50-427-756Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS)
Course Information
Description
This course provides the apprentice with the skills to identify, design, install and service various applications for private onsite wastewater treatment systems that are listed in plumbing codes or individual component manuals. Apprentices will use the code language and tables to in various plumbing systems in accordance with the Wisconsin Plumbing Code. Other topics will include pretreatment, soil evaluation, site planning and new technologies. The course focuses on theory, work experience, and the application of plumbing code principles through discussions, drawing exercises, work sheets, and evaluations.
Total Credits
2
Course Competencies
  1. Characterize the components of a private on-site wastewater treatment system (POWTS)
    Assessment Strategies
    by labeling the components of a POWTS installation
    by explaining the function of each part labeled
    by adding to your journal
    Criteria
    apprentice matches components to their function
    apprentice can explain the function of a specific component
    apprentice identify system parts using a print or picture

  2. Make mathematical calculations needed to design a POWTS
    Assessment Strategies
    by solving given POWTS installation word problems
    by adding to your journal
    Criteria
    solution is complete in every way
    solution satisfies all essential conditions of the problem
    solution is correct
    solution includes correct units
    apprentice appropriately apply mathematics to the situation
    apprentice checks their work for completeness
    apprentice make reasonable assumptions for solving the problem
    apprentice writes the equations and supporting calculations

  3. Evaluate the site
    Assessment Strategies
    by selecting a location for a POWTS
    given a site plan
    by adding to your journal
    Criteria
    apprentice can apply the information on the soil test report to determine the infiltrative surface elevation
    apprentice considers aesthetic characteristics
    apprentice identifies setback requirements
    apprentice recognizes soil forming factors
    apprentice calculates slope to assist in determining location

  4. Relate soil science to the treatment of wastewater
    Assessment Strategies
    by selecting a system type suitable for a given site
    by placing the system on the selected site after the soil evaluation
    by determining the loading rate of soil to determine the square footage of cell absorption area
    given a site plan
    given a soil evaluation report
    by adding to your journal
    Criteria
    apprentice can differentiate between texture, structure, and consistence
    apprentice identifies limiting factors
    apprentice determines the design load rates based on soil morphological condition.
    apprentice evaluates course soil fragments
    apprentice determines minimum vertical separation
    apprentice determines the infiltrated surface elevation
    apprentice can describe the water cycle
    apprentice can identify soil report abbreviations on a soil report
    apprentice can determine a minimum depth of unsaturated soil from Comm 83
    apprentice can identify soil characteristics that impede water flow
    apprentice can select POWTS design based on soil limiting factors of in situ soil
    apprentice can describe biological treatment of wastewater within soils

  5. Locate applicable requirements for each portion of the POWTS
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a written examination
    by creating an application / code matrix
    by adding to your journal
    Criteria
    apprentice can find a specifically applicable code within two tries
    apprentice use table of contents and indexes in reference material to locate specific information
    apprentice can name the applicable portion of the code or component manual when given a POWTS component
    apprentice can write the administrative code citation for a given specific passage

  6. Identify anaerobic treatment tanks (ATT), formerly known as septic tank, for the requirements of POWTS
    Assessment Strategies
    by selecting an anaerobic treatment tank (ATT) for a given POWTS plan
    by selecting a specific location for an ATT
    given a site plan and occupancy/use information
    by adding to your journal
    Criteria
    apprentice can explain the basic functions of an ATT
    apprentice can size an ATT with occupancy/use parameters
    apprentice can calculate maintenance cycle of an ATT
    apprentice can match reference material citations to installation requirements
    apprentice can select from manufacturers materials an acceptable ATT

  7. Explore an inground gravity POWTS
    Assessment Strategies
    by walking through a system design and installation procedure with the instructor
    with reference to any POWTS related materials
    given a site plan
    by adding to your journal
    Criteria
    you explore how the design incorporates all necessary components for an inground gravity system
    you explore how the design complies with soil and site evaluation restrictions applicable to an inground gravity system
    you explore code compliance of the design ensuring that it includes necessary notes, references, and calculations
    you explore how the design includes correct sizing for necessary components for an inground gravity system
    you explore how the design contains the information required for plan submittal
    you explore how the design conforms to all industry standards for drafting

