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Operator Training and Certification Program

Program Manager: Carrie Bohan Program Staff: Ken Smith Martin Suzuki Galen Heffern. Operator Training and Certification Program. Operator Training and Certification Program. Regulations (18 AAC 74) The Three Articles Primary Function Classification of Systems Water Systems

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Operator Training and Certification Program

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  1. Program Manager: Carrie Bohan Program Staff: Ken Smith Martin Suzuki Galen Heffern Operator Training and Certification Program

  2. Operator Training and Certification Program • Regulations (18 AAC 74) • The Three Articles • Primary Function • Classification of Systems • Water Systems • Water Distribution Systems • Certification of Operators • New Programs • Taking Exams at the Next Level • Online Exams • Operator Reimbursement Program

  3. Operator Certification and Training Regulations(18 AAC 74) Article One • Requirements for large water/wastewater systems • Classifying systems/certifying operators Article Two • Requirements for small water systems • Classifying systems/certifying operators Article Three • Requirements common to both • Renewal requirements • Fees • Definitions

  4. Finding Your Very Own Copy of the Regulations dec.alaska.gov/water/opcert/index.htm

  5. The Basic Rule Supervising operators of water systems must be certified at levels equal to system classifications. • What we do: • Certify Operators • Classify Systems

  6. Water Systems Chevak WT Plant Photo Courtesy of DCCED Emmonak WT Plant Photo Courtesy of DCCED Akiak WT Plant Photo Courtesy of DCCED Types of Systems We Classify Fire Hydrant in Chignik Photo Courtesy of DCCED Water Distribution Water Lines in Saint Michael Photo Courtesy of DCCED Water Tanks in False Pass Photo Courtesy of DCCED

  7. Water Systems Eklutka WT Plant Photo Courtesy of AWWU Anaktuvuk Pass WT Plant Photo Courtesy of DCCED Kongiganak WT Plant Photo Courtesy of DCCED • Public Water Systems provide water for human consumption through pipes or other conveyances to at least 15 service connections or serve at least 25 people for at least 60 days a year. • A Community Water System (CWS) serves the same population year round. • A Non-Transient Non-Community Water System (NTNCWS) serves at least 25 of the same people at least six months per year. • A Transient Non-Community Water System (TNCWS) does not regularly serve at least 25 of the same individuals over six months per year. • PWSID • Classification based on complexity • 646 water systems

  8. Water System Classification < 500 people No Chemicals – Small Untreated One Chemical – Small Treated Complex treatment – Point rating system determines Water Treatment classification > 500 people Point rating system determines Water Treatment classification Hoonah

  9. Water Distribution Systems • More than 500 people or 100 service connections • More than 15 service connections • Classification based on size and complexity • 100 systems Insulated Piping in Alakanuk Photo Courtesy of DCCED Water Tank in Fort Yukon Photo Courtesy of DCCED Fire Hydrant in Akiak Photo Courtesy of DCCED

  10. Water Distribution Classification FIRST - Number of Service Connections • Class 1 = 15 to 500 • Class 2 = 501 to 5,000 • Class 3 = 5,001 to 15,000 • Class 4 = >15,000 THEN • If water is circulated or heated to prevent freezing, then one class • If five or more pressure zones, then one class • If both occur, then only one class Fires Hydrants in Nuiqsut Photo Courtesy of DCCED Water Main Leak Repair in Saxman Photo Courtesy of Kerry Lindley

  11. Finding the Classification of a System dec.alaska.gov/water/opcert/index.htm

  12. Finding the Classification of a System

  13. Finding the Classification of a System

  14. Management/System Owner Considerations Regarding System Classification • Know the classification of each system under their control • Know why each system is classified at the level it is • Question authority (don’t take our word for it) • Be aware that changes to the system might affect system classification

  15. Operator Certification • Eligibility Requirements • Education • Experience • Exams

  16. Operator Certification Eligibility Requirements – Small Systems Small Untreated Water Systems • High School Diploma or G.E.D. • Three months of operating experience at a system classified as a small, untreated water system or greater (or completion of a department approved training course) Small Treated Water Systems • High School Diploma or G.E.D. • Six months of operating experience at a system classified as a small, treated water system or greater (or completion of a department approved training course)

