Specifications include, but are not limited to: Onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) are a key component to reducing nonpoint source pollution in the Lake Champlain Basin. Properly designed, installed, and maintained systems can virtually eliminate water quality degradation from pathogen and nutrient input. Proper OWTS installation and maintenance is a valuable component of pollution reduction as well as engaging the community in how their diligence can positively impact water quality. The primary purpose of this project is to reduce the potential of nonpoint source pollution from improperly installed and maintained OWTS to Lake Champlain through the development and implementation of a series of workshops focused on raising the level of awareness and understanding of the Innovative/Alternative (IA) Service Provider community, the OWTS installer/contractor community, and the Vermont owners of OWTS. Workshops will primarily be targeted toward onsite wastewater treatment system installers and IA service providers. These two groups are the daily frontline contacts with OWTS owners. Currently, there are no local training programs or certification programs directed towards their practices and improving industry standards. However, this program is timely due to a new Residential Contractor registration program being implemented by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation, which will be effective as of April 1, 2023, and will include most excavating contractors who install OWTS. Onsite wastewater system designers are certified through the State and must perform biannual continuing education credits, while installers and service providers currently have no such requirement. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified proper maintenance of OWTS as a priority in preventing groundwater contamination. Maintenance on newer and more advanced treatment systems is often more complex and demanding, requiring coordination between service providers, state agencies and landowners.
