Two national experts will share their experiences with low-cost, small-scale decentralized water and wastewater treatment opportunities later this month at the county government center.

They are Jim Ridgway, vice president and regional manager for Environmental Consulting & Technology Inc., and David Flowers, of Natural Water Solutions, LLC.

Ridgway and Flowers will explain how others have addressed the challenges of getting high-quality effluent out of small-scale, low-maintenance systems. The speakers have experience working in Michigan, Nebraska, Delaware, Maryland, Wisconsin, Oregon, Massachusetts, California, Illinois and New York, and the nations of Sri Lanka, Mexico and South Korea.

Ridgway holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in environmental science from the University of Michigan, and a second bachelor’s degree in atmospheric and oceanic sciences from U-M. He is a registered professional engineer in Michigan, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia, and a certified underground storage tank professional in Michigan.

Flowers holds a bachelor of science in civil and environmental engineering from Clarkston University and is a registered professional engineer in Michigan and Wisconsin. He is also a certified Grade 4A wastewater treatment plan operator in New York, a certified Grade IV wastewater collection systems operator in New England, and a certified engineer with the American Academy of Environmental Engineers.

Ridgway and Flowers will speak at 3 and 7 p.m. in the lower level meeting room of the government center on March 24.

There is no cost to attend. Those planning to attend are asked to registered in advance by calling 256-9812 or via email with khall@co.leelanau.mi.us.

The event is sponsored by the Leelanau County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and the Michigan Association of Counties.