Year Five, Six – 2007-2008

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2007 Annual Report: Letter from the 2006 Chair

From the Board Chair
As of December 2006, Onsite Wastewater of NW MI (NWMOWTF Inc.) fulfilled its five year Probationary Period and became fully recognized as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization in compliance with the Internal Revenue Service.
With a full time Executive Director, the organization continues to grow and strengthen its education purpose.
In 2007, to better access appropriate funding opportunities, OWNWMI changed its operating Fiscal Year from calendar’ to July-June.

And changed our name to better reflect what we do.

Filing a half year IRS990 in June 2007, this Report covers our activities from January 2007 – December 2008.
This has been a challenging period for many reasons – realizing both successes and obstacles – but we are ever mindful of our Mission Statement.
As northern Michigan mirrors the same economic struggles as our nation – the importance of maintaining a focus on our ‘out-of-sight’ wastewater infrastructure becomes ever more critical.
William Crawford. Chair. Director

William Crawford R.S Board Chair

Read the full 2007 Report below

Through a grant from Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, matched by the Joyce Foundation and participant ‘in-kind’ support, three meetings were scheduled to begin a process for developing a sustainable safe disposal and public education collaboration.

Northwest Michigan is a water rich tapestry of wetlands, rivers, streams, lakes and bays – all connected via groundwater. Our health and economy rely upon preserving this resource.

Although there is still considerable debate concerning the cumulative effects of human and agricultural pharmaceutical residues – as witnessed by the disposal guidelines issued by US Fish And Wildlife Service and Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America – their presence in area water sources is of considerable concern.
In addition, and of equal concern to local law enforcement, is the illicit and illegal use of stolen or scavenged unused pharmaceutical products by area drug addicts.

Moderator was Dr. Richard Otis P.E Ph.D., DEE. (Onsite Wastewater Technical and Engineering Consultant.) Dr. Otis is a key participant in developing the EPA Voluntary Guidelines for Responsible Management of Onsite Systems. Dr. Otis has been involved in research and demonstration of wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal alternatives including development of alternative natural treatment systems and alternative collection sewers and assessment of the environmental impact of these technologies since 1970.