  8. Explore an inground dose POWTS
    Assessment Strategies
    by walking through a system design and installation procedure with the instructor
    with reference to any POWTS related materials
    given a site plan
    by adding to your journal
    Criteria
    you explore how the design complies with soil and site evaluation restrictions applicable to an inground dose system
    you explore how the design calculations are made for pump size and selection for an inground dose system
    you explore how the design takes into consideration the use of a siphon system as an alternative to pumps
    you explore how the design includes necessary notes, references, and calculations
    you explore how the design includes all necessary components for an inground dose system
    you explore how the design includes correct sizing for necessary components for an inground dose system
    you explore how the design contains the information required for plan submittal
    you explore how the design conforms to all industry standards for drafting

  9. Explore an in-ground pressure distribution POWTS
    Assessment Strategies
    by walking through a system design and installation procedure with the instructor
    with reference to any POWTS related materials
    given a site plan
    by adding to your journal
    Criteria
    you explore how the design complies with soil and site evaluation restrictions applicable to an inground pressure system
    you explore how the design calculations are made for pump size and selection for an inground pressure system
    you explore how the design considers the use of a siphon system as an alternative to pumps
    you explore how the design includes necessary notes, references, and calculations
    you explore how the design includes all necessary components for an inground pressure system
    you explore how the design includes correct sizing for necessary components for an inground pressure system
    you explore how the design contains the information required for plan submittal
    you explore how the design conforms to all industry standards for drafting

  10. Explore an at-grade POWTS
    Assessment Strategies
    by walking through a system design and installation procedure with the instructor
    with reference to any POWTS related materials
    given a site plan
    by adding to your journal
    Criteria
    you explore how the design complies with soil and site evaluation restrictions applicable to an at-grade POWTS
    you explore how the design calculations are made for pump size and selection for an at-grade POWTS
    you explore how the design considers the use of a siphon system as an alternative to pumps
    you explore how the design includes necessary notes, references, and calculations
    you explore how the design includes all necessary components for an at-grade POWTS
    you explore how the design includes correct sizing for necessary components for an at-grade POWTS
    you explore how the design contains the information required for plan submittal
    you explore how the design conforms to all industry standards for drafting

  11. Explore a mound POWTS
    Assessment Strategies
    by walking through a system design and installation procedure with the instructor
    with reference to any POWTS related materials
    given a site plan
    by adding to your journal
    Criteria
    you explore how the design complies with soil and site evaluation restrictions applicable to a mound POWTS
    you explore how the design calculations are made for pump size and selection for a mound POWTS
    you explore how the design considers the use of a siphon system as an alternative to pumps
    you explore how the design includes necessary notes, references, and calculations
    you explore how the design includes all necessary components for a mound POWTS
    you explore how the design includes correct sizing for necessary components for a mound POWTS
    you explore how the design contains the information required for plan submittal
    you explore how the design conforms to all industry standards for drafting

  12. Explore a system using alternative components
    Assessment Strategies
    by selecting a specific components for a unique site
    given unique specific site requirements
    with reference to any POWTS related materials
    by adding to your journal
    Criteria
    you explore the options available on the market
    you complete a design that meets the requirements of the specific site
    you consider package components as well as a design built
    you compare different system costs
    you can explain advantages and disadvantages of alternative components

  13. Determine holding tank requirements for a POWTS
    Assessment Strategies
    by sizing a holding tank
    by identifying installation and anchoring requirements
    by selecting a specific location for a holding tank
    given a site plan
    by adding to your journal
    Criteria
    installation requirements are in compliance with the plumbing code and related component manuals
    sizing requirements are in compliance with the plumbing code and related component manuals
    apprentice can determine anchoring requirements
    apprentice can name common consideration for holding tank selection
    apprentice can outline the broad steps for holding tank installation
    apprentice can size a tank within the parameters defined in the administrative code and other references
    apprentice consider tank material when determining tank requirements
    apprentice can calculate gallons per inch in holding tanks

  14. Examine field service skills for a POWTS
    Assessment Strategies
    troubleshooting a case study of a system trouble or failure
    create a source table for given problems
    by adding to your journal
    Criteria
    apprentice can list in sequence the steps to install a POWTS
    apprentice can identify the appropriate persons to contact and when to contact them
    apprentice can identify safety hazards at a POWTS site
    apprentice can identify tools and equipment needed for a POWTS installation
    apprentice can assess site aesthetics
    apprentice can calculate setback distances

  15. Create a POWTS journal
    Assessment Strategies
    by compiling a 3-ring binder and or a spiral binder including class notes, information and materials
    Criteria
    the journal has been updated continuously from competency #1 through competency #16
    the journal has a Table Of Contents (TOC)
    the journal contains a copy of your license
    the journal includes all quizzes given
    the journal includes all code reports handed out
    the journal includes all other class handouts in sequential order