5 CCR 1003-2
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT REGULATION NO. 100 - WATER AND WASTEWATER FACILITY OPERATORS CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 5 CCR 1003-2 [Editor’s Notes follow the text of the rules at the end of this CCR Document.] _________________________________________________________________________
100.1 AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE
100.1.1 Authority
100.1.2 Purpose
100.1.3 Severability
100.1.4 Applicability
100.1.5 Automatic Exemptions
100.1.6 Discretionary Exemptions
100.1.7 Exceptions
100.1.8 Materials Incorporated by Reference
100.2 DEFINITIONS
(1) “BOARD” means the Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board created by section 25-9-103, C.R.S.
(2) “CERTIFICATE” means the certificate of competency issued by the Board stating that the operator named thereon has met the requirements for the specified classification of the certification program.
(3) “CERTIFIED OPERATOR” means any person who has responsibility for the operation of any water and wastewater facility and is certified in Colorado as a “Certified Water Professional” (“CWP”) in accordance with the provisions of this regulation. For purposes of this regulation, having “responsibility for the operation” of a water and wastewater facility refers generally to being qualified to perform various operational activities at such facilities in the capacity of a CWP.
(4) “CERTIFIED OPERATOR IN RESPONSIBLE CHARGE” means the certified operator designated by the water or wastewater facility owner to be responsible for making process control and/or system integrity decisions about water quality or quantity that may affect public health or the environment. A facility owner may designate one or more certified operators to serve in this capacity. Such an operator must be certified at a level equal to or higher than the classification of the facility he or she is operating.
(5) “CLASSIFICATION OF A WATER OR WASTEWATER FACILITY” means the level of operational complexity and/or size of a water or wastewater facility as determined by the Division.
(6) “DEPARTMENT” means the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
(7) “DIVISION” means the Water Quality Control Division within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
(8) “DOMESTIC WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY” means any facility or group of units used for the treatment of domestic wastewater or for the reduction and handling of solids and gases removed from such wastes, whether or not the facility or group of units is discharging into state waters. “Domestic wastewater treatment facility” specifically excludes on-site wastewater treatment systems with a design capacity of two thousand gallons or less per day, unless the system discharges directly to surface water.
(9) “GRAYWATER TREATMENT FACILITY” means a graywater treatment works as defined in the Graywater Control Regulation, 5 CCR 1002-86.
(10) “INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY” means any facility or group of units used for the pretreatment, treatment, or handling of industrial waters, wastewater, reuse water, and wastes that are discharged into state waters. “Industrial wastewater treatment facility” includes facilities that clean up contaminated ground water or spills and excludes construction dewatering activities that utilize only passive treatment and occur for less than one year.
(11) “OPERATOR” means any person who performs activities and/or tasks pertinent to the operation of a water or wastewater facility. An operator may or may not be certified.
(12) “OWNER” means (a) the supplier of water as defined in 5 CCR 1002-11; (b) the person or persons required to apply for a discharge permit in accordance with 5 CCR 1002-61; or (c) the person with legal responsibility for a wastewater collection system or a graywater treatment facility. For purposes of this definition, “person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, association, state or political subdivision thereof, federal agency, tribal agency, state agency, municipality, commission, or interstate body.
(13) “PLANT DESIGN FLOW RATE” means the maximum flow rate for a drinking water treatment facility as approved by the Division. The overall water treatment plant flowrate is limited to the unit process with the smallest capacity. For drinking water treatment, the “Plant Design Flow Rate” means the maximum rate of water flow allowed by the Department’s approval for the facility, as determined by the rate-limiting process. For drinking water treatment plant with a surface water source, the typical plant design flow rate is the filtration rate. If disinfection is rate-limiting, typically the peak hour flow rate is used and defined as the plant’s water production when the maximum volume (in gallons or millions of gallons) of water flows through the plant during a one-hour period in each compliance period.
(14) “PLANT DESIGN HYDRAULIC CAPACITY” means the hydraulic capacity for a wastewater treatment facility as approved by the Division. For wastewater treatment, the hydraulic capacity means the daily flow the treatment facility is able to treat per day, as determined by the rate- limiting process. For domestic wastewater treatment works, the hydraulic capacity is indicated in the Division site location and design approval and discharge permit for the facility. For industrial wastewater treatment, the hydraulic capacity is indicated in the Division discharge permit issued for the facility.
(15) “RECLAIMED WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM” means any combination of pipes, tanks, pumps, or other facilities that delivers reclaimed water from a treatment facility for any approved use pursuant to Reclaimed Water Control Regulation, 5 CCR 1002-84.
(16) “RECLAIMED WATER TREATMENT FACILITY” means a domestic wastewater treatment works that receives domestic wastewater or domestic wastewater effluent for treatment to produce reclaimed water for beneficial use.
(17) “SIGNIFICANT INDUSTRIAL USER” means a source of non-domestic wastewater that has been so designated for pretreatment requirements as defined in Pretreatment Regulations, 5 CCR 1002-63.
(18) “SITE-SPECIFIC CERTIFIED OPERATOR IN RESPONSIBLE CHARGE” means the certified operator designated by the water or wastewater facility owner to be responsible for making process control and/or system integrity decisions about water quality or quantity that may affect public health or the environment that is certified at a less qualified level than the classification of the facility he or she is operating, for a specified limited period of time, provided specific conditions are met.
(19) “TRAINING UNIT” means the credit given for an increment of training approved as applicable to the fulfillment of certificate renewal requirements. Ten contact hours shall be required to equal one training unit. A “contact hour” means a classroom or supervised hour of attendance or hour of participation recognized by the Board as a training unit.
(20) “VALIDATED EXAMINATION” means an examination that is independently reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure that the examination is based on a job analysis and is related to the classification of the system or facility.
(21) “WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM” means a system of pipes, conduits, and associated appurtenances that transports domestic wastewater from the point of entry to a domestic wastewater treatment facility. The term does not include collection systems that are within the property of the owner of the facility.
(22) “WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY” means either a domestic wastewater treatment facility or an industrial wastewater treatment facility.
(23) “WATER AND/OR WASTEWATER FACILITY” means a water treatment facility, domestic wastewater treatment facility, industrial wastewater treatment facility, water distribution system, or wastewater collection system.
(24) “WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM” means any combination of pipes, tanks, pumps, or other facilities that delivers water from a source or treatment facility to a consumer.
(25) “WATER TREATMENT FACILITY” means the facility or facilities within the water distribution system that can alter the physical, chemical, or bacteriological quality of the water.
100.3 WATER QUALITY CONTROL DIVISION AND CONTRACTOR DUTIES: APPEALS OF
100.3.1 The Colorado Water Quality Control Division oversees state-wide implementation of this regulation with respect to owner compliance and operator discipline. The local city, city and county, or county with a local graywater control program has exclusive enforcement authority regarding compliance with the ordinance or resolution and, if applicable, rule, including the certified operator in responsible charge requirements for graywater facilities.
100.3.2 In carrying out its responsibilities to administer the operator certification program pursuant to Article 9 of Title 25, C.R.S., the Board may select and appoint through contract, one or more independent nonprofit corporations (“contractors”) to carry out the following duties, including but not limited to:
100.3.3 The Board retains the final authority for all actions and decisions carried out on behalf of the Board by a nonprofit corporation, educational institution, or for-profit corporation.
100.3.4 Any person affected or aggrieved by a decision of the Division or the Board’s contractor(s) may request a hearing before the Board within thirty (30) days of notice of such decision by submitting a request containing the following information:
100.3.5 The Board shall grant any hearing request made pursuant to section 100.3.4 and shall schedule and conduct an adjudicatory hearing in accordance with section 24-4-105, C.R.S.
100.4 WATER TREATMENT FACILITY CLASSIFICATION
100.4.1 Water treatment facilities shall be classified in accordance with the following four classes; Class D, Class C, Class B, or Class A. Class A is the highest level of classification and Class D is the lowest level of classification. The Division may make changes in classification in accordance with the needs created by particular complexities of any specific water treatment facility based on consideration of facility specific factors, including, but not limited to:
100.4.2 Table - Criteria for Water Treatment Facility Classes A, B, C, and D
Bag or cartridge filtration C C B (compliance with the surface water treatment rules) For non-Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR) use, see Sediment Pre-filtration. C C B Granular activated carbon D C C Sediment pre-filtration Disinfection B A A Ozone B A A Chlorine dioxide – formed onsite C C B Chlorine dioxide – pre-formed and fed onsite C B A Monochloramine (chlorine and ammonia)
Public water systems with a disinfection waiver and no other treatment Covered under Section 100.8 installed at sources.
Covered under Section 100.8 Booster chlorination within the distribution system Other treatment B B A Hydrogen peroxide B B A Coagulant addition (apart from conventional/direct filtration) C B B Fluoridation Adjusting pH and/or alkalinity (e.g. caustic, soda ash, lime, calcite C C B contactor, acid feed, CO2 feed)
100.4.3 The classification of any water treatment facility may be changed at the discretion of the Division based on changes in any condition or circumstance since the last classification determination.
100.4.4 Any drinking water treatment facility that utilizes a combination of two or more of the treatment processes described in section 100.4.2 shall be classified in accordance with the highest level of treatment process utilized.
100.4.5 Water treatment facilities that meet the exemption criteria in section 100.1.5(a) are exempt from the requirement to operate under the supervision of a certified operator in responsible charge and shall not be classified.
