A soil morphology report can help give a snapshot of the geologic history of your site. The evaluation can give insight into the parent material of the soil, which in turn can have a big impact on the physical and chemical properties of the soil.

This soil site was located close to an occasionally flooded plain, it showed signs of alluvial (water) deposited materials. This site did show signs of being moderately well drained.

However, another pit was examined less than 300 yards away was exhibiting signs of much poorer drainage. This soil showed large amounts of redoximorphic features. These were consistent with soils have developed in a low oxygen environment (saturated in water).

A lack of adequate drainage can create a challenge when installing an effective onsite wastewater treatment system. If we had only evaluated the site with poor drainage, we may have missed the opportunity to utilize the better soils that the other pit represented. Constructing the system in a poorer soil may cost the landowner large amounts of time and money.

Missouri Small Flows was pleased to partner with the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association to host the 2022 NOWRA/MSO Mega-Conference in Springfield, Missouri. This conference was a great opportunity for everyone in the on-site industry to come together, share our knowledge, and make lasting connections to protect our clean water. We had educators, regulators, engineers, soil scientists, service providers, and designers from all over the nation. The conference included lectures and field trips showcasing the emerging technologies in the industry, changes in regards to environmental regulation/policies, the impact to our environment, and much more. This year's turnout exceeded 500 professionals.

With the continued development of technologies in the industry, events like these are a great chance to discuss and share the technologies that may help to reduce the impact that we have on our environment. Advanced treatments systems such as this are a vital tool to prevent groundwater and surface water contamination. The advancement of these technologies may help increase food and water security at home and abroad. The people directly impacted by this are those who live downstream and those who have a well that is being affected by groundwater infiltration. We had an excellent turnout of technologies providers and developers attending this event. With the continuous development of technologies, coming together with other professionals helps the industry to stay up to date.

There were two field trips this year showcasing some of the advanced treatment technologies being utilized in Southwest Missouri. Each of the trips included several stops to present emerging technologies and discuss the implications to our environment. Not only did each trip get the chance to see various technologies at work, but it also included an interactive cave experience. The trips were made possible thanks to the cooperation of various organizations, companies, and individuals.

One of the trips displayed the largest drip irrigation effluent distribution systems that is regulated by Greene County Resource Management – Environmental Division. The drip system is in a very sensitive area, due to its proximity to karst geologic features. This site was located at the popular attraction, Fantastic Caverns. The goal of the Caverns is to showcase the beauty of our Ozarks geology, so it seems fitting that they are leading the way in the use of advanced treatment systems to help preserve the beauty of the Ozarks.

The other field trip included a view at several emerging technologies in the industry. It included a look at an Advanced Enviro-Septic system, delta fixed film ecopod treatment systems, and Orenco Advantex AX-100 pods. There was discussion and commentary on the proper construction, use, and troubleshooting of these products. This trip included a look at an impressive 18,000 GPD system servicing 200 condos when at full capacity. The icing on the cake for this trip was our tour of Talking Rock Caverns

The conference was a success in many ways. There were dozens of guest speakers bringing their expertise and knowledge forth to the community. The attendance of regulators, installers, site planners, soil scientists, designers, engineers, and educators from across the nation resulted in a highly diverse assortment of perspectives. The conference allowed the knowledge, experience, questions, comments, and concerns to be heard by professionals from all around the nation. The proper handling of waste is a crucial aspect of promoting a safe and secure water supply. Events like these are a great way to help the industry pave the way for a brighter future with sound policies and cleaner waters.