Vermont Rural Water Association

Lake Champlain Live
2025-05-29 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory, 3 College Street, Burlington, VT, United States
Class Description
Join us aboard the University of Vermont’s new state-of-the-art research vessel the R/V Marcelle Melosira for a hands-on glimpse into the science of Lake Champlain. This training will engage attendees in learning about the current condition of our state’s largest receiving water, as well as how our work in the water and wastewater industry impacts aquatic ecosystems. While aboard the research vessel, attendees will be guided by Watershed Educators as they learn about the unique properties of the lake and gather data that assists researchers in understanding the dynamic nature of the lake. We will learn about ongoing research, gain experience with science on the lake, and deepen our understanding of the interaction between the many physical, biological, chemical, and cultural variables that contribute to the health of the lake and its watershed.
Class Credit
2 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Location
The Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory is located on the back side of the ECHO Center on the waterfront. Attendees will be responsible for finding their own parking in Burlington. Paid parking is available at the city-owned parking lot across from the ECHO Center on a first-come-first-served basis.
Important Notes
This training takes place on the water and will be subject to cancellation if weather conditions are deemed unsafe. In the event of a cancellation up to the time of departure, we will contact you via the phone number and e-mail address you registered with.
Please wear close-toed shoes and appropriate clothing to be away from shore for the duration of the training. Closed-toed shoes are required to board the vessel. Bring sunscreen, water, and anything else you may need for the trip. The R/V Marcelle Melosira does have a bathroom and sheltered cabin.
Instructors
Lake Champlain Sea Grant Watershed Instructors
Proctor
Brad Roy (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Advanced WW Series: Real Control of the Activated Sludge Process
2025-05-29 09:00 - 15:00 | National Life Complex, Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT, 05602, United States
Description
This class will discuss the science and math behind the three principles guiding the control of the activated sludge process: (1) give the mixed liquor just the air it needs, where it needs it, when it needs it; (2) identify and maintain the minimum SRT TARGET that meets the effluent ammonia requirement and gives the best sludge quality; and (3) maintain the lowest RAS flow possible without overloading the secondary clarifier.
Credit
5 TCH (Wastewater)
Instructor
Eric Wahlberg (Wastewater Technology Trainers)
Proctor
Wayne Graham (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series
This class is part of the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series. Classes in this series are intended for experienced wastewater operators. It is recommended that you have attended the Basic Wastewater Course, passed a wastewater certification exam, and/or worked a number of years at a wastewater treatment facility before taking these advanced classes.
These classes are designed for operators who are looking to enhance their understanding of wastewater treatment; preparing for a Grade 3, 4, or 5 wastewater exam; or seeking a management position at a wastewater treatment facility. There is no formal enrollment in the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series—just sign up for each class you want to take. These classes will have “Advanced WW Series” in the title. Find more information here.

Personal Protective Equipment, Ladder, and Electrical Safety
2025-05-27 09:00 - 12:30 | National Life Complex, Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT, 05602, United States
Description
This class will cover several safety considerations for water and wastewater personnel. First, we will look at new and improved personal protective equipment (PPE). Falls are the second highest cause of workplace fatality across the nation, so we will discuss ladder safety at home and in the workplace. Water and wastewater operators work on and around electrical equipment at their facilities. This class focuses on the electrical safety measures that should be in place at your facility.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Cost
$24 Member
$48 Non-member
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Pump School
2025-05-20 08:00 - 15:00 | Franklin Event Center, 1 Scale Ave, Suite 92, Rutland, VT, 05701, United States
This course is being organized and offered by Champlin Associates for FREE. Lunch is also generously being provided for participants.
Description
This three-part class will introduce submersible pump components, pump curves, and diagnosing pump failures using a systems approach. Topics include:

Basics of pumps and systems
Pump curves—how to read them and why you would want to
Optimizing pump selection
Systems-oriented approaches to failure analysis

Credit
6 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Nick Terranova (HOMA Pump Technology)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)

2025 Conference
2025-05-15 08:00 - 15:00 | Lake Morey Resort, 82 Clubhouse Rd, Fairlee, VT, United States
Vermont Rural Water’s 2025 Conference will include a trade show, luncheon, and trainings. Click here to view the full schedule.
Cost
$85 Member
$130 Non-member
Training Classes
Earn 3.5 TCH (water/wastewater) if you attend a class during each session. The first classes begin at 8:30 am. Class descriptions can be found in the conference schedule here.
Class Topics:

SCADA Overview, Troubleshooting, & Resiliency (Tom Allen, LCS Controls)
Peristaltic Pumps 101 (Kevin Moran, Stenner Pumps)
Ice Pigging: Advanced Pipe Cleaning Technology (Paul Treloar, American Pipeline Solutions and Dean Rheume, Town of Middlebury)
Security and Resilience: Champlain Water District’s Partnership with CISA (Joe Duncan, Champlain Water District)
Drinking Water Regulatory Updates (Ben Montross, DWGPD)
Wastewater Regulatory Updates (Heather Collins, Michelle Kolb, and Garrett Walsh, Wastewater Management Program)

Additional Activities
Vermont Drinking Water Week will be hosting the 2025 Water Taste Test during the conference. To participate, submit an entry form by May 1 and deliver one gallon of water to the Taste Test table in the lobby by 9 am on May 15.
Taste Test Rules
Entry Form (PDF)
Entry Form (Word doc)
There will be a Golf Tournament on Wednesday, May 14. Learn more and register here.
To exhibit in the Trade Show, click here.
To Sponsor the conference, click here.
Sponsored by:

Wastewater Operator’s Guide to NPDES Permits and Facility Inspections
2025-05-06 08:00 - 11:30 | National Life Complex, Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT, 05602, United States
Description
This class will cover frequently asked questions about permits, how to review your renewed permit and fact sheet, a brief summary of permit changes based on EPA’s 2021 review of the program and the Vermont Water Quality Standards updated in 2022, and common questions/issues with the nForm. We will also go over the state process for inspecting wastewater treatment facilities, pump stations, and collection systems. Learn how to be prepared for an inspection, including paperwork that you will need to have available.
Credit
3 TCH (Wastewater)
Instructor
Wastewater Management Program staff
Proctor
Elijah Lemieux (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Wastewater Microbiology: A Monitoring Program for Operators
2025-04-30 09:00 - 15:00 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
Learn the role of bacteria, protozoa and metazoa in the treatment process along with the conditions that allow them to do their best work of removing nutrients from wastewater. Topics will include microbiota identification, development of a wastewater microbiology monitoring program, how to foster system conditions that favor the growth of phosphorus-accumulating microorganisms (PAOs), and how to troubleshoot existing treatment system problems.
Credit
5 TCH (Wastewater)
Instructor
Toni Glymph
Proctor
Elijah Lemieux (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Cost
Member – $72
Non-member – $144

Advanced WW Series: Microbiology of Anaerobic Digesters
2025-04-24 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
This class provides an overview of the bacteria and methanogens involved in methanogenesis. The overview includes hydrolysis, fermentation, acetogenesis, and methane production. We will review start up, recovery from inhibition and toxicity, acceptable operational conditions, and monitoring requirements. The monitoring requirements include not only digester sludge but also digester feed sludge. Attention is placed upon specific monitoring requirements for biogas analysis; ORP; temperature and pH; % VSS; minor and critical nutrients; and digester decant. A checklist of analytical tests for identifying an unstable anaerobic digester is provided.
Credit
3 TCH (Wastewater)
Instructor
Michael Gerardi (Michael Gerardi & Associates, LLC)
Proctor
Elijah Lemieux (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series
This class is part of the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series. Classes in this series are intended for experienced wastewater operators. It is recommended that you have attended the Basic Wastewater Course, passed a wastewater certification exam, and/or worked a number of years at a wastewater treatment facility before taking these advanced classes.
These classes are designed for operators who are looking to enhance their understanding of wastewater treatment; preparing for a Grade 3, 4, or 5 wastewater exam; or seeking a management position at a wastewater treatment facility. There is no formal enrollment in the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series—just sign up for each class you want to take. These classes will have “Advanced WW Series” in the title. Find more information here.

