About Us...


Developing and implementing effective training to:

• Protect and Improve the quality of Montana's water and
• Preserve the public investment in water and wastewater systems
  
  MISSION
  

  The Montana Environmental Training Center (METC) is a training organization whose goals are to provide a base for state training coordination, to develop and implement effective training, and to provide technical guidance for water and wastewater operators and other environmental and public health professionals. This process contributes to preserving the large public investment in water and wastewater systems and to protecting and improving the quality of Montana's environment.
  
  
  HISTORY
  
  Montana State University-Northern and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) began cooperative efforts in 1988 to establish METC. As a result of those efforts an EPA 109(b) grant was awarded to establish a training center and purchase equipment and supplies. The grant is administered by MSU-Northern with support from MDEQ's Technical and Financial Assistance Bureau and Community Services Bureau.
  
  
  TRAINING & EDUCATION

1. Providing basic and advanced training to water and wastewater operators and other environmental professionals.
2. Providing state-wide entry level training and continuing education in the areas of operation and maintenance, regulation, financing, administration, safety, and basic science.
3. Preparing, publishing, and distributing an annual training calendar.
4. Coordinating with other water quality related training entities.
5. Supporting and upgrading Montana's established Operator Certification Program.
6. Providing a quarterly newsletter and training announcement.
7. Maintaining a water quality related clearinghouse of information.
   
   STEERING COMMITTEE
   
   A five member committee provides policy direction and guidance to METC. Two members from MSU-Northern, two members from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, and one elected at-large member make up the committee.

   Previous at-large members have included an executive water/wastewater training director, a wastewater system operator, wastewater system superintendents, and a rural utility management specialists.
   
   CURRENT MEMBERS
   
   Jenny Chambers            jchambers@mt.gov

   Bill Bahr                        bbahr@mt.gov

   Gregg Hester                 ghester@msun.edu       

   Carol Reifschneider        Reifschneider@msun.edu

   Kevin Kundert                kevin@etrainonline.com

   
   ADVISORY COMMITTEE
   

   A diverse group representing small and large water and wastewater system operators, rural technical assistance programs, educational institutions, engineers, sanitarians, and the state water and wastewater certification program make up the advisory committee.

   The advisory committee meets annually to review METC activities, and offers recommendations for training improvements, dates, and locations for the annual training calendar.

   
   METC STAFF
   

   The METC Director coordinates and implements effective training programs with guidance from METC's Steering Committee, Janice Brady, The Dean, and Extended Studies at MSU-Northern.
   
   Current Staff Members:
   
   Gary Hall  Director
   
   
   Contact us for more info