IOWWA Conference

IOWWA 25th Annual Conference
Doubletree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex
350 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA

January 10-11, 2024 (Pre-conference - January 9, 2024)

Hotel:  DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex, 350 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA. Phone: 319-731-4444. 
Room Rate: $146.00, plus tax and fees.   Block cut-off:  December 2, 2023.
Use this link: https://book.passkey.com/e/50637100 or group code: IWW

PRE-CONFERENCE, TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024
Certified Installer of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (CIOWTS) Credential Test
Location: Doubletree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex - ROOM 310 - on the Third Floor.
CIOWTS Test Member fee: $184/Non-member $209
Schedule: Check-in 1:00 PM; Instructions 1:15 PM: Test will start promptly at 1:30 PM
Exam Proctor: Trevor Dickerson, Ground N Down LLC

Submit the CIOWTS Test Application to IOWWA prior to December 15, 2023.  The test application can be downloaded at https://www.iowwa.com/pages/certification or email  penny@iowwa.com to request the CIOWTS test application.    Counties in Iowa that require the CIOWTS credential use the Basic Level.   You can pay the test fee online in the Trainings and Events list of upcoming trainings, however the CIOWTS Test Application cannot be completed online and MUST be submitted separately.
Basic Level Test: 75 multiple choice questions, 2-hour completion time.  

PRE-CONFERENCE, TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024
Iowa Department of Public Health Plumbing Licensing Approved Sessions
Location: 
Doubletree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex, 350 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids IA - ROOM 304 - on the Third Floor. 
Instructor: Lee Maier, CEU Authority
Registration Fee: IOWWA Member: $175.00 / Non-Member: $200

Plumbing Discipline: Safety - 2.0 CE hours.  Title: Construction Safety Focus Four
Schedule: Check-in 7:30 AM; Session 8:00 - 10:00 AM
NOTE: Safety Discipline is not approved for the CIOWTS credential or Iowa DNR Time of Transfer.

Plumbing Discipline: Plumbing Code - 2.0 CE hours. Title: Avoiding Common Plumbing Code Erros
Plumbing Discipline: Plumbing - 4.0 CE hours. Title: Safety in the Plumbing Code 1 and Code Facts Every Plumber Should Know
Schedule
Check-in 10:15 AM; Session 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM (light lunch provided)
NOTE: Plumbing Code and Plumbing Disciplines are approved for 6.0 CE hours for the CIOWTS credential; not for the Iowa DNR Time of Transfer.

PRE-CONFERENCE, TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024
DMACC - Onsite Wastewater Training for New County Sanitarians
Location: Doubletree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex, 350 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids IA – ROOM - Taft A on the First Floor
Schedule
: Check-in 8:00 AM; Session 8:30 am– 4:00 pm

Instructor: Aimee Devereaux, Des Moines Area Community College & Tammy McKeever, Clay County Environmental Health
Registration Fee: $25.00 Register Now!

Description:  This 6-hour training will focus on basic onsite wastewater program management for Sanitarians/Environmental Health Specialists with 3 years or less experience. All levels of experience are welcome. This 6-hour training will focus on basic onsite wastewater program management for Sanitarians/Environmental Health Specialists with 3 years or less experience. All levels of experience are welcome. Includes common onsite wastewater treatment systems, along with tips, resources, and guidance to organizing a county onsite wastewater program.

