FALL 2025

YOWA NEWSLETTER

YOWA

WELCOME MESSAGE

YOWA is pleased to bring you our Fall 2025 issue, which is packed full of industry and association news.

Scroll down to read recaps of our recent trainings, read an interview with Director of the NPDES/Groundwater & Title 5 programs David Boyer, get details about NOWRA's Mega-Conference and MHOA's Annual Conference, and much more!

Regional Title 5 Contacts

As onsite wastewater professionals, we know that the local health department is always the first stop for questions about how best to implement Title 5. There are times, however, when the local health inspector needs to speak with their relevant DEP regional staff to get clarity on a matter which might be unfamiliar. As a service to YOWA members, we have compiled contact information for the DEP regional staff so you can have this information handy.

Click this link to access the document of Regional Title 5 contacts.

Register Now!

November 5-7, 2025

MassMutual Center - Springfield, MA

Join MHOA in celebrating 75 years of supporting local public health.

This year, YOWA will be collaborating with MHOA to provide a robust Wastewater track for all attending.

We are excited to see you all again at the 2025 MHOA Annual Conference!

Registration Link: https://mhoa.com/aws/MHOA/pt/sp/conference_registration

Deadline to register is October 3, 2025

Marc Hoffman Appreciation Ceremony

This summer’s YOWA Board meeting in Newton, MA featured an overdue acknowledgement and thank you for long-time volunteer Marc Hoffman as he announced he would be stepping away from his position on the Board.

Marc came to help the organization when it was trying to chart its course and direction about 15 years ago, and after successfully providing the needed guidance at that time, continued to stay on as a confidant, advisor, and Board member. Marc brought a huge range of organizational and board development skills to our organization. Simply put, YOWA would not be on the strong footing it finds itself today without Marc’s long-term commitment to our success.

Pictured left to right is YOWA Board Member Dan Ottenheimer, YOWA Vice President Lauren Usilton, Marc, and YOWA President Jim Healy.

Foundations in Soils Training Recap

On May 20th, 2025, YOWA hosted a Soil Evaluation review day in Western Massachusetts. Click the button below to read YOWA Board Member Alyssa Rusiecki's recap of this event.

YOWA and MASSTC Spring 2025 Training Recap

YOWA, in conjunction with MASSTC, held a full-day training on June 24 titled Innovative/Alternative (I/A) Systems Field Training. YOWA President Jim Healy provides a recap at the link below.

Layered Landscapes Training Recap

50 Vermont licensed designers, state regional engineers, and regulators met at the Cote Recreational Field in Starksboro, Vermont on September 4 to talk about soil, hydrology, and wetlands and to get some hands-on training. YOWA Board Member Jared Willey provides an event recap at the link below.

Interview with Director of the NPDES/Groundwater & Title 5 Programs David Boyer

Earlier this year, David Boyer moved from the MassDEP Central Regional office to the Boston office to take the position of Director of the NPDES/Groundwater and Title 5 programs. YOWA Board Member Dan Ottenheimer conducted the following interview with David to introduce YOWA members to his background, goals and projects he strives to implement in his new role, and more.

Why the NOWRA Mega-Conference Is a Game-Changer for Soil Evaluators & System Inspectors

The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association’s (NOWRA) annual Onsite Wastewater Mega-Conference stands out as the go-to event for professionals across the decentralized wastewater field—including soil evaluators and system inspectors. YOWA Board Member Shelly Jenkins explains the value of attending this conference.

Why SepticSmart Week Matters—Even After the Week Has Passed

Each September, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promotes SepticSmart Week to raise awareness about the importance of properly maintaining septic systems. While the official week has passed, YOWA Board Member Shelly Jenkins explains why the message remains just as relevant year-round—especially for those of us working in the wastewater industry.

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