In September of 1994, the Oregon Onsite Wastewater Association (O2WA) was incorporated to give a voice to members of all disciplines and trades, to encourage the free exchange of ideas, to upgrade skills through education and training, and to promote the development of new and improved practices, policies and uniform standards.
Mission – Our mission is to support our members through educational programs and opportunities, to encourage professionalism, and to protect Oregon’s environment and public health.
Vision – Our vision is to build a meaningful community of professionals where members can exchange ideas, gain knowledge and collaborate for the good of Oregon.
Code of Ethics PREAMBLE – Oregon Onsite Wastewater Association (O2WA) is a non-profit organizations defined under 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code. Members of the Oregon Onsite Wastewater Association are committed to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in the onsite wastewater treatment and dispersal systems industry (Industry). They are dedicated to providing quality service, products, education, and research. They put public welfare and safety and protecting the environment first. The members of O2WA shall uphold this Code of Ethics. (Complete copy is available on the website and provided to all members at time of joining.)
Purpose of the Organization
- Provide persons engaged in the design, installation, maintenance, and regulation of on-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems an association through which lawful efforts may be made towards solving problems of on-site wastewater with the result that the general public shall receive the highest possible standard of safe, sanitary and environmentally sound on-site wastewater service.
- Provide a forum for research, exchange of ideas, information and technology among private industry, professionals and government policy makers and regulators.
- Develop programs to further the education, training and certification of persons involved in design, installation, maintenance and regulation of on-site systems.
- Actively participate in public and private efforts in development and acceptance of new and improved practices, policies, laws and regulations for on-site wastewater treatment and disposal.
- Develop, sponsor and support programs to improve on-site wastewater treatment and disposal, including uniform standards for onsite technologies.
- Participate as a member in other local, state or national associations with common needs, goals or purposes.
- Do any and all lawful things necessary, convenient or incidental to carrying out the foregoing purposes and to engage in any lawful activity for which corporations may be organized under ORS Chapter 65, known as the Oregon Nonprofit Corporation Act.
- Provide for professional representation and contract for assistance and the ability to coordinate and respond to the common needs of members including, without limit, membership benefit programs.
- No part of the net earnings of the association shall inure to the benefit of any member or any private individual nor shall the association engage in a regular business of a kind ordinarily carried on for profit.
Who are the Members?
Soil Scientists, Regulators, Septic Installers, Manufacturers, System Designers/Engineers, Educators, Environmental Health Specialists, Certified Operation & Maintenance Providers, Septic Tank Pumpers, Service Providers.
Types of Memberships:
- Individual Members: An individual member is any person involved in the wastewater industry.
- Corporate Members: A corporate member is an employee or agent of a business or government entity involved in the wastewater industry.
- Organizational Affiliate Member: An organizational affiliate member is a person that is a member of a similar association in a different state or region. Membership shall be granted for the purpose of a reciprocal exchange of information, materials and benefits.
- Student Member: A student member is any Student enrolled full time in an accredited college or technical program relating to the wastewater industry.
- Associate Member: An associate member is any individual interested in receiving information distributed by the Association, without the rights and benefits of the other membership categories.
- Honorary Member: An honorary member is an individual who has rendered outstanding and meritorious service in the furtherance of the objectives of this Association. An honorary membership shall be proposed by the Board of Directors and confirmed by majority vote at the annual meeting and such membership shall be for life.