100.5 DOMESTIC WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY CLASSIFICATION
100.5.1 Domestic wastewater treatment facilities shall be classified in accordance with the following four classes: Class D, Class C, Class B, or Class A. Class A is the highest level of classification and Class D is the lowest level of classification. The Division may make changes in classification in accordance with the needs created by particular complexities of any specific domestic wastewater treatment facility based on consideration of facility specific factors, including, but not limited to:
100.5.2 Table - Criteria for Domestic Wastewater Treatment Facility Classes A, B, C, and D Treatment Type1 Plant Design Hydraulic Capacity (in MGD) Below 0.5-1.00 1.01-2.00 2.01-4.00 Above
Screening with manually cleaned bar screen C C B B A Screening with mechanically cleaned screen, fine screen, Flow equalization, Grit removal, Plant pumping of main flow Primary Treatment Sedimentation basin (pond, septic tank) D C C C B Primary Clarifier C C B B A Oil and grease processing Dissolved air flotation (DAF) B B B B A Chemically Enhanced Primary Clarification for settling improvements (coagulation, flocculation)
Active Primary Clarification (e.g., anaerobic B B A A A generation of volatile fatty acids)
Activated sludge (e.g., conventional, complete B B B B A mix, contact stabilization, extended aeration, step-feed, oxidation ditch, non-extended aeration SBR)
Fixed biofilm reactor (e.g., fixed activated sludge treatment or FAST)
Submerged granular media biofilm Moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR)
Integrated biofilm and activated sludge (IFAS) B B A A A Membrane bioreactor (MBR)
Membrane aerated biofilm reactor (MABR)
Anaerobic reactors (e.g., upflow sludge blanket, baffled reactor, multiple compartment reactors, sequencing batch reactor, fluidized bed reactor, membrane bioreactor, filter)
Pure oxygen activated sludge A A A A A Secondary Clarification Secondary clarifiers (biofilm) C C B B A Secondary clarifiers (suspended growth) B B B B A Dissolved air flotation (DAF)
Biofilm (e.g., trickling filter, rotating biological contactor, fixed biofilm reactors (FAST), moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBR), submerged granular media biofilm, integrated biofilm and activated sludge (IFAS), biologically active carbon, membrane aerated biofilm reactor (MABR), denitrification filters, etc.)
Anaerobic reactors (e.g., upflow sludge blanket, baffled reactor, multiple compartment reactors, sequencing batch reactor, fluidized bed reactor, membrane bioreactor, filter)
Phosphorus removal (e.g., biological, chemical, etc.). Not including struvite recovery – see solids handling.
Treatment wetland (e.g., surface flow, subsurface flow) or subsurface submerged bioreactor (e.g., for nitrogen, phosphorus, metals)
Deammonification A A A A A Pure oxygen activated sludge Chemical/Physical Advanced Waste Treatment [For unit treatment process and not solely an adjusting condition for an earlier biological process (e.g., pH, alkalinity, carbon feed).] Air stripping C C B B A Adsorptive media (granular activated carbon, B B A A A Zeolite, organoclay)
Low voltage electro-coagulation / electro- flocculation Ion exchange Electro-chemical (e.g., electrodialysis, Industrial Industrial Industrial Industrial Industrial electrolysis, electro-oxidation, high voltage operator operator operator operator operator electro-coagulation/flocculation)
Advanced oxidation and/or oxidation/reduction (e.g., hydrogen peroxide + UV, metal ox/reduction recovery)
Chemical precipitation (e.g., metal hydroxide precipitation, metal sulfide precipitation). Not including struvite recovery - see solids handling.
Coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation B B A A A Media filtration (rapid sand, dual media)
Upflow sand filtration (with chemical addition)
Membrane filtration (microfiltration, ultrafiltration)
Diatomaceous earth (DE)
Membrane filtration (nanofiltration) A A A A A Reverse osmosis Disinfection / Inactivation Free chlorine, contact basin (e.g., premade D C C B B liquid solution, solid tablets, hypochlorination with liquid solution onsite generation from solid)
Ultraviolet radiation (UV) C B B B A Peracetic acid, contact basin C C B A A Free chlorine, contact basin (gaseous)
Advanced oxidation, electro processes for B B A A A disinfection Ozonation, contact basin A A A A A Dechlorination Solid materials (e.g., puck, granular) D C C B B Liquid materials C C B B A Gaseous materials C C B A A Chemical Addition [Includes adjusting condition such as pH, alkalinity, carbon feed, etc. and chemicals for other unit processes.] Solid materials C C B B A Liquid non-flammable materials C C B B A Gaseous materials C C B A A Flammable materials B B A A A Effluent Discharge Effluent discharge to receiving stream or D C C B B groundwater C B B B A Effluent discharge to reclaimed water storage/distribution system for outdoor uses or drinking water treatment plant for further treatment Effluent discharge to reclaimed water WW B if WW B if WW A if WW A if WW A if distribution system with indoor uses. (If WW, WW, WW, WW, WW, reclaimed treatment facility classified as wastewater facility, use Table 100.4.2 also. If also DW also DW also DW also DW also DW classified in 100.6.1(c) as drinking water facility facility facility facility facility facility, use only Table 100.4.2.) class class class class class required required required required required Effluent discharge to potable water distribution WW A WW A WW A WW A WW A system (Use Table 100.4.2 also.)
Dewatering (e.g., lagoon, drying bed, mechanical such as belt, filter press, polymer addition)
Aerobic digestion Solids composting Thermal hydrolysis (e.g., pre-digestion) B B A A A Stabilization / digestion (e.g., anaerobic sludge lagoon, autothermal or autoheated thermophilic aerobic digestion (ATAD), anaerobic digestion (single, multi-stage))
Nutrient recovery through precipitation (e.g., struvite recovery)
Centrifuge for dewatering Solids reduction (e.g., incineration, wet oxidation)
Note: 1. The treatment processes are listed as examples and are not all inclusive but are representative and the division will categorize other technologies consistent with this list and classify facilities based on the similar technologies.
100.5.3 The classification of any domestic wastewater treatment facility may be changed at the discretion of the Division based on changes in any condition or circumstance since the last classification determination.
100.5.4 Any domestic wastewater treatment facility that utilizes a combination of two or more of the treatment processes described in section 100.5.2 shall be classified in accordance with the highest level of treatment process utilized.
100.6 RECLAIMED WATER AND GRAYWATER TREATMENT FACILITY AND DISTRIBUTION
100.6.1 Reclaimed water treatment facilities or a graywater treatment works with a capacity greater than 2,000 gpd in Graywater Control Regulation, 5 CCR 1002-86, shall be based on the water treatment facility classifications in section 100.4 and the domestic wastewater treatment facility classifications in section 100.5 as noted below. The facilities may require single or dual classifications based on the site-specific conditions.
100.6.2 Reclaimed water distribution systems beyond the property of the owner of the reclaimed water treatment facility that are operated by 1) reclaimed water treaters or 2) reclaimed water users with indoor uses at multiple buildings or users with booster chlorine facilities; and 3) distribution pipes associated with a “category D non-single family, indoor toilet and urinal flushing graywater treatment works” in Graywater Control Regulation, 5 CCR 1002-86, that extend beyond the building with the graywater treatment facility; shall be classified based on the water distribution facility classifications in section 100.8 using the following flow table for Step 1 rather than the population table.
Step 1 Reclaimed Water Distribution Table CLASS RECLAIMED WATER DISTRIBUTED PER DAY (MGD)
100.7 INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY CLASSIFICATION
100.7.1 Industrial wastewater treatment facilities shall be classified in accordance with the following four classes: Class D, Class C, Class B, or Class A. Class A is the highest level of classification and Class D is the lowest level of classification. The Division may make changes in classification in accordance with the needs created by particular complexities of any specific industrial wastewater treatment facility based on consideration of facility specific factors, including, but not limited to:
100.7.2 Table - Criteria for Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility Classes A, B, C, and D CLASSIFICATION TREATMENT PROCESS1 Class A Multiple step chemical conversion, oxidation/reduction reactions (e.g., cyanide destruction, hexavalent chromium reduction, selenium, facilitated with ozone, peroxide, ultraviolet radiation, chlorine, etc.);
Adsorptive processes (e.g., activated carbon, Zeolite, organoclay, green sand); Ultrafiltration; Microfiltration;
Coagulation, flocculation Chemical precipitation;
Enhanced chemical settling (e.g., magnetite)
Chemical softening process (lime)
Suspended, fixed, or a combination of biological processes (e.g., activated sludge, trickling filters, rotating biological contactors, fixed or moving biofilm reactors, membrane bioreactor (MBR), anaerobic reactors/filters, sludge digestion). Biologically activated carbon Subsurface submerged reactors (biological, metals removal) Single step chemical conversion, oxidation/reduction reactions (e.g., iron, manganese)
Oil / water separation with chemical addition (emulsion breaker, etc.). Can include low voltage electro-coagulation for emulsion breaking.
Oil / water separation with chemical precipitation (three phase, etc.) Low voltage (<50 volts) electro-coagulation for metals removal Biological or chemical scrubbers (e.g., odor control)
Diatomaceous earth (DE) filtration Dissolved air flotation (DAF) with or without chemical addition Centrifuge Disinfection/inactivation with gaseous chlorine Dechlorination with gaseous reagents Chemical addition in gaseous form Class C Standard clarification/sedimentation (including waste ponds for settling that regularly utilize chemical addition, but not chemical precipitation for specific reactions);
Filtration (e.g., mixed media, pressure, slow sand);
Cartridge/bag filtration Cloth disk/drum filtration Neutralization (e.g., pH adjustment);
Solids Dewatering (e.g., sand or surfaced drying beds, mechanical such as belt filter, filter press);
Airstripping;
Biological pond/lagoon, wetlands Biosolids composting Oil / water skim pit with mechanical skimmer Disinfection/inactivation with ultraviolet (UV) radiation, free chlorine (e.g., liquid, solid), peracetic acid Dechlorination with solid or liquid reagents Chemical addition in dry or liquid form (other than when used in processes listed as Class B or A)
Class D Particulate settling ponds/tanks, without chemical addition; Simple gravity flow filtration without chemical addition; Physical water/gas separation without chemical addition; Cooling water discharge without chemical addition Physical oil / water separation without chemical addition (emulsion breaker, etc.) (e.g., gravity separator, corrugated plate separator, tube settler, hydrocyclone). Can include heater/treater or coalescing mesh filter.
100.7.3 The classification of any industrial wastewater treatment facility may be changed at the discretion of the Division based on changes in any condition or circumstance since the last classification determination.
100.7.4 Any industrial wastewater treatment facility that regularly utilizes a combination of two or more of the treatment processes described in section 100.7.2 shall be classified in accordance with the highest level of treatment process utilized.
100.7.5 Industrial wastewater treatment facilities that meet the automatic exemption criteria in section 100.1.5(a) are exempt from the requirement to operate under the supervision of a certified operator in responsible charge and shall not be classified.
