Evaluation of Minnesota’s subsurface sewage treatment system professional experience program.

Abstract

Minnesota rules for Subsurface Sewage Treatment System (hereinafter, SSTS) professionals require field experience with a certified professional before obtaining a full certification. A workgroup was commissioned by the Minnesota SSTS advisory committee to investigate the extent to which the SSTS experience and mentoring requirements under Minnesota Rules Chapters 7083.1500 and 7083.2000 adequately meet the needs of the SSTS industry in Minnesota. Triangulated results from three focus groups indicate that SSTS professionals value experiential learning, but share concerns about the manner in which aspiring practitioners are prepared. Focus group results informed the development of a survey instrument and were confirmed by a random sample of 1100 SSTS professionals with various levels of certification. The response rate was sufficient to carry out statistical analysis. Data about the knowledge, attitudes and practices of SSTS professionals were analyzed to prepare recommendations about the mentoring program. The study found that the current program was not implemented equitably across the industry and lacks clear guidance for both mentors and apprentices. SSTS professionals value a combination of classroom and experiential learning. Emphasizing mentoring relationships beyond the context of current requirements and introducing additional quality assurance measures may be the most practical ways to address programmatic shortcomings and improve the public health and environmental benefits that result from consistent, high-quality SSTS design, installation, and inspection practices.