18VAC160-20 Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators Regulations

REGULATIONS

Vol. 26 Iss. 6 - November 23, 2009

TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING

BOARD FOR WATERWORKS AND WASTEWATER WORKS OPERATORS AND ONSITESEWAGE SYSTEM PROFESSIONALS

Chapter 20

Final Regulation

Title of Regulation: 18VAC160-20. Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators Regulations (amending 18VAC160-20-10 through 18VAC160-20-150; repealing 18VAC160-20-85).

Statutory Authority: §§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2301 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: January 1, 2010.

Agency Contact: David E. Dick, Executive Director, Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone [phone], FAX [phone], or email [e-mail].

Summary:

The amendments (i) add continuing professional education (CPE) as a requirement for wastewater works operator license renewal; (ii) specify that safety subjects may not count for more than one-half of the CPE requirement for both waterworks operator licenses and wastewater works operator licenses; (iii) allow the development and teaching of CPE courses to apply toward CPE credit; (iv) clarify the scope of the board's disciplinary authority over fraudulent attempts to obtain or renew a license; (v) delineate the types of waterworks and wastewater works facilities that may be operated by a Class 1 license holder; (vi) add distance learning to the definition of "structured training activity"; (vii) repeal the restricted Class VI waterworks license provisions; and (viii) make other changes for consistency and clarification purposes.

Changes since the proposed stage: (i) amend definitions to allow licensed operators to complete mandatory continuing education through distance learning, (ii) add a definition of "training credit or education credit" to prevent applicants from using classes completed toward a degree as an experience exemption for a license (because the degree was already taken into account under entry requirements), and (iii) clarify that continuing education requirements for wastewater works operators begin at the start of the next licensing cycle, which begins on March 1, 2010.

Summary of Public Comments and Agency's Response: A summary of comments made by the public and the agency's response may be obtained from the promulgating agency or viewed at the office of the Registrar of Regulations.

Part I
Definitions

18VAC160-20-10. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Alternative onsite sewage system" means a treatment works that is not a conventional onsite sewage system and does not result in a point source discharge.

"Alternative onsite sewage system installer" means an individual licensed by the board to construct, install, and repair conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems.

"Alternative onsite sewage system operator" means an individual licensed by the board to operate and maintain conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems.

"Alternative onsite soil evaluator" means an individual licensed by the board to evaluate soils and soil properties in relationship to the effect of these properties on the use and management of these soils as the locations for conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems, to certify in accordance with applicable state regulations and local ordinances that sites are suitable for conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems, and to design conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems suitable for the soils.

"Authorized onsite soil evaluator" or "AOSE" means an individual holding an authorized onsite soil evaluator certification issued by the Virginia Department of Health that was valid on June 30, 2009.

"Board" means the Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals or any successor agency.

"Category" means waterworks operator, wastewater works operator, onsite soil evaluator, onsite sewage system installer, and onsite sewage system operator.

"Classification" means the divisions of within each category of waterworks and wastewater works operators' licenses into classes where Class "I" "1" represents the highest classification.

"Classified facility" means a waterworks that has been granted a classification by the Virginia Department of Health or a wastewater works that has been granted a classification by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

"Contact hour" means 50 minutes of participation in a structured training activity.

"Continuing Professional Education (CPE)" means participation in a structured training activity that enables a licensee to maintain and increase the competence required to assure the public's protection.

"Conventional onsite sewage system" means a treatment works consisting of one or more septic tanks with gravity, pumped, or siphoned conveyance to a gravity distributed subsurface drain field.

"Conventional onsite sewage system installer" means an individual licensed to construct, install, and repair conventional onsite sewage systems.

"Conventional onsite sewage system operator" means an individual licensed by the board to operate and maintain a conventional onsite sewage system.

"Conventional onsite soil evaluator" means an individual licensed by the board to evaluate soils and soil properties in relationship to the effects of these properties on the use and management of these soils as the locations for conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems, to certify in accordance with applicable state regulations and local ordinances that sites are suitable for conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems, and to design conventional onsite sewage systems suitable for the soils.

"Department" means the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

"Direct supervision" means being responsible for the compliance with this chapter by any unlicensed individual who, for the purpose of obtaining the necessary competence to qualify for licensure, is engaged in activities requiring an operator, installer, or evaluator license.

"Direct supervisor" means a licensed operator, installer, or evaluator who undertakes the supervision of an unlicensed individual engaged in activities requiring a license for the purpose of obtaining the competence necessary to qualify for licensure and who shall be responsible for the unlicensed individual's full compliance with this chapter.

[ "Distance learning" means participation in a training activity, with or without interaction with an instructor, that utilizes DVD's, videos, or other audio/visual materials, or is computer-based. Documentation of distance learning must meet the requirements of 18VAC160-20-109 D. ]

"Experience" means time spent learning how to physically and theoretically operate the waterworks, wastewater works, or onsite sewage system as an operator-in-training or time spent operating a waterworks or wastewater works for which the operator is currently licensed for the purpose of obtaining the necessary competence to qualify for a specific license. Experience also means the time spent under the direct supervision of an authorized onsite soil evaluator, onsite soil evaluator licensee, onsite sewage system installer licensee or onsite site sewage system operator licensee for the purpose of obtaining the necessary competence to qualify for a specific license.

"Interim license" means a method of regulation whereby the board authorizes an unlicensed individual to engage in activities requiring a specific license provided for in this chapter for a limited time to obtain the necessary competence to qualify for that specific license.

"Interim licensee" means an individual holding a valid interim license.

"Licensed operator" means an operator with a license in the category of onsite sewage systems operator, waterworks operator, or wastewater works operator. For waterworks operators and wastewater works operators, the license classification must be equal to or higher than the classification of the waterworks or wastewater works being operated.