100.7.6 If an industrial wastewater treatment facility is discharging to a water distribution system with non- industrial, domestic indoor uses or potable water distribution system, the treatment facility must also receive classification as a water treatment facility under section 100.4 and a water distribution system under section 100.8.
100.8 WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM CLASSIFICATION
100.8.1 Water distribution systems shall be classified in accordance with the following four classes: Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 or Class 4. Class 4 is the highest level of classification and Class 1 is the lowest level of classification. The Division may make changes in classification in accordance with the needs created by particular complexities of any specific water distribution system based on consideration of system specific factors.
100.8.2 Criteria for Water Distribution System Classes 1, 2, 3, and 4
Note: 1. Pressure zones must serve at least 15 service connections to be counted as a zone. A small booster pump serving a few houses should not be considered its own zone. Pressure zones can be served by a pump or pressure regulating valves.
100.8.3 The classification of any water distribution system may be changed at the discretion of the Division based on changes in any condition or circumstance since the last classification determination.
100.8.4 Water distribution systems that meet the exemption criteria in section 100.1.5(a) are exempt from the requirement to operate under the supervision of a certified operator in responsible charge and shall not be classified.
100.9 WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM CLASSIFICATION
100.9.1 Wastewater collection systems shall be classified in accordance with the following four classes: Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 or Class 4. Class 4 is the highest level of classification and Class 1 is the lowest level of classification. The Division may make changes in classification in accordance with the needs created by particular complexities of any specific wastewater collection system based on consideration of population, system complexities, or other facility specific factors, including, but not limited to, unusual factors, potential for mixing of sources, or potential health hazards.
100.9.2 Criteria for Wastewater Collection System Classes 1, 2, 3, and 4
Lift station: any single lift station with firm capacity 2.5 MGD or more. Class 3 Two significant industrial users (SIU)3 in collection system service area Class 2 Three or more significant industrial users (SIU) in collection system Class 3 service area Notes:
1. Lift stations for these evaluations do not include units with designed capacity to receive 2,000 gpd or less such as individual grinder pumps at residences or businesses. Lift stations for these evaluations do not include lift stations within the property of the owner of the domestic wastewater treatment facility as they are excluded from the definition of wastewater collection system.
2. Firm capacity is installed pumping capacity with largest unit out of service.
3. Significant industrial users are defined in section 100.2.
100.9.3 The classification of any wastewater collection system may be changed at the discretion of the Division based on changes in any condition or circumstance since the last classification determination.
100.9.4 Wastewater collection systems for a campus with multiple buildings (e.g., business, educational, camps, mobile home parks) with one owner of the campus property and any of the following conditions are to be classified and expected to operate under the supervision of a certified operator in responsible charge in accordance with this regulation:
100.10 RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF WATER AND WASTEWATER FACILITY OWNERS
100.10.1 Supervision by a Certified Operator in Responsible Charge
100.10.2 Decisions Reserved to Certified Operator in Responsible Charge
100.10.3 Availability of Certified Operator in Responsible Charge
100.10.4 Reporting Requirement
100.10.5 Certified Operator in Responsible Charge Certification Requirements
100.10.6 The Division shall investigate any instances of possible violations of the requirements of sections 100.10.1-100.10.5 by any owner of a water or wastewater facility. The Division shall enforce compliance with these requirements in accordance with the procedures in section 25-9- 110, C.R.S.
100.10.7 Any water or wastewater facility owner who seeks a hearing in response to a Division finding of a violation under sections 100.10.1-100.10.5 or a Department assessment of a civil penalty for such violation may request a hearing in accordance with section 24-4-105, C.R.S., before the Board by submitting to the Division, within thirty (30) days of notice of such finding or assessment, a request containing the following:
100.10.8 Site-Specific Certified Operator in Responsible Charge
100.11 RESPONSIBLITIES AND DUTIES OF A CERTIFIED OPERATOR
100.11.1 In the performance of their duties, certified operators shall exercise a level of reasonable care and judgment consistent with the experience and training appropriate to their level of certification as defined in these regulations.
100.11.2 Certified operators shall protect the public health and the environment by properly performing and/or supervising the activities pertinent to controlling the operation of a water or wastewater facility in accordance with a written operating plan as described in section 100.12.6 as appropriate to their level of certification, including but not limited to the following:
100.11.3 When acting in the capacity of a certified operator, certified operators shall refrain from behaving in a threatening, intimidating, demeaning or similar manner in verbal or written communications or in interactions with the public, the regulated community and regulators.
100.11.4 Certified operators shall update the Board or its contractor with any changes to mailing address, telephone number, or email within 30 days of such a change.
100.12 RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF A CERTIFIED OPERATOR IN RESPONSIBLE CHARGE 100.12.1 Certified operators in responsible charge are designated by the owner of the water or wastewater facility and have supervisory responsibility for the operation of the facility and for the operational activities and functions of other facility operators.
100.12.2 Process control and/or system integrity decisions with respect to drinking water quality or quantity that may affect the public health or the environment are reserved to certified operators in responsible charge.
100.12.3 Process control and/or facility integrity decisions with respect to effluent quality or quantity that may affect the public health or the environment are reserved to certified operators in responsible charge.
100.12.4 Certified operators in responsible charge of a water or wastewater facility must hold a valid certificate equal to or greater than the classification of the water or wastewater facility they operate.
100.12.5 Certified operators in responsible charge shall protect the public health and the environment in the conduct of their duties. The certified operators in responsible charge are accountable for the operation and maintenance of the water or wastewater facility and are responsible for understanding the requirements of the applicable permits, laws and regulations. These duties include the following:
100.12.6 Written Operating Plan - Certified operators in responsible charge of a water or wastewater facility may delegate tasks or activities, including those listed in section 100.11, to other facility operators when delineated by a written operating plan.
100.13 DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS
100.13.1 The Division shall investigate any instances of possible misconduct by certified operators or certified operators in responsible charge. The Division shall present the results of the investigation and its recommendations for any disciplinary action, including reprimand or suspension or revocation of a certificate, to the Board in accordance with section 24-4-104, C.R.S.
100.13.2 Certified Operators – In accordance with the procedures in sections 24-4-104 and 105, C.R.S., the Board may reprimand a certified operator, and/or suspend or revoke the certificate of any certified operator who violates the requirements of this regulation, including, but not limited to the following:
100.13.3 Certified Operators in Responsible Charge – In accordance with the procedures in sections 24-4-104 and 105, C.R.S., the Board may reprimand a certified operator in responsible charge, and/or suspend or revoke the certificate of any certified operator in responsible charge, who:
100.13.4 Reprimand
100.13.5 Suspension
100.13.6 Revocation
100.13.7 Emergency Suspension or Revocation
100.13.8 Following the suspension or revocation of his or her certificate, an operator shall not represent that he or she holds a certificate in the classification category for which the certificate was suspended or revoked. No person shall operate a water or wastewater facility with a suspended or revoked certificate.
100.14 CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SUBSTITUTIONS
100.14.1 A person desiring to be certified shall apply for certification with the Board or its contractor. Applicants shall affirm agreement with the Colorado Certified Water Professionals Code of Conduct (June 2018), available online at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CzfHNNhvgHhT8glSEYxtqOgsiIdWky5k/view and available for public inspection during normal business hours from the Water and Wastewater Operators Certification Board, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO. Applicants shall also provide the following:
100.14.2 Completed application materials and fees must be submitted at the time of application.
100.14.3 The Board or its contractor shall review applications and supporting documents, determine the eligibility of applicants and notify applicants of their status. Any application disapproval notification shall specify the reason(s) the application does not meet the minimum requirements.
100.14.4 If an application is disapproved by the Board’s contractor, the applicant may appeal this decision to the Board in accordance with the procedures in section 24-4-105, C.R.S.
100.14.5 Qualifications for Certification
To qualify to sit for an examination, an applicant must apply as set forth in section
100.14.6 Substituting education and cross experience for the experience requirements
100.15 EXAMINATIONS AND CERTIFICATES
100.15.1 Examinations
100.15.2 The Board or its contractor shall award to the applicant a certificate upon satisfactory fulfillment of the requirements of section 100.14.
100.15.3 All new certificates shall be valid for three (3) years from the effective date of the certificate.
100.16 CERTIFICATE RENEWAL, EXPIRATION, REVOCATION AND TRAINING UNIT
100.16.1 Renewed certificates shall be valid for three (3) years from the date of the expiration of the prior certificate, not from the issue date of the renewed certificate.
100.16.2 Application to Renew Certificates
100.16.3 Expired Certificates
100.16.4 Restoration of Expired Certificates
100.16.5 Automatic Revocation of Non-Renewed Certificates
100.16.6 Training Units
100.16.7 Table - Training Unit Requirements for Operator Certificate Renewal
100.16.8 The training units for regulatory training course completion as described in section 100.14.5(b) are included in the total training units required as listed in section 100.16.7, not in addition to those requirements.
100.16.9 All training unit subject matter will be determined by the Board or its contractor to be relevant and necessary to the successful operation of a water or wastewater facility.
100.16.10 Training units shall be awarded to certified operators for teaching a classroom course that has been approved by the Board or its contractor. The training units awarded shall be double the training units approved for the course. If a course is given multiple times in a given year under a single course approval number, double training units will be given the first time the course is taught, and no additional training units will be granted for repeat presentations of the same course with the same course approval number.
100.16.11 Institutions, seminar presenters, and others may seek approval of their training or educational courses or programs by application to the Board or its contractor. Such an application must demonstrate that their proposed material, curricula, contact hour equivalency, and facilities meet the criteria established in section 100.16.9.