IOWWA ANNUAL CONFERENCE - WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10 AND THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024
Location: 
Doubletree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex, 350 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA
KEYNOTE SPEAKER and Session PresenterAllison Blodig, REHS
Title:  Building a Business You Can Live On and Pass On
Content:  
When building a business, it’s important to work and bid jobs so they support all of your expenses, put food on the table, and don't leave you struggling at the end of a job to finish correctly. The answer is educating yourself how to run a successful business and educating and training workers to meet the needs of current and future needs of a changing industry.  Also, some day you will want to retire and selling a well-run business or passing it on in your family can be part of your retirement nest egg, but it takes planning as well.   This interactive talk will look at some of the common challenges you may face in living off your business, what the future looks like, and how IOWWA and NOWRA are working to provide free training on better business practices as a new benefit to our members.
Session Title: Characterizing Commercial & High Strength Wastewater
Content:
Determining the influent BOD for high strength applications is difficult but critical for long term performance. This presentation will discuss how to gather facility information to help flush out BOD expectations. The presentation is based on known facility practices and the presenter’s experience in design and troubleshooting.
Presenter:  Tyler Jass, Iowa One Call
Title: Iowa One Call
Content: 
This session will review safe excavating and damage prevention.  Ben will also review the Iowa One Call requirements.
Session Presenter: Cory Frank, Iowa Department of Natural Resources
TitleWhat is Going On?  Private Onsite Systems- A DNR Story
Content: 
This session will explore the current "hot topics" with the State of Iowa related to private septic systems and the oversight by both State and local programs.  Current challenges and solutions will be discussed in an open forum.  Also, the journey the DNR is on related to the upcoming Chapters' 68 and 69, IAC 567 will be explored.
Session Presenter:  Claude Goguen, National Precast Concrete Association
Title: Precast Concrete Tanks Design 
Content:
Precast concrete tanks are used in multiple applications in onsite wastewater treatment including septic tanks, grease interceptors, pump tanks and secondary treatment tanks. During this session, we will discuss designing for the tank function, as well as external conditions. We will also examine how we can design multiple function tanks.
Session PresenterDr. Sara Heger, University of Minnesota
Title: Separation Distance After Advanced Pretreatment
Content: The separation distance from a limiting condition such as bedrock or a water table has typically been based on the potential number of bacteria and viruses present in septic effluent. This presentation will discuss the research related to how much separation is needed after effluent has undergone advanced pretreatment in an aerobic treatment unit or media filter. The
research supports reducing the typical separation required due to the significant reduction in
disease causing organisms.
Title: Design and Management Considerations for Septic Systems Serving Vacation Home Rentals
Content: US short-term rental supply hit record highs in 2022. That means more of your customers may be renting out their vacation homes either part time or full time. Vacation home rental can create numerous resulting in more frequent maintenance and management. Unaware property owners could irreparably damage their system if these issues are not addressed. The first concern is an overall increased hydraulic loading. The second concern is peak loading of water and cleaning products. The third concern is having renters who do not understand how septic systems work and the limitations and rules around proper use. On the design side increasing design flows, incorporating time dosing and upsizing components are all items to address with new systems. On the management and maintenance side of things rental properties that are heavily used should have more frequent service visits. These visits can help alert owners of system abuse and needed maintenance before serious problems arise. On conventional systems annual service visits to measure the accumulation of sludge and scum is advisable along with an evaluation of overall system performance. Advanced treatment systems may also need increased maintenance.