"Licensee" means an individual holding a valid license issued by the board.

"Licensure" means a method of regulation whereby the Commonwealth, through the issuance of a license, authorizes a person possessing the character and minimum skills to engage in the practice of a profession or occupation that is unlawful to practice without a license.

"Maintenance" or "maintain" means performing adjustments to equipment and controls and in-kind replacement of normal wear and tear parts such as light bulbs, fuses, filters, pumps, motors, or other like components. Maintenance includes pumping the tanks or cleaning the building sewer on a periodic basis. Maintenance shall not include replacement of tanks, drain field piping, distribution boxes, or work requiring a construction permit and a licensed onsite sewage system installer.

"Nonclassified facility" means a facility located in Virginia that has not been classified by the Virginia Department of Health or a facility that has not been classified by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

"Onsite sewage system" means a conventional onsite sewage system or an alternative onsite sewage system.

"Operate" means any act of an individual that may impact on the finished water quality at a waterworks, the plant effluent at a wastewater works, or the effluent at an onsite sewage system.

"Operating staff" means individuals employed or appointed by an owner to work at a waterworks or wastewater works.

"Operator" means any individual employed or appointed by any owner, and who is designated by such owner to be the person in responsible charge, such as a supervisor, a shift operator, or a substitute in charge, and whose duties include testing or evaluation to control waterworks, wastewater works operations, or to operate onsite sewage systems. Not included in this definition are superintendents or directors of public works, city engineers, or other municipal or industrial officials whose duties do not include the actual operation or direct supervision of waterworks or wastewater works.

"Operator-in-training" means an individual employed by an owner to work under the direct supervision and direction of an operator holding a valid license in the proper category and classification for the purpose of gaining experience and knowledge in the duties and responsibilities of an operator of a waterworks, wastewater works, or onsite sewage system. An operator-in-training is not an operator.

"Owner" means the Commonwealth of Virginia, or any political subdivision thereof, any public or private institution, corporation, association, or any other entity organized or existing under the laws of this Commonwealth or of any other state or nation, or any person or group of persons acting individually or as a group, who own, propose to own, manage, or maintain waterworks, wastewater works, or onsite sewage systems.

"Provisional licensee" means an individual holding a valid provisional license issued by the board.

"Provisional licensure" or "provisional license" means a method of regulation whereby the Commonwealth recognizes an individual as having met specific standards but who is not authorized to operate a classified facility until he has met the remaining requirements for licensure and has been issued a license.

"Renewal" means continuing the effectiveness of a license for another period of time.

"Responsible charge" means the designation by the owner of any individual to have the duty and the authority to operate a waterworks, wastewater works, or onsite sewage system.

"Sewage" means water-carried and nonwater-carried human excrement, kitchen, laundry, shower, bath or lavatory wastes separately or together with such underground, surface, storm or other water and liquid industrial wastes as may be present from residences, buildings, vehicles, industrial establishments or other places.

"Sewage handler" means any person who removes or contracts to remove and transports by vehicle the contents of any septic tank, sewage treatment plant, privy, holding tank, portable toilet, or other treatment or holding device, or any sewage, septage or sewage sludges and who is permitted under the Sewage Handling and Disposal Regulations (12VAC5-610) or successor regulation.

"Sewerage system" means pipelines or conduits, pumping stations and force mains, and all other construction, devices and appliances appurtenant thereto, used for the collection and conveyance of sewage to a treatment works or point of ultimate disposal, as defined in the Sewage Handling and Disposal Regulations (12VAC5-610).

"Structured training activity" means a formal educational process designed to permit a participant to learn a given subject or subjects through interaction with an instructor in a course, seminar, conference, [ distance learning, ] or other performance-oriented format [ , or distance learning ].

[ "Training credit or education credit" means a unit of board-approved training or formal education completed by an individual that may be used to substitute for experience when applying for a license. Formal education used to meet a specific education requirement for license entry cannot also be used as a training credit for experience substitution. ]

"Transportation" means the vehicular conveyance of sewage, as defined in § 32.1-163 of the Code of Virginia.

"Treatment works" means any device or system used in the storage, treatment, disposal or reclamation of sewage or combinations of sewage and industrial wastes including, but not limited to, pumping, power and other equipment and appurtenances, septic tanks and any works, including land, that are or will be (i) an integral part of the treatment process or (ii) used for ultimate disposal of residues or effluent resulting from such treatment.

"VDH" means Virginia Department of Health.

"Wastewater works" means a system of (i) sewerage systems or sewage treatment works serving more than 400 persons, as set forth in § 62.1-44.18 of the Code of Virginia; (ii) sewerage systems or sewage treatment works serving fewer than 400 persons, as set forth in § 62.1-44.18 of the Code of Virginia, if so certified by the State Water Control Board; and (iii) facilities for discharge into state waters of industrial wastes or other wastes, if certified by the State Water Control Board.

"Wastewater works operator" means any individual employed or appointed by any owner, who is designated by such owner to be the person in responsible charge, such as a supervisor, a shift operator, or a substitute in charge, and whose duties include testing or evaluation to control wastewater works operations. Superintendents or directors of public works, city engineers, or other municipal or industrial officials whose duties do not include the actual operation or direct supervision of wastewater works are not included in this definition.

"Waterworks" means a system that serves piped water for drinking or domestic use to (i) at least 15 connections or (ii) at least 25 of the same individuals for more than six months out of the year. The term waterworks shall include all structures, equipment, and appurtenances used in the storage, collection, purification, treatment and distribution of pure water, except the piping and fixtures inside the building where such water is delivered.