100.17 FEES
100.17.1 Application and administration fees
100.17.2 Exam fees
100.17.3 Late fees
100.17.4 Fees for providers requesting training unit course approval
100.18 RESTRICTED WATER DISTRIBUTION AND WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEMS
100.19 - 29 RESERVED
100.30 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE; NOVEMBER,
BASIS AND PURPOSE Background and Overview The 2000 Colorado General Assembly adopted HB 00-1431, revising the certification procedures and requirements for operators of water and wastewater facilities, which include water treatment facilities, domestic and industrial wastewater treatment facilities, water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems. The bill established the composition, duties and rulemaking authority of the Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board (formerly the Plant Operators Certification Board). The Board intends that the rules adopted pursuant to HB 00-1431 will comply with guidelines established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under section 1419(a) of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, which specifies minimum standards for certification and recertification of operators of community and nontransient noncommunity public water systems. In particular, the Board anticipates that this regulation will satisfy EPA requirements and allow that agency to release to the state federal funding that is contingent on adoption of appropriate certification requirements. Operator Classification and Qualification Issues In this rulemaking, the Board established various classes of operators for water treatment facilities, domestic and industrial wastewater treatment facilities, water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems. Pursuant to HB 00-1431, the classes of operators established by the Board reflect the differing levels of complexity encountered in operating the various types of facilities and systems. This legislation also authorized the Board to establish separate certification classifications for operators of multiple facilities and for operators of certain small systems. Because of time constraints imposed by EPA deadlines, the Board has chosen to address the issue of operators of multiple facilities in a later rulemaking and has simply “reserved” this section at this time. The Board has made specific provisions for the certification of operators of Small Water and Wastewater Systems and for Transient Non-community Water Systems, as discussed below.
The Board also defined a process for determining the qualifications for certifying and renewing the certification of operators in each of the various classes. In accordance with HB 00-1431 and EPA guidelines, the Board adopted minimum education and experience requirements for operators, a requirement that examinations be validated, and a requirement that operators meet ongoing training requirements in order to renew their certification. The Board intends that if an operator wishes to renew multiple certifications, the same training units may be applied to meet the requirements of more than one certification renewal if the courses in question have been accredited for each of the certifications in question. Operators with multiple certifications are encouraged to take training courses specific to each of their certifications.
The Board also chose appropriate levels at which an applicant may substitute experience for education, or education for experience, in order to allow operator certification where a combination of these components demonstrates that the operator is competent to operate a particular class of facility. Although either education or cross-experience may be substituted for a portion of the experience requirement for any classification, the Board intends that no less than 50 percent of any experience requirement must be met by actual on-site operating experience in the classification applied for. A provision providing for transitional renewal training requirements for operators whose certificates expire prior to January 30, 2004 is also included.
Minimum Experience for Entry Level Operators According to EPA regulations, operators seeking to be certified must have a specified amount of minimum experience. Several stakeholders expressed concern that requiring a minimum amount of experience for all operators placed an undue burden on entry-level operators in rural areas of Colorado because they would not have the time or financial capability to meet such a certification requirement. In response to these concerns, the Board created a new level of certification for operators of water treatment facilities and water distribution systems serving Transient Non-community Water Systems that draw water from ground water sources not under the influence of surface water, serve less than 100 persons per day, and utilize only non-gaseous chlorine disinfection. Recognizing that such transient non- community systems are outside the scope of EPA guidelines, the Board chose not to impose a minimum experience requirement on such operators and allowed them to gain certification based solely on the passage of a written examination that focuses on subjects particularly relevant to operating this category of transient non-community water treatment facilities and transient non-community water distribution systems. For other entry level water and wastewater facility operators (Class D and Class 1), the Board has established a one-month minimum experience requirement. In order to provide flexibility to entry-level operators, the Board has established a number of options for meeting this experience requirement, including on-the-job training, apprenticeship, and on-site or correspondence training courses. The Board also created a Small System classification for both water and wastewater facilities. These classifications apply to facilities that serve under 3300 persons and that otherwise fall into the Class D treatment and Class 1 distribution or collection classifications. Small water system operators shall be certified by taking a single examination in water treatment and distribution. Small wastewater system operators shall be certified by taking a single examination in wastewater collection and treatment. Renewal training requirements for these certificates have been set at 1.8 training units. During the transition period prior to the construction and validation of these examinations, applicants for these certifications will take both the Class D and Class 1 examinations in the appropriate category. The application and fee structures have been adjusted to reflect the degree of overlap among these requirements.
Classification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Facilities Generally, the Board, chose to establish a system for classification of the State’s water and wastewater treatment facilities according to their prior system of classification. Accordingly, the Board adopted a classification scheme which takes into consideration factors such as the size, complexity, and amount of water processed through the facility. The Board determined that it would be most efficient for the Division to retain the authority to classify facilities and modify the classification of any facility. Classification decisions by the Division can be appealed to the Board. The Board recognizes that water treatment processes that do not utilize chemicals are more problematic and impose a greater risk on public health. Therefore, the Board requires that a higher class of distribution system be used in combination with treatment facilities that utilize ground water with a waiver of disinfection, including ultraviolet and ozone disinfection. This is due to the fact that there is no residual disinfectant in the distribution system.
Classification of Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection Systems In classifying water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems the Board chose to initially classify the systems based on population, which the Board believes serves as an adequate surrogate for complexity. Additionally, the Board provided that the Division can change the classification of any particular facility based on complexity factors. The Board intends to revisit their initial classification scheme for water distribution and wastewater collection systems in a future rulemaking to consider adoption of a classification system that will more accurately reflect the complexities and differences between the various types of distribution and collection systems. Fees The new state legislation authorized the Board to adopt application and program fees which reflect the actual costs of administering the operator certification program. The Board has established a certification application fee of $15, as specified in the statute. It also established two types of program fees: (1) an examination fee of $25 to cover the cost of administering each examination, and (2) an administration fee that will be charged upon issuance of a certificate and upon renewal of a certificate. The administration fee will cover ongoing costs of program administration by a third party contractor. The Board did not adopt specific fee amounts in this rulemaking because the arrangements with a third party contractor, which will determine the necessary amount of the fees, have not yet been finalized. The Board therefore is reserving the adoption of specific administration fees for a later rulemaking. The Board also anticipates that the fees established in this rulemaking may need to be revised as the transition to this new mode of implementing the operator certification program is completed. Status of Existing Operators The Board chose to certify under these regulations those operators of water and wastewater treatment facilities who had been previously certified under the prior certification system. The Board also chose to certify under these regulations those operators of water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems who had been previously certified under the voluntary program administered by the Colorado Water and Wastewater Collection Systems Certification Council, based on the understanding that the voluntary certification program, and in particular the exam administered under the voluntary program, was adequate to ensure the protection of public health and the environment, and the safe operation of water distribution and wastewater collection systems.
In addition, the new regulation provides a procedure to authorize certain existing operators of existing water distribution and wastewater collection systems who have not obtained voluntary certification to continue operation of the specific systems where such operators are currently employed for a period of time without receiving a certificate. Pursuant to EPA guidelines the Board chose to allow operators of existing systems, who were authorized to make process control and/or system integrity decisions about water quality or quantity that may affect the public health or environment, to continue operation of their systems so long as certain requirements are met and a certain procedure is followed. This procedure allows owners of such systems to apply to the Board for an “Authorization for Continued Operation” for the existing operators of their system. Pursuant to EPA guidelines, the Board chose to make the “Authorization for Continued Operation” site-specific and non-transferable. To maintain this authorization, operators will need to meet the same on-going training requirements as certified operators. To move to another facility, operators would need to meet all initial certification requirements, including passing the appropriate exam. These same procedures apply to operators who hold existing restricted certificate issued under authority of the regulations being repealed in this rulemaking. Operator Responsibilities One section of the regulation adopted by the Board specifies the duties of certified operators and defines certain standards of performance for certified operators of affected facilities. The regulation requires certified operators to exercise reasonable care and judgment while performing their duties and in supervising facility operations. The regulation also requires operators to keep current with the Board information on where the operator(s) can be contacted so that the Board can notify the operator(s) of certification expiration, renewal requirements, and testing information. Owner Responsibilities Another section of the regulation adopted by the Board specifies the duties of owners of water and wastewater facilities. Pursuant to the legislation and EPA guidelines, the Board chose to require owners to place the direct supervision of their facilities under the control of an “operator in responsible charge” holding a valid certification equal to or greater than the classification of the facility. The Board clarified that a direct supervisor relationship exists if the operator in responsible charge has supervisory responsibility and authority with respect to other operators. The Board does not intend for direct supervision to mean that the operator in responsible charge must be on-site at all times. In order to meet EPA guidelines, the Board required that all process control and/or system integrity decisions about water quality or quantity that may affect the public health or the environment be made by either an operator in responsible charge or another certified operator. This operator must be certified at a level equal to or higher than that of the facility. The Board also required owners to designate a certified operator who would be available for each operating shift. The Board clarified that in order for an operator to be “available,” he or she must be on-site or able to be contacted as needed to initiate appropriate actions in a timely manner.
Finally, the regulation requires owners to submit to the Board information on the operator(s) in responsible charge of their facility so that the Board and Division can more efficiently enforce the provisions of this regulation and better protect the public health. Division Enforcement Procedures HB 00-1431 also set out the roles of the Water Quality Control Division and the Board in enforcing the new operator certification program. The Board recognized the role of the Division as the agency primarily responsible for investigating and reporting to the Board any misconduct by water and wastewater facility operators. Any disciplinary action regarding operators would be taken by the Board, after an opportunity for a hearing. Pursuant to the legislation, the Board also chose to allow owners of water and wastewater facilities to seek a hearing before the Board in response to a Division finding of a violation of the regulations or in response to a Department assessment of a civil penalty. The rule also establishes a process by which any person, affected or aggrieved by a decision of Division or a third party contractor implementing certain aspect of the program may seek relief through an appeal or hearing before the Board.
Nonprofit Contractors Issues HB 00-1431 authorized the Board to appoint one or more independent nonprofit corporations to administer the operator certification program, including providing examinations, issuing certification documents, evaluating continuing training requirements for renewal of certification, and evaluating requests for reciprocity. The Board specified in the new regulation the program administration duties that it may choose to delegate to a nonprofit corporation.
