Wisconsin DNR has approved the following training for continuing education credits (CECs)

See: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/opcert/septage.html
And: The Operator Training Report form and instructions are available on the Operator Certification Training webpage under the “For Operators” tab. Use this form for any relevant training that was not pre-approved by the DNR (such as in-house safety training) or for some online training. Training approved with this form will be added to an operator’s Training History Report.
Once an operator has completed a course, there are two options for receiving credits. We will either track attendance and submit it to WI DNR on the Training Attendance spreadsheet, or, we will provide operators with a certificate of completion with the training ID listed so you can submit your attendance using an Operator Training Report form.
- Upon receipt of CEU Class Registration payment we will confirm by email and TXT – please be sure we have a MOBILE contact number.
- We do NOT do autologin for these classes- surprise, we are real people!
- Upon receipt of CEU Class Registration payment you should receive a confirmation email and then a follow up with your student credentials and class URLs within 12 hours – a reminder this is because we have students throughout North America and overseas. PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM/JUNK EMAIL FOLDER. IF IT STILL HASN’T ARRIVED SEND US A TXT PLEASE OR LEAVE A VOICEMAIL.

All Wisconsin classes are conducted via our distance learning platform utilizing the internet and can be viewed on any mobile or desktop device.
We use a secure online transaction platform.
You may use any major credit or debit card.
If you experience difficulty please EMAIL YOUR CHOICE OF CLASSES TO
djbest [at] wastewatereducation.org and await further instructions.
WasteWater Education 501c3 requires payment prior to releasing each Class access link. Students have 90 days to demonstrate participation, and fulfillment of required tests or assignments. All such requirements must be fulfilled before a final Certificate of Completion can be issued. If payment is made and the attendee is unable to take the classes within this time frame a credit toward future classes, will be noted. A refund may be considered subject to Board approval.
NO Refund will be given after 180 days.
Course Identification Number: 19xt-yz27. Expiration Date: 11/19/2028
Course Name/Title: Osha Rules-PPE For Wastewater And Septage Professionals 1 CEU – $40
- General Septage: 1
- Wastewater Safety: 1
- Waterworks Safety: 1
- Personal Protective Equipment:Certification of Hazard Assessment Form 29 CFR 1910.132(d) – how to fill it out, when to amend, assessing the risk of PPE gear. Proper maintenance and replacement schedule.
- Company participation in safety procedures under the Occupational Safety & Health Act (“OSHA”) can increase productivity and profitability as well as the reduction in costs associated with workplace injuries, safety complaints, and disgruntled employees. These classes will cover policy outlining procedures to be followed by management and personnel in the event of an OSHA inspection.
- Course outline This is a ONE hour class. Some WI service providers are single business owners or have perhaps a couple of family members as employees, but some are sizable operations with many franchises.
- There is a lamentable cavalier attitude toward safety and safety training – the ‘it will never happen to me’ mentality. But onsite wastewater service personnel are exposed to multiple safety hazard exposures.
- Travis Vance is Co-Chair of the The Fisher Phillips Workplace Safety and Catastrophe Management Practice Group providing practical guidance to enable development and maintenance of effective workplace safety and health management programs.This series will be specific to onsite wastewater service providers and portable sanitation employers
- There is confusion of when federal and or state rules apply. This class will cover both manager and employee requirements – i.e who is responsible/liable in the event of failure to supply/wear proper PPE gear, failure to approve PPE gear supplied by an employee, how to prevent other companies’ employees, including drivers and contractor employees, from exposing Company employees to hazards, and how to address unacceptable contractor behavior.
- Determine which OSHA standards apply to the facility and periodically check to confirm that all required written programs, plans, training and record keeping are complete and updated as required. Utilize Company-wide best practices, but also ensure that your safety program are customized to your location as needed.
- This will be specific to onsite wastewater service providers and portable sanitation employers.
- https://www.osha.gov/coronavirus/safework And
- https://www.cdc.gov/covid/index.html
- Educational materials are available for download and reference.