"Waterworks operator" means any individual employed or appointed by any owner, who is designated by such owner to be the person in responsible charge, such as a supervisor, a shift operator, or a substitute in charge, and whose duties include testing or evaluation to control waterworks operations. Superintendents or directors of public works, city engineers, or other municipal or industrial officials whose duties do not include the actual operation or direct supervision of waterworks are not included in this definition.

18VAC160-20-85. Restricted License of Class VI Waterworks. (Repealed.)

A. The board shall issue a restricted license to operate a Class VI waterworks to the Class VI waterworks owner or the Class VI waterworks owner's designee upon application for such restricted license by the waterworks owner or his designee and provided said application is received by February 15, 2003. Waterworks owners or their designees who fail to apply by February 15, 2003, must apply for a license pursuant to 18VAC160-20-90. A restricted license shall be limited to one license per Class VI waterworks facility. The restricted license is site specific and nontransferable. The restricted license expires three years from the date of issuance and is not subject to renewal.

B. Each applicant for a restricted license to operate a Class VI waterworks shall apply on the application form provided by the board which establishes that the applicant:

1. Is at least 18 years of age;

2. Has a high school diploma or G.E.D. and six months experience, or has no high school diploma or G.E.D. and has 12 months experience;

3. Is the current operator of a specific Class VI system and does not hold a waterworks license issued by the board; and

4. Understands that the restricted Class VI license that may be issued becomes invalid if he leaves the facility for which the license is sought or is issued a waterworks operator license in any other class.

18VAC160-20-90. Qualifications for licensure of waterworks operators and wastewater works operators.

A. Waterworks operator and wastewater works operator licensure is based upon having applicable experience and demonstrating minimum required knowledge, skills, and abilities through an examination. Education, training, and experience in the other category may be substituted for the required experience as specified in this section.

B. Experience. For purposes of this section, experience requirements are expressed in terms of calendar periods of full-time employment as an operator or as an operator-in-training at a waterworks or wastewater works in the same category as the license being applied for. All experience claimed on the application for licensure must be certified by the individual's immediate supervisor.

1. A year of full-time employment is defined as a minimum of 1,760 hours during a 12-month period or a minimum of 220 workdays in a 12-month period. A workday is defined as attendance at a waterworks or wastewater works to the extent required for proper operation. More than 1,760 hours or 220 work days during a 12-month period will not be considered as more than one year of full-time employment.

2. Experience gained as an operator-in-training must be obtained under the direct supervision of an operator holding a valid license of the same category and of a classification equal to or higher than the classification of the waterworks or wastewater works at which the experience is gained. The supervising operator direct supervisor shall certify the experience on the application form as accurate and relevant to the classification and category of license for which the application is being submitted. In the event that a licensed operator is not available to certify the experience on the application, the experience may be certified by a representative of the facility owner, as defined in 18VAC160-20-10, with first-hand knowledge of the applicant's experience.

3. Partial credit may be given for actual hours of work or workdays experience if the applicant works as an operator or as an operator-in-training less than full time.

4. Experience solely limited to the operation and maintenance of wastewater collection systems and water distribution systems, laboratory work, plant maintenance, and other nonoperating duties shall not be counted as experience as an operator or as an operator-in-training.

5. Experience limited to water distribution system operation and maintenance shall be considered only when applying for a Class V 5 or Class VI 6 waterworks operator license.

C. Specific requirements for licenses.

1. Specific requirements for a Class VI 6 license. Applicants for licensure as a Class VI 6 waterworks operator shall meet one of the following requirements and pass a board-approved Class 6 examination:

a. Have (i) a high school diploma or GED and (ii) at least six months of experience as an operator-in-training in a Class VI 6, Class V 5, Class IV 4, Class III 3, Class II 2, or Class I 1 waterworks; or

b. Have (i) no high school diploma and (ii) at least one year of experience as an operator-in-training in a Class VI 6, Class V 5, Class IV 4, Class III 3, Class II 2, or Class I 1 waterworks.

2. Specific requirements for a Class V 5 license. Applicants for licensure as a Class V 5 waterworks operator shall meet one of the following requirements and pass a board-approved Class 5 examination:

a. Have (i) a high school diploma or GED and (ii) at least six months of experience as an operator-in-training in a Class V 5, Class IV 4, Class III 3, Class II 2, or Class I 1 waterworks; or

b. Have (i) no high school diploma and (ii) at least one year of experience as an operator-in-training in a Class V 5, Class IV 4, Class III 3, Class II 2, or Class I 1 waterworks.

3. Specific requirements for a Class IV 4 license. Applicants for licensure as either a Class IV 4 waterworks or wastewater works operator shall meet one of the following requirements and pass a the appropriate board-approved Class 4 examination:

a. Have (i) a high school diploma or GED and (ii) at least six months of experience as an operator-in-training in a Class IV 4, Class III 3, Class II 2, or Class I 1 waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate); or

b. Have (i) no high school diploma and (ii) at least one year of experience as an operator-in-training in a Class IV 4, Class III 3, Class II 2, or Class I 1 waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate).

Experience obtained as a licensed alternative onsite sewage system operator may substitute for the wastewater works operator-in-training experience requirements established under [ subparts subdivisions ] a and b of this subdivision.