Title: Evaluating Septage and Septic Tank Performance with Bioaugmentation at Rest Areas
Content: With support from the Minnesota Department of Transportation the University of Minnesota has collected and analyzed the septage pumped out of rest area septic tanks. Due to the predominance of toilet flushing it is assumed that this septage is higher in concentration in many contaminants than typical residential septage. Data from thirty systems has been analyzed for organic content (BOD, COD, FOG), nutrients (ammonia, TKN, and phosphorus), along with selected metals and at five sites PFAS were also tested. This data will help assist maintainers of commercial systems in maintaining similar commercial systems and potentially impact rates for land application or inform WWTP accepting septage. At one of these rest areas, a bioaugmentation product is being tested to determine if can positively impact sludge production and downstream treatment of a commercial aerobic treatment unit. Data will be presented on the wastewater effluent from the septic tank and after the aerobic tank along with sludge and scum measurements from the system.
Title: Challenging Wastewater Streams
Content: More septic systems are being negatively impacted by the use and disposal of varying
chemicals, cleaners, medicines, and anti-bacterial products. This presentation will discuss
challenges related to RV parks, convenience stores, breweries/distilleries, salons, dog
grooming, medications in-home health care, and others. Data from related studies will be
included and potential solutions offered.
Session Presenter:  Dr. Amber Anderson, Iowa State University
Title: Telling The Story of Soil
Content:
This interactive session will give attendee a chance to submit photo or bring in soil samples for discussion.  Dr. Anderson will discuss identification of major soil properties and what those features can communicate about soil function for wastewater use. In this session, she plans to cover texture, color and unusual features. Have your questions, samples and photos ready.
Session Presenters:  Sgt. Job Huisman, IA DOT and Rick Miene, Miene Septic Service
Title: 
 Iowa DOT - Motor Vehicle Enforcement Safety
Content: 
This session will cover the information on the Iowa Department of Transportation's enforcement on CDL's and pre trip inspections.
Session Presenter:  Sam Lines, MBA, Concrete Sealants, Inc.
Title: Microbially Induced Corrosion In Concrete Tanks
Content
Hydrogen sulfide gas in a septic tank is a nuisance and a health hazard. Bacteria above the liquid converts the gas into acid, causing spotty corrosion of concrete. Research over the past decade has provided information that is leading to modifications that reduce the gas in tanks. After attending this presentation, you will know how to mitigate the exposure to the gas and stop the acid that damages the tank.
TitleWatertight Precast – From Walls to Joints to Risers
Concrete is a porous building material. Liquids and gas will absorb into the material, and in some cases, seep through. Precast concrete is installed in sections with joints. These joints need to be leak resistant. This course will describe and demonstrate products to improve the watertightness of concrete.
Presenters:  Jeff Sherman, Floyd County Environmental Health, and Troy Resor, R & R Septic Solutions.  Facilitator - Amber Meixner, Fairfield Precast Concrete
Title: Contractor and Regulator RoundTable 
Content: You will have an opportunity to submit an "Ask a Contractor/Sanitarian" question card. Registration packets will have a card you can complete and submit for discussion during this roundtable session. This session will focus on questions and topics you want to discuss.  Whether it is permitting, permit fees, paperwork, contractor issues, CIOWTS credential, mapping a septic system, installation, get answers at this session.
Session PresentersRick Miene, Miene Septic Service, Jeff Sherman, Floyd Co Environmental Health and Wayne Vanden Berg, Advance Pump & Equipment
Title: Tips, Tricks, and Requirements for Septic Pumping
Content: 
This session will be an open forum in the exhibit hall, walking around equipment and discussing equipment needs, PPE, and ways to improve operations as well as state and county requirements for pump trucks.