Protective Coatings and Manhole Rehabilitation
2025-04-23 09:00 - 11:15 | Zoom, Zoom
Description

This training will cover protective coatings as well as inflow and infiltration solutions to extend the service life of water and wastewater infrastructure. During the first hour, participants will learn about proper surface preparation, coating selection based on substrate and chemical resistance, and strategies to prevent premature corrosion in steel and concrete structures. It will walk through a clarifier project at a wastewater treatment plant, a manhole rehabilitation project, and a potable water storage tank project as well.
The second hour (which is only being offered for wastewater credit) will address identifying and correcting inflow and infiltration (I&I issues), including manhole rehabilitation techniques such as repairing mortars and epoxy linings to protect against hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas deterioration. Real-world case studies, industry standards, and cost-saving methods will be discussed to help operators improve system efficiency and longevity.
Please note that the first hour of this training will cover protective coatings and is applicable to both water and wastewater. The second half will review manhole rehabilitation which is applicable to mainly just wastewater operators.
Credit
1 TCH for Water
2 TCH for Wastewater
Instructor
Rick Goyette (Sherwin Williams Protective & Marine Division)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Preventing Heat Illness in the Workplace
2025-04-17 09:00 - 11:15 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
In this session, participants will learn what heat illness is, risk factors, and simple safety practices to prevent heat illness. Different types of heat-related illnesses will be reviewed. The class will also examine the responsibility and tools that employers have to keep employees safe from heat illness.
Credit
2 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Miriam Owens (Vermont Occupational and Health Administration)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)

State Revolving Funds (SRF) for Drinking Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater
2025-04-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Zoom, Zoom
Description

This training will provide a comprehensive overview of the State Revolving Funds (SRF), with a focus on the administrative and financial aspects of these programs. Participants will learn about eligible borrowers and project types under both the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The session will cover planning and design loans available through each program, including the role of asset management in project development.
The training will also explain the annual funding cycle, including the development of the Intended Use Plan (IUP) and priority lists for competitive construction funding. Attendees will gain an understanding of eligibility requirements for lower-cost loan terms and Clean Water (CW) grants. Additionally, the course will outline the necessary documents and approvals required for a complete loan application.
Key administrative topics will include recordkeeping best practices, reimbursement processes, compliance with federal funding requirements, and loan repayment expectations. The session will also discuss the roles and responsibilities of board members, consultants, and operators in planning and implementing SRF-funded projects.
Credit
2.5 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Tom Brown, Amy Galford, Sarah Bayer, and Katie Parrish (Vermont Department of Conservation, Water Infrastructure Finance Program)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Cost
$20 member
$40 non-member

Small, High-Strength Dischargers
2025-03-27 09:00 - 12:30 | National Life Complex, Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT, 05602, United States
Description
This class will discuss issues with small, high-strength wastewater dischargers—which do not need Pretreatment Discharge Permits from the Agency of Natural Resources—and their potential impacts on wastewater treatment facilities. The class will provide information on pollutants discharged from these businesses, how these discharges are typically controlled and their potential impacts on the wastewater treatment facilities. You will receive detailed guidance on how to inspect and sample these dischargers. We will discuss how to reduce their impacts, tips to help these businesses to control their discharges, and how to coordinate with the Agency if the discharge becomes problematic.
Credit
3 TCH (Wastewater)
Instructor
Randy Bean
Proctor
Wayne Graham (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Basic Wastewater Course
2025-03-26 08:00 - 2025-05-13 15:00 | Chester Public Safety Building, 130 Pleasant St, Chester, VT, 05143, United States
Dates
Wednesday, March 26
Wednesday, April 2
Wednesday, April 9
Wednesday, April 16
Wednesday, April 23
Wednesday, April 30
Wednesday, May 7
Tuesday, May 13
8 am to 3 pm each day
Description
This eight-session course will prepare attendees to take the Grades 1, 2, or 3 Domestic Wastewater certification exams, and is a great primer for those taking higher grade exams. Attendees will learn the basic concepts of wastewater treatment from collection system to final disposal of effluents and solids.
The course will be taught by Elijah Lemieux and Wayne Graham from the Vermont Rural Water Association, along with guest presenters to provide expertise on specific topics.
Textbook
The course is based on Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants (Volume 1, 8th edition) by the Office of Water Programs. All students are required to have a copy of this book. You can purchase it for $100 when you register.
Credit
48 TCH – Wastewater
Cost
$760 (with textbook)
$660 (no textbook)
Register early! The maximum class size is 20.