4. Specific requirements for a Class III 3 license. Applicants for licensure as either a Class III 3 waterworks or wastewater works operator shall meet one of the following requirements and pass a the appropriate board-approved Class 3 examination:

a. Have (i) a bachelor's or master's degree with a major in engineering or, engineering technology, or in a related physical, biological, environmental, or chemical science; and (ii) at least one year of experience as an operator-in-training in a Class IV 4, Class III 3, Class II 2, or Class I 1 waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate);

b. Have (i) a bachelor's degree in engineering or engineering technology, or in physical, biological or chemical science; (ii) a Class IV license; and (iii) a total of at least one year of experience as an operator or operator-in-training in a Class IV waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate) or as an operator-in-training in a Class III, Class II, or Class I waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate);

c. b. Have (i) a high school diploma or GED and (ii) at least two years of experience as an operator-in-training in a Class IV 4, Class III 3, Class II 2, or Class I 1 waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate); or

d. Have (i) a high school diploma or GED, (ii) a Class IV license, and (iii) a total of at least two years of experience as an operator or operator-in-training in a Class IV waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate) or as an operator-in-training in a Class III, Class II, or Class I waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate); or

e. c. Have (i) no high school diploma, (ii) a Class IV 4 license, and (iii) a total of at least four years of experience as an operator or operator-in-training in a Class IV 4 waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate) or as an operator-in-training in a Class III 3, Class II 2, or Class I 1 waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate).

5. Specific requirements for a Class II 2 license. Applicants for licensure as either a Class II 2 waterworks or wastewater works operator shall meet one of the following requirements and pass a the appropriate board-approved Class 2 examination:

a. Have (i) a bachelor's or master's degree with a major in engineering or, engineering technology, or in a related physical, biological, environmental, or chemical science; and (ii) a total of at least 1-1/2 years 18 months of experience, of which at least six nine months without substitutions shall be as an operator-in-training in a Class III 3, Class II 2 or Class I 1 waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate);

b. Have (i) a bachelor's degree in engineering or engineering technology, or in physical, biological or chemical science; (ii) a Class IV license; and (iii) a total of at least 1-1/2 years of experience, of which at least six months without substitutions shall be as an operator-in-training in a Class III, Class II or Class I waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate);

c. Have (i) a bachelor's degree in engineering or engineering technology, or in physical, biological or chemical science; (ii) a Class III license; and (iii) a total of at least 1-1/2 years of experience, of which at least six months, without substitutions shall be as an operator or operator-in-training in a Class III waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate) or as an operator-in-training in a Class II or Class I waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate);

d. b. Have (i) a high school diploma or GED, (ii) a Class III 3 license, and (iii) a total of at least four three years of experience of which at least two years 18 months without substitutions shall be as an operator or operator-in-training in a Class III 3 waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate) or as an operator-in-training in a Class II 2 or Class I 1 waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate); or

e. c. Have (i) no high school diploma, (ii) a Class III 3 license, and (iii) a total of at least seven six years of experience of which at least three years without substitutions shall be as an operator or operator-in-training in a Class III 3 waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate) or as an operator-in-training in a Class II 2 or Class I 1 waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate).

6. Specific requirements for a Class I 1 license. Applicants for licensure as either a Class I 1 waterworks or wastewater works operator shall meet one of the following requirements and pass a the appropriate board-approved Class 1 examination:

a. Have (i) a bachelor's or master's degree with a major in engineering or engineering technology, or in a related physical, biological, environmental, or chemical science; (ii) a Class II 2 license; and (iii) a total of at least 2-1/2 years of experience, of which at least one year 15 months without substitutions shall be as an operator or operator-in-training in a Class II 2 waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate) or as an operator-in-training in a Class I 1 waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate);

b. Have (i) a high school diploma or GED, (ii) a Class II 2 license and (iii) a total of at least six five years of experience of which at least two years 30 months without substitutions shall be as an operator or operator-in-training in a Class II 2 waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate) or as an operator-in-training in a Class I 1 waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate); or

c. Have (i) no high school diploma, (ii) a Class II 2 license, and (iii) a total of at least 10 years of experience of which at least three five years without substitutions shall be as an operator or operator-in-training in a Class II 2 waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate) or as an operator-in-training in a Class I 1 waterworks or wastewater works (as appropriate).

D. Substitutions for required experience. For the purpose of meeting the experience requirements for Class III 3, Class II 2, and Class I 1 licenses, experience in the other category, relevant training in waterworks and wastewater works operation, and formal education may be substituted for actual hands-on experience in the category being applied for.

1. Category experience substitution. One half of the actual experience gained in the other category may be substituted for required experience in the category of the license being applied for.

2. Education substitution. Education may be substituted for part of the required experience in the category of the license being applied for, subject to the following limitations:

a. Education used to meet the educational requirements for any class of license may not be substituted for experience.

b. Formal education courses at a post-secondary level in a related physical, biological or, environmental, or chemical science; engineering or engineering technology; waterworks or wastewater works operation; or public health may be substituted for part of the required experience.

(1) All education substituted for experience must be relevant to the category and classification of the license being applied for.

(2) Education may be substituted for experience at a rate of up to one month experience for each semester hour of college credit approved by the board. One quarter hour of college credit will be considered equal to two thirds of a semester hour.

(3) Substitution of formal education experience will be approved by the board only for applicants who submit a transcript from the institution where the course was taken.

c. Training substitution. Waterworks or wastewater works operator training courses, seminars, workshops, or similar training, specifically approved by the board, may be substituted for part of the required experience.

(1) All training substituted for experience must be relevant to the category and classification of the license being applied for.

(2) Training may be substituted for experience at a rate of one month experience for each training credit approved by the board. Up to one training credit is awarded for each 10 hours of classroom contact time or for each 20 hours of laboratory exercise and field trip contact time. No credit towards training credits is granted for breaks, meals, receptions, and time other than classroom, laboratory and field trip contact time.

(3) All courses used for substitution must be approved by utilizing the criteria set forth in Part VI (18VAC160-20-150) of this chapter.

(4) Substitution of training for experience will be approved by the board only for applicants who submit a copy of an appropriate certificate identifying the subject matter of the course and the training credit value, and signed by a representative of the organization sponsoring the training.

