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Course Descriptions and Dates

106  SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTIONS
Course Content
This full-day course will focus on the skills and terminology used when preparing a complete soil profile description. The class will be held in the field, where participants will write their own soil profile descriptions at four (4) representative test probe locations. At each site, the following soil features will be addressed: color, texture, structure, consistence, rock fragment content, redoximorphic features, and limiting conditions, as defined by Chapter 73 of the regulations.

This course is not mandatory, and it does not have an in-class test. However, the course may help you prepare for the mandatory #109 Advanced Soils course. Both courses use the same soil profile description field sheets.
Credit Hours
SEOs will receive six (6) continuing education credit hours for successfully completing this course.
Test
There is no in-class test for this course. However, a Web-based posttest is available worth 2.0 continuing education credits.
Instructors
Experienced soil scientists who are SEOs or have onlot experience, and DEP soil scientists.
Fee
There is no fee to attend this course.
Schedule
Registration 7:30 a.m.
Course 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Course Dates and Locations
Date Location County
9/22/2010

Scheduled
Bald Eagle State Park Centre
8/24/2011

Scheduled
Murrysville Park Westmoreland
9/13/2011

Scheduled
Swatara State Park Schuylkill
4/26/2012

Scheduled
Cook Forest State Park Clarion
5/2/2012

Scheduled
Springton Manor Farms Chester
109  ADVANCED SOILS
Course Content
This two-day advanced course deals with the concepts and terminology necessary to understand soil development, formation, classification, composition, and physical and chemical properties as they relate to onlot sewage disposal. Emphasis is placed on soil description and interpretation as they relate to identifying limiting zones in a three-dimensional landscape. Laboratory and field exercises will reinforce lecture material.

Mandatory Course

DEP has determined that to remain certified as an SEO, every SEO certified on or before June 30, 2006, must successfully complete the Advanced Soils course by June 30, 2010. SEOs certified between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2008, must complete the course by June 30, 2012. SEOs certified between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2010, must complete the course by June 30, 2014. Successful completion means that an SEO must attend the entire two-day course and pass the test with a score of at least 70 percent.
Credit Hours
Attendees will receive nine (9) continuing education credit hours for attending the entire two-day course and nine (9) continuing education credit hours for successfully passing the test.
Test
The course includes a three-part test. Part one is a written test, and parts two and three are practical tests. All parts of the test will be given at the end of the course. To successfully complete the course, an SEO must score at least 70 percent on the entire test. All three parts of the test are equally weighted.

Successful Completion

To receive successful completion of a two-day course, a registrant must complete the course on consecutive days. Day one cannot be taken at one location and then day two taken at a different location. If #109 Advanced Soils must be retaken, due to failing the exam, an SEO must attend both days of the course to be eligible to sit for the exam on day two.
Instructors
Experienced soil scientists who are SEOs or have onlot experience, and DEP soil scientists.
Fee
There is no fee to attend this course and take the test.
Schedule
Day 1: Registration 7:30 a.m.
Course 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Day 2: Course 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Course Dates and Locations
Date Location County
10/19/2010
10/20/2010

Scheduled
Penn State Ag Progress Days Farm Centre
9/21/2011
9/22/2011

Scheduled
Penn State Ag Progress Days Farm Centre
10/18/2011
10/19/2011

Scheduled
Beltzville State Park Carbon
5/10/2012
5/11/2012

Scheduled
Penn State Ag Progress Days Farm Centre
6/13/2012
6/14/2012

Scheduled
Delaware Valley College Bucks
206  CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION TECHNIQUES
Course Content
This full-day course focuses on practices that ensure an onlot sewage disposal system is installed correctly. The course will cover preconstruction and interim inspections, installation of system components, and additional inspections. Group discussions will allow participants to share suggestions and ideas from SEOs around the state. Resources to assist SEOs in educating others about the importance of good construction practices will also be provided.
Credit Hours
SEOs will receive six (6) continuing education credit hours for successfully completing this course.
Test
A Web-based posttest, worth 1.5 credits is available.
Instructors
Experienced SEOs.
Fee
There is no fee to attend this course.
Schedule
Registration 7:30 a.m.
Course 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Course Dates and Locations
Date Location County
12/7/2010

Scheduled
PSATS Educational Center Cumberland
11/3/2011

Scheduled
Holiday Inn Indiana Indiana
5/17/2012

Scheduled
Comfort Inn & Suites Northampton
207  ENFORCEMENT I
Course Content
This full-day course will help SEOs understand their role in enforcing the Sewage Facilities Act (Act 537) and the regulations related to onlot sewage disposal systems. They will learn about the legal process that supports them in the enforcement of Act 537 and Title 25. This course covers the basics of enforcement including laws and documents that provide authority for enforcement, investigating potential malfunctions, choosing and initiating the proper course of action, and understanding the rights of those involved in the process.
Credit Hours
SEOs will receive six (6) continuing education credit hours for successfully completing this course.
Test
A Web-based posttest, worth 1.5 credits, is available.
Instructors
Experienced SEOs.
Fee
There is no fee to attend this course.
Schedule
Registration 7:30 a.m.
Course 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Course Dates and Locations
Date Location County
11/3/2010

