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1. What is MSO and how was it started?

MSO is a non-profit organization registered with the Missouri Secretary of State that is dedicated to the development and implementation of technology and educational and regulatory programs for the collection, treatment and disposal of commercial and residential wastewater for on-site and small discharging wastewater systems. MSO was incorporated in May, 1995. A set of By-Laws was drafted and then accepted by a six member Board of Directors on June 2, 1995.

Members of the Board of Directors serve two year terms. Three directors are elected on even years and four directors are elected on odd years.

Officers serve one year terms. Officers are elected by the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting.

Annual meetings of the membership will be held during the month of February unless otherwise designated by the Board of Directors.

2. Why was MSO started?

Prior to incorporated MSO, a group of individuals concerned about the future of on-site and small wastewater disposal in Missouri began discussing ways to improve education and communications among individuals interested in small wastewater flows. While there are professional organizations in the state whose members deal with various aspects of wastewater disposal, no single organization incorporates all of the areas of interest associated with on-site and small wastewater treatment disposal. In addition, the passage of a new state law (SB-446) regulating the design and construction of on-site sewage systems increases the need for education, training and communications among all people involved in this technical area. "Smallflows" was defined as on-site sewage treatment and disposal or systems that treated and discharged less than 100,000 gallons per day. The organization was launched.

3. Objectives of MSO.

The objectives of MSO are incorporated in Article 1 of its By-Laws, which are listed below.

Provide a non-profit organization consisting of membership of excavation contractors, general contractors, homebuilders, persons from governmental agencies, engineers, educators and members from business and industry that are dedicated to the development and implementation of technology and education and regulatory programs for the treatment, collection and disposal of commercial and residential wastewater.

Provide a network of and for professionals experienced in research, design, construction and installation of on-site and small (discharging under 100,000 gallons per day) wastewater systems.

Develop educational documents and programs that will help form the materials for ongoing training and certification of persons involved in the design, installation, maintenance and regulation of on-site and small wastewater treatment and disposal.

Actively participate in public and private efforts in development and acceptance of new and improved practices, policies, laws and regulations for on-site and small wastewater treatment and disposal.

Develop, sponsor and support programs to improve on-site and small wastewater treatment and disposal, including obtaining donations from industry, members, grant programs and other related organizations for the purpose of exploring new technology while expanding and educating the organizations membership.

MSO can, as the By-Laws state, actively participate in public and private efforts to improve laws, regulations, policies in the smallflow wastewater field. Information and a strong membership is a powerful tool. That tool is ours as members of MSO.

4. Benefits of MSO Membership

The primary objective of MSO is to be a forum for the sharing of information and education for those individuals involved in smallflow wastewater disposal. These benefits are provided on a tangible level through the following:

Members of MSO will receive a newsletter that will describe new technology that is available, inform members of possible legislative action dealing with smallflow wastewater disposal and bring members up to date on MSO activities.

Each MSO member will be placed on the National Small Flows Clearinghouse mail list (an unaffiliated organization). The National Small Flows Clearinghouse publishes a newsletter that can provide some insights into new (and sometimes older) technology.