100.31 FINDINGS IN SUPPORT OF EMERGENCY ADOPTION OF REGULATION NO. 100;
In order to satisfy the new federal requirements noted in section 100.30 above, the modified operators certification program established by these regulations must be in effect by February, 2001. In addition, the new state legislation noted above, which became effective in May, 2000, mandates that the state’s operators certification program be implemented in accordance with its provisions. This new regulation needs to be in effect to assure that program implementation is consistent with the new statutory provisions. Because the already-established 2001 certification examination cycle begins in January, 2001, with an application deadline of December 15, 2000, there would be substantial disruption to the certification program, with serious financial implications for operators whose employment depends upon obtaining certification, if this new regulation did not become effective immediately. Therefore, the Board finds that the immediate adoption of Regulation No. 100 with an effective date of December 5, 2000 is imperatively necessary to comply with state law and for the preservation of public health, safety and welfare, and that compliance with the requirements of section 24-4-103, C.R.S. as to the normal effective date for new regulations would be contrary to the public interest.
100.32 FINDINGS IN SUPPORT OF EMERGENCY ADOPTION OF REVISIONS TO REGULATION NO.
100.33 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE; ARCH, 2001
BASIS AND PURPOSE The 2000 Colorado General Assembly adopted HB 00-1431, revising the certification procedures and requirements for operators of water and wastewater facilities, which include water treatment facilities, domestic and industrial wastewater treatment facilities, water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems. The bill established the composition, duties and rulemaking authority of the Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board (formerly the Plant Operators Certification Board). The new state legislation authorized the Board to adopt application and program fees that reflect the actual costs of administering the operator certification program. The Board has previously established a certification application fee of $15, as specified in the statute. Regulation No. 100 also provides for two types of program fees: (1) an examination fee to cover the cost of administering each examination, and (2) an administration fee that will be charged upon issuance of a certificate and upon renewal of a certificate. The Board has previously established an examination fee of $25. On January 30, 2001, the Board adopted on an emergency basis an administration fee of $60.00 for each new and renewal certification. This administration fee will cover ongoing costs of program administration by one or more third party contractors. The amount of this fee is based upon evidence presented in the emergency rulemaking hearing regarding the actual costs of program administration, taking into account a level of uncertainty associated with this new third party role. In this rulemaking, based on the evidence presented the Board has readopted this same administration fee. The Board intends that the amount of this fee will be revisited from time to time in the future as more experience with implementation of the Operators Certification Program by the third party contractors is gained. Section 25-9-104 (1)(a) C.R.S. requires a failed examination review without specifying any specific format or requirements for this review. The current regulation (section 100.11.5, 5 C.C.R. 1003-2) contains a similar requirement. It is possible, however, to interpret the regulation as requiring that failed examinees be permitted to review actual copies of the examination. The Board recognizes that providers of standardized examinations are reluctant to permit, and often refuse to permit, copies of their examinations to be available for individual review. These providers generally produce detailed, individualized statistical analyses of examination results. Such analyses can form the basis for a meaningful review of individual’s performance on examinations. The Board, therefore, has decided to amend the regulatory language to more clearly reflect the statutorily permitted flexibility regarding failed examination reviews. The specific format of failed examination review sessions may be determined by the Board or its designee, consistent with the restrictions imposed by the provider(s) of the standardized examinations used in certification testing.
100.34 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE; AUGUST,
BASIS AND PURPOSE 1. Subsections 100.18.2 and 100.18.3:
2. Subsections 100.23.3 and 100.23.4:
3. Subsection 100.11.8:
4. Subsection 100.21.5:
100.35 FINDINGS AND STATEMENT OF BASIS AND PURPOSE FOR ADOPTION ON AN
The Board has established a new category for “supplemental training” courses. These courses are those that are found to provide useful operator knowledge but are not directly related to water or wastewater facility operations. Examples of such courses would include courses on topics such as first aid or word processing skills, which provide general knowledge that may be useful to certified operators, but do not contribute directly to an operator’s professional water or wastewater facility expertise and knowledge. Supplemental training courses would be ones that do not fall into the specific categories listed in subsection 100.14.4 (a) through (e).
The Board has determined that it is appropriate to allow training units associated with such supplemental training courses to be used for up to (but not more than) 50% of the training requirements to renew a certificate. This system will allow operators to get credit for obtaining training in useful general subject matter areas, while assuring that at least half of the training units relied on for renewal are related to courses that are directly applicable to water and wastewater facility operational expertise. The Board's permanent rule adoption complies with the hearing procedures and notice requirements of § 24-4-103, C.R.S. The Board concludes that adoption of the same requirements on an emergency basis is imperatively necessary to protection of public health and safety and that compliance with the effective date provisions of § 24-4-103, C.R.S., would be contrary to the public interest. The purpose of the emergency adoption is to assure that operators seeking certificate renewal prior to the effective date of the permanent rule obtain training that is directly related to water and wastewater facility operational expertise, thereby advancing the purposes of operator certification -- protection of public health and safety. In addition, emergency adoption will minimize confusion and inequity between the types of approval given to operator training courses in 2002.
100.36 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE; JANUARY,
1. Section 100.6:
2. Subsection 100.9.7(a)(i):
3. Subsection 100.21.5:
100.37 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE; APRIL, 2002 RULEMAKING The provisions of sections 25-9-104(1)(a), 25-9-104(3), 25-9-104(4) and 25-9-106.2, C.R.S., provide the specific statutory authority for the adoption of these regulatory provisions. The Board also adopted, in compliance with section 24-4-103(4), C.R.S, the following statement of basis and purpose. BASIS AND PURPOSE Section 100.6:
The capitalization of the word “and” in the process descriptions for Class B industrial wastewater treatment facilities is an error. The case of the word “and” is, therefore, changed to lower case. The Board recognizes that stormwater runoff is not an industrial wastewater. Therefore, the listing of “stormwater runoff control ponds” as an example of a process utilized in a class “D” industrial wastewater facility is an error and is hereby deleted.
100.38 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE; MAY, 2002
100.39 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE: MARCH
BASIS AND PURPOSE The Board has determined that the following sections must be amended in order to correct errors and to clarify the intent of the Regulation: sections 100.1.1, 100.2(15), 100.2(16), 100.4.2 – footnote #1, 100.4.2 – footnote #3, 100.6.2, 100.7.2, 100.10.1, 100.10.2, 100.10.5, 100.11.1, 100.11.8, 100.14.1, 100.14.7, 100.19.1, 100.22.4, and 100.23.5. None of these amendments are intended to substantively modify the Regulation or to change the current practice of the Board. Section 100.9.6, which details the experience requirements for certification, was reorganized to clarify the experience required for various certification levels. The Board also made explicit its long-standing practice of considering domestic and industrial wastewater treatment experience to be interchangeable for purposes of qualifying to sit for a certification examination. The failed examination review required by statute (25-9-104, C.R.S.) is non-specific as to format; the Board has determined that the corresponding regulatory provision, section 100.11.5, shall likewise be non-specific as to format. This change permits the Board to accept the detailed, individualized analyses prepared by the examination provider as an appropriate examination review. The Board has determined that the training required for certification renewal will have “core” and “supplemental” components. The amendment to sections 100.14.4 through 100.14.6 adopted by the Board clarifies the relationship between core and supplemental training, gives examples of core subject matter, specifically authorizes the granting of supplemental credit for non-listed topics, and reorganizes the sections so that they are more readily understood.
Section 100.18.3 is obsolete and substantively conflicts with the broad acceptance of prior certifications granted in section 100.9.1. The Board has determined that section 100.18.3 should be deleted.
100.40 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE: OCTOBER
A. New and Revised Fees.
B. Cross-Experience Training for Certification Renewal. Subsection 100.14.1 has been revised to allow a portion of the training units required for certification renewal to be obtained from courses approved as core training in categories other than the operator category for the certification being renewed. The Board has determined that this is consistent with the fact that “supplemental” training courses on a wide variety of topics are already allowed to provide a portion of the training units for certification renewal. This approach is also consistent with the fact that up to 50 percent of the experience requirement for operators qualifying to take certification examinations can be based on “cross-experience”. The revised regulation clarifies that at least 50 percent of the training units for certification renewal must be obtained from core training courses approved in the certification category being renewed. The remainder of the training units may consist of any combination of supplemental training units and/or training units approved as core training in other certification categories. The Board also has included language to prevent “double-counting” the training units from a single course. For example, if a course has been approved for 1.0 training units in each of the certification categories, an operator renewing a class A water treatment operator certification may count the 1.0 training unit toward renewal but may not also use cross-experience credit for the same course, even though it has been approved for training units in other certification categories.
C. Examination Feedback.
D. Specific Training Requirement for Operators Conducting Certain Quality Control Analyses In order to maintain enforcement primacy under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the State must approve parties who are qualified to make and to assure the quality of certain analyses required by the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”). These requirements are detailed in the Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulation, 5 CCR 1003-1, Article 7.5, “Disinfectant Residuals, Disinfection Byproducts, and Disinfection Byproduct Precursors.” Colorado elected to approve certified operators as the parties approved by the State to perform these analyses. To meet this requirement, the Board approved the original version of subsection 100.14.6 of Regulation 100 in May 2002. However, as originally adopted, the subsection was overly broad. The amendment approved by the Board in this rulemaking clarifies that subsection 100.14.6 applies only to those operators whose duties include performing the above-mentioned analyses and associated quality assurance procedures required by the article 7.5 of the Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulation.
100.41 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE AND
In order to address certain special circumstances, the Board has created three exceptions to the $50.00 training unit approval fee. First, the Board intends that appropriate courses from accredited educational institutions in the United States, and equivalent institutions outside the United States, can be used for training unit credit for certification renewal without approval of the specific courses by the Board or its designee. However, some educational institutions may wish to have their courses listed with other approved training unit opportunities, which generally are posted on the web site of the Board and/or its designee. If an educational institution wishes to have its courses posted along with other approved training units, its courses will be subject to the usual $50.00 fee and will be reviewed by the normal training unit review process.
The Board recognizes that in some instances an individual may take a course that provides relevant and appropriate operator training, but which has not been submitted by the course sponsor for training unit approval. For example, this could occur if an operator attends training at an out-of-state national conference that has not submitted its courses for approval in Colorado. To reduce the hardship on individuals seeking approval of such courses, the Board established a reduced fee of $25.00 for applications for approval of a course submitted for review by an individual attending the course. To assure that this option is not used by course sponsors as an opportunity to avoid payment of the usual $50.00 fee, the Board provided that any course submitted for approval by an individual attending a course will be approved only for that individual.
