Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 405 - Board of Certification of Operators of Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 405 is dedicated to the Board of Certification of Operators of Wastewater Treatment Facilities. The core purpose of these regulations is to ensure that all wastewater treatment facilities in Rhode Island are operated and maintained by qualified and competent individuals, thereby protecting public health and the environment.
The Board itself was established by Rhode Island General Law § 42-17.4 to oversee this certification process.
Here's a summary of the key areas typically covered within Title 405:
Purpose and Legal Authority:
Defines the objectives of the regulations, which is to classify wastewater treatment facilities and establish requirements for operator certification.
States the legal basis for the Board's authority, usually citing R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-17.4 and the Administrative Procedures Act.
Prohibitions:
Makes it unlawful to operate or cause to be operated a wastewater treatment facility without appropriately certified superintendents and assistant superintendents.
Prohibits hiring individuals as operators unless they hold the required certificate or obtain it within a specified timeframe (e.g., one year of employment).
Definitions:
Provides clear definitions for terms used throughout the regulations, such as "Board," "Wastewater Treatment Facility," "Operator," "Direct Responsible Charge," etc.
Classification of Wastewater Treatment Facilities:
Establishes a system for classifying wastewater treatment facilities based on their size, type, complexity of treatment processes (e.g., preliminary, primary, secondary, advanced treatment), solids handling, and effluent discharge characteristics. This often involves a point-based system.
The classification determines the grade of operator required to manage the facility.
Operator Qualifications and Classifications:
Outlines the specific requirements for different grades of wastewater treatment operators (e.g., Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, with Grade 4 typically being the highest).
These requirements generally include:
Education: Minimum educational attainment (e.g., high school diploma or GED).
Experience: Specific amount and type of work experience at a wastewater treatment facility, often differentiating between general operator experience and experience in "Direct Responsible Charge."
Examination: Passing a written examination for the specific grade of certification being sought.
Substitutions: Provisions for substituting education for a portion of experience, or vice-versa, at the Board's discretion.
Issuance of Certificates:
Operator-in-Training (OIT) Certificates: Rules for issuing temporary or provisional certificates to individuals who meet some qualifications but need to gain more experience before full certification. OIT certificates typically have a validity period (e.g., up to three years).
Provisional Certificates: Regulations for issuing provisional certificates under certain circumstances.
Full Certification: Procedures for application, examination, and issuance of regular operator certificates.
Reciprocity: Rules for recognizing certifications from other states or jurisdictions.
Renewal of Certificates:
Requirements for renewing operator certificates, which typically involve completing a specified number of continuing training/education contact hours (TCHs) within a renewal period (e.g., every two or three years).
Revocation of Certificates and Penalties:
Grounds for the suspension or revocation of an operator's certificate (e.g., gross negligence, fraud, non-compliance with regulations).
Outlines penalties for violations of the regulations.
In essence, Title 405 is the backbone for maintaining a skilled workforce in Rhode Island's wastewater treatment sector, ensuring that these vital facilities are operated effectively to protect the state's water resources.
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