3. Limitations on substitution.

a. Under no circumstances shall category experience, education, and training substitutions exceed 50% of the total experience required under this subsection B of this section.

b. No category experience, education, or training substitutions are permitted for the experience required to obtain a Class VI 6, Class V 5 or a Class IV 4 license as specified in subsection C of this section.

18VAC160-20-95. Provisional licensure – nonclassified facility operation experience only.

A. Each person desiring provisional licensure shall make application in accordance with 18VAC160-20-76 and shall meet all of the requirements of 18VAC160-20-90 except that the experience requirement may be met through experience gained as an operator of a nonclassified facility provided that:

1. The experience is obtained at a nonclassified facility that is comparable in size and in the treatment processes used to those facilities described in 18VAC160-20-120 in the case of waterworks or to those facilities described in 18VAC160-20-130 in the case of wastewater works.

2. The experience is obtained while performing actual nonclassified facility operation duties that provide experience comparable to that obtained at a classified facility. Experience limited solely to the operation and maintenance of wastewater collection systems and water distribution systems, laboratory work, plant maintenance and other nonoperating duties shall not be counted as qualifying experience. Except that experience limited to water distribution system operation and maintenance at a nonclassified facility that is comparable to a facility classified as a Class V or Class VI waterworks may be counted for a provisional Class V or Class VI license for Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, or Class 4 provisional licenses but may be counted for a provisional Class 5 or Class 6 license.

B. Each applicant meeting the requirements of subsection A of this section shall be eligible to sit for the operator examination for the category and class of operator license that is comparable to the nonclassified facility where the experience was obtained. The provisional license shall not be issued until all applicable requirements have been met and satisfactorily verified.

C. Each individual holding provisional licensure may apply for licensure by submitting evidence of having met 50% of the experience required by 18VAC160-20-90.

Part III
Renewal

18VAC160-20-106. Renewal.

A. Licenses and provisional licenses for waterworks operators shall expire on the last day of February of each odd-numbered year. Licenses and provisional licenses for wastewater works operators shall expire on the last day of February of each even-numbered year. Licenses for onsite soil evaluators, onsite sewage system installers, and onsite sewage system operators shall expire 24 months from the last day of the month wherein issued. Interim licenses shall expire 48 months from the last day of the month wherein issued.

B. Interim licenses shall not be renewed.

C. The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation shall mail a renewal notice to the licensee and the provisional licensee outlining the procedures for renewal. Renewal notices shall be mailed to the licensee and to the provisional licensee at the last known address of record. Failure to receive written notice shall not relieve the licensee or the provisional licensee of the obligation to renew and pay the required fee outlined in 18VAC160-20-102.

D. Each licensee and provisional licensee applying for renewal shall return the renewal notice and fee prior to the expiration date shown on the license. If the licensee or provisional licensee fails to receive the renewal notice, a copy of the expired license or provisional license may be submitted in place of the renewal notice along with the required fee.

E. By submitting the renewal fee, an applicant for license renewal is certifying his continued compliance with this chapter and compliance with the continuing professional education requirements of this chapter.

F. The date on which the renewal fee and any required forms are actually received by the board or its agent shall determine whether an additional fee is due.

G. If the requirements of subsection D of this section are met more than 30 days but less than 12 months after the expiration date on the license or provisional license, a late penalty fee shall be required as established in 18VAC160-20-102. The date on which the renewal application, any required documentation and the required fees are actually received by the board or its agent shall determine whether the licensee or provisional licensee is eligible for renewal and whether an additional fee is due.

H. Any individual who fails to renew his license or provisional license within 12 months after the expiration date printed on the license or the provisional license, as appropriate, shall apply for a new license by examination or for a new provisional license in accordance with Part II (18VAC160-20-74 et seq.) of this chapter. Such individual shall be deemed to be eligible to sit for the examination for the same category and class of license as the expired license or provisional license.

I. The board may deny renewal of a license or provisional license for the same reasons as it may refuse initial licensure or provisional licensure or discipline a licensee or provisional licensee.

18VAC160-20-109. Continuing professional education (CPE).

A. Each licensee, provisional licensee, and interim licensee shall have completed the following number of CPE contact hours during each renewal cycle:

1. Class I 1, II 2, and III 3 waterworks and wastewater works operators shall obtain a minimum of 20 contact hours.

2. Class IV 4 waterworks and wastewater works operators shall obtain a minimum of 16 contact hours.

3. Class V 5 waterworks operators shall obtain a minimum of eight contact hours.

4. Class VI 6 waterworks operators shall obtain a minimum of four contact hours.

5. Conventional onsite soil evaluators, conventional onsite sewage system installers, and conventional onsite sewage system operators shall obtain a minimum of 10 contact hours.

6. Alternative onsite soil evaluators, alternative onsite sewage system installers, and alternative onsite sewage system operators shall obtain a minimum of 20 contact hours.

7. All interim licensees shall obtain a minimum of 10 contact hours during the first 24 months that the interim license is valid and shall obtain a minimum of 10 contact hours during the second 24 months that the interim license is valid.

CPE provisions do not apply for the renewal of waterworks operator licenses or provisional licenses that were held for less than two years on the date of expiration. [ CPE shall be required for all wastewater works licenses for the license period beginning March 1, 2010, and each license period thereafter. ]

B. The subject matter addressed during CPE contact hours shall be limited to the content areas covered by the board's examination appropriate to the license for which renewal is sought. Safety subjects shall not count for more than one-half of the total CPE required content hours for waterworks operators and for wastewater works operators.