Finally, to account for other special circumstances that may arise, the Board established an opportunity for case-by-case waiver of the $50.00 fee. The Board intends that its contractors may use this provision to avoid financial hardships and the potential unintended consequence of reducing training opportunities for Colorado operators. The Board assumes that this provision will apply infrequently. The Board provided that the new training unit approval fee will apply to all courses approved for offering in 2005 and later. The Board understands that while some courses have already been submitted and reviewed for offering in 2005, course sponsors submitting such courses have been notified that final approval of such courses will not occur until finalization of this new fee. The Board determined that it is appropriate for all courses to be offered for calendar year 2005 and later to be subject to the same fee provisions, in order to provide for even-handed treatment. Therefore, the Board adopted the new training unit approval fee provisions on both an emergency and permanent basis. EMERGENCY FINDINGS On an emergency basis, the training unit course approval fee shall become effective November 30, 2004, and shall remain effective on an emergency basis until it becomes permanently effective on January 30, 2005 pursuant to section 24-4-103(5), C.R.S.. The Board further determined that this result is appropriate and should not result in hardship to course sponsors. This rulemaking was initiated in October 2004 after complying with the usual notice requirements. Possible approaches to the training unit approval fee were discussed at the October 2004 hearing and interested parties had an opportunity to discuss and comment on the proposal. In addition, December 30, 2004 would have been the normal effective date had final action been taken at the October 2004 hearing at the same time as the remainder of the proposed rule. Course sponsors have been aware of the intent to establish a new training unit approval fee for 2005 courses and relying on the usual effective date would now result in unequal treatment in favor of course sponsors that submitted applications for approval of 2005 courses prior to the effective date. Therefore, the Board finds that immediate adoption of these revisions to Regulation No. 100 is imperatively necessary to preserve public welfare and that compliance with the requirements of section 24-4-103(5), C.R.S. would be contrary to the public interest.
100.42 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE: JULY 26,
Subsection 100.4.2(d). The Board intends that small, simple water systems that require filtration in addition to disinfection be classified a “D” systems only if the system utilizes disposable filters, i.e., filters that do not require periodic backwashing or other maintenance and which must be disposed of when they lose their effectiveness. The Board has determined that the type of disinfection utilized should not be restricted to non-gaseous chlorine and has deleted that qualifier from the regulation. Subsection 100.4.2(e). The Board recognizes that the expertise required to operate water systems that use a variety of filtration and other treatment technologies (other than disposable filters or direct or conventional filtration) in order to meet primary drinking water standards is often equivalent to the skill required to operate water systems using the same techniques to improve the aesthetic quality of water. The classification of such systems is intended to be “C” for smaller systems. However, because of the enhanced public health risk in the case of system failure, the Board intends that the increase in classification level with size be accelerated for systems using filtration and other technologies to meet primary standards.
Subsection 100.4.2(f) Primary treatment techniques that incorporate or depend upon additional chemical treatment in order to function properly are intrinsically more complex to operate. An example of such a system would be a conventional filtration system, which ordinarily requires the additional steps of chemically aided coagulation and flocculation. The terms “conventional filtration” and “direct filtration” are defined in the Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulations, articles 1.5.2(21) and 1.5.2(30), March 30, 2005, respectively. These definitions are intended to apply to Regulation 100, section 100.4.2(f). Such systems have significant monitoring, testing and adjustment requirements. The Board intends that systems utilizing any filtration technique or other treatment technology that, in and of itself, requires additional chemical treatment in order to meet primary drinking water requirements have an initial classification of “B”.
Chemical Addition: Subsections 100.4.2(g) through 100.4.2(i). Subsection 100.4.2(g). Secondary drinking water standards have defined “secondary maximum contaminant levels”, SMCLs, which are non-enforceable (40 CFR 143). The Board intends that chemical addition for the specific purpose of meeting secondary drinking water standards, such as iron and manganese control, pH control, or water softening, should not affect the classification of a level “B” or “C” water system. Level “D” systems utilizing chemical addition for the specific purpose of meeting secondary drinking water standards should be individually evaluated under the authority of section 100.4.1 to determine the appropriate classification.
Subsection 100.4.2(h). The Board intends that this classification category apply to systems that, in addition to the primary treatment process, utilize chemical treatment for the specific purpose of meeting the enforceable “maximum contaminant level” requirements for primary contaminants (40 CFR 141). An example of such a chemical treatment would be the use of lime softening for the specific purpose of controlling radionuclides. The Board also intends that disinfection is not to be considered as an “additional chemical treatment” within the meaning of Regulation 100, subsection 100.4.2(h). Subsection 100.4.2(i). Although lead and copper are contaminants of special concern, they differ from most primary drinking water contaminants in that (1) they commonly occur in the distribution system, not in the source water; and (2) the methods of treatment for lead and copper are relatively non-complex. The Board, therefore, intends that systems that treat for lead and copper in the distribution system (a process commonly referred to as “corrosion control”) have a minimum classification of “C”. Should treatment be necessary because of the contamination of source water with lead and copper, a higher classification may be appropriate. The Division should evaluate such systems to determine whether an application of section 100.4.1(b) is appropriate.
Subsection 100.4.2(j). The Board intends that any water system utilizing fluoridation have a minimum classification of “C”, hence the designation of chlorination as a companion process to fluoridation has been deleted.
Multiple Treatment Processes: Subsection 100.4.2.4.
Systems utilizing multiple water treatment processes should be classified in accordance with the most complex process regularly used. This regulation already contains a parallel requirement for domestic and industrial wastewater systems, sections 100.5.4 and 100.6.4, and the Board has determined that the requirement should be included as part of the drinking water classifications.
100.43 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE: FEBRUARY
BASIS AND PURPOSE The Board adopted revisions to a variety of provisions in this regulation in order to clarify the intent of certain provisions and to incorporate within the regulation the definitions of terms commonly used in the water and wastewater industries.
Definitions: Section 100.2.
Subsections 100.2(1), (7), and (9). The Board includes the definitions of “Bag or Cartridge Filters”, “Conventional Filtration Treatment”, and “Direct Filtration Treatment” in order to standardize the understanding of these treatment techniques as used in the water treatment facility classifications of subsection 100.4.2 of this regulation. The Board intends that these definitions be interpreted in a manner consistent with the Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulation (5 C.C.R. 1003-1). Subsection 100.2(17). The definition of “Plant Design Flow” is added to this regulation in order to clarify that the classification of a water or wastewater facility is to be based upon the capacity of the facility, as approved by the Division, and not upon the actual production of the facility. Subsections 100.2(18) and (20). Definitions of “Primary Drinking Water Requirements” and “Secondary Drinking Water Standard” are included in order to remove the incorporation by reference of these terms in subsections 100.4.2(d),(e),(f),(g) and (h) of this regulation. Subsection 100.2(23). The Board intends to clarify that the “Transient Non-Community” operator certification level, as described in subsection 100.19.2 of this regulation, covers only a specific subset of transient non-community public water systems.
Subsection 100.2(25). The Board intends that the term “validated examination”, as used in section 100.11 of this regulation, be interpreted in a manner consistent with the federal guidelines for facility operator certification examinations (Federal Register, Vol.64, No. 24; February 5, 1999.) Water Facility Classification: Subsection 100.4.2 Subsections 100.4.2(d),(e),(f),(g) and (h). Cross-references to provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations are deleted by this amendment. The definitions of the previously cross-referenced terms are explicitly added to this regulation as subsections 100.2(18) and (20). Subsection 100.4.2(k). The criterion for the classification of water vending machines is amended to be consistent with the terminology used in other facility classifications in section 100.4.2 of this regulation. Qualifications and Classifications for Certification of Operators: Section 100.9 Subsections 100.9.2 and 100.9.3. The Board intends that a demonstration, by the applicant for a certification examination, of skills equivalent to the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) may be substituted for the requirement that an applicant hold either a high school diploma or a GED. Subsections 100.9.4 and 100.9.8(a)(iv) and (b)(iv). The Board intends to clarify that once specific experience or education is used by an applicant to fulfill a requirement for certification, that same experience or education may not be used to meet any other requirement for the same certification. Application for Certification: Section 100.10 Subsections 100.10.4, 5, and 6.
The Board intends to clarify the process by which an applicant may request a re-review of his or her application. All application denial notices should include the specific grounds upon which the application was denied. Such notices should include sufficient detail to allow the applicant to supply relevant supplementary information to the Board’s designee in a timely manner. The timeframes allowed for an applicant to request an application re-review or to request an appeal of an application denial are specified.
The Board intends that all material to be considered during a re-review or during an appeal must be submitted at the time of the request for re-review. Appeals to the Board will be evaluated based upon the material available during the re-review of the application. Material submitted after the re-review will not be considered by the Board at an appeal hearing, unless the operator provides a showing why such information could not have been submitted earlier in the process. Education and Cross Experience Substituted for Experience Requirements: Section 100.12 Subsection 100.12.1(a). The Board intends to clarify that any education credit claimed as a substitute for experience must be post-secondary education. The Board intends that education obtained at institutions such as community colleges and post-secondary technical schools is acceptable. Subsections 100.12.1(b) and (c). The Board intends to clarify that an approved and completed program, for which the applicant has received a diploma or certificate, is to be counted as a whole when used as a substitute for education. Experience equivalencies should be credited as specified in subsection 12.1(a). Only when an approved course of study has not been completed should the relevancy of individual courses be evaluated and a course-by-course determination of equivalency determined. Certificates: Section 13 Subsection 100.13.7. The Board deleted this subsection as not necessary to this regulation. Training Unit Requirements for Renewal of Certification: Section 100.14 Subsection 100.14.1. The Board recognizes that many training courses are approved for credit in multiple fields. While an operator may not count the same material twice toward the renewal of a single certification, the Board intends that operators be granted credit for the full time he or she attended a course. For example, a water treatment operator attends a six-hour course offering 0.4 Training Units (TUs) in water treatment and 0.6 training units in water distribution. For the renewal of a water treatment certification, the operator may count a total of 0.6 TUs for the course: 0.4 TUs may be counted toward the core requirement in water treatment and 0.2 TUs of the credit approved for water distribution may be counted as “outside the field” credit.