Course Identification Number: 53ra-84lf . Expiration Date: 11/19/2028
Course Name/Title: OSHA Guidelines For Working With Extreme Heat: Personal Safety And Health Issues For Wastewater 1 CEU – $40
- General Septage: 1
- Wastewater Safety: 1
- Waterworks Safety: 1
Company participation in safety procedures under the Occupational Safety & Health Act (“OSHA”) can increase productivity and profitability as well as the reduction in costs associated with workplace injuries, safety complaints, and disgruntled employees. These classes will cover policy outlining procedures to be followed by management and personnel in the event of an OSHA inspection.
Course outline This is a ONE hour class. Some WI service providers are single business owners or have perhaps a couple of family members as employees, but some are sizable operations with many franchises.
o There is a lamentable cavalier attitude toward safety and safety training – the ‘it will never happen to me’ mentality. But onsite wastewater service personnel are exposed to multiple safety hazard exposures, especially during summer, with increased exposure from either adding a non approved layer or shedding PPE gear altogether in summer.
o Travis Vance is Co-Chair of the The Fisher Phillips Workplace Safety and Catastrophe Management Practice Group providing practical guidance to enable development and maintenance of effective workplace safety and health management programs.This series will be specific to onsite wastewater service providers and portable sanitation employers
Travis Vance is Co-Chair of the The Fisher Phillips Workplace Safety and Catastrophe Management Practice Group providing practical guidance to enable development and maintenance of effective workplace safety and health management programs. This will be specific to onsite wastewater service providers and portable sanitation employers.
o Educational materials are available for download and reference.
Course Identification Number: 2jvn-e119. Expiration Date: 11/19/2028
Course Name/Title Osha Guidance And Best Practices For Working In Extreme Cold For Wastewater And Powts Professionals 1CEU – $40
- General Septage: 1
- Wastewater Safety: 1
- Waterworks Safety: 1
Course Summary: Working in extreme cold or wet weather makes every job outside more difficult and dangerous. There is understandable confusion – does OSHA apply ‘rules’ or is it ‘guidance’? Is this a federal mandate or does my State law take precedence?
o Is it the law or just plain good common sense?
Course outline This is a ONE hour class. Some WI service providers are single business owners or have perhaps a couple of family members as employees, but some are sizable operations with many franchises.
o There is a lamentable cavalier attitude toward safety and safety training – the ‘it will never happen to me’ mentality. But onsite wastewater service personnel are exposed to multiple safety hazard exposures, especially during winter, with increased exposure from either adding a non approved layer or ignoring PPE gear altogether in winter.
o Travis Vance is Co-Chair of the The Fisher Phillips Workplace Safety and Catastrophe Management Practice Group providing practical guidance to enable development and maintenance of effective workplace safety and health management programs.This series will be specific to onsite wastewater service providers and portable sanitation employers.
o Educational materials are available for download and reference.
Course Identification Number: 19xt-yz1r Expiration Date: 11/19/2028
Course Name/Title: Pumps, Panels, Switches, And Floats. In conjunction with SSPMA [Sump and Sewage Pump Manufacturers Association]. 6CEU – $240
General Septage: 6
To be covered: Local and State requirements, Servicing, inspecting, installing, safety, sizing. In conjunction with SSPMA [Sump and Sewage Pump Manufacturers Association] a 6 CEU course specifically for septic service providers, installers and inspectors.
As an onsite system designer, installer, inspector or service operator – if you work with either raised bed, recirculating systems, timed dose dispersal system you will most likely need to know about pumps, pump chambers, floats and panels.
o The Sump and Sewage Pump Manufacturers Association members collaborate with each other and government regulators to educate consumers and professionals on the latest products, their application, proper sizing techniques, safe installation and use, and good maintenance practices.
o Course outline This is a SIX hour class split into 60 minute sections.
- Floats and Alternative Level Sensing / Joe Zimmerman and Jeremy Drinkwine, SJE Rhombus
- Best Installation Practices For Trouble-free Pump Controls / Mark McCollum, SJE Rhombus
- Basic Electric Theory Relating to Onsite Septic Control / Mark McCollum, SJE Rhombus
- Troubleshooting Pumps, Panels and Switches with Digital Multimeters / Tom Stephan, Xylem
- Understanding Pumps and Common Pumping Issues / Deron Oberkorn, Zoeller
- Sizing Guidelines for Sump, Sewage and Grinder Pumps / Deron Oberkorn, Zoeller
- Educational materials are available for download and reference.