C. Any course approved by the board for substitution as training credits or formal education semester hours, as provided for in 18VAC160-20-150, shall also be acceptable on an hour-for-hour basis for CPE contact hours. One semester hour of college credit shall equal 15 CPE contact hours, and one quarter hour of college credit shall equal 10 CPE credit hours.

D. The following evidence shall be maintained to document completion of the hours of CPE specified in subsection A of this section:

1. Evidence of completion of a structured training activity which shall consist of the name, address and telephone number of the sponsor;

2. The dates the applicant participated in the training;

3. Descriptive material of the subject matter presented; and

4. A statement from the sponsor verifying the number of hours completed.

E. Each licensee and provisional licensee shall maintain evidence of the satisfactory completion of CPE for a period of at least one year two years following the end of the license renewal cycle for which the CPE was taken. Such documentation shall be in the form required by subsection D of this section and shall be provided to the board or its duly authorized agents upon request.

F. The licensee or provisional licensee shall not receive CPE credit for the same training course or structured training activity more than once during a single license renewal cycle to meet the CPE requirement unless the same training course or structured training activity is an annual requirement established by Virginia or federal regulations.

G. The licensee or provisional licensee may receive CPE credit for a training course or structured training activity which has been mandated by Virginia or federal regulation towards fulfilling the CPE requirement.

H. CPE instructors who hold a license issued by the board may receive CPE credit for the time spent actually instructing subject matter that is pertinent to their license. CPE credit shall not be allowed for instructing the same subject matter more than once during a single renewal cycle.

I. CPE instructors who hold a license issued by the board may be granted two additional hours of CPE credit for the initial development of or the substantial updating of a CPE activity that is pertinent to the license held for each hour spent delivering the initial presentation. CPE credit for the initial development or the substantial updating of a specific CPE activity shall be granted no more than once during a single renewal cycle.

H. J. The licensee or provisional licensee may petition the board for additional time to meet the CPE requirement. However, CPE hours earned during a license renewal cycle to satisfy the CPE requirement of the preceding license renewal cycle shall be valid only for that preceding license renewal cycle.

Part IV
Classification Requirements

18VAC160-20-120. Waterworks.

A. A Class VI 6 waterworks licensee may operate any waterworks as follows:

1. A waterworks providing no treatment and serving fewer than 400 persons; or

2. A waterworks classified by the Virginia Department of Health as a Class VI 6 waterworks.

B. A Class V 5 waterworks licensee may operate any waterworks as follows:

1. A waterworks serving 400 or more persons which (i) provides no treatment or (ii) employs hypochlorination for disinfection; or

2. A waterworks classified by the Virginia Department of Health as either a Class V 5 or Class VI 6 waterworks.

C. A Class IV 4 waterworks licensee may operate any waterworks as follows:

1. A waterworks serving fewer than 5,000 persons or having a design hydraulic capacity of less than 0.5 MGD, employing one or more of the following (i) disinfection other than with hypochlorination, (ii) corrosion control, (iii) iron and manganese removal, (iv) ion exchange, (v) membrane technology without pretreatment, (vi) slow sand filtration, (vii) aeration, (viii) rechlorination other than with hypochlorination, or (ix) activated carbon contactors; or

2. A waterworks classified by the Virginia Department of Health as either a Class IV, V, or VI 4, 5, or 6 waterworks.

D. A Class III 3 waterworks licensee may operate any waterworks as follows:

1. A waterworks serving fewer than 5,000 persons or having a design capacity less than 0.5 MGD, employing chemical coagulation or lime softening in combination with one or more of the following (i) sedimentation, (ii) rapid sand filtration with a filtration rate of 2 gpm/square foot or less, (iii) fluoridation, (iv) disinfection, (v) aeration, (vi) corrosion control, or (vii) membrane technologies;

2. A waterworks serving 5,000 or more persons or having a design hydraulic capacity of 0.5 MGD, employing one or more of the following; (i) disinfection other than with hypochlorination, (ii) corrosion control, (iii) iron and manganese removal, (iv) ion exchange, (v) membrane technology without pretreatment, (vi) slow sand filtration, (vii) aeration, (viii) rechlorination other than with hypochlorination, or (ix) activated carbon contactors;

3. A waterworks employing (i) membrane technology requiring pretreatment consisting of pH adjustment; or (ii) diatomaceous earth filtration, coupled with aeration, corrosion control, disinfection, or fluoridation;

4. A waterworks employing fluoridation which is not under a higher classification; or

5. A waterworks classified by the Virginia Department of Health as either a Class III, IV, V or VI 3, 4, 5, or 6 waterworks.

E. A Class II 2 waterworks licensee may operate any waterworks as follows:

1. A waterworks serving 5,000 or more persons but fewer than 50,000 persons or having a design hydraulic capacity of 0.5 MGD or more but less than 5.0 MGD employing chemical coagulation or lime softening in combination with one or more of the following; (i) sedimentation, (ii) rapid sand filtration, (iii) fluoridation, (iv) disinfection, (v) aeration, (vi) corrosion control, or (vii) membrane technologies;

2. A waterworks serving fewer than 50,000 persons or having a design hydraulic capacity of less than 5.0 MGD which employs chemical coagulation or lime softening coupled with multimedia granular filtration or granular filtration at rates above 2.0 gpm/square foot (high rate filtration) in combination with one or more of the following: (i) sedimentation, (ii) fluoridation, (iii) disinfection, (iv) aeration, or (v) corrosion control;

3. A waterworks employing biological activated carbon contactors or membrane technology requiring pretreatment other than pH adjustment; or

4. A waterworks classified by the Virginia Department of Health as either a Class II, III, IV, V or VI 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 waterworks.