Calibration of Weirs, Flumes, and Flow Meters
2025-03-19 09:00 - 12:30 | National Life Complex, Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT, 05602, United States
Description
This class will cover different types of common flumes and weirs and the various ways of monitoring flows in open channels. We will also look at the calibration of the measuring devices used in open channel flow along with the calibration of flow meters.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Don Martin (Pump Control Solutions, LLC)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Cost
$24 Member
$48 Non-member

Advanced WW Series: Septage and Toxicity
2025-03-13 08:30 - 12:00 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
This class reviews the composition of septage, its impact upon biological treatment processes including toxicity, and operational measures for the safe handling and treatment of septage. Toxicity and its mode of attack are described, and toxic inorganic and organic wastes and their partitioning in the activated sludge process are presented. Relative quantities of toxic wastes that are needed to cause toxicity are reviewed and discussed with respect to their impact upon cBOD removal, nitrification and methane production. Operational measures for preventing and recovering from a toxic event are addressed. Indicators of an unstable biomass are reviewed.
Credit
3 TCH (Wastewater)
Instructor
Michael Gerardi (Michael Gerardi & Associates, LLC)
Proctor
Elijah Lemieux (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Cost
Member: $36
Non-member: $72
Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series
This class is part of the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series. Classes in this series are intended for experienced wastewater operators. It is recommended that you have attended the Basic Wastewater Course, passed a wastewater certification exam, and/or worked a number of years at a wastewater treatment facility before taking these advanced classes.
These classes are designed for operators who are looking to enhance their understanding of wastewater treatment; preparing for a Grade 3, 4, or 5 wastewater exam; or seeking a management position at a wastewater treatment facility. There is no formal enrollment in the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series—just sign up for each class you want to take. These classes will have “Advanced WW Series” in the title. Find more information here.

Coagulation, Jar Testing, and Chemical Handling
2025-03-12 09:00 - 12:30 | Windham Regional Career Center – Cusick Conference Room, 80 Atwood St, Brattleboro, VT, 05301, United States
Description
In this class, participants will receive an overview of coagulation, including concepts like charge neutralization and flocculation. We will review the different types of coagulants and discuss how to choose which coagulant is best suited for your facility. The instructor will also cover chemical handling and storage and chemical delivery. The second half of the class will provide a demonstration of jar testing procedures.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Jon-Luc Goodrich (Holland Company)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Advanced WW Series: BOD, ORP, and Sludge Production
2025-02-25 08:30 - 12:00 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
This class examines substrate (BOD), degradation (metabolism) of substrate, the form of degradation of substrate that is occurring using oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), and the growth of bacterial cells (sludge production). The class discusses the quantity (amount) and quality (type) of substrate that enter the treatment process and their fate as either degradation to non-polluting and less polluting wastes, transformation to new bacterial cells, removal of colloids and particulate material, and pass-through as effluent BOD. The five basis bacterial pathways to BOD degradation and their consequences are presented. These pathways include the use of free molecular oxygen, nitrate, sulfate, organic molecules (mixed acid fermentation), and methane production. The occurrence of any pathway in the degradation of substrate and its consequences to the treatment process can be detected by specific analytical measurements including the use of ORP and therefore used for process control and troubleshooting purposes. A significant consequence of the degradation of BOD is bacterial growth (sludge production) and operation measures to reduce sludge production are provided.
Credit
3 TCH (Wastewater)
Instructor
Michael Gerardi (Michael Gerardi & Associates, LLC)
Proctor
Elijah Lemieux (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series
This class is part of the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series. Classes in this series are intended for experienced wastewater operators. It is recommended that you have attended the Basic Wastewater Course, passed a wastewater certification exam, and/or worked a number of years at a wastewater treatment facility before taking these advanced classes.
These classes are designed for operators who are looking to enhance their understanding of wastewater treatment; preparing for a Grade 3, 4, or 5 wastewater exam; or seeking a management position at a wastewater treatment facility. There is no formal enrollment in the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series—just sign up for each class you want to take. These classes will have “Advanced WW Series” in the title. Find more information here.

Coagulation, Jar Testing, and Chemical Handling
2025-02-13 09:00 - 12:30 | Brattleboro Fire Department, 103 Elliot St, Brattleboro, VT, 05301, United States
Description
In this class, participants will receive an overview of coagulation, including concepts like charge neutralization and flocculation. We will review the different types of coagulants and discuss how to choose which coagulant is best suited for your facility. The instructor will also cover chemical handling and storage and chemical delivery. The second half of the class will provide a demonstration of jar testing procedures.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Jon-Luc Goodrich (Holland Company)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)
CANCELLED
This class has been cancelled due to the weather forecast. Stay tuned for the rescheduled date.