Course Identification Number: 6dp3-n6hn. Expiration Date: 11/19/2028
Course Name/Title: Part One: Electricity Common Sense Precautions For POWTS Service Providers And Installers. 2 CEU – $80
- General Septage: 2
- Wastewater Safety: 2
- Waterworks Safety: 2
As more properties have outdoor electrical service, and increasing numbers of advanced systems have electrical components, even if your role is just to service the tank – outdoor electricity can be deadly, both man made and from nature. OSHA considers electrocution one of the ‘fatal four’ prime causes of workplace fatalities and serious injury.
- Course outline This course is TWO hours and divided into 20 minute segments covering the following:
- Recognizing the limit of your ability
- Your liability for wrongful actions
- How to be 360º aware and anticipate electrical hazards
- Site specific features
- Overhead power lines and buried utilities
- Static electricity
- Lightning awareness
- Residential property – homeowner wiring
- Educational materials are available for download and reference.
Course Identification Number: 19xt-yz61 Expiration Date: 11/19/2028
Course Name/Title: Part Two: Basic Electricity Best Practices At The Jobsite For POWTS Service Providers And Installers. 2 CEU – $80
- General Septage: 2
- Wastewater Safety: 2
- Waterworks Safety: 2
OSHA considers electrocution one of the ‘fatal four’ prime causes of workplace fatalities and serious injury.Are your workplace practices written down? Are you prepared?
As more properties have outdoor electrical service, and increasing numbers of
advanced systems have electrical components, even if your role is just to service the tank – outdoor electricity can be deadly, both man made and from nature.
- This course is TWO hours and divided into 20 minute segments covering the following:
- Pumps, panels, and components: best practices for quick disconnect prior to service work
- ARC Flash – the basics
- Vehicle electrics
- Best practices for recognizing and responding to a case of electrocution
- Resuscitation
- Educational materials are available for download and reference.
Course Identification Number: 19xt-yz4l. Expiration Date: 11/19/2028
Course Name/Title: Safety Procedures: Common Sense Work Site Safety To Avoid Personal Injury And Liability. 3 CEU $120
- General Septage: 3
- Wastewater Safety: 3
- Waterworks Safety: 3
Course outline This course is THREE hours and divided into 20 minute segments covering the following:
Areas to be covered referencing OSHA best practices:
- Gasses present in wastewater systems with reference to enclosed/ confined spaces. Positional asphyxia. Don’t be the second victim – how to respond to potential life threatening situations.
- Hazardous / inflammable conditions
- Safe vehicle operation with particular attention to liquid transport vehicles
- Common sense personal hygiene
- Basic First Aid supply kit components
- Line of sight safety for construction and installation
- Basics of trenching and shoring. In 2016: “Trench deaths have more than doubled nationwide since last year – an alarming and unacceptable trend that must be halted,” said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. “There is no excuse. These fatalities are completely preventable by complying with OSHA standards that every construction contractor should know.”
- Ergonomically safe lifting techniques
- Cell phone use
- Educational materials are available for download and reference.
Course Identification Number: 2jvn-e0t7. Expiration Date: 11/19/2028
Course Name/Title: Safety Procedures Part Two: General Work Site Safety: Working Alone Best Practices 2CEU- $80
- General Septage: 2
- Wastewater Safety: 2
- Waterworks Safety: 2
Course summary General Work site safety: Working alone best Practices and basic response to personal injury.
Areas to be covered referencing OSHA best practices. This course is TWO hours and divided into 20 minute segments covering the following:
- Don’t be the second victim – how to respond to potential life threatening situations related to weather, slips and falls, injury, burns, scalds, and potential job site violence.
- Hazardous / inflammable conditions – burns and scalding
- How to respond to potential life-threatening situations when working alone
- Basic First Aid until help arrives
- Basic First Aid supply kit components
- Emergency first aid – save yourself first.
- Workplace violence
- Assessing injury
- Educational materials are available for download and reference.
Course Identification Number: 6dp3-n6jl. Expiration Date: 11/19/2028
Course Name/Title: Basic Math and System Calculations 6 CEU- $240
- General Septage: 6
- Wastewater: 6
Rationale: A competency in basic math is essential to be sure the system is working correctly and can be professionally serviced.
