PERMANENT RULES
Date of Adoption: December 1, 1999.
Purpose: Protect public health and the state's waters by insuring a minimum level of competency of individuals responsible for operating domestic wastewater treatment plants. The rule establishes minimum standards for obtaining and maintaining a wastewater operator certificate.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending chapter 173-230 WAC, Certification of operators of wastewater treatment plants.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter 70.95B RCW, Domestic waste treatment plants -- Operators.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 99-12-038 on May 26, 1999 and WSR 99-13-101 on June 15, 1999.
Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: Amended the definitions for extended aeration and tertiary treatment for clarification. Amended the conditions when a temporary certificate may be requested to when an individual vacates the position. Amended the considerations when rating a wastewater plant to include a plant that is less complex to operate.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 1, Amended 12, Repealed 2.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0. Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.
December 1, 1999
Tom Fitzsimmons
Director
OTS-3091.2
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 87-36, filed 10/23/87)
WAC 173-230-010
((General.)) What is the purpose of this
regulation?
((One of the basic requirements of the Wastewater
Treatment Plant Operator Certification Act of 1973 (chapter 139,
Laws of 1973) (chapter 70.95B RCW) is to have every operator in
responsible charge of a wastewater treatment plant certified at a
level equal to or higher than the classification rating of the
treatment plant being operated. Certification under this act is
available to all individuals who can meet the minimum
qualifications for a given classification. Operating personnel
not required to be certified by chapter 70.95B RCW are encouraged
to become certified on a voluntary basis.)) When wastewater
treatment plants are properly operated, public health and the
state's waters are protected. Operators must meet minimum
standards to assure they are competent to operate and maintain
wastewater treatment plants. This rule establishes the
requirements for obtaining a wastewater certificate and for the
level of certificate required for an operator in responsible
charge of a treatment plant. An operator in responsible charge
of a wastewater treatment plant must be certified at a level that
is equal to or greater than the classification of the wastewater
treatment plant.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.95B.040. 87-22-006 (Order 87-36), § 173-230-010, filed 10/23/87. Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.95B RCW. 82-09-056 (Order DE 82-07), § 173-230-010, filed 4/16/82. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.95B.040. 78-11-016 (Order DE 78-16), § 173-230-010, filed 10/11/78; Order 73-30, § 173-230-010, filed 11/9/73.]
(1) (("Board" means the water
and wastewater operators certification board of examiners
established by RCW 70.95B.070.
(2))) "Activated sludge process" means a biological wastewater treatment process in which a mixture of wastewater and activated sludge is agitated and aerated. The activated sludge is subsequently separated from the treated wastewater by sedimentation and wasted or returned to the process as needed.
(2) "Biofiltration" means the process of passing a liquid through a biological filter that contains fixed media on surfaces which develop zoogleal films that absorb and adsorb fine suspended, colloidal, and dissolved solids and release end products of biochemical action.
(3) "Certificate" means the certificate of competency issued by the director stating that an individual has met the requirements for a specific classification in the wastewater treatment plant operator's certification program.
(((3))) (4) "Certificate holder" means the individual to
whom a certificate is issued.
(((4))) (5) "CEU" means continuing education unit ((which))
that is a nationally recognized unit of measurement similar to
college credit. One CEU is awarded for every ten contact hours
of participation in an organized continuing education experience
under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified
instruction.
(((5))) (6) "College credits" means credits earned toward a
college degree or in course work that is relevant to the
operation of a wastewater treatment plant. College ((shall))
credit also means CEUs. Forty-five CEUs equals forty-five
quarter credits equals thirty semester credits.
(((6))) (7) "Department" means the Washington state
department of ecology.
(((7))) (8) "Director" means the director of the department
of ecology or the director's designee.
(((8))) (9) "Extended aeration" means a modification of the
activated sludge process that uses long aeration periods and long
mean cell residence times for aerobic digestion of the biological
mass by endogenous respiration and promotes the growth of
nitrifying organisms.
