koochiching ....................36<br />

Lac qui Parle Lake...........37<br />

Lake.................................38<br />

Lake of the Woods ..........39<br />

Le Sueur .........................40<br />

Lincoln ............................41<br />

Lyon ................................42<br />

Mahnomen ......................43<br />

Marshall ..........................44<br />

Martin ..............................45<br />

McLeod ...........................46<br />

Meeker ............................47<br />

Mille Lacs ........................48<br />

Morrison ..........................49<br />

Mower .............................50<br />

Murray ............................51<br />

Nicollet ............................52<br />

Nobles ............................53<br />

Norman ...........................54<br />

Olmsted ..........................55<br />

Otter Tail .........................56<br />

Pennington .....................57<br />

Pine ................................58<br />

Pipestone ........................59<br />

Polk .................................60<br />

Pope ...............................61<br />

Ramsey ..........................62<br />

Red Lake ........................63<br />

Redwood ........................64<br />

Renville ...........................65<br />

Rice ................................66<br />

Rock ...............................67<br />

Roseau ...........................68<br />

Scott ...............................69<br />

Sherburne .......................70<br />

Sibley ..............................71<br />

St. Louis ..........................72<br />

Stearns ...........................73<br />

Information: (Check all that apply)<br />

Installer Pumper Designer Inspector Gov’t Regulator Educator Service Provider<br />

Student<br />

Soil Scientist Professional Engineer Manufacturer Operator/Maintenance Supplier Other: _____________<br />

Publications: Would y ou prefer receiving ‘Little Digge r’ newsletters via ... Regular Mail Electronically<br />

We currently send one publication per address to business/government groups. Contact the <strong>MOWA</strong> office if you’d like additional copies.<br />

MISSION: Promoting professionalism in the onsite wastewater industry<br />

Page 19<br />

• 2 nd Member ____________________________________________________ Title ________________________________________ County _________________________<br />

Address ____________________________________________________ City/State/Zip_____________________________________________________________________<br />

Phone ___________________________ Mobile/800# _________________________ Fax _________________________ Email ___________________________________<br />

• 3 rd Member ____________________________________________________ Title ________________________________________ County _________________________<br />

Address ____________________________________________________ City/State/Zip_____________________________________________________________________<br />

Phone ___________________________ Mobile/800# _________________________ Fax _________________________ Email ___________________________________<br />

(Please list additional business/government group members on separate sheet with complete contact information.)<br />

Check enclosed (Payable to <strong>MOWA</strong>) VISA MasterCard<br />

Return <strong>MOWA</strong>, to: <strong>MOWA</strong> 5200 Willson • 52988 Road, 250th Suite Ave 300, • Pine Edina, Island, MN 55424 MN 55963 Phone: • Phone: 952.345.1141 888-810-4178 Fax: 952.920.1533<br />

• Fax: 507-356-8963<br />

Steele .............................74<br />

Stevens ...........................75<br />

Swift ................................76<br />

Todd ................................77<br />

Traverse .........................78<br />

Wabasha ........................79<br />

Wadena ..........................80<br />

Waseca ...........................81<br />

Washington......................82<br />

Watonwan .......................83<br />

Wilkin ..............................84<br />

Winona ...........................85<br />

Wright .............................86<br />

Yellow Medicine ..............87<br />

Additional NOWRA Memberships: <strong>MOWA</strong> membership fees include one NOWRA membership per company/organization. List names of members<br />

who want additional NOWRA memberships here: Cost - $40 per person.<br />

2)________________________________ 3)_________________________________ 4)________________________________ 5)________________________________<br />

Payment:<br />

(Please print)<br />

<strong>MOWA</strong> Membership $______________ + Add’l NOWRA Memberships = Amount: $ ___________<br />

Card Number: ______________________________ Expiration Date: _________ Cardholder Name: ____________________________________________<br />

Signature: ________________________________________________________________ Date_____________________________<br />

Note: Dues payable payabletoto <strong>MOWA</strong> are arenot not deductible as as a charitable a charitable contribution but but may may be deductible be deductible as an asordinary an ordinary and necessary and necessary business business expense. expense. 24% of<br />

dConsult your tax advisor conserning this informatin.ues paid for fiscal ye


<strong>MOWA</strong><br />

5200 Willson Road, Suite 300<br />

Edina, MN 55424<br />

(952) 345-1141 l (888) 810-4178<br />

www.mowa-mn.com<br />

Presorted<br />

Standard<br />

U.S. Postage<br />

PAID<br />

Rochester, MN<br />

Permit No. 289<br />

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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