Course outline: This course is TWO hours and divided into 20 minute segments covering the following:
• Basic refresher course in understanding calculations for area, volume
• Gallons per cubic foot
• Detention time and displacement
• Pump efficiency
• Event Counters and timed dosing
• Flow rate
- Soil loading rate
- Assessing bed and trench sizing
- Comparing design to “as built” specifications
- Measure twice – pump once! Using basic and digital measuring devices
- Pump distal head pressure
- Coefficient of friction
- Educational materials are available for download and reference.
Course Identification Number: 3ttg-t2sn. Expiration Date: 11/19/2028
Course Name/Title: Introduction To OSHA ‘fatal Four’ Fall Protection Safety Standards For Wastewater Service Providers 2 CEU – $80
- General Septage: 2
- Wastewater Safety: 2
- Waterworks Safety: 2
OSHA considers the “Fatal Four” prime causes of workplace fatalities and serious injury. The leading causes of worker death on construction sites were falls, followed by electrocution, struck by object or caught-in/between.
- These “Fatal Four” were responsible for more than half (58.1%) the construction worker deaths.
- Course outline This course is divided into 20 minute segments covering the following:
- Fall Protection Safety Standard.
- We will review recent publicized accidents and fatalities, and latest fall protection techniques and criteria.
- OSHA rules for fall protection take effect at six (6) feet. A quarter of all workplace injuries and fatalities involve a fall – some from less than four (4) feet.
- Educational materials are available for download and reference.
Course Identification Number: 3ttg-t2t5. Expiration Date: 11/19/2028
Course Name/Title: Extreme Weather Events, Impacts And Considerations For Onsite Wastewater Professionals 2 CEU $80
- General Septage: 2
As an active participant in programs and presentations of the OSU Climate Change Outreach Team, and in view of severe weather events from recent years, STS providers will need to become aware of and trained for conditions which stress, damage or limit the performance of onsite wastewater systems.
- Course outline This course is TWO hours and divided into 20 minute segments covering the following:
- This class will review wet weather events,
- Prolonged ice and snow cover,
- Drought and heat periods as well as fires and natural disasters.
- Content addresses system performance and site servicing issues following such an event as well as:
- Disaster management and emergency response participation for portable sanitation providers.
- Educational materials are available for download and reference.
Course Identification Number: 19xt-yz7z. Expiration Date: 11/19/2028
Course Name/Title: Bugs Without Borders-A Primer For Disease Vectors And Parasites Of Emerging Concern 4 CEU – $160
- General Septage: 4
- Wastewater Safety: 4
- Waterworks Safety: 4
Course summary Although it’s been since 1911 since the US mainland had a major outbreak of cholera, with the change in climate and a higher incidence of weather related disasters, exposure and transmission of pathogens and parasites is increasing exponentially. i.e Haiti, Puerto Rico and Texas.
2020, and the spread of COVID19 on a global scale, has taught us how a vector of transmission operates – it’s us.
- Course outline This course is FOUR hours and divided into 20 minute segments covering the following:
- In this class we will examine bacterial, viral, pathogenic and parasitic exposures for those who work in contact with human and animal waste.
- Vectors for infection are changing, especially emerging infections, due to changing climate and weather conditions.
- Projected climate changes and increased risk to service providers of exposure from insects and emerging pathogens will be examined.
- Recognition of symptoms.
- This class will assess known risks and evolving CDC guidelines with particular relevance to Covid 19 and WI specific insect born disease.
- Areas to be covered will reference OSHA 1926.
- Educational materials are available for download and reference.
Course Identification Number: 3ttg-t2ov. Expiration Date: 11/19/2028
Course Name/Title: Soils Of WI-How To Use USDA NRCS Web Soil Survey With Google Earth Pro And Web Soil Apps 2 CEU – $80
- General Septage: 2
- Course summary USDA NRCS WEB Soil Survey and an overview of soil systems in Wisconsin. Course outline This course is TWO hours and divided into 20 minute segments covering the following:
- In the Class titled Assessing the Site, service providers were introduced to the tools available to them to look at the location beforehand, assessing best access routes, anticipating logistical problems.
- This class is both for service providers and installers and will also cover some of those topics.