(10) "GED" means a General Education Development certificate issued by a recognized education institution. A GED is equivalent to a high school diploma.
(((9))) (11) "Group" and "class" for the purpose of operator
certification and wastewater treatment plant classification
((shall mean)) are the same.
(((10))) (12) "Lagoon" means any large holding or detention
pond, usually with earthen dikes that is used to contain
wastewater while sedimentation and biological stabilization
occurs.
(13) "OIT" means operator-in-training. This is the entry level certification classification offered by the department.
(((11))) (14) "Operating experience" means the routine
performance of duties, on-site in a wastewater treatment plant,
that affect plant performance ((and/))or effluent quality.
(((12))) (15) "Operator" means an individual who performs
routine duties, on-site at a wastewater treatment plant
((which)), that affect plant performance ((and/))or effluent
quality.
(((13))) (16) "Operator in charge of each shift" means the
individual on-site at a wastewater treatment plant whose primary
responsibility is to operate the wastewater treatment plant on a
regularly run shift. The operator in charge of each shift
((shall be)) is subordinate to the operator in responsible
charge.
(((14))) (17) "Operator in responsible charge" means the
individual who is routinely on-site and in direct charge of the
overall operation of a wastewater treatment plant.
(((15))) (18) "Owner" means in the case of:
• A town or city, the city or town acting through its chief
executive officer or the lessee if operated ((pursuant to)) under
a lease or contract; ((in the case of))
• A county, the chairman of the county legislative
authority or the chairman's designee; ((in the case of))
• A sewer district, board of public utilities, association,
municipality or other public body, the president or chairman of
the body or the president's or chairman's designee; ((in the case
of))
• A privately owned wastewater treatment plant, the legal owner.
(((16))) (19) "Primary wastewater treatment" means unit
processes consisting of one or more of the following: Screening,
comminution and grinding, flotation, precipitation, sludge
pumping, and disinfection. Treatment consists of clarification
followed by removal, treatment, and disposal of sludge.
(20) "Reciprocity" means the exchange of a valid out-of-state wastewater treatment plant operator's certificate achieved by passing a written examination for an equivalent level of certification without further examination.
(((17))) (21) "Tertiary" means advanced physical/chemical or
biological treatment of wastewater significantly beyond the
conventional secondary stage to remove additional suspended and
dissolved substances. These substances may include phosphorus
and nitrogen, a high percentage of suspended solids, dissolved
inorganic solids, toxic compounds, microorganisms, and complex
organic compounds.
(22) "Wastewater certification program coordinator" means an
employee of the department who is appointed by the director ((to
serve on the board)) and who administers the wastewater treatment
plant operator certification program.
(((18))) (23) "Wastewater collection system" means any
system of lines, pipes, manholes, pumps, liftstations, or other
facilities used to collect and transport wastewater.
(((19))) (24) "Wastewater treatment plant" means a facility
used to treat any liquid or waterborne waste of domestic origin
or a combination of domestic, commercial or industrial origin,
and ((which)) that, by its design, requires the presence of an
operator for its operation. It ((shall)) does not include any
facility used exclusively by a single family residence, septic
tanks with subsoil absorption, industrial wastewater treatment
plants, or wastewater collection systems.
(25) "Wetlands treatment" means those wetlands intentionally constructed and managed for the primary purpose of wastewater treatment.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.95B.040. 87-22-006 (Order 87-36), § 173-230-020, filed 10/23/87. Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.95B RCW. 82-09-056 (Order DE 82-07), § 173-230-020, filed 4/16/82. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.95B.040. 78-11-016 (Order DE 78-16), § 173-230-020, filed 10/11/78; Order 73-30, § 173-230-020, filed 11/9/73.]
