ATTENTION MEMBERS!

Did you know the Virginia General Assembly 2012 Session convened on January 11, 2012?

This legislative season already promises to be another busy and challenging period. As of today, January 18, 2012, 4 bills affecting our industry have been introduced.

These bills are:
House Bill 1071, Patron—Hugo
House Bill 942, Patron—Lingamfelter
Senate Bill 356, Patron—R. Creigh Deeds
Senate Bill 442, Patron—Obenshain

Full texts of these bills can be found at:

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?121+men+BIL

How will the consequences of these bills affect VOWRA's goals?

I recommend you read these bills and consider how the outcomes may impact you, your profession, and the industry.

Feel Strongly? Want to comment?

We will be setting up an e-mail account specifically to receive your input. Look for details soon!

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Setting the Record Straight

During the May VOWRA Board of Directors meeting, a fellow board member brought to my attention that a VOWRA member called her and expressed criticism concerning our organization. Specifically, the member indicated they felt forced to join the organization, that VOWRA is a governmental agency, and that VOWRA made the laws for the industry. Unfortunately, this is not the first time I have heard this kind of comment and, even worse, it probably won't be the last.

I want to share with you who we really are: The VOWRA Board of Directors consists of 13 industry members and an executive director. Each Board Member volunteers their time to VOWRA with the exception of the executive director. The executive director is the only paid employee in the organization. VOWRA is a non profit organization that does not receive any funding from governmental organizations for operation. The Board of Directors is represented by at least 1 member of each of the following: Licensed Designers (AOSE/COSE/PE), Manufacturer/Supplier/Vendors, Contractor/Installers, Regulators, Academic/Researcher/ Interested Party, and VIP's (Very Interested Parties).

Our membership consists of Licensed Site Evaluators, Academics, Soils Scientists, Engineers, Installers, Pump Out Contractors, O&M Providers, Repair Contractors, Designers, Manufacturers, Suppliers, and last but not least, Regulators. As it would happen, the regulators portion of the membership has historically been the smallest percentage of the population. There is no law that requires anyone to join VOWRA—joining the organization is a personal and professional choice made by an individual.

Our Mission is “To advance and promote all aspects of the onsite wastewater industry including manufacturers, installers, field practitioners, suppliers, engineers and designers, research and academic professionals, consultants, and governmental regulatory personnel.”

Do we make the laws? No. But based on our mission and the input of our members, we try to influence the outcomes of bills that are introduced for legislation. Are the new regulations VOWRA's fault? No regulation is based solely on the voice of VOWRA. Two of our goals are "To improve the conditions of the onsite wastewater recycling industry by working towards the establishment of uniform standards for the quality of design, installation and servicing of all types of onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems” and “To protect the environment of the Commonwealth of Virginia by assisting the development of sound ecological practices in the manufacture, design, siting, installation, maintenance and management of onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems.” We certainly give input and try to influence the results of proposed regulatory changes to achieve our goals and accomplish our mission.

So, are we, as an Organization, guilty of trying to accomplish our mission and achieve our goals? Sure we are and I personally hope we will continue to be. Our industry has changed radically in the past years and will continue to change. Change is hard. Change can really stink but sometimes, a little short term pain is necessary to reach a long term goal!


Readers Note! Future editions of the VOWRA Newsletter will only be mailed to paid members. Both VOWRA members and non-members may access our newsletters on our website at www.vowra.org.