- This class will allow attendees to experiment and to review an actual site using:
- * Web Soil Survey (WSS) provides soil data and information produced by the National Cooperative Soil Survey. It is operated by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and provides access to the largest natural resource information system in the world. NRCS has soil maps and data available online for more than 95 percent of the nation’s counties and anticipates having 100 percent in the near future. The site is updated and maintained online as the single authoritative source of soil survey information – and invaluable tool for assessment and troubleshooting onsite systems.
- See http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm * Google Earth’s layers and functions..
- Educational materials are available for download and reference.
Course Identification Number: 3ttg-t2r7. Expiration Date: 11/19/2028
Course Name/Title: Understanding Mounds: Servicing At Grade/Above Grade Treatment Systems 2 CEU – $80
- General Septage: 2
Course summary In this class we will review the reasons for use of low-pressure mounds/at grade/above grade systems, guidance documents in Wisconsin and the special challenges of servicing.
Course outline This course is TWO hours and divided into 20 minute segments covering the following:
- Understanding the term long term acceptance rate – i.e how much fluid can a treatment field hold without becoming saturated.
- When we design systems and size them for the volume produced by the occupants – we are trying to ensure a slow steady flow and even distribution.
- The most common type of failure of an absorption system is when the absorption system looses its ability to accept wastewater as fast as it is discharged from the Septic Tank. This results in ponding in the absorption system, and in severe cases, ponding on the surface or backup of sewers into the house. This kind of hydraulic failure can be caused by either saturated soil conditions or clogging of the soil surface where the treated wastewater is absorbed into the soil.
- When an in-ground POWTS systems can’t be installed then a Wisconsin Mound is an alternative option.
- Educational materials are available for download and reference.
Course Identification Number: 7nmx-285r. Expiration Date: 11/19/2028
Course Name/Title: Understanding Conventional Systems-Tanks and Holding Tanks Servicing, Cleaning, and Inspecting 3 CEU – $120
- General Septage: 3
Course summary Understanding Conventional Systems – TANKS Installation, choice, biological processes, servicing, cleaning AND inspecting.
Course outline This course is TWO hours and divided into 20 minute segments covering the following:
- How they work, what to look for, in the home, inlets, outlets, tank construction, tank issues, effluent filters, measuring and observations, inspecting connections to the drain field; Compliance with WI Code. An existing POWTS installed prior to July 1, 2000, shall conform to the siting, design, construction and maintenance rules in effect at the time the sanitary permit was obtained or at the time of installation, if no permit was issued. so you are likely to come across quite a few surprises!
- Educational materials are available for download and reference.
Course Identification Number:3ttg-t2nz. Expiration Date: 11/19/2028
Course Name/Title: Understanding Conventional Systems–Treatment Fields Servicing, Troubleshooting And Inspecting 2 CEU – $80
- General Septage: 2
The purpose of this class is to give you a basic understanding of what’s happening out there in the drainfield so you can pass that on to the property owner, can recognize when something is wrong and look at possible causes.
- Course outline This course is TWO hours and divided into 20 minute segments covering the following:
- How they work, what to look for, and different media.
- Inspecting the drain field;
- When to do borings, where, what you may find.
- Groundwater issues, surface water discharge and hydrologic flow.
- Understanding and recognizing local soils.
- At the close of this class you will be able to download specific sections of the WI code in pdf format
- Educational materials are available for download and reference
Course Identification Number:bhgd-bdt9. Expiration Date: 11/19/2028
Course Name/Title: Understanding Conventional Systems–Site Specific Issues, Servicing And Repairs 2 CEU – $80
- General Septage: 2
Course summary Understanding Conventional POWTS Systems – SERVICING, TROUBLE SHOOTING AND INSPECTING. For many long time service providers, just when you think you’ve seen it all, a surprise waits for you! Reminding yourself of best practices for servicing conventional systems is a good refresher, especially as there may have been changes and additions to the system since your last visit. In this class, service providers will be encouraged to share stories and experiences – including finding a tank installed backwards!
- Course outline This course is TWO hours and divided into 20 minute segments covering the following:
- How they work, what to look for, and different media.
- Preflight for installing or service of a POWTS
- Locating records, permits.
- Questions for the property owner
- Inspecting the site
- Order of work checklists
- What to look for
- How to leave the site.