(((1) After July 1, 1974, it shall be unlawful
for any person, firm, corporation, municipal corporation or other
governmental subdivision or agency to operate a wastewater
treatment plant unless the operator designated by the owner in
responsible charge of the plant holds a valid certificate of at
least the same classification as that of the wastewater treatment
plant being operated. When a wastewater treatment plant is
operated on more than one daily shift, the individual in charge
of each regularly run shift at the wastewater treatment plant
being operated shall also be certified.
(2) After January 1, 1989, it shall be unlawful to operate a wastewater treatment plant on more than one daily shift as described in subsection (1) of this section unless the operator in charge of each shift, as designated by the owner, is certified at a level not less than one class lower than the class of plant being operated. The operator in charge of each shift shall be subordinate to the operator in responsible charge of the plant who is certified at a level equal to or higher than the classification of the plant being operated.
(3) When a position required to be filled by a certified wastewater treatment plant operator as described herein is vacated due to a scheduled vacation or a short-term illness, these requirements may be waived temporarily at the director's discretion.)) This rule applies to anyone who owns or operates a wastewater treatment plant.
The operator in charge of the wastewater treatment plant must be certified at least at a level equal to or higher than the classification of the plant. When the plant is operated on more than one daily shift, the operator in charge of each shift must be certified at a level not lower than one level below the classification of the plant.
All individuals operating wastewater treatment plants who are not required to be certified are encouraged to seek certification.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.95B.040. 87-22-006 (Order 87-36), § 173-230-040, filed 10/23/87. Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.95B RCW. 82-09-056 (Order DE 82-07), § 173-230-040, filed 4/16/82. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.95B.040. 78-11-016 (Order DE 78-16), § 173-230-040, filed 10/11/78; Order 73-30, § 173-230-040, filed 11/9/73.]
(((1)
Application for certification to the various classifications of
wastewater treatment plant operator shall be filed with the
wastewater certification program coordinator. The wastewater
certification program coordinator shall make application forms
available upon request.
(2) Upon receipt of a completed application, the wastewater certification program coordinator shall screen the application against the following criteria to determine eligibility for examination or reciprocal certification.
(3) Certification requirements: Applicants for certification by examination or reciprocity must meet the minimum education and operating experience requirements or equivalents set forth below:
Classification |
Education |
Experience |
OIT |
High school diploma |
3 months |
diploma |
||
diploma |
||
diploma plus two years college |
||
diploma plus four years college |
(a) Applicants for Group I certification may not substitute
equivalent work experience or college for any portion of the
operating experience requirement.
(b) At least half of the operating experience requirement for Class II, III, or IV certification must be gained on-site, in a wastewater treatment plant with a classification rating not less than one class lower than the class of certification desired.
(c) College claimed by an applicant for certification shall be credited toward the certification requirements only when documented on a transcript or a certificate of completion.
(4) Equivalent education
(a) A GED is equivalent to a high school diploma.
(b) One year of excess operating experience may be substituted for one year of high school or two years of grade school - no limit.
(c) Applicants for Group III and IV certification may substitute one year of excess operating experience for one year of college for up to half of the college requirement.
(a) OIT applicants may substitute three CEUs or equivalent for the operating experience requirement provided the CEUs are earned upon completion of coursework in wastewater treatment plant operation.
(b) Applicants for Group II certification may substitute up to one and one-half years of college for one and one-half years of the operating experience requirement.
(c) Applicants for Group III and IV certification may substitute up to two years of excess college for two years of the operating experience requirement.
(d) Applicants may substitute work experience in the fields identified below for up to half of the operating experience requirement for Group II, III, and IV certification at a rate determined by the board:
In the event an applicant for Group III or IV certification cannot meet the minimum college education requirements or equivalents set forth in subsections (3), (4), and (5) of this section, the board shall consider the applicants eligibility for certification using the following substitution formula:
(8) Group IV applications shall be submitted to the board for approval prior to scheduling for examination.