Presenters: Katie Resor, R & R Septic Solutions
Title: "What Do You Mean I Can't Flush It Down....But It Fits"
Content: 
Homeowner education is a key component in the success or failure of residential wastewater treatment. Having a candid conversation about what goes down the drain can prolong the life of a septic system, provide better treatment of wastewater, and reduce repair expenses.

Presenters: Jeremy Stolba, James “Doc” Joyce and Andrew Frank, Dave Schmitt Construction
Title: Trench Box
ContentThis session will explain the equipment used, inspection, and setup of equipment.  We'll also cover the procedure of filling out the confined space permit. Discussion will also include properly fitting harnesses, monitoring condition of confined space, entrance and exit of space.

Session Presenter: Dennis Hallahan, P.E., Infiltrator Water Technologies
Title: The Top 10 Myths of Onsite
Content: The myths seem to abound in the onsite industry more so than any other. This presentation will discuss various myths and then discuss the facts and science to address the common misconceptions. This will allow the decentralized industry to have a more professional stance and raise the level of the industry. For example we often hear: “Those septic systems fail”, well what is the rate of centralized system failures? What is the expected design life and if a system reaches its design life does that constitute a failure? Or the myth regarding system start up: does one need to “start-up” their septic system with a dead chicken or any other foreign substance? or does a distribution pipe or a d-box yield equal distribution?... These are some of the myths that will be addressed.
Title: System Drainfield Malfunction: Causes, Investigation, Prevention, and Correction
Content:
The lifespan of an onsite wastewater treatment system drainfield is influenced by numerous factors, including siting, vertical separation distance, maintenance, wastewater flow volume, septic tank volume, as well as other factors. The presentation will review methodologies to diagnose problem site systems. The intention is to have the presentation serve as a learning tool on the potential causes, how to investigate and once the problem is understood then recommending a proper solution. The presentation will review: Malfunction investigation basics, septic tank investigation, function of the tank, drainfield investigation, Biomat, and malfunction issues and examples.

Session Presenter: Cory Lyon, Orenco Systems, Inc., Iowa Water & Waste Systems - PLATINUM PLUS SPONSOR
Title: AdvanTex Media Filters and Building for the Future
Content:
The wastewater challenges faced by installers; designers are only increasing. Understanding how current technologies can be used today and in the future is paramount. This presentation will delve into how AdvanTex media filter systems can be adapted to a wide range applications in need ranging from remote off-gride applications to high performance nutrient removal projects, while being sustainable.
Session PresenterScott Moore, Eljen Corp.
Title: The Dirt on Soil
Content: 
This session is a very basic soil training that includes “What is Soil” and “CLORPT (climate, organisms, parent material, time and topography)”.    These five soil factors affect all the soils on the planet and describe the physical characteristics that have contributed to the development of soils over time.   We’ll cover climate or how soils are formed, the 12 soil orders, soil horizons, structure versus texture, water movement and compaction. 
PresentersMatt Wilshusen, T. G. Rankin Company
Title: Decentralized Scalable Wastewater Solutions
ContentCome join us as we discuss Decentralized Scalable Sewer Systems.  Small communities should have a choice on good economic alternative in wastewater treatment plant decisions – choice in water treatment, and alternative lagoon treatment solutions.  Small scalable sewer (8K to 150K GPD) can be built in phases to manage todays needs and expand in the future when needed.  Decentralized Scalable systems work with the multiple technologies and different scenarios; we will touch base on a few of them.  In our discussions, we will focus on the science of attached growth reactors for open discharge solutions that require UV disinfection systems.  Some states including Iowa have drip systems to disperse wastewater in soil so we will also discuss some of those solutions.   One case study in particular, shows what is possible when economic boom happens and how one community managed their wastewater with decentralized scalable sewer:  the Piperton, TN story… We will also go over the stories of Bevington Iowa, and a small community on the outskirts of Iowa City.

2024 CONFERENCE RAFFLE AND AUCTION
If you are interested in donating items for the 2024 IOWWA Conference Raffle or Auction, please contact Will Boston, Wastewater Supply, will@wastewatersupply.com.   We appreciate your support of IOWWA and the onsite wastewater industry.

2024 ROE-D-HOE CONTEST - Special thanks to Housby Heavy Equipment for sponsoring the Roe-D-Hoe Contest!  A Volvo ECR25 Electric Compact Excavator will be provided by Housby for Roe-D-Hoe contestants.   The first in a new range of electric, compact excavators, this excavator will provide a unique experience for those showing off their skills!

2024 CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIP
Many opportunities to showcase your company! Event sponsor opportunities are available to all companies for happenings during the conference.  Receive special recognition throughout the conference as well as specific inclusion in the conference program and on the IOWWA website.  A slide show runs continually during the conference highlighting the conference sponsors and exhibitors. Select "Sponsor Contract" to open the 2024 contract.  Or email penny@iowwa.com.