  17. Operator Certification • Eligibility Requirements – Large Systems • Education • Experience

  18. Operator Certification Eligibility Requirements – Large Systems Provisional Level High School Diploma or G.E.D., and Three months of operating experience in the system type requested, or Completion of a department-approved course

  19. Operator Certification Eligibility Requirements – Large Systems Level I High School Diploma or G.E.D., and One year (1,950 hours) of operating experience in the system type requested

  20. Operator Certification Eligibility Requirements – Large Systems Level II High School Diploma or G.E.D., and Three years of operating experience in the system type requested

  21. Operator Certification • Eligibility Requirements – Large Systems • Level III • Water Distribution • High School Diploma or G.E.D.; • Four years of operating experience of which two years must be specific to water distribution in a class II or higher facility; and • One year of post-secondary education (45 CEUs) • Water Treatment • High School Diploma or G.E.D.; • Four Years of operating experience of which two years must be specific to the water treatment in a class II or higher facility; and • 2 years of postsecondary education (90 CEUs).

  22. Operator Certification • Eligibility Requirements – Large Systems • Level IV • Water Distribution • High School Diploma or G.E.D.; • Six years of operating experience, of which three years must be specific to water distribution in a class III or higher facility; and • One year of postsecondary education (45 CEUs). • Water Treatment • High School Diploma or G.E.D.; • Four years of operating experience, of which two years must be specific to water treatment in a class III or higher facility; and • Four years of post-secondary education (180 CEUs)

  23. Counting Simultaneous Experience The Catch 22: Operator Works 2 Hours / Day Eligible for Level 1 exams in 8 years! Water Treatment Water Distribution Simultaneous Experience: Operator Works 2 Hours / Day Eligible for Level 1 exams in 1 year. Water Treatment Water Distribution Applies only to the Supervising Operator; Applies only to systems REQUIRED to have a certified operator; A system-specific certificate is issued; Once the eligibility requirement for the level of certification are met, it is the responsibility of the operator to submit an application to the Department.

  24. Operator Certification • Eligibility Requirements • Education • Experience • Exams • 10 Different Drinking Water-Oriented Exams Small Water Systems Untreated, Treated Water Treatment P/1, 2, 3, 4 Water Distribution P/1, 2, 3, 4 Twice Yearly Exam Cycles (April/October) Online Provisional level exams are also available at the conclusion of introductory courses.

  25. A Note about Exams • ABC (Association of Boards of Certification) • Water Treatment • Water Distribution • All ABC exams are comprised of 100 multiple choice questions. HOWEVER…

  26. A Note about Exams Water Treatment Water Distribution ABC Prescriptive (Modified based on Alaskan systems) • Exams are comprised of 100 multiple choice questions. • Exam descriptions are available online at: http://dec.alaska.gov/water/opcert/largeSystemExamInfo.htm • Keep in mind: • Exams test across the range of classification, not just one system. • Cover both surface water and groundwater • Sample Topics: • KMnO4, Greensand • Circulating Systems • Chlorination

  27. Small Water System Exams • Small Untreated Water System • 50-question multiple choice exam • Exam description available at http://dec.alaska.gov/water/opcert/SmallSystemExamInfo.htm • Small Treated Water System • 50-question multiple choice exam • Exam description available at http://dec.alaska.gov/water/opcert/SmallSystemExamInfo.htm

  28. “Paper & Pencil” Exams Written certification exams are administered statewide twice a year, in April and October.

  29. Small Water System Online Certification Exams • Online Exams Available • Small, Untreated Water System • Small, Treated Water System • Application • One-page application • Fees • At the time of application: • $20 application fee • At the time of testing: • $30 exam fee payable to the Testing Center • There are No Application Deadlines • As soon as we receive your application and application fee, we will authorize you to take the online exam at one of the testing centers. Locations: Anchorage Dillingham Fairbanks Glennallen Kenai Ketchikan Palmer

  30. Online ABC Exams • Online ABC Exams Available Now: • Water Treatment • Water Distribution • One-Page Application • No-shows for previous exams • Retakes (previously failed) • One level higher • Full Application • During exam cycles • Online Application • No-shows for previous exams • Retakes (previously failed) • One level higher

  31. Online ABC Exams • Online Exams Now: • Water Treatment • Water Distribution • Fees • At the time of application: • $20 application fee • $40/exam fee ( from $30) • At the time of testing: • Per exam testing center fee (varies) • Application Deadlines • 1st and 15th of every month • 15 days to activate • Must take within 2 months Locations: Anchorage Juneau Kenai Ketchikan Fairbanks Valdez Bethel Barrow

