Institute registration begins each day at 8:00 a.m.
Morning sessions begin each day at 9:00 a.m.
Afternoon sessions begin each day at 1:15 p.m.

Download a PDF version of the Institute Conference Schedule Matrix here.

For the last five years, the National Environmental Services Center (NESC) has hosted the Environmental Training Institute for Small Communities in Morgantown, West Virginia. Participants have come from around the region and the country to learn about drinking water, wastewater, utility management, and financial issues as they relate to small and rural communities. During this time, the Institute has garnered a reputation for being both informative and enjoyable.

This Year’s Institute
For the 2005 Institute, we are putting together what we call “the best of the best.” We’re keeping the most popular courses from previous Institutes—such as the various drinking water and intensive wastewater sessions—and developing new ones based on participant suggestions. Regardless of the particular topic, all the sessions are designed with small community sustainability in mind.

Because so many people requested it, we’ve also built in more time for networking with other attendees, instructors, and NESC staff. As always, we’ll have a reception in the exhibit hall one evening and the popular cookout at Cooper’s Rock State Park on another.

Who should attend?
Anyone involved in small community water, wastewater, or utility management issues will benefit by attending the Institute. Past attendees have included technical assistance providers, state regulatory officials, environmental trainers, community leaders, planners, utility managers, and treatment system staff.

Organizations working with small communities have found that the Institute is a particularly good way to get new staff up to speed, as well as to update the knowledge of those who’ve been around for a while. It’s also a great opportunity to meet colleagues from other organizations with similar missions.

Courses Offered
The 2005 Institute will feature various sessions that cover the following topics:

• • Managing a drinking water system
  • Managing a wastewater system
  • Alternative onsite wastewater system technologies
  • Understanding financial matters

Running water and wastewater utilities effectively and sustainably

In addition to these training sessions, the Institute features tours to a wastewater treatment plant and to NESC’s onsite wastewater training facility. The practical knowledge you gain at NESC’s annual Institute can be put to immediate use in your community.

Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of the program, sponsorship, participation, exhibits, or the mention of trade names, commercial products, or companies do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, nor does it constitute or imply endorsement by the National Environmental Services Center, West Virginia University, the Office of Sponsored Programs, or other sponsoring agencies.