(9) If an examination is required, the wastewater certification program coordinator shall notify, schedule, and examine all applicants for certification.)) (1) There are five levels of certification offered by the department to individuals who meet minimum qualifications. Those minimum qualifications include required levels of education and experience.
(2)
| Qualification Requirements for Operator Certification | ||||
| Certification level | Education required | Experience required | Substitutions allowed for education | Substitutions allowed for experience |
| Operator-in-Training | High school diploma or GED | 3 months | One year of excess operating experience may be used for one year of high school or two years of grade school. | May use 3 college credits or CEUs in course work related to wastewater treatment plant operation for experience. |
| Group I | High school diploma or GED | 1 year | One year of excess operating experience may be used for one year of high school or two years of grade school. | None. |
| Group II | High school diploma or GED | 3 years | One year of excess operating experience may be used for one year of high school or two years of grade school. | May use relevant work experience or credits or CEUs for one year and six months of the operating experience. |
| Group III | High school diploma or GED and 2 years of college (90 credits or CEUs) | 4 years with at least 2 years operating experience at a Class II plant | May use excess operating experience for college at a rate of one year of excess operating experience for half of the college (one year). Three years of excess operating experience may be used for the second year of college. | May use relevant work experience and/or excess credits for 2 years of the operating experience. |
| Group IV | High school diploma or GED and 4 years of college (180 credits or CEUs) | 4 years with at least 2 years at a Class III plant | May use excess operating experience for college at a rate of one year of excess operating experience for one year of college for up to half of the college (two years). Three years of excess operating experience may be substituted for one year of college. This rate may be used for the remaining two years of college. | May use excess operating experience for credits. May use related work experience and/or excess credits for 2 years of the operating experience. |
(3) Relevant work experience may be substituted for up to one-half of the operating experience required to qualify for the Group II, III and IV levels. This includes:
(a) Environmental or operations consultant;
(b) Environmental or an engineering branch of federal, state, county, or local government;
(c) Wastewater collection system operator;
(d) Water distribution system operator and/or manager;
(e) Wastewater pump station operator; or
(f) Water treatment plant operator.
Other related work experience may include building and equipment maintenance, boiler operation, machinist, laboratory technician, engineering, welding, or other related fields on a case-by-case basis with a written description of the duties performed on the job by the applicant.
(4) College credits substituted for an operating experience requirement cannot also be applied to the education requirement.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.95B.040. 87-22-006 (Order 87-36), § 173-230-061, filed 10/23/87. Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.95B RCW. 82-09-056 (Order DE 82-07), § 173-230-061, filed 4/16/82.]
Any person seeking certification must submit a completed application and fees to the department. Application forms are available from the wastewater certification program coordinator.
Applicants must meet minimum education and experience requirements to be eligible for examination or reciprocity. Applicants accepted for examination will be scheduled and notified of the date, place, time, and cost of the examination.
If the application is denied, the applicant will be notified of the reason for the denial.
[]
(1) The ((board shall prepare
written examinations to be used in determining)) department will
use written examinations to determine the competency of
operators. If examinations are prepared by an organization other
than the department, the applicant shall pay any costs associated
with the use of the exam.
(2) Examinations ((shall)) will be held at least three times
annually at places and times set by the ((board)) department. ((These examinations shall be held on the first Monday of
February, June, and October each year. In the event the exam
date falls on a holiday, the examination shall be rescheduled by
the wastewater certification program coordinator.))
(3) ((All examinations shall be graded by the wastewater
certification program coordinator and)) The wastewater
certification program coordinator or designee will score all
exams. The applicant ((shall)) will be notified of the score
((attained and pass or fail)). Examinations ((shall)) will not
be returned to the applicant.
(4) ((An applicant who fails to pass an examination may be
reexamined at the next scheduled examination with no additional
application or fee.)) Certificates will be issued to applicants
who pass a written examination.
