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Onsite Wastewater of Northwest Michigan
2008: "Water To Waste." education publication - Return To Main Index

Water To Waste Section Fifteen: Who We Are and What We Do

Who, and What, is Onsite Wastewater of NW MI?
In 2002, a diverse group of agencies, individuals and wastewater industry professionals gathered to discuss their frustration with the lack of good public and local government education on rapidly advancing wastewater system technology.

“We all shared the pain from constantly beating our heads up against the regulatory brick wall,” said one of that original group Harry Luzius P.E.

Northwest Michigan Onsite Wastewater Task Force was founded in 2003 as a 501(c)3 through the generous support of the Joyce Foundation. Our charge from Joyce?
To engage in activities which create a climate of informed consent where wise choices can be proposed for appropriately sized wastewater systems which are cost effective to construct, operate and maintain while minimizing environmental footprint and sprawl.

Quite simply we are in the wastewater education business.
In the past 6 years the Board has changed, grown and evolved but always stayed true to that original purpose.
The incoming 2008 Board retains our regional emphasis with a mix of environmental policy specialists, planning and zoning (at both the Township and County level), wastewater service providers, realtors, regulators. We all share one commitment - to protect and preserve the water resources of northwest Michigan through proactive, comprehensive education programs.

What Do We Do?
In the six years this organization has been in existence, the answer to that question has changed many times to meet new challenges and to adapt as quickly as technology and attitudes have - at the local. state and national levels!
We run a pretty lean and efficient organization.
Because we are a collaborative of existing agencies we are able to piggy back on existing services rather than expended scarce funding dollars on rent, gas and office space.
“Our emphasis is on information and services. All we really need is good phone service, a desk and broadband internet,” says Board Treasurer John Sych. "Allowing our Executive Director to telecommute makes us extremely cost efficient and directs our funds to activities not overheads!”

This innovative approach caught the eye of
Dr. Richard Otis, a nationally and internationally recognized wastewater academic and engineering authority who consults with USEPA.
Otis joined the organization asTechnical Consultant in 2005.

Onsite Wastewater has consistently published Annual Reports, available on this web site.
These list the many activities we have engaged in to create that climate of informed consent where citizens are empowered to advocate for wise wastewater choices within their communities.

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In 2006 the organization hired a professional administrator as Executive Director. Dendra Best brings an impressive list of diverse talents and a record of professional continuing education in the wastewater field. She is a member of Michigan Water Environmental Association, Michigan League For Human Services, and League of Women Voters. “It is quite an achievement to see how far we have come in 6 years,” says 2008 Board Chair and Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department Director, William Crawford, “this regional collaboration is unique, successful and focused!”

K-12 education programs; providing access to nationally recognized speakers and wastewater leaders from neighboring states; creating partnerships to document regional best management practices and advocate for regulatory change; providing reference resources for individuals and local governments; Onsite Wastewater constantly strives to fulfill the vision of the Joyce Foundation and be that agent for informed consent and change in how we plan for regional and community wastewater systems.

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Why We Are Asking For Your Support
Providing reference resources, education programs, speakers, training workshops, system financing counseling, community planning and moderation services is expensive.
Though our overhead costs are extremely low, we rely on successful grant proposals and community support to be able to provide services such as this education publication.

Our financial independence ensures we
remain objective and impartial.

Because we are an independent, impartial ‘third party’ much our work is confidential and sensitive - and consequently we are happy to stay out of the limelight!
We are pragmatists & environmentalists.

Our focus is on water - plain and simple - and how to use, reuse and recycle clean water back to this place we call home. We are respectful of differing opinions, mindful that regulators are often bound by rules they don’t necessarily like, or want to enforce, and cognizant of the responsibility of local government to protect public health and balance a budget!

Ways You Can Help

Make An Unrestricted Donation which we can use to cover printing, postage,speaker fees.
As a 501(c)3 organization, your gift to us will be tax deductible to the maximum extent allowed under current IRS regulations.

Call us and ask about specific programs we have planned for which are looking for a sponsor.
Future Projects

Our current service goals and programs in development range from $500.00 - $10,000 for training workshops, publications and web services

Pledge an amount which we can call upon in the future as a source for Matching Funds.
Let us double the value of your donation!

Make a Pledge to be an Annual Donor to support General Operating. Help us pay for the basic nuts and bolts and every day supplies.

Contribute to our Agency Fund at
Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation.
Help us build for the future!
“For Good For Ever.”

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Water To Waste Section Two: Water / Energy Efficiency information and EPA WaterSense Program

Water To Waste Section Three: The inter-relationship between water use, wastewater, the water cycle and wastewater systems.