Premier research, training, and demonstration program for conventional and alternative septic system technologies in the North East. One of twelve regional demonstration and field training centers nationally. Provides training and technical assistance in siting, design, installation, and maintenance of onsite wastewater technologies reaching over 900 participants throughout the State and region since 1994. Serves regulatory agencies, designers, installers, municipal officials, homeowners. Public and private sector partners include State and federal agencies, several Rhode Island cities and towns, American Planning Association, the RI Independent Contractors and Associates, and the RI Builders Association. Over 40 private businesses and organizations have contributed products and services.

• Field training center for hands on learning using full-scale, above-ground systems, located in Kingston, RI, constructed in 1994. Adding new systems each year.
• Demonstration systems for research, training, and performance monitoring installed as repairs in Warwick, North Kingstown, Portsmouth, Charlestown, South Kingstown and New Shoreham beginning in 1996, with ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
• Technical assistance in development of wastewater management ordinances, management plans in several communities, including watershed-based performance standards for on-site wastewater treatment in New Shoreham
• Field testing of septic system inspection procedures through technical assistance to RIDEM and the Town of Charlestown and South Kingstown in the Green Hill Pond Watershed.
• Development of State-approved sand filter guidance document and technical support to DEM in Technical Review Committee.

Selected Current Activities 1999-2000

• National onsite wastewater treatment demonstration project proposed for Block Island and Green Hill Pond Watershed to showcase successful implementation of local wastewater management programs using watershed-based treatment standards for onsite systems. This four and a half year project will include development of neighborhood-specific development standards in sensitive areas.
• Performance monitoring and evaluation of demonstration systems for the densely developed coastal communities of Charlestown, South Kingstown, North Kingstown, Portsmouth, and Warwick ongoing.
• Providing training and technical support to ten communities developing wastewater management ordinances and plans. Planning feasibility assessment of onsite wastewater systems as an alternative to sewers to maintain viable historical village center in Glocester, Rhode Island.