Advance Pump & Equipment, Inc.,
 Peosta IA - LANYARD SPONSOR
Altorfer, Cedar Rapids IA - PRESIDENT'S RECEPTION
Cam Spray,
Iowa Falls IA - ENTRANCE GRAPHICS AND FULL SCHOLARSHIP 
Des Moines Winsupply, Des Moines IA - PROGRAM PRINTING AND FULL SCHOLARSHIP
Fairfield Precast Concrete, Fairfield IA - SWAG BAGS
Headwater Wholesale, Waterloo IA - FULL SCHOLARSHIP
Housby, Ankeny IA - ROE-D-HOE CONTEST
Iowa Water and Waste Systems, Ames IA - PLATINUM PLUS
Moorman Construction, Baxter IA - TWO FULL SCHOLARSHIPS
Municipal Supply, Des Moines IA - FULL SCHOLARSHIP
Premier Tech Water and Environment, Harrisburg PA - PLATINUM PLUS
Rexco Equipment, Inc, Cedar Rapids IA - WELCOME AND KEYNOTE
Swales Precast, Strawberry Point IA -ABM LUNCHEON
Wastewater Supply,
Swisher IA - POPCORN REFRESHMENT
Ziegler CAT,
Altoona IA - FULL SCHOLARSHIP

2024 EXHIBIT INFORMATION
The exhibit hall will be open throughout the conference for viewing state-of-the-art technology and learning from knowledgeable company representatives.   A wide range of activities are planned in the exhibit hall including the Wednesday night “President’s Reception.”   Great opportunities to meet and visit with attendees.   You have the option to sign-up for the Wednesday morning opening vendor product showcase.  A slide show also runs continually during the conference highlighting the conference exhibitors and sponsors.   Select "Exhibit Contract" to open the 2024 contract.  Or email  penny@iowwa.com and request the exhibit contract!

Advance Pump & Equipment, Inc., Peosta IA- LANYARD SPONSOR
Advanced Drainage Systems, Hillard OH
Allied Systems, Inc, Des Moines IA
Altorfer, Cedar Rapids IA - PRESIDENT'S RECEPTION
Ashland Pump, Ashland OH
Cam Spray, Iowa Falls IA - ESCALATOR GRAPHICS AND FULL SCHOLARSHIP
Cedar Rapids Winpump, Cedar Rapids IA
Central Sales, Inc, West Des Moines IA
Concrete Sealants, Tipp City OH
Contractor Solutions, Altoona IA
Crust Busters, Monticello MN
Des Moines Area Community College, Des Moines IA
Des Moines Winsupply, Des Moines IA - PROGRAM PRINTING AND FULL SCHOLARSHIP
Eljen Corp, Windsor CT
Headwater Wholesale, Waterloo IA - FULL SCHOLARSHIP
Imperial Industries, Rothschild WI
Indianola Precast LLC, Indianola IA
Infiltrator Water Technologies, Old Saybrook CT
Iowa Environmental Health Association, IA
Iowa Pump Works, Ankeny IA
Iowa Step and Tank, Toledo IA
Iowa Water and Waste Systems, Ames, IA - PLATINUM PLUS
Kahn Tile Supply LLC, New Hampton IA
Mack McClain & Associates, Iowa City IA
Martin Equipment, Cedar Rapids IA
Mid-Tech Services Inc, New Hampton IA
Municipal Supply, Des Moines IA
Polylok, Wallyingford CT
Premier Tech Water and Environment, Riviere-du-Loup - PLATINUM PLUS
Prinsco, Spicer MN
Quinn Equipment, Marion IA
Rexco, Cedar Rapids IA - WELCOME AND KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Roth North America, Syracuse, NY
T. G. Rankin Co. Inc, Chesterfield MO
Wastewater Supply, Swisher IA - POPCORN REFRESHMENT
Waterloo Biofilter Systems Inc, Guelph ON
Wieser Concrete, Maiden Rock WI
Wieser Precast Steps, La Crescent MN
Xylem/Goulds Water Technology, Des Moines IA

IOWA ONSITE WASTE WATER ASSOCIATION

The Annual Business Meeting of the Iowa Onsite Waste Water Association (IOWWA) will be held at 12:10 pm on January 11, 2024, at the Doubletree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex, 350 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA.   Prior annual business minutes are posted in the below "Documents & Files" section.