Startup, Optimization, and Troubleshooting
2025-02-11 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
This class will provide learners with training related to the installation and startup of individual equipment items used in water and wastewater treatment facilities. The class will also discuss planning and execution of water and wastewater treatment facility startups and facility optimizations. The course will conclude by providing learners with approaches and case studies for troubleshooting water and wastewater treatment equipment and processes.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructors
Barry F. Bickerstaff, P.E. and T.J. Lynch (Hazen and Sawyer)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Cost
Member: $24
Non-member: $48

Disaster Response Training
2025-01-22 09:00 - 15:30 | Association of General Contractors, 1 Graves St, Montpelier, VT, United States
Description
This training will guide communities in preparing and responding to emergencies, with a focus on safety and resilience for water and wastewater systems. Participants will learn essential skills and information to support their communities in the face of disasters.
Topics will include:

Safety – Learn situational awareness and operator and facility safety fundamentals, including potential hazards such as electrical issues, toxic gases, and structural damage, using recent flood events as real-world examples.
Mutual Aid Networks – Overview of the Vermont WARN mutual aid network and how to effectively partner with local and state emergency management teams.
Emergency Planning and Hazard Mitigation – Strategies for creating or strengthening emergency response plans at both the facility and community levels, with insights from recent disaster responses.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) – Key SOPs for pre- and post-disaster preparedness, including generator maintenance and communication protocols to support smooth operations during critical times.
Funding – USDA funding opportunities available for enhancing system capacity and resilience, especially for mitigating risks from disasters declared in 2022.

By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with practical tools and strategies to enhance the safety and resiliency of their facilities and be better prepared for efficient emergency response and recovery.
Lunch will be provided!
Credit
6 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructors
Liz Royer (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Dan Whipple (Integrity Safety Consulting Services, LLC)
Sam Politi (Brook Field Service)
Brandi Thompson (USDA)
Additional Sessions
This class will be offered again on the following dates:
July 15, 2025 at Vermont State University – Randolph
December 11, 2025 at Williston Fire Department

Safety: Water and Wastewater Facility Flooding
2025-01-14 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
Water and wastewater facilities face an increasing threat of flood events in Vermont. Flooding can cause major damage to facilities and assets and pose a safety hazard to all involved.
Knowing the safety hazards that may be present during flooding events and having a solid emergency response plan are key to reducing the risk of injury and fatalities. This class will map out preparations that water and wastewater facility operators can take to be better prepared for future flooding events.
Webinar
The Zoom link will be emailed to you the day before class. Please join the Zoom meeting 5-10 minutes before class starts. Click here for more information about Zoom trainings.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Additional Sessions
This class will also be offered on January 7 in Essex, VT. Register here.

OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety Training
2025-01-09 08:30 - 2025-01-10 14:30 | Manchester Town Hall, 40 Jeff Williams Way, Manchester Center, VT, 05255, United States
Description
This course follows the requirements to receive an OSHA 10 General Industry Safety card, issued by OSHA Region 1. The following topics will be taught during this two-day course:

Introduction to OSHA
Walking, working surfaces
Exit routes, emergency action plans, and fire prevention
Electrical safety
Personal protective equipment
Hazard communications
Hazardous materials
Hazardous materials handling
Fall protection
Machine guarding
Ergonomics
Bloodborne pathogens

