Course Registration

OSDS Inspection – Practices & Procedures

OSDS Inspection – Practices & Procedures

This new 14 hour, two-day course provides instructions on the purpose and importance of inspection procedures and how to conduct a proper inspection of an onsite sewage disposal system (OSDS) for property transfers. The course will cover the various aspects of gravity septic system design, construction, and function, as well as science behind the soil treatment process. Participants will learn how to evaluate system flows and identify problems. There will be limited discussion on pressurized systems and pre-treatment units. There will be significant time spent on the second day in the field for attendees to experience actual septic systems, and put into use what was learned on day one.

This course has been approved by MDE to meet the requirements set forth in Maryland Annotated Code 9-217.1. The law stipulates that anyone conducting inspections of onsite sewage disposal systems for property conveyance must complete such a course of study. Participants will receive a comprehensive manual and other related material. Successful completion of the course requires a passing score of 70% or better on a final exam.

Specific course topics include:
• Introduction to onsite wastewater treatment
• Maryland law and regulations
• Inspection scope and services
• Site inspection procedures – tanks
• Distribution, hydraulic load test, drain fields
• Best Available Technology (BAT’s)
• Special areas, high strength etc.
• Field topics – house piping/homeowner interview/water treatment;
Tanks/piping/cleanouts/grease traps/BAT’s/pump chamber; distribution box; soil
absorption; hydraulic test/dye test; tank pump out; camera
• New MDE standard inspection form

Passing Score

Successful completion of the course requires that a participant pass the final exam. Previous to the rule change in 2023, the passing score was 80%. Currently, the passing score is 70%. If a participant failed the exam prior to the rule change that exam status does not change.

Who Should Attend this Course?

This course is intended for septic contractors, engineers, designers and regulators within the onsite wastewater industry.  It is also a valuable course for realtors and land developers who need information on the essential topics in the use and application of onsite systems.

Registration is OPEN for the April class. We are finalizing location details. It will be either in the Howard County or Baltimore County area.

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Course Date: April 16-17, 2024

Location: Baltimore County Agricultural Center

Address: 1114 Shawan Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030

Parking Note: When you get to the buildings, please make a right and park in the lot past the stables area. Staff has asked to have the lot closest to the classroom left for employee parking and park visitors.

  • If you are unsure of your Membership Status, feel free to contact us. Please remember that MOWPA operates on a fiscal year from July 1 – June 30. Memberships will expire at the end of each fiscal year.
  • Membership in MOWPA is done on a individual basis, although we do provide an associate membership option to companies who have multiple members. In order to register someone under a Current Member price, they MUST be a current member or you will need to purchase a membership option with the class fee for that persons registration.
  • Please read the Course Description to ensure that this is the correct course that you are interested in signing up for. Also, that all dates associated with the course will work with your schedule.
  • Membership is NOT required for this course. There is however a price difference between members and non-members.
  • At this time if you have previously taken the course than you DO NOT need to re-take it. That could change in the future with potential CEU requirements.

Please fill out the form below to register for the course.

This form is currently closed for submissions. Please check back at a later time for registration for our future class.