100.44 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE: APRIL 24,
BASIS AND PURPOSE Subsections 100.9.2 and 100.9.3. It is the intention of the Board to reflect the intent of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the substitution of education and/or experience for the general prerequisite that a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED) be held by all candidates for certification. EPA intends that candidates not meeting this prerequisite have education and/or experience beyond that which is required of other candidates. The Board has amended subsections 100.9.2 and 100.9.3 to clarify that (1) the GED is the only automatically acceptable alternative to a high school diploma and that (2) for candidates lacking a high school diploma or GED, there will be an additional experience and education requirement in order to qualify for examination. The choice of a six month period of additional experience is intended to reflect the experience equivalent of a full semester of academic credit as described in section 100.12.1(a) of this regulation. Subsections 100.12.1(b)(i) and 100.12.1(c). While recognizing the value of all post-secondary education, the Board has revised these sections of the regulation to provide that programs or courses acceptable as a year-for-year substitute for up to 50% of the direct experience requirements of this regulation be limited to those that the Board has determined are directly relevant to the operation of water and wastewater facilities. The previous version of Regulation No. 100 allowed any “technically oriented” courses or programs to substitute for up to 50% of the experience requirement. Addition of the “directly relevant” language reflects the Board’s intent to be more specific with respect to the types of programs or courses that may receive credit. The Board has adopted language from an ABC report on operator certification program standards to provide examples of the types of courses or programs that would be considered “directly relevant”. The Board intends that its contractors will apply this provision in the first instance, subject to appeal and final determination by the Board. Subsection 100.12.1(b)(ii). Although a degree that does not meet the criteria of section 100.12.1(b)(i) does not provide the specific background skills for entry into the water and wastewater professions, the Board recognizes that applicants who have completed a post-secondary degree program have demonstrated a set of learning abilities which should enable them to more efficiently acquire many of the skills normally developed by hands-on experience. The Board has determined, therefore, that a 25% education credit toward meeting the experience requirement is appropriate for applicants holding post- secondary degrees, regardless of the fields in which the degrees are granted. Subsection 100.13.8. This section is deleted as duplicative of subsection 100.13.7. Subsection 100.22.2. The Board has revised subsection 100.22.2 to modify the examination and administration fees. The previous $35.00 examination fee is inadequate to cover the actual cost of certification exams provided by ABC, including preparation and administration of those exams. Additionally, the previous administration fee of $50.00 is inadequate to cover the costs incurred in maintaining the database of operators, issuing and mailing certificates and other correspondence. The Board agrees with the CECTI and Certification Council proposal that it is more appropriate to increase the examination fee (to $45.00) and to increase the administration fee (to $55.00) for those obtaining a new certification by examination. The net result will be an increase of $15.00 in total fees for those passing a certification examination to obtain a new certification at a higher level. Those who take an examination and fail will incur a $10.00 increase.
The Board also agrees that it is appropriate to increase the administration fees at this time for those obtaining renewal certifications or certification by reciprocity from $60.00 to $70.00 to cover administrative costs. The Board also determined that it is appropriate to add a $20.00 fee to cover the cost of providing replacement certification documentation.
Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection Classifications A. Operator Certification Levels The Board has revised subsection 100.9.7 to include a level 3 certification requiring 3 years experience. Further, the Board has agreed to recognize current Class 3 operators as Class 4 operators and authorizes the issuance of operator certificates reflecting Class 4 certification. The Board has determined that this is appropriate, based on the four-year experience requirement previously in place for Class 3 operators and based on the content of the previous Class 3 examinations. Any current restricted Class 3 collection and distribution certification would become a restricted Class 4 certification.
B. System Classifications The Board has revised subsections 100.7.2 and 100.8.1 to modify the current Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection Systems classification tables to address the complexity of very large systems. Class 3 systems will be changed from serving populations greater than 25,000 to serving populations from 25,001 to 100,000. The Board has added a Class 4 classification that serves populations greater than 100,000.
Corresponding revisions have been adopted for sections 100.14 and 100.21.
100.45 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE: APRIL 28,
BASIS AND PURPOSE Subsection 100.2(12). The Board added a definition of “Responsible Person” that sets requirements for persons charged with the responsibility for supervising Class 2 industrial wastewater operations and for ensuring compliance with the facility’s discharge permit requirements. The Board intends that such persons receive adequate and ongoing training in areas relevant to their responsibilities, such as specific measures used to meet effluent limits, monitoring, inspection, planning, reporting, and documentation requirements.
Subsection 100.2(18). The Board adopted a definition of “Passive Wastewater Treatment” that parallels the statutory language of section 25-9-104(4)(d), C.R.S. Subsection 100.6.1. The Board adopted this amendment to Regulation 100 to implement the provisions of section 25-9-104(4), C.R.S., as amended by the Colorado General Assembly in 2008. The Board recognizes that there are wastewater treatment activities in Colorado that require only passive treatment in order to meet Colorado Discharge Permit System (“CDPS”) effluent limitations. The Board also recognizes that many of these activities are currently managed under a variety of Best Management Practice (“BMP”) requirements. Additionally, the Board recognizes that it is current practice in many of these industrial activities to place the facility/activity under the supervision of an environmental professional responsible for effluent quality, for overseeing monitoring, and for ensuring timely and accurate discharge monitoring reporting.
In light of the above considerations, the Board divided permitted industrial wastewater facilities into two distinct classes. Class 2 facilities shall not be subject to the requirements to operate under the supervision of a certified operator. The Board maintained the requirement for all industrial wastewater facilities not classified as class 2 facilities to remain subject to the requirements of Regulation 100 to operate under the supervision of a certified operator and designated these facilities as class 1 facilities. Subsection 100.6.1(b)(i). The Board has determined that facilities/activities which discharge solely under the authority of stormwater permits shall be classified as class 2 facilities without the need for specific Board action other than the adoption of this amendment to Regulation 100. The Board recognizes that such facilities utilize only passive treatment or no treatment of stormwater and are subject to significant requirements, including the filing of and adherence to Stormwater Management Plans. The Board has determined that facilities subject to stormwater discharge permits are appropriately classified as class 2 pursuant to the criteria in section 25-9-104(4) C.R.S. since these discharges generally do not contain substantial concentrations of toxic pollutants and do not require chemical, mechanical, or biological treatment. The Board intends that the designation as class 2 shall include facilities discharging under the authority of municipal stormwater permits, industrial stormwater permits and construction stormwater permits. The Board does not grant automatic class 2 classification to facilities discharging under the authority of combined process water and stormwater permits. The Board has further determined that facilities/activities discharging pursuant to the Water Quality Control Division’s “Low Risk Discharge Policy” shall be classified as class 2 facilities. The Board recognizes that the discharge from such activities is considered to pose minimal risk of environmental degradation. Such discharges generally do not contain substantial concentrations of toxic pollutants and do not require chemical, mechanical, or biological treatment. The Board further recognizes that water distribution systems holding “Treated Water Distribution System” permits are already required to be under the direct supervision of certified water distribution system operators whose training and certification criteria include the handling of the type of discharges covered under these permits. Similarly, water treatment facilities holding “Water Treatment Plant Discharge” permits are already required to be under the direct supervision of certified water treatment operators whose training and certification criteria include the handling of the type of discharges covered under these permits. Subsection 100.6.1(b)(ii). The Board recognizes that there are additional CDPS general industrial discharge permits whose effluent requirements can ordinarily be met by utilizing, at most, passive treatment techniques. These general industrial permits are listed within the amendment in subsection 100.6.1(b)(ii). The Board has provided that facilities holding these discharge permits shall be recognized as class 2 facilities based upon the Water Quality Control Division’s verification of a facility’s written certification that effluent limitations can be met utilizing only passive treatment and that the facility is under the supervision of a responsible person as defined in subsection 100.2(21) of this regulation. Verification by the Division will serve to confirm that a facility qualifies as a class 2 facility consistent with the classification determinations made by the Board in revisions to Regulation 100. The Board intends that the Division retain a record of such classifications. The Board recognizes that facilities denied a class 2 classification may appeal the Division’s determination to the Board pursuant to section 100.24 of this regulation.
Subsection 100.6.1(b)(iii). The Board further recognizes that certain facilities are required to hold individual industrial discharge permits rather than general industrial discharge permits. Individual permits are usually required either because of the sensitivity of the receiving waters, the nature of the effluent, or the complexity of the treatment required in order to meet effluent limitations. The Board has reserved to itself the authority to grant a class 2 classification to such facilities. The Board has provided that such facilities may submit a request for reclassification to the Board. This request shall include a demonstration that the facility’s operations meet the applicable considerations of section 25-9-104(4), C.R.S.; that effluent limitations can be met utilizing only passive treatment; and that the facility is under the supervision of a responsible person as defined in subsection 100.2(21) of this regulation. The Board will forward the material submitted with the request to the Division for evaluation and recommendation. The Board will approve or deny such requests at an adjudicatory hearing at a regular Board meeting. The Board recognizes that there are certain general industrial permits that authorize discharges from types of activities which are inherently more complex than those described in section 100.6.1(b)(ii) above. It is the Board’s intention that facilities discharging under the authority of general permits other than those listed in subsection 100.6.1(b)(ii) should follow the reclassification procedure outlined for facilities holding individual industrial discharge permits.
Conditions Applicable to Subsections 100.6.1(b)(2) and 100.6.1(b)(iii). In order to ensure that facilities meet the requirements for class 2 classification on a continuing basis, the Board has provided that each facility classified as a class 2 facility under subsection 100.6.1(b)(ii) or subsection 100.6.1(b)(iii) shall submit an annual certification confirming that the conditions under which its classification was granted are still being met and that ongoing annual training has been provided to the designated responsible person. The Board does not intend that a detailed accounting of the nature or timing of such training be submitted with each annual certification.
The Board may reclassify a class 2 facility to class 1 if that facility fails to meet the requirements of its discharge permit or if the facility’s operational practices result in a direct, negative impact on the public health or the environment.