(5) An applicant who fails to pass ((a second)) the
examination ((as provided for in WAC 173-230-070(4))) must
reapply for further examination ((as provided for in WAC 173-230-090(2))). No individual will be allowed to retake the
same examination more than twice consecutively. ((After two
consecutive examinations, one examination period must be skipped.
(6) The board shall forward its recommendations for certification of those examined to the director.))
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.95B.040. 87-22-006 (Order 87-36), § 173-230-070, filed 10/23/87. Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.95B RCW. 82-09-056 (Order DE 82-07), § 173-230-070, filed 4/16/82; Order 73-30, § 173-230-070, filed 11/9/73.]
An owner may request a temporary certificate for an individual when the designated certified operator unexpectedly vacates the position. This request must be made in writing to the wastewater certification coordinator and must include an application and fee. The department may issue a temporary certificate at its discretion. A temporary certificate may not exceed a one-year period, is nonrenewable, and cannot be transferred to another individual.
(1) Except ((as provided for in WAC 173-230-050 (2)(c), the
term for any certificate or renewal thereof shall be from the
first of January of the year of issuance until the thirty-first
of)) for a temporary certificate, a certificate is valid from
January 1 until December 31 of the same year or the year
designated by the department.
(2) Except ((as provided in WAC 173-230-050 (2)(c), all))
for a temporary certificate, a certificate((s shall be)) is
renewable ((upon presentation of evidence that)) only when the
certificate holder demonstrates and provides documentation to the
department of continued professional growth in the field. The
department ((shall)) will mail renewal notices to all certificate
holders eligible ((for renewal prior to the date)) to renew
before the certificate expires.
(3) ((In order to demonstrate continued professional growth
in the field,)) Each certificate holder must accomplish one of
the following activities during a three-year period ending
December 31, 1979, and each three-year period ((thereafter))
after that date.
(a) Accumulate a minimum of three CEUs or college credits in coursework relevant to the field;
(b) Advance by exam to a higher level of certification in
Washington's wastewater treatment plant operator's certification
program. Advancement from OIT to Group I certification ((shall))
will not fulfill this requirement;
(c) Achieve certification by examination in the waterworks
certification program administered by the Washington department
of ((social and)) health ((services)) in the water treatment
plant operator, water distribution manager, or the cross
connection control specialist classifications;
(d) ((Achieve certification by examination in a different
classification of the waterworks certification program
administered by DSHS as shown below:
(4) It is the responsibility of each certificate holder to
((satisfy)) meet the ((continued)) professional growth
requirement ((on or)) and document that growth to the department
before December 31 of the last year of the three-year period
described in subsection (3) of this section. The department
((shall)) will mail a written notice to each certificate holder
who has not fulfilled the continued professional growth
requirement. If this requirement is not satisfied, the
certificate ((shall)) is not ((be)) renewable. Failure to renew
a certificate for any reason ((shall)) will be handled as
described in WAC 173-230-100.
(5) ((On and after January 1, 1989,)) The department may
collect renewal fees for a period not to exceed three calendar
years. The department ((shall)) will notify certificate holders
who are eligible for renewal as described in subsection (2) of
this section the amount of fees owed and the date ((by which))
the fees must be paid.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.95B.040. 87-22-006 (Order 87-36), § 173-230-080, filed 10/23/87. Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.95B RCW. 82-09-056 (Order DE 82-07), § 173-230-080, filed 4/16/82; Order 73-30, § 173-230-080, filed 11/9/73.]
(1) ((Except for applications for
certificates under WAC 173-230-050 (2)(a),)) Applications for
certification by examination or reciprocity or a temporary
certificate will be accepted for processing only when accompanied
by a fee of fifty dollars. ((Applications for certification by
reciprocity will be accepted for processing only when accompanied
by a fee of fifty dollars.))
(2) ((Except as provided under WAC 173-230-070(4),))
Applications for reexamination will be accepted for processing
only when accompanied by an application fee ((of fifty dollars)).
