program manager: carrie bohan program staff: ken smith martin suzuki galen heffern
TRANSCRIPT
OPERATOR TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Program Manager:
Carrie Bohan
Program Staff:
Ken Smith
Martin Suzuki
Galen Heffern
2
Operator Training and Certification Program
Regulations (18 AAC 74)The Three Articles
Primary FunctionClassification of Systems
Water SystemsWater Distribution Systems
Certification of Operators
New ProgramsTaking Exams at the Next LevelOnline ExamsOperator Reimbursement Program
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Operator Certification and Training Regulations(18 AAC 74)
Article OneRequirements for large water/wastewater systems
Classifying systems/certifying operators
Article TwoRequirements for small water systems
Classifying systems/certifying operators
Article ThreeRequirements common to both
Renewal requirements
Fees
Definitions
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Finding Your Very Own Copy of the Regulations
dec.alaska.gov/water/opcert/index.htm
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The Basic Rule
Supervising operators of water systems must be certified at levels equal to system classifications.
What we do:o Certify Operatorso Classify Systems
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Water Systems
Water Distribution
Types of Systems We Classify
Emmonak WT PlantPhoto Courtesy of DCCED
Akiak WT PlantPhoto Courtesy of DCCED
Water Tanks in False PassPhoto Courtesy of DCCED
Fire Hydrant in ChignikPhoto Courtesy of DCCED
Chevak WT PlantPhoto Courtesy of DCCED
Water Lines in Saint MichaelPhoto Courtesy of DCCED
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Water Systems
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
Anaktuvuk Pass WT PlantPhoto Courtesy of DCCED
Kongiganak WT PlantPhoto Courtesy of DCCED
Eklutka WT PlantPhoto Courtesy of AWWU
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Water System Classification< 500 peopleNo Chemicals – Small UntreatedOne Chemical – Small TreatedComplex treatment – Point rating system determinesWater Treatment classification
> 500 people
Point rating system determinesWater Treatment classification
Hoonah
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More than 500 people or 100 service connections More than 15 service connections Classification based on size and complexity 100 systems
Water Distribution Systems
Water Tank in Fort YukonPhoto Courtesy of DCCED
Fire Hydrant in AkiakPhoto Courtesy of DCCED
Insulated Piping in AlakanukPhoto Courtesy of DCCED
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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
Water Distribution Classification
Water Main Leak Repair in SaxmanPhoto Courtesy of Kerry Lindley
Fires Hydrants in NuiqsutPhoto Courtesy of DCCED
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Finding the Classification of a System
dec.alaska.gov/water/opcert/index.htm
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Finding the Classification of a System
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Finding the Classification of a System
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Water Distribution 4Water Treatment 4
Water Distribution 1
Water Distribution 2
Water Distribution 3
Water Treatment 1
Water Treatment 2
Water Treatment 3
Small, Untreated
Small, Treated
Water/Wastewater System Classification Chart
499
499
500
500
Operator Training and Certification ProgramRevised August 9, 2011
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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
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Operator Certification
Eligibility Requirements Education Experience
Exams
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Eligibility Requirements – Small SystemsSmall 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 SystemsHigh 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)
Operator Certification
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Operator Certification
Eligibility Requirements – Large SystemsEducationExperience
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Operator Certification
Eligibility Requirements – Large Systems
Provisional LevelHigh School Diploma or G.E.D., and
Three months of operating experience in the system type requested, orCompletion of a department-approved course
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Eligibility Requirements – Large Systems
Level IHigh School Diploma or G.E.D., and
One year (1,950 hours) of operating experience in the system type requested
Operator Certification
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Operator Certification
Eligibility Requirements – Large Systems
Level IIHigh School Diploma or G.E.D., and
Three years of operating experience in the system type requested
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Operator Certification
Eligibility Requirements – Large Systems
Level IIIWater 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 TreatmentHigh 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; and2 years of postsecondary education (90 CEUs).
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Operator Certification
Eligibility Requirements – Large Systems
Level IVWater 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 TreatmentHigh 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)
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Counting Simultaneous Experience
The Catch 22:
Operator Works 2 Hours / Day Eligible for Level 1 exams in
8 years!