100.46 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE:
BASIS AND PURPOSE Subsection 100.6.1. The Board added subsection 100.6.1 in April 2009 to implement the provisions of section 25-9-104(4), C.R.S., as amended by the General Assembly in 2008. The Office of Legislative Legal Services, which conducts legal reviews of all newly-promulgated agency rules, subsequently expressed concerns regarding the apparent “incorporation by reference” of the Division's Low Risk Discharge Policy in subsection 100.6.1(b)(i)(B). Based on these concerns, the Board decided as part of this rulemaking proceeding to delete subsection 100.6.1(b)(i)(B) (and to re-number the subsection accordingly).
The Board's initial intent in referencing the Division's Policy was to categorically exempt such facilities from the certified operator requirement because of their low risk of impacting the quality of state waters. The Board and the Division have agreed that the Board's intent can be accomplished alternatively through language in the Division's Low Risk Discharge Policy itself. Thus, the Low Risk Discharge Policy will soon be amended to state that the Division will use its enforcement discretion with respect to facilities which do not have a certified operator, where such facilities can prove that they are discharging pursuant to the Policy and implementing the best management practices outlined in the related guidance documents.
Subsection 100.13. The Board recognizes that section 25-9-107, C.R.S., refers to the “award” of a certificate, that certificates shall be “awarded for a period of three years”, and that the timing of automatic revocation for non-renewal is referenced to the “expiration date” of the certificate. Earlier versions of this regulation, however, reference the date of automatic revocation of a certificate to the “issue” date. Because certificates may not always be issued exactly three years prior to the expiration date, this difference in language is significant.
The Board has, therefore, chosen to align the language of subsection 100.13 of this regulation more closely with the language of the governing statute and refer the three year validity period of all certificates either to the date of “award” (for new certificates) or to the date of expiration of the previous certificate (for renewed certificates). It is clarified that renewed certificates are valid for three years from the date of expiration of the certificate being renewed and not from the date of issue of the renewal certificate. The Board further determined to adopt language which clarifies that the date of issue of a certificate does not determine the date on which a non-renewed certificate is automatically revoked. The Board intends to clarify that certificates shall be automatically revoked if not renewed within two years of the expiration of the certificate.
100.47 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE: NOVEMBER
A. New and Revised Fees.
B. Other Revisions The Board has also revised sections 100.9.6, 100.9.8, 100.11.1, 100.11.3, and 100.13.8 to modify references to “written examinations” in order to accommodate electronic testing.
100.48 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE: NOVEMBER
The Board agrees with recent findings by the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) that there are certain deficiencies with the multiple entry exam approach. For example, operators who passed the Class 4 Distribution exam by doing very well with the lower level exam questions could actually do very poorly on the questions specific to Class 4. This indicates that the multiple entry approach may not provide an accurate indication of proficiency in the skills required of a Class 4 Distribution operator. For this reason, ABC is no longer developing standardized multiple entry exams for their clients. Additionally, the Board was persuaded by the results of an analysis by a psychometrician hired by its Contractors to evaluate knowledge required of Colorado’s operators for the various certification categories and the classes within each. Exam blue prints have been developed which support the use of sequential testing because some areas of knowledge are tested more thoroughly at a lower level than at an upper level. The Board also considered the issue of reciprocity, as there will be very few, if any, states using multiple entry exams by the end of 2011. The Contractors’ reciprocity committees will benefit from a sequential testing scheme because it will allow an equal comparison of Colorado’s testing requirements with those of other states.
Accordingly, the Board added new section 100.9.7 to include the new requirement that in order to qualify to sit for an exam, an applicant must hold a certification for the same category and in the class immediately below the class for which the application is being made. The Board also revised the corresponding “Prior Certification and Experience Requirements” table in section 100.9.8 to consolidate and simplify the explanation of the experience requirements for the various certification categories and classes within each. Minor revisions were also made to section 100.9.6 for consistency with the other changes.
The Board agrees with the Contractors’ assessment that relatively few operators will be impacted by this change in testing policy, as most operators already gain the required experience and take examinations with the intent to advance sequentially through a particular certification category. For those few operators who currently have the requisite experience to bypass lower level exams and may wish to skip to higher class of certification, they should be able to obtain their desired level of certification in an expeditious manner. The Contactors have indicated to the Board that, beginning in 2012, they will be expanding from their current offering of two examination cycles per year to three cycles. This added exam cycle will allow operators who meet higher level experience requirements to go through the sequential testing process more quickly in order to obtain their desired level of certification.
100.49 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE: FEBRUARY
100.9.6 have been combined into 100.9.9.
Section 100.1. For consistency with other Department regulations, the Board added reference to the specific statutory authority of the Board to promulgate regulations. Section 100.2. The Board added definitions for the “Colorado Discharge Permit System Regulation” and the “Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulations;” modified the definition for “public water system” to be consistent with the definition in the “Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulations;” deleted language in the definition of “operator” that was redundant with the section of the regulation pertaining to certified operator duties; deleted the definition for “small system” because this classification was renamed “Class S” in this rulemaking; deleted the definition for “transient non-community certification” because this term is no longer used; and modified the definition of “water treatment facility” to match the statutory definition, 25-9-102(7), C.R.S.
Sections 100.4.1, 100.5.1, 100.7.1 and 100.8.1. The Board recognizes the confusion resulting from the use of like terms, specifically: 1) transient non-community water system, transient non-community water system operators certification , and transient non-community water system facility classification ; and 2) small system under the Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulations, small water system operators certification, small wastewater system operators certification, small water system facility classification and small wastewater facility classification . Because transient non-community water systems, small water systems, and small wastewater systems are subcategories of Class D water or wastewater treatment facilities with a Class 1 water distribution or wastewater collection system rather than distinct facility classifications, they have been removed as facility types. Accordingly, the Board revised sections 100.4.1, 100.5.1, 100.7.1, and 100.8.1 to remove references to transient non-community system, small water system, and small wastewater system from the respective lists of facility classifications, and corrected the number of facility classification types in each section; and the sentence preceding the table in section 100.7.2 referencing small water system and transient non- community water system facility classifications was also deleted. For clarity, the Board also changed the names of the following operator certifications: transient non- community systems to “Class T,” small water system to “Class S,” and small wastewater system to “Class S.” Sections 100.9.2 (d), (e), and (f), containing requirements for certification by examination, define when Class T and Class S certifications are valid to operate a Class D/Class 1 facility. Section 100.6. The Colorado Discharge Permit System is a self-reporting program, and the Board recognizes that large numbers of the permits issued to facilities that meet the requirements for the Class 2 industrial facility exemption under Regulation 100 are never used or are effective for only short periods of time. The Board also recognizes the inability of the Division to verify on an annual basis each facility’s certification that it meets the requirements for the Class 2 industrial facility exemption. Accordingly, the Board simplified the exemption process for Class 2 industrial facilities to reduce the regulatory reporting burden on the Division and on businesses operating within the State. A provision requiring facilities to notify the Division when they no longer meet the requirements of the exemption was added to ensure timely transition to operation under the supervision of a certified operator. The Board also added the new general “Pesticides” permit to section 100.6.1(b)(i)(C), and removed the specific industrial general permit numbers to prevent the need to modify the regulation each time the Division discontinues or adds to the permit numbering schema for the identified activity types. Section 100.9, 100.10, 100.11, 100.12, 100.13, 100.14, 100.15, 100.16, 100.20, 100.21. The Board added language to clarify and to incorporate language from its policies and procedures regarding the following topics: certification requirements; minimum education and experience requirements; criteria for evaluation of experience; application procedures; substitution for the experience requirements; approval of training units, educational courses, and institutions; procedures for purchase of new certificates, renewal of certificates, and certificates by reciprocity; training unit requirements for renewal of certification; expired certificates; duties of certified operators duties of operators in responsible charge; facility owners’ responsibilities, including the role of contract operators; and disciplinary actions, including clarified terminology and procedures.
Section 100.9.3 and 100.13.1. The Board recognizes the issues many small facilities face in ensuring they have trained certified operators. The Board also recognizes that the certified operator profession has an aging work force, and wishes to encourage dedicated young people to enter the profession. Accordingly, the Board added specific language regarding the examination and certification requirements for applicants participating in an approved high school program to encourage them to enter the water and wastewater fields. Specifically, the revised language allows a student to sit for an entry level certification examination prior to graduation from high school, with the provision that the certification will only be issued when the examinee successfully passes the examination and submits proof of graduation. Section 100.13.1 The Board added a deadline of three years from the date of notification of certification eligibility to apply for the certificate. It is the Board’s intention that after the three year deadline has expired, an individual would need to re-apply and retake the examination. Section 100.13.5(a). The Board added the requirement that in order to obtain a certificate by reciprocity, persons passing exams in other states, territories, or countries must also acquire qualifying experience in the state, territory, or country in which they obtained their certificate. The Board wishes to maintain Colorado’s high standards for operator certification, and this requirement is intended to deter persons (particularly Colorado-based operators) from taking certification exams in other states, territories, or countries as a means to more easily obtain a Colorado certification. The Board currently requires that exams taken in other states by reciprocity applicants must be adequate, validated, and “of a standard not lower” than Colorado’s. The Board believes, however, that this additional requirement will help streamline the reciprocity process and make it less subjective in situations where an applicant could have taken an exam in Colorado, but instead chose to take it elsewhere with the intent to find a less challenging exam. Section 100.14.2. For ease of reference, the Board consolidated the training unit requirements that were previously listed in narrative in this subsection into a table. Section 100.18. The Board added the responsibility for a facility owner to ensure the employment agreement with a certified operator reflects the requirements of an operator in responsible charge. The Board also defined the decisions reserved to the operator in responsible charge and modified the reporting requirements of facility owners.
Section 100.18.5. For consistency with other changes in the regulation, references to Class S and Class T were added to the table regarding criteria for operators in responsible charge. Section 100.19. In provisions regarding administration fees, the Board clarified that there is no additional fee for a standard 6 x 9 inch certificate, but that an additional fee of $5.00 will be charged for operators who opt for a larger size of certificate. Operators have had this option since 2008, but the Board believes it is appropriate to formalize this practice through its Regulations. The Board determined that the additional fee is necessary to cover postage and other incidental administrative costs associated with the larger certificate. The Board also