Description: More than one in five households across the U.S. depend on septic systems or small community cluster systems to manage their wastewater, making effective septic system management critical to protecting water quality and public health. This session explores the role of watershed-based groups, local governments, counties, and academic institutions in improving septic system management. Using examples from New York State, panelists will share the partnerships and management strategies that they have used to strengthen outreach, support homeowners, and address shared water quality challenges. It also discusses opportunities for future collaboration to address the governance and public education barriers that persist in onsite wastewater management.

Panelists:

• Carol Borg, Director, Bradley Brook District 1, Hatch-Bradley Brook Lakes Association 
• Mackenzie Gregg, Planner, Environmental Design & Research (EDR) 
• Megan Webster, District Manager, Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)
• Tad Gerace, Conservation District Technician, Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)

Certificate: This training has NOT been submitted for approval of continuing education credit. We will provide a certificate of attendance to eligible attendees, but cannot guarantee it will meet your PDH or CEU requirements. 

Who Should Attend:

This session is ideal for onsite wastewater practitioners, municipal and county officials, community leaders, and others interested in addressing septic system challenges through a collaborative approach.