Dates
Thursday, January 9 and Friday, January 10
8:30 am to 2:30 pm each day
Credit
10 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Safety: Water and Wastewater Facility Flooding
2025-01-07 09:00 - 12:30 | Vermont Rural Water Association, 20 Susie Wilson Rd, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, United States
Description
Water and wastewater facilities face an increasing threat of flood events in Vermont. Flooding can cause major damage to facilities and assets and pose a safety hazard to all involved.
Knowing the safety hazards that may be present during flooding events and having a solid emergency response plan are key to reducing the risk of injury and fatalities. This class will map out preparations that water and wastewater facility operators can take to be better prepared for future flooding events.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Understanding the Basics of GIS and How to Make It Work for Your System
2024-12-12 09:00 - 12:30 | UVM Extension Berlin Office, 327 US Route 302, Suite 1, Berlin, VT, 05641, United States
PLEASE NOTE: This class has been moved to the UVM Extension Berlin Office instead of the National Life Complex as originally scheduled.
Description
GIS can seem intimidating to new users because of the infinite possibilities and uses it provides. This course reviews the basic components of GIS mapping while considering the three major questions that all systems need to address when deciding to move forward with GIS technology: (1) What information do you want available when accessing your map? (2) What level of editing and control do you want to have over the map? (3) How much money do you have in your budget to obtain the level of mapping functions you want?
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Elizabeth Emmons (Dufresne Group)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Traffic Control Certification
2024-12-10 09:00 - 13:30 | National Life Complex, Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT, 05602, United States
Description
This course will provide flaggers with the basic knowledge, information, and awareness to perform their jobs safely. After the lesson, attendees will be given a written certification exam. Those who successfully complete the course and pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher will receive a certificate to perform as a qualified flagger.
Credit
4 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Paul Sestito (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Real Control of the Activated Sludge Process
2024-12-05 09:00 - 15:00 | National Life Complex, Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT, 05602, United States
Description
This class will discuss the science and math behind the three principles guiding the control of the activated sludge process: (1) give the mixed liquor just the air it needs, where it needs it, when it needs it; (2) identify and maintain the minimum SRT TARGET that meets the effluent ammonia requirement and gives the best sludge quality; and (3) maintain the lowest RAS flow possible without overloading the secondary clarifier.
Credit
5 TCH (Wastewater)
Instructor
Eric Wahlberg (Wastewater Technology Trainers)
Proctor
Wayne Graham (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Comprehensive Water & Wastewater Chemistry with Jar Testing Basics
2024-10-23 08:00 - 15:00 | National Life Complex, Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT, 05602, United States
Description
This course will discuss all aspects of water chemistry, including pre-oxidation, coagulation, flocculation, pH control, disinfection, dewatering, and corrosion control. We will also cover jar testing basics, such as math for dilutions, parameter testing, and calculation of pump settings for scale up to production.
Credit
6 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Loren Swears (Slack Chemical Company)
Proctor
Elijah Lemieux (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Basic Math for Water and Wastewater Operators
2024-10-18 08:30 - 14:30 | Rutland WWTP, 94 Greens Hill Lane, Rutland, VT, 05701, United States
Description
This course covers basic math concepts that operators use frequently in their work and are most likely to appear on water and wastewater certification exams. These include conversions, perimeter, area, volume, PSI, elevation head, and detention time. If time permits, we will also cover flow and chemical dosage.
Attendees should bring their own calculator. If you are preparing to take a water or wastewater certification exam, know that only non-programmable calculators will be allowed during the exam. Graphing calculators and smartphones will not be allowed.
Credit
5 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Basic Math for Water and Wastewater Operators
2024-10-11 08:30 - 14:30 | Vermont Rural Water Association, 20 Susie Wilson Rd, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, United States

Leak Detection and Pipe Location, Repair, and Maintenance
2024-10-09 08:00 - 15:30 | Essex Police Department, 145 Maple Street, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, United States
Description
The first part of this class, taught by Eric Denslow of Eastcom Associates, will cover the basic theory of pipe locating for both water and sewer utilities including ground penetrating radar. It will help operators troubleshoot difficult locates, tools for locating plastic pipes, and when to use specific frequencies. In the leak detection portion of the class, participants will learn about the fundamentals of how leak detection surveys are performed and pinpointing water leaks in the system.
The afternoon portion will be taught by Peter Carpenter of Hymax and will review the latest fittings and services created for the water and wastewater industries. This includes but is not limited to: unique specialized large diameter (above 48”) fittings, dismantling joints, expansion joints, restrained fittings, flanged coupling adapters, transition couplings, and other fittings. Corrosion resistance has become a priority for components associated with any infrastructure project, so we will focus on this trend in pipe repair. Topics will also include application selection guides, restraint options and pipe repair statistics in the USA. This portion of the class will be formatted as an interactive educational experience.
Credit
6 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructors
Eric Denslow (Eastcom Associates)
Peter Carpenter (Hymax)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)
This class will also be offered on October 8 in Manchester, VT. See https://vtruralwater.org/event/pipes-10-8/