- At the close of this class you will be able to download specific sections of the WI code in pdf format
- Educational materials are available for download and reference.
Course Identification Number:a7ij-wbv5. Expiration Date: 11/19/2028
Course Name/Title: PPCPs, Fog, And “flushables” Impacts On Systems 2 CEU – $80
- General Septage: 2
Course summary A conversation about pollutants and their impacts on system performance, special needs for servicing and disposal.
- Pharmaceutical Products, Personal Care Products, Pesticides,
- Petroleum Based Cleaning and Plasticizing Products and their effect on wastewater system performance and the environment.
- What to look for, basic safety precautions, legal considerations.
- Issues with acceptance by a WWTP.
- Course outline This course is TWO hours and divided into 20 minute segments covering the following:
- The 6 “Ps”: Pharmaceuticals * PFAS * Plastics * Pesticides * PPCPs * Petrochemicals * Plasticizers
- Also so called ‘flushables’ of special concern for portable sanitation folks who haul to WWTP but also these items cause havoc in an onsite system, especially those with effluent screens and pump units.
- Educational materials are available for download and reference.
Course Identification Number:2jvn-e0wx. Expiration Date: 11/19/2028
Course Name/Title: Guidelines For Blood Born, Biological, And Parasitic Pathogens, Safety Best Practices 6 CEU – $240
- General Septage: 6
- Wastewater Safety: 6
- Waterworks Safety: 6
- Course summary: Stop! Think! Look! Look! Safety Procedures: Basic primer on personal safety best practices both as an employee, employer and as a single business owner.
Course outline This course is FOUR hours and divided into 20 minute segments and will reference: - Updated CDC Guidelines – with reference to RSV, MonkeyPox and Covid.
- Understanding the difference between bacteria and virus structures
- Vectors for infection and recognition of symptoms
- Disinfection best practices
- OSHA PPE guidelines and preventative measures
- Legal obligations and responsibility in the safe handling of human waste
- Public outreach and communication
- Common sense personal hygiene for contact and clothing
- Developing a spill response plan
- Vectors for infection are changing, especially emerging infections, due to changing climate and weather conditions. Projected climate changes and increased risk to service providers of exposure from insects and emerging pathogens will be examined.
- Educational materials are available for download and reference.
Course Identification Number: 3ttg-t2nh. Expiration Date: 11/19/2028
Course Name/Title: OSHA ‘Fatal Four’ for Wastewater Service Providers – Digging and Trenching Safety Standards 2 CEU $80
- General Septage: 2
- Wastewater Safety: 2
- Waterworks Safety: 2
Preliminary summary of incident: On September 12, 2019, a 38 year old Michigan laborer was caught in an excavation cave-in during sanitary pipe installation, and killed. We will review recent publicized accidents and fatalities, latest fall protection and safety best practices and criteria.
This is particularly important when you are working a job site with other contractors. When you work alone you can protect yourself with good working practices. When you work with other contractors you need to keep an eye open for multiple vehicle traffic.
As a note, OSHA has a rule called the multiple employer citation policy. By example, on 03/22/16: A 62 year old excavator operator was clearing trees and debris related to a drain/sewer project. The operator dislodged a tree, which fell onto the cab of the excavator, killing the operator. Evaluate your work area. What hazards are present?
Trench collapse are rarely survivable. One cubic yard of soil can weigh up to 3,000 lbs. – the weight of a small automobile – giving a worker in a trench little chance of survival when walls of soil collapse. small automobile – giving a worker in a trench little chance of survival when walls of soil collapse.
“Trench deaths have more than doubled nationwide since last year – an alarming and unacceptable trend that must be halted,” said Dr. David Michaels, a past assistant secretary of labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. “There is no excuse. These fatalities are completely preventable by complying with OSHA standards that every construction contractor should know.”
WE ALSO HAVE COURSES APPROVED for Wisconsin Approved Continuing Septage Education CEUs- Organization ID# 1343627 – See the approved titles at this link.
- Approved for the following classifications: Please be SURE you register for the correct one in the Cart. OR Please email us if you are seeking multiple credentials
- INITIAL QUALIFYING TRAINING – POWTS MAINTAINER
- Master Plumber License
- Master Plumber – Restricted Service License
- POWTS Inspector Certification
- POWTS MAINTAINER