  32. Exams at the Next Level Before: An operator MUST meet the education and experience requirements BEFORE taking the exam. Now: An operator can take the next higher exam BEFORE meeting the education and experience requirements. You hold a level 1 certificate, you can take a level 2 exam You hold a level 2 certificate, you can take a level 3 exam You hold a level 3 certificate, you can take a level 4 exam You hold a P, you can’t take anything Restrictions: The passing score for the next level higher exams is valid as long as the certificate at the lower level is active, i.e., not expired. Operators must apply to upgrade the certificate. Applications are reviewed 4 times per year.

  33. Finding an Operator dec.alaska.gov/water/opcert/index.htm

  34. Finding an Operator

  35. Renewing a Certificate To renew the following certificates, 3.0 CEUs are required (2.0 must be core to the water/wastewater industry): Water Treatment Water Distribution • Additionally, the certificate renewal fees must be paid: • $50 per certificate by mail or • $35 per certificate online using a credit card.

  36. Getting CEUs • Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are offered in a variety of formats: • Correspondence courses • Online courses • Classroom courses • Conferences • Workshops • 1 CEU is equivalent to 10 hours of class time.

  37. Getting CEUs - Resources • Approved Course List • Correspondence courses • Online courses • Training Calendar • Classroom courses • Upcoming workshops • Upcoming conferences

  38. Core/Non-Core/DW-Core? • Core CEUs – training/education specifically related to water/wastewater systems, or integral to their operation • Non-core CEUs – relevant to water/wastewater industry, but indirectly • Drinking-water core CEUs – core CEUs specifically related to water systems • Only required for SU or ST certification • If you do not hold an SU or ST certification, you will receive Core credit for a DW Core class.

  39. Management Considerations Regarding Operator Certification • Know the required levels of certification for each operator • Be aware that operators may need more than one certificate • Be aware of the certification requirements – that it takes time and education • Be aware of how certification exams are administered (online, at courses, or in the community) • Budget for application fees, exam fees, training fees, and possibly travel • Budget time for the operator to study • Be aware of training opportunity formats • Be proactive in providing out-of-the-ordinary training opportunities to operators • Be aware of what help/funding is out there

  40. Operator Reimbursement Program • The Operator Training and Certification Program has funds available to reimburse water operators for costs associated with continuing education. • Each eligible operator may receive up to $1,500 towards education expenses. • The program was started in 2008. • Since 2008, approximately $265,000 in education expenses have been reimbursed.

  41. Operator Reimbursement - Eligibility • Certified operators of water systems that require a certified operator • Non-Certified operators of water systems that require a certified operator • These operators may only be reimbursed for courses that make them eligible for certification exams.

  42. Operator Reimbursement – Approved Expenses • Major Travel • Airfare, Ferry. No taxis or car rentals. • Course Fees • No Application or exam fees. • Lodging • Hotel only. No per diem or food expenses.

  43. Operator Reimbursement – Approved Courses • Classroom • Operators may be reimbursed for travel to and from the course, course fees, and lodging while attending the course. • Correspondence • Operators may be reimbursed for course fees and postage. • Online • Operators may be reimbursed for course fees.

  44. Operator Reimbursement – Process • An operator* submits a pre-approval form. • DEC reviews this form and sends the operator* approval (or denial) that they are eligible for the reimbursement program. • The operator attends an approved training course. • The operator* then submits a reimbursement form, in addition to all relevant receipts. • If everything is in order, DEC will send a check to the operator*. • *A city/utility may also claim reimbursement on the operator’s behalf.

  45. OperatorReimbursement– Fine Print • In order to receive reimbursement for a classroom, online, or correspondence course, an operator MUST complete that course. • More information may be found on our website: dec.alaska.gov/water/opcert/index.htm

  46. OperatorReimbursementProgram Eligible Systems Approved course lists depending on certification Forms depending on who we’re reimbursing Forms for requesting reimbursement after the course

  47. Ken Smith Martin Suzuki Galen Heffern (907) 465-1139 dec.water.fco.opcert@alaska.gov dec.alaska.gov/water/opcert/index.htm Water System Classification and Operator Certification Contact Information

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