SEWAGE SOLUTIONS
May 7 - 11 2007

CAT is a UK leader in the field of natural sewage treatment and recycling of sewage, and has several systems in operation. This course is suitable for those who are looking for an alternative to he septic tank. The first part of he course covers dry sewage systems (including waterless urinals) and examines the theoretical and practical information needed to install a compost toilet system that you would be happy to have in your bathroom. The second part looks at aquatic plant treatment / reed bed systems and how plants can be used to absorb nutrients sources of energy.

PART 1 - DRY TOILETS
Monday May 7 2007
1600 onwards - arrival. Please ask at Reception or in the Restaurant for directions to your room
1800 Supper
1900 Introduction to the Centre, the course and each other

Tuesday May 8
0830 Breakfast
0915 Introduction to compost toilets - types of dry toilet and how they work
1030 Coffee
1100 Compost toilet design details - maintenance, trouble shooting, sizing
1300 Lunch
1400 Guided tour of CAT's many compost toilet systems
1600 Tea
1630 Dealing with grey water - waste or resource?
1800 Supper
1900 Weird and wonderful toilets from around the world

Wednesday May 9
0830 Breakfast
0915 Compost toilet practical
1100 Coffee
1130 Group consultancy - real life case studies and design of compost toilet solutions
1300 Lunch

PART TWO - IF YOUR SEWAGE IS WET
1400 First things first -reducing flows and cutting costs
1600 Tea
1630 Introduction to independent domestic sewage treatment
1800 Supper
1900 Global water and sanitation issues - guest lecture

Thursday May 10
0830 Breakfast
0915 Alternative sewage treatment systems
1030 Coffee
1100 Alternative sewage treatment systems continued
1300 Lunch
1400 Guided tour of CAT's sewage treatment systems
1600 Tea
1630 Practical work
1800 Supper

Friday May 11
0830 Breakfast
0915 Group consultancy - real live case studies This session will provide a more detailed examination of specific sites and situations as presented by participants. The comparison of different situations is often enlightening for would-be installers, who often realise they have been asking the wrong question, or have failed to spot certain possibilities that could save them alot of time, trouble and money. At the end of this session participants should be able to design a functioning system for their own situation with a good chance that it will actually work.
1045 Coffee
1115 Presenting ideas and feedback
1300 Lunch then depart

COURSE FEES
£595 - High waged £460 - Waged £275 - Non waged
As a Charity we have to charge a realistic rate for our courses, but we do not want to exclude people because of cost. We have therefore designed a tiered price structure. Please assess yourself as to which rate to pay and indicate on the booking form when you send your deposit. If we do not have this information you will be automatically be invoiced for the high waged rate

COURSE TUTORS
Marcus Zipperlin Head of Biology CAT.
Judith Thornton (DPhil) is a water and sewage consultant with Water Works - Wales Water and Sewage Services based in Mid Wales. She has worked with the Centre for Alternative Technology since 1999, until recently as Head of Biology, and currently as tutor on the MSc Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies. Judith has installed a variety of systems, including reed beds, compost toilets and private water supplies. She is author of the CAT publication The Water Book'.

TO RESERVE A PLACE

  • Send a £100 non returnable deposit (cheque made payable to CAT Charity Ltd) to the Course Administrator, CAT, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 9AZ
  • Ring with your credit card details 01654 70 5981
  • Book online on the courses section of our website www.cat.org.uk
Food is vegetarian. We are usually able to cater for health related special diets with advanced warning. We have a 'no smoking' policy in buildings. There are a small number of single rooms available at an extra cost of £10 per night. Please indicate when you book if you would like a single room.

PAYMENT OF BALANCE
Before the course you will receive an information pack and an invoice for the balance.

CANCELLATION FEES
We regret that except in cases of illness supported by a doctor's note, we will make the following cancellation charges.

  • More than 6 weeks before the course - half the fee is forfeit
  • Less than 4 weeks before the course the full fee is forfeit
CAT reserves the right to cancel any courses. Should this be necessary, deposits and fees will be returned in full. CAT also reserves the right to modify the published programme.

JOSH BROWN BURSARY FUND
We have a Bursary Fund for people from 'less developed' countries. Details are available on our web site.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
The wearing of Personal Protective Equipment is obligatory. You will need to provide overalls and it is advisory to wear boots. CAT will provide other PPE.

ACCOMMODATION FOR NON PARTICIPANTS
Depending on course numbers it is sometimes possible to accommodate friends / family. The cost for a non-participant is £38 per day. Please contact the Course Co-ordinator about availability. We are unable to offer crèche facilities.

DIRECTIONS
CAT is 3 miles north of Machynlleth on the A487 and is clearly sign posted. To arrive by train you need to come via Shrewsbury to Machynlleth. You can walk to CAT from the station (about 45 minutes) or take a taxi. A single journey costs about £4-50. There are infrequent buses. CAT is registered on www.liftshare.com as a public group. If you require or can offer a lift, please check the website.

WHAT TO BRING
We provide bedding but you will need to bring a towel. A torch is useful for moving between buildings at night. It is also advisable to bring wet weather gear and strong footwear as we are based in an old slate quarry.

COURSE OFFICE (courses@cat.org.uk) 01654 705981
Bryony Benfield, Course Administrator. (courses@cat.org.uk)
John Kearney, Technical Course Co-ordinator (john.kearney@cat.org.uk)
Joan Randle Course Director (joan.randle@cat.org.uk)
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 9AZ