Three areas of training are needed to bring both the industry and inspectors to a standard required to implement the new Public Health (Sewage) Regulations effectively.
These are:
- CET Sewage and Sanitation Course (On-site wastewater management)
- Drain laying training (UniTech or other NZQA accredited service provider)
- Public Health (Sewage) Regulations, Public Health Sewage Code and related codes
a. CET Sewage and Sanitation Course
The Public Health Department of the Ministry of Health in partnership with the Department of National Human Resources Development coordinates a course in on-site wastewater management. The course is designed for sewage system designers, inspectors and regulators with some components relevant to installers and servicing agents. The first course was delivered in three stages (July 2006, May 2007 and November 2007) with participants proceeding to the next stage after passing a theoretical exam.
i. Course Content:
- Wastewater characteristics
- Function and performance of septic tanks
- Site and soil assessment
- Advanced sewage treatment systems (aerated wastewater treatment systems, packed bed reactors, membrane bioreactors, recirculating sand filters, vermiculture systems)
- Composting toilets
- Land application systems (soak holes, absorption trenches, mounds, evapotranspiration/evapotranspiration-absorption beds, subsurface irrigation)
- Familiarisation with the Public Health (Sewage) Regulations and Sewage Code.
ii. Outcome:
The outcome of the course is a pool of people across the various government agencies and industry with a working knowledge of on-site wastewater management. A major advantage of involving multiple agencies and industry is the consensus that has been reached regarding standards and a common language.
iii. Trainers:
The course is delivered by the Centre for Environmental Training (CET), based in Newcastle, Australia. CET conducts training in New Zealand and Australia and is currently seeking approval to be a training provider under NZQA.
iv. Funding:
Funding for the first course was provided by the Legal and Institutional Strengthening of Environmental Management Project (ADB TA 4273-COO), the Cook Islands Marine Resources Institutional Strengthening Project (CIMRIS) and the Cook Islands Department of National Human Resources Development (NHRD).
v. Partners
- Centre for Environmental Training (CET), Newcastle, Australia
- Cook Islands Marine Resources Institutional Strengthening Project (CIMRIS)
- Asian Development Bank Legal and Institutional Strengthening of Environmental Management Project (ADB TA 4273-COO)
- National Environment Service
vi. Future Courses
For information on future courses please email Jacqui Evans at j.evans@health.gov.ck
b. Drain Laying Training
Please contact the Department of National Human Resources Development on (682) 21-467 for information on drain laying training.