Water TreatmentWater Distribution
Simultaneous Experience:
Operator Works 2 Hours / Day Eligible for Level 1 exams in
1 year.
Water TreatmentWater 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.
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Operator Certification
Eligibility RequirementsEducationExperience
Exams10 Different Drinking Water-Oriented Exams
Small Water Systems Untreated, TreatedWater Treatment P/1, 2, 3, 4Water Distribution P/1, 2, 3, 4
Twice Yearly Exam Cycles (April/October)O
nli
ne
Provisional level exams are also available at the conclusion of introductory courses.
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A Note about Exams
ABC (Association of Boards of Certification)Water TreatmentWater Distribution
All ABC exams are comprised of 100 multiple choice questions.
HOWEVER…
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A Note about Exams
Water TreatmentWater 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
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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 System50-question multiple choice exam
Exam description available at http://dec.alaska.gov/water/opcert/SmallSystemExamInfo.htm
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“Paper & Pencil” Exams
Written certification exams are administered statewide twice a year, in April and October.
Application Deadline Exam Date
August 23, 2011 October 7, 2011
February 21, 2012 April 6, 2012
August 21, 2012 October 5, 2012
February 19, 2013 April 5, 2013
August 27, 2013 October 11, 2013
February 25, 2014 April 11, 2014
August 26, 2014 October 10, 2014
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Small Water System Online Certification Exams
Online Exams AvailableSmall, Untreated Water SystemSmall, Treated Water System
ApplicationOne-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:
AnchorageDillinghamFairbanksGlennallenKenaiKetchikanPalmer
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Online ABC Exams
Online ABC Exams Available Now:
Water TreatmentWater 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
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Online ABC Exams
Online Exams Now:Water TreatmentWater 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:
AnchorageJuneauKenaiKetchikanFairbanksValdezBethelBarrow
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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.
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Finding an Operator
dec.alaska.gov/water/opcert/index.htm
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Finding an Operator
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Renewing a Certificate
To renew the following certificates, 3.0 CEUs are required (2.0 must be core to the water/wastewater industry):
Water TreatmentWater Distribution
Additionally, the certificate renewal fees must be paid:$50 per certificate by mail or$35 per certificate online using a credit card.
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Getting CEUs
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are offered in a variety of formats:Correspondence coursesOnline coursesClassroom coursesConferencesWorkshops
1 CEU is equivalent to 10 hours of class time.
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Getting CEUs - Resources
Approved Course ListCorrespondence coursesOnline courses
Training CalendarClassroom coursesUpcoming workshopsUpcoming conferences
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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 systemsOnly required for SU or ST certificationIf you do not hold an SU or ST certification, you
will receive Core credit for a DW Core class.
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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
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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.
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Operator Reimbursement - Eligibility
Certified operators of water systems that require a certified operator
Non-Certified operators of water systems that require a certified operatorThese operators may only be reimbursed for
courses that make them eligible for certification exams.
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Operator Reimbursement – Approved Expenses
Major TravelAirfare, Ferry. No taxis or car rentals.
Course FeesNo Application or exam fees.
LodgingHotel only. No per diem or food expenses.
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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.
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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.
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Operator Reimbursement – 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
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Operator Reimbursement Program
Eligible Systems
Approved course lists depending on certification
Forms depending on who we’re reimbursing
Forms for requesting reimbursement after the course
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2008 2009 2010 2011
Individual Operators 28 47 28 26
City Operators 48 88 114 67
Total Operators 76 135 142 93
12.5
37.5
62.5
87.5
112.5
137.5
Number of Operators Re-imbursed
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2008 2009 2010 2011
Individual Operator Costs 4667.35 27672.36 10746.61 9863.72000000001
City Operator Costs 14814.28 54047.66 92087.1 50551.75
Total Operator Costs 19481.63 81720.02 102833.71 60415.47
$12,500.00
$37,500.00
$62,500.00
$87,500.00
$112,500.00
Amount Reimbursed by Fiscal Year
Water System Classification and Operator Certification
Contact Information
Ken Smith
Martin Suzuki
Galen Heffern
(907) 465-1139
dec.alaska.gov/water/opcert/index.htm