F. A Class I 1 waterworks licensee may operate any waterworks. any waterworks as follows:

1. A waterworks serving 50,000 or more persons or having a design hydraulic capacity of 5.0 MGD or more employing chemical coagulation or lime softening in combination with one or more of the following: (i) sedimentation, (ii) rapid sand filtration, (iii) fluoridation, (iv) disinfection, (v) aeration, (vi) corrosion control, or (vii) membrane technologies;

2. A waterworks serving 50,000 or more persons or having a design hydraulic capacity of 5.0 MGD or more that employs chemical coagulation or lime softening coupled with multimedia granular filtration or granular filtration at rates above 2.0 gpm/square foot (high rate filtration) in combination with one or more of the following: (i) sedimentation, (ii) fluoridation, (iii) disinfection, (iv) aeration, or (v) corrosion control;

3. A waterworks employing biological activated carbon contactors or membrane technology requiring pretreatment other than pH adjustment; or

4. A waterworks classified by the Virginia Department of Health as a Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 waterworks.

G. The term membrane technologies includes (i) electrical dialysis electrodialysis reversal, (ii) reverse osmosis, (iii) ultra filtration ultrafiltration, (iv) micro filtration microfiltration, and (v) nano filtration nanofiltration.

18VAC160-20-130. Wastewater works.

A. A Class IV 4 wastewater works licensee may operate any wastewater works as follows:

1. A wastewater works employing natural treatment methods (i.e., those not utilizing aerated or mixed flows and not using electrical or outside energy sources to accomplish treatment) with a design hydraulic capacity greater than 0.4 0.04 MGD but equal to or less than 1.0 MGD; or

2. A wastewater works classified by the Virginia Department of Health or the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality as a Class IV 4 wastewater works.

B. A Class III 3 wastewater works licensee may operate any wastewater works as follows:

1. A wastewater works using biological treatment methods consisting of but not limited to (i) suspended growth reactors, (ii) aerated lagoons, (iii) constructed wetlands, (iv) biological filters or other attached growth contactors, (v) processes utilizing biological nutrient control, or (vi) processes utilizing land application having a design hydraulic capacity greater than 0.04 MGD, but equal to or less than 0.5 MGD;

2. A wastewater works using advanced waste treatment methods consisting of but not limited to (i) ammonia stripping, (ii) breakpoint chlorination, (iii) carbon adsorption, (iv) chemical coagulation, (v) flocculation, (vi) precipitation, (vii) filtration, or (viii) demineralization (ion exchange, reverse osmosis or electrodialysis) having a design hydraulic capacity greater than 0.04 MGD, but equal to or less than 0.5 MGD;

3. A wastewater works using combinations of biological and advanced waste treatment methods having a design hydraulic capacity greater than 0.04 MGD, but equal to or less than 0.1 MGD;

4. A wastewater works using natural treatment methods (i.e., those not using aerated or mixed flows and not using electrical or outside energy sources to accomplish treatment) with a design hydraulic capacity greater than 1.0 MGD; or

5. A wastewater works classified by the Virginia Department of Health or the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality as either a Class III or IV 3 or 4 wastewater works.

C. A Class II 2 wastewater works licensee may operate any wastewater works as follows:

1. A wastewater works using biological treatment methods consisting of but not limited to (i) suspended growth reactors, (ii) aerated lagoons, (iii) constructed wetlands, (iv) biological filters or other attached growth contactors, (v) processes utilizing biological nutrient control, or (vi) processes utilizing land application having a design hydraulic capacity greater than 0.5 MGD, but equal to or less than 5.0 MGD;

2. A wastewater works using advanced waste treatment methods consisting of but not limited to (i) ammonia stripping, (ii) breakpoint chlorination, (iii) carbon adsorption, (iv) chemical coagulation, (v) flocculation, (vi) precipitation, (vii) filtration, or (viii) demineralization (ion exchange, reverse osmosis or electrodialysis) having a design hydraulic capacity greater than 0.5 MGD, but equal to or less than 5.0 MGD;

3. A wastewater works using combinations of biological and advanced waste treatment methods, having a design hydraulic capacity greater than 0.1 MGD, but equal to or less than 2.5 MGD; or

4. A wastewater works classified by the Virginia Department of Health or the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality as either a Class II, III or IV 2, 3, or 4 wastewater works.

D. A Class I 1 wastewater works licensee may operate any wastewater works. as follows:

1. A wastewater works using biological treatment methods consisting of, but not limited to (i) suspended growth reactors, (ii) aerated lagoons, (iii) constructed wetlands, (iv) biological filters or other attached growth contactors, (v) processes utilizing biological nutrient control, or (vi) processes utilizing land application having a design hydraulic capacity greater than 5.0 MGD;

2. A wastewater works using advanced waste treatment methods consisting of, but not limited to (i) ammonia stripping, (ii) breakpoint chlorination, (iii) carbon adsorption, (iv) chemical coagulation, (v) flocculation, (vi) precipitation, (vii) filtration, or (viii) demineralization (ion exchange, reverse osmosis or electrodialysis) having a design hydraulic capacity greater than 5.0 MGD;

3. A wastewater works using combinations of biological and advanced waste treatment methods, having a design hydraulic capacity greater than 2.5 MGD; or

4. A wastewater works classified by the Virginia Department of Health or the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality as a Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 wastewater works.

Part V
Standards of Practice

18VAC160-20-140. Discipline.