The department may waive a portion of the application fee for
reexamination.
(3) ((In the event an application for certification is
denied, the department may reimburse up to half the fee amount
provided the department receives a written request for
reimbursement within thirty days after the letter of denial is
mailed.)) Application fees are nonrefundable.
(4) Applications for certificate renewals will be accepted for processing only when accompanied by a renewal fee of thirty dollars for each year of renewal.
(5) All receipts ((hereunder shall)) will be paid into the
state general fund.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.95B.090 (1) and (2) and chapter 70.95B RCW. 91-13-058 (Order 90-61), § 173-230-090, filed 6/17/91, effective 7/18/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.95B.040. 87-22-006 (Order 87-36), § 173-230-090, filed 10/23/87; 78-11-016 (Order DE 78-16), § 173-230-090, filed 10/11/78; Order 73-30, § 173-230-090, filed 11/9/73.]
(1) When a certificate is not renewed, ((such certificate, upon
notice by the director, shall be)) the director will notify the
certificate holder that the certificate is suspended for sixty
days. If ((renewal of)) the certificate is not ((completed))
renewed during the suspension period, the director ((shall)) will
mail a written notice of revocation to the ((certificate holder's
employer)) owner of the wastewater treatment plant employing the
individual as last known by the department and to the certificate
holder at the address last known by the department. ((This)) The
notice of revocation ((shall)) mailed to the certificate holder
will be sent by certified mail. If, during the revocation notice
period, the certificate is not renewed, the certificate ((shall))
will be revoked ten days after ((such)) the notice is mailed.
(2) Certificates may also be revoked when ((the board so
recommends to)) the director((, upon finding)) finds:
(a) Fraud or deceit in obtaining the certificate.
(b) Gross negligence in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant.
(c) Violation of the requirements of this chapter or the statute it implements or of any lawful rule, regulation or order of the department.
(3) No revocation ((shall)) will be made under subsection
(2) of this section unless the operator has been notified that
revocation is proposed, ((has)) been advised of the ((grounds
therefor)) reason and ((has)) been given an opportunity to appear
before the ((board)) director and be heard on the matter.
(4) ((Whenever an individual's certificate is revoked, the
individual shall not be certified again until he or she has
applied for certification pursuant to WAC 173-230-061 paid the
application fee, and passed the written examination for the
classification of certification desired.)) A certificate will be
suspended immediately when the director is notified by the
department of social and health services that a person is not in
compliance with a support order or a residential or visitation
order. If the person has continued to meet all other
requirements for reinstatement during the suspension, the
certificate will be reissued when the director is notified by the
department of social and health services that the person is in
compliance with the order.
If a certificate is revoked, the individual must meet all conditions of certification including application, fees, and passing a written examination to become certified.
(5) If revocation was made ((pursuant)) due to subsection
(2) of this section, the operator ((shall)) will not be eligible
to reapply for a certificate for one year from the date the
revocation became final.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.95B.040. 87-22-006 (Order 87-36), § 173-230-100, filed 10/23/87. Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.95B RCW. 82-09-056 (Order DE 82-07), § 173-230-100, filed 4/16/82. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.95B.040. 78-11-016 (Order DE 78-16), § 173-230-100, filed 10/11/78; Order 73-30, § 173-230-100, filed 11/9/73.]
The director may((, with the
approval of the board,)) waive examinations for applicants
holding valid wastewater treatment plant operators certificates
or licenses issued by other states ((having)) that have
equivalent standards as determined by the ((board)) department or
its designee.
(1) Applications for reciprocity will be considered for
approval only when the department receives ((written))
confirmation from the certifying authority of the state or
province in which the applicant is certified((,)) that the
certificate is currently valid and was earned by passing a
written examination. A copy of the exam passed by the applicant
must also be released for review by the ((board)) department or
its designee.
(2) ((The board shall review and compare out-of-state
examinations with Washington's exams to determine at which level
the exam is most equivalent.
