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2012 MSTA-MWEA DIVERSIFIED SEPTAGE EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR

 Please come join us at the annual MSTA-MWEA Diversified Septage Educational Seminar in Mount Pleasant, Michigan March 24, 2012.  This seminar is a joint educational effort by the Michigan Septic Tank Association and the Michigan Water Environment Association.  5-1/4-Continuing Septage Education (CSE) hours can be earned during this one-day seminar which includes lunch. 

Learn more about the septic and portable rest-room business including:

• Insurance exposures a business owner may want to consider when shopping for insurance. Topics including liability, special endorsements, key employee and other insurance products will be discussed.
• DOT requirements for drug testing of drivers including completion of the DOT requirements for supervisors "reasonable suspicion" training.  A certificate siting part 382.603 of having met the requirements in that section of the Federal Regulations will be issued to participants.
• Presentation on "Good septage truck maintenance" including a truck parts representative with some parts to help better illustrate the presentation.
• Overview on the requirements land appliers of Biosolids have to adhere to.  There will be photos and a time for questions.
• Learn how becoming credit card merchant can enhance your septage business.  Benefits of accepting credit cards including what to look for to help keep your credit card fees as low as possible.

Registration deadline is March 15, 2012.  Association members are being offered a $40 discount from the $150 registration fee.  To download a registration flyer: /upload/files/Brochure Septage 2012.pdf

To register on-line go to: http://www.viethconsulting.com/Calendar/moreinfo.php?eventid=17172

MSTA MEMBER HELPS EDUCATE LEGISLATORS

 On October 27^thMichigan Septic Tank Association Director Chris Sloan of Sloan's Septic Tank Service, Oakley, MI (and his family) opened his business to legislators for a tour to view proper procedures for land application.  The Michigan Townships Association Lobbyist Tom Frazier, MDEQ State Septage Coordinator Matt Campbell and a few local township people also attended the tour.  Representative Goike (33^rd-District-Ray) had suggested the tour to satisfy concerns of his colleagues and to set the stage for Senate action on HB 4578, our legislation to require a local unit to provide a receiving station if they ban land application.

            Michigan Representative Ben Glardon (85^thDistrict-Owosso), Michigan Representative Ken Horn, (94^thDistrict-Frankenmuth), Representative Andrea LaFontaine (32^ndDistrict-Richmond Township), Representative Ed McBroom (108^thDistrict-Vulcan), staff to Senator Roger Kahn (32^ndDistrict-Saginaw) and Senator Tom Casperson 38^thDistrict-Escanaba) were able to attend the tour.  Casperson is chair of the Senate Natural Resources, Environment & Great Lakes where HB 4578 was referred.  MSTA Legislative Consultant Judy Augenstein has been working on Senator Casperson to support the bill from the time the bill was initially introduced and was able to include Representative Goike in activities of other clients so that he could initiate and build a relationship with Casperson and other northern Michigan legislators, including House Natural Resources, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee chair, Representative Frank Foster (107^thDistrict-Pellston), where HB 4578 was debated in the House.  Judy recommends the membership continue to contact their Senator’s to urge them to support HB 4578 as it is debated in the Senate.

            Other MSTA attendees included MSTA President Joe Hall, MSTA Secretary Joe Williams, MSTA Treasurer Mark Scott and MSTA Director Chris Sloan. Representative Goike was very pleased with the event.  A huge effort is being made to “cover all are bases” in an effort to meet with success with HB 4578.  Many thanks to ALL of you that are helping to support this important matter – Many thanks to the Sloan Family for sponsoring this important educational event.

ATTENTION MICHIGAN LICENSED SEPTAGE HAULERS:

 It’s important for all of us to step up and support the legislative movement the Michigan Septic Tank Association is doing in Lansing.  Please help by contacting your area State Representatives and Senators by writing, calling, or visiting them.  Ask them to support Senate Bill 205 and the Amendments to Part 117 (House Bill 4578).

 The Association recently sent out packets with information to help assist you with this privilege of voicing your concerns.  You can also find your State Representative and Senator on the web at http://www.michigan.gov/som/0,1607,7-192-29701_29704---,00.html

 PLEASE ASK YOUR LEGISLATIVE LEADERS TO VOTE YES FOR SB205 AND THE AMENDMENTS TO PART 117 SECTION 11715 (HOUSE BILL 4578).

 For the folks who already made the commitment to help, thank you.  To the ones who haven’t made the commitment, make the move and get involved.  Let’s protect our future.

 Sincerely,

Michigan Septic Tank Association Legislative Committee