On-site Wastewater Accreditation Program

FAQ – NPCA On-site Wastewater Accreditation Program

Q - What if my plant is currently NPCA Certified?
A - Since both programs are based on the NPCA Quality Control Manual for Precast Concrete Plants, NPCA Certified Plants will receive this new accreditation at their request if they manufacture on-site wastewater products covered in the On-site Wastewater Accreditation Program.

Q - What products are covered by the On-site Wastewater Accreditation Program?
A - Septic tanks, risers, distribution boxes, pump tanks/chambers, ATU’s, sewage holding tanks, dosing tanks, dry-wells, wet-wells.

Q - Do I have to be a member of NPCA to participate in the On-site Wastewater Product Accreditation Program?
A - Although NPCA membership is encouraged and provides many opportunities to advance your company, it is not a requirement to participate in the On-site Wastewater Accreditation Program.

Q - How much is the On-site Wastewater Accreditation Program fee?
A -The fee for NPCA member companies is $1,995. The fee for non-NPCA member companies is $3,500. There is no additional charge to companies participating in the NPCA Plant Certification Program.

Q - Where do I find the requirements of the On-site Wastewater Accreditation Program?
A - The requirements for the On-site Wastewater Accreditation Program are contained in the latest edition of the NPCA Quality Control Manual for Precast Concrete Plants. The QC Manual is available as a free download from www.precast.org at the following link: (http://www.precast.org/certification/qc_manual.htm)

Q - How will my plant be graded?
A - The NPCA On-site Wastewater Accreditation Program has a separate grading schedule that focuses on requirements in the current NPCA Quality Control Manual for Precast Concrete Products that relate to the manufacture of On-site Wastewater Products.

Q - Who will perform the inspections?
A - Plant inspections will be performed by representatives from the same independent engineering firms that perform the current NPCA Plant Certification Program inspections. These firms are Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc. (WJE) and Professional Services Inc. (PSI). Both are nationally accredited and well-respected firms.

Q - How often will the inspections occur?
A - A plant’s initial inspection for accreditation will be an announced inspection scheduled with the independent engineering firm. All subsequent annual inspections will be unannounced, and plants will be inspected a minimum of once per calendar year.

Q - What is the difference between the On-site Wastewater Accreditation and the Plant Certification Program?
A - The On-site Wastewater Accreditation Program focuses only on those critical manufacturing elements and process requirements that pertain to production of quality, structurally sound and watertight on-site wastewater products.

Q - What does Accreditation do for me?
A - The program will provide a nationwide quality assurance program to ensure end-users that their septic tanks and other related products are manufactured under strict quality standards. The program will give municipalities, commercial developers and homeowners assurance that the precast concrete components they are purchasing come from a quality manufacturer, will be long-lasting, structurally sound and watertight. The program provides the industry a credible system and symbol confirming that accredited precasters take quality seriously, which will benefit all stakeholders.

Q - Whom do I contact with additional questions on the program?
A - For general information on plant certification or the new On-site Wastewater Accreditation Program, contact Rich Krolewski (rkrolewski@precast.org)

For technical information on plant certification or the new On-site Wastewater Accreditation Program, contact: Marti Harrel (mharrell@precast.org) or Phillip Cutler, P.E. (pcutler@precast.org).