(3))) Certificates ((shall)) will be issued to each
reciprocity applicant who meets the minimum education and
experience requirements ((set forth in WAC 173-230-061)) for the
certification level requested and who passes a written
examination comparable to Washington's exam as determined ((by
the board)) and approved by the director.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.95B.040. 87-22-006 (Order 87-36), § 173-230-110, filed 10/23/87. Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.95B RCW. 82-09-056 (Order DE 82-07), § 173-230-110, filed 4/16/82; Order 73-30, § 173-230-110, filed 11/9/73.]
Decisions of the director under
this chapter may be appealed within thirty days from the date of
notice ((thereof)) to the pollution control hearings board
((pursuant to)) as required by chapter 43.21B RCW and chapter 371-08 WAC.
[Order 73-30, § 173-230-120, filed 11/9/73.]
Violation of this chapter is a
misdemeanor. Each day of operation in violation ((hereof))
constitutes a separate offense. Upon conviction, violators are
subject to fines not exceeding one hundred dollars for each
offense. Injunctions may be obtained for continuing violations.
[Order 73-30, § 173-230-130, filed 11/9/73.]
((Wastewater treatment plants are classified in four
groups, according to the total point rating as derived from the
items listed below. Assignment of points for wastewater
treatment plants shall be made by the director.
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EQUIVALENT (P.E.) . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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0.2 lbs BOD/person/day |
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chemicals . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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removal . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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regeneration) . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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regeneration) . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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secondary treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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purposes . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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When a wastewater treatment plant handles a complex waste or
a unique treatment process that is not reflected in the
classification system, the director upon recommendations of the
board may establish a classification consistent with the intent
of the above classification system.)) The director shall classify
all wastewater treatment plants according to the following
criteria.
| Treatment Plant Classification Criteria | ||
| Treatment type | Design flow MGD | Classification |
| Primary | ≤ 1 | I |
| > 1 ≤ 10 | II | |
| > 10 ≤ 20 | III | |
| > 20 | IV | |
| Lagoon (Nonaerated) | All | I |
| Lagoon (Aerated) | ≤ 1 | I |
| > 1 | II | |
| Biofiltration | ≤ 1 | II |
| > 1 ≤ 10 | III | |
| > 10 | IV | |
| Extended aeration | ≤ 5 | II |
| > 5 | III | |
| Activated sludge | ≤ 1 | II |
| > 1 ≤ 10 | III | |
| > 10 | IV | |
| Wetlands | ≤ 1 | I |
| > 1 ≤ 5 | II | |
| > 5 | III | |
| Tertiary | ≤ 5 | III |
| > 5 | IV | |
Plants may be classified in a group different than indicated in this section if:
(1) They have characteristics that make operation less complex or more difficult than other similar plants of the same flow range; or
(2) The conditions of flow or the use of the receiving waters require an unusually high degree of plant operational control; or
(3) They use an approved method of wastewater treatment that is not included in this section.
Beginning January 2000, the department may issue a one-time provisional certificate to the certified operator in responsible charge of a plant or the certified operator in charge of a shift at the plant only if the plant's rating level increased solely due to the adoption of the treatment type and design flow rating system. The provisional certificate will not apply if the rating of a plant increases due to an upgrade, to a change to treatment processes, or to flow. The provisional certificate will be issued only for the operation of a specific plant and may not be transferred if that certified operator leaves employment with that plant.
The holder of a provisional certificate must continue to meet all certificate renewal requirements.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.95B.040. 87-22-006 (Order 87-36), § 173-230-140, filed 10/23/87; 78-11-016 (Order DE 78-16), § 173-230-140, filed 10/11/78; Order 73-30, § 173-230-140, filed 11/9/73.]
The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed:
| WAC 173-230-030 | Duties of the board. |
| WAC 173-230-050 | Certification prerequisites. |