Scheduled
The Arena of Bedford Bedford
8/30/2011

Scheduled
Holiday Inn Downtown Lycoming
1/25/2012

Scheduled
PSATS Educational Center Cumberland
208  ENFORCEMENT II
Course Content
This full-day course will help SEOs understand their role in enforcing the Sewage Facilities Act (Act 537) and the regulations related to onlot sewage disposal systems. They will learn about the legal process that supports them in the enforcement of Act 537 and Title 25. This course will cover such topics as use of search warrants, collecting and preserving evidence, understanding courtroom procedures, and being a credible witness.
Credit Hours
SEOs will receive six (6) continuing education credit hours for successfully completing this course.
Test
There is no in-class test for this course. However, a Web-based posttest will be available in the future.
Instructors
Experienced SEOs.
Fee
There is no fee to attend this course.
Schedule
Registration 7:30 a.m.
Course 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Course Dates and Locations
Date Location County
11/4/2010

Scheduled
The Arena of Bedford Bedford
8/31/2011

Scheduled
Holiday Inn Downtown Lycoming
1/26/2012

Scheduled
PSATS Educational Center Cumberland
210  TECHNICAL DECISION MAKING (TDM) for MALFUNCTION RESOLUTION
Course Content
The focus of this one-day course is to explain DEP’s flow chart defining the decision making process that should be implemented when issuing permits for malfunctioning systems. This course will also expose SEOs to various options that may be available to correct a malfunctioning system. Participants will be presented with real-life malfunction situations and allowed to work through the suggested decision making process from start to finish.
Credit Hours
SEOs will receive six (6) continuing education credit hours for successfully completing this course.
Test
A Web-based posttest, worth 2.0 credits, is available.
Instructors
Experienced SEOs.
Fee
There is no fee to attend this course.
Schedule
Registration 7:30 a.m.
Course 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Course Dates and Locations
Date Location County
2/1/2011

Scheduled
Holiday Inn Morgantown Berks
3/9/2011

Scheduled
PSATS Educational Center Cumberland
9/8/2011

Scheduled
Holiday Inn Clarion Clarion
214  TROUBLESHOOTING ONLOT SYSTEMS
Course Content
This one-day course will focus on a systematic approach to assist SEOs with the investigation of regulatory malfunctions. The course will teach SEOs how to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of a malfunction. Participants will also receive information on tools and technology that may assist with the troubleshooting process, field documents to assist the SEO in the malfunction investigation, and resources that may be used to educate homeowners on the prevention of malfunctions.
Credit Hours
SEOs will receive six (6) continuing education credit hours for successfully completing this course.
Test
There is no in-class test for this course. However, a Web-based posttest will be available in the future.
Instructors
Experienced SEOs
Fee
There is no fee to attend this course.
Schedule
Registration 7:30 a.m.
Course 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Course Dates and Locations
Date Location County
12/9/2010

Scheduled
Ramada Inn & Conference Center Centre
2/16/2012

Scheduled
PSATS Educational Center Cumberland
3/6/2012

Scheduled
Days Inn/Conference Center Crawford
5/30/2012

Scheduled
Delaware Valley College Bucks
215  SEWAGE MANAGEMENT BASICS
Course Content
This half-day course will discuss the importance of sewage management and provide information about creating, implementing, administering, and enforcing a program. The course includes strategies for tackling a sewage management program that SEOs can share with their municipal officials.
Credit Hours
SEOs will receive three (3) continuing education credit hours for successfully completing this course.
Test
None (There is no posttest for this course.)
Instructors
Experienced SEO.
Fee
There is no fee to attend this course.
Schedule
Morning Session:
Registration 7:30 a.m.
Course 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Afternoon Session:
Registration 12:30 p.m.
Course 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Course Dates and Locations
Date Location County
12/6/2010

Scheduled
PSATS Educational Center Cumberland
3/14/2011

Scheduled
Holiday Inn Downtown Lycoming
6/10/2011

Scheduled
Delaware Valley College Bucks
11/2/2011

Scheduled
Holiday Inn Indiana Indiana
12/8/2011

Scheduled
Ramada Inn & Conference Center Centre
3/7/2012

Scheduled
Days Inn/Conference Center Crawford
613  PLANNING BASICS
Course Content
This course has self-study materials for an SEO to complete prior to attending a half-day classroom session. The classroom session will have activities that apply the information taught in the self-study materials. This course will cover the terminology and the basics of sewage facilities planning under Act 537. Specifically, it will cover:
  • Sewage facilities planning

  • Local agency role in sewage facilities planning

  • Official sewage facilities plan

  • Planning modules

  • Role of the SEO in planning modules

  • Exemptions

  • Delegated local agency

Credit Hours
SEOs will receive six (6) continuing education credit hours for successfully completing this course. This course has self-study materials that must be completed online prior to attending a half-day classroom session. Successful completion of this course is achieved by completing the self-study course quiz and attending the classroom course.
Test
Self-Study Quiz – Must be completed prior to attending the classroom course. A Web-based posttest, worth 2 credits, will be available after the first course is completed in March 2010.
Instructors
Experienced SEO.
Fee
There is no fee to attend this course.
Schedule
Morning Session:
Registration 7:30 a.m.
Course 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Afternoon Session:
Registration 12:30 p.m.
Course 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Course Dates and Locations
Date Location County
12/8/2010

Scheduled
Ramada Inn & Conference Center Centre
3/23/2011

Scheduled
Murrysville Municipal Building Westmoreland
5/24/2011

Scheduled
Comfort Inn & Suites Northampton
8/18/2011

Scheduled
PSATS Educational Center Cumberland
9/7/2011

Scheduled
Holiday Inn Clarion Clarion
3/29/2012

Scheduled
Holiday Inn Downtown Lycoming


 

 

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