The board has the power to discipline and fine any licensee, interim licensee, or provisional licensee and to suspend or revoke or refuse to renew or reinstate any license, interim license, or provisional license as well as the power to deny any application for a license, interim license, or provisional license under the provisions of Chapter 23 (§ 54.1-2300 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia and this chapter for any of the following:

1. Obtaining or, renewing, or attempting to obtain or renew a license, interim license, or provisional license through fraudulent means or misrepresentation;

2. Having been convicted or found guilty by a court in any jurisdiction of any felony or of any misdemeanor involving lying, cheating or stealing; or for activities related to the performance of the licensee's or interim licensee's duties, there being no appeal pending therefrom or the time for appeal having lapsed. Any plea of nolo contendere shall be considered a conviction for purposes of this subdivision. A certified copy of a final order, decree or case decision by a court or regulatory agency with the lawful authority to issue such order, decree or case decision shall be prima facie evidence of such conviction or discipline. The record of conviction certified or authenticated in such form as to be admissible in evidence under the laws of the jurisdiction where convicted shall be admissible as prima facie evidence of such guilt;

3. Not demonstrating reasonable care, judgment, or application of the required knowledge, skill and ability in the performance of the licensee's or interim licensee's duties;

4. Violating or inducing another person to violate any provisions of Chapter 1, 2, 3 or 23 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia, the provisions of any other relevant Virginia or federal regulation, or of any provision of this chapter;

5. Having been found guilty by the board, an administrative body or by a court of any activity related to the performance of the licensee's or interim licensee's duties that resulted in the harm or the threat of harm to human health or the environment;

6. Failing to inform the board in writing within 30 days of pleading guilty or nolo contendere or being convicted or found guilty, regardless of adjudication, of any felony which resulted in the harm or the threat of harm to human health or the environment. Failing to inform the board in writing within 30 days of pleading guilty or nolo contendere or being convicted of or found guilty, regardless of adjudication, of any felony or of any misdemeanor related to the performance of the licensee's or interim licensee's duties or involving lying, cheating or stealing;

7. Negligence, or a continued pattern of incompetence, in the practice of a licensee or interim licensee; or

8. Having undertaken to perform or performed a professional assignment that the licensee or interim licensee is not qualified to perform by education, experience, or both.

Part VI
Approval of Training

18VAC160-20-150. Approval of training.

A. Training courses may be substituted for some of the experience required for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Class III 3, Class II 2 and Class I 1 licenses and for onsite soil evaluators, onsite sewage system installers, and onsite sewage system operators subject to the limitations in this section. Training courses that may be substituted for required experience must be approved by the board except those provided by federal or state agencies, institutions, schools and universities approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, for which continuing education units are awarded. Training courses requiring board approval shall be approved by the board prior to commencing in accordance with the following:

B. Training courses for which experience credit may be granted must be conducted in general conformance with the guidelines of the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (Association). The board reserves the right to waive any of the requirements of the association's guidelines on a case-by-case basis. Only classroom, laboratory and field trip contact time will be used to compute training credits. No credit will be given for breaks, meals, or receptions.

1. Organization. The board will only approve training offered by a sponsor who is an identifiable organization with a mission statement outlining its functions, structure, process and philosophy, and that has a staff of one or more persons with the authority to administer and coordinate a training credit (TC) program.

2. TC records. The board will only approve training offered by a sponsor who maintains TC records for all participants for a minimum of seven years, and who has a written policy on retention and release of TC records.

3. Instructors. The board will only approve training conducted by personnel who have demonstrated competence in the subject being taught, an understanding of the learning objective, a knowledge of the learning process to be used, and a proven ability to communicate.

4. Objectives. The board will only approve courses that have a series of stated objectives that are pertinent to the tasks performed by a licensee. The training course content must be consistent with those objectives.

5. Course completion requirements. For successful completion of a training course, participants must attend 90% or more of the class contact time and must demonstrate their learning through written examinations, completion of a project, oral examination, or other similar assessment technique.

C. The board shall consider the following information, to be submitted by the course sponsor or instructor on forms provided by the board, at least 45 days prior to the scheduled training course:

1. Course information.

a. Course title;

b. Planned audience;

c. Name of sponsor;

d. Name, address, phone number of contact person;

e. Scheduled presentation dates;

f. Detailed course schedule, hour-by-hour;

g. List of planned breaks;

h. Scheduled presentation location; and

i. Relevancy of course to the category of licensure.

2. Instructor qualifications.

a. Name of instructor;

b. Title, employer; and

c. Summary of qualifications to teach this course.

3. Training materials.

a. Course objectives. A listing of the course objectives stated in terms of the skills, knowledge, or attitude the participant will be able to demonstrate as a result of the training.

b. Course outline. A detailed outline showing the planned activities that will occur during the training course, including major topics, planned presentation sequence, laboratory and field activities, audio-visual presentation, and other major activities.

c. Course reference materials. A list of the name, publisher and publication date for commercially available publications. For reference materials developed by the course sponsor or available exclusively through the course, a copy of the reference.

d. Audio-visual support materials. A listing of any commercially available audio-visual support material that will be used in the program. A brief description of any sponsor or instructor generated audio-visual material that will be used.

e. Handouts. Identification of all commercially available handout materials that will be used; as well as copies of all other planned handouts.

4. Determination of successful completion. A description of the means that will be used to assess the learning of each participant to determine successful completion of the training program, such as examinations, projects, personal evaluations by the instructor, or other recognized evaluation techniques.

D. Recurring training programs. If there are plans to present the same course of instruction routinely at multiple locations with only minor modifications and changes, the board may approve the overall program rather than individual presentations if so requested by the sponsor.

1. The board shall consider all of the information listed above except those items related to specific offerings of the course.

2. Board approval may be granted for a specific period of time or for an indefinite period.

3. Board approval will apply only to those specific offerings certified by the sponsoring organization as having been conducted by instructors meeting the established criteria and in accordance with the board-approved course outlines and objectives.

4. To maintain approval of the program, changes made to the program since its approval must be submitted.

VA.R. Doc. No. R07-792; Filed October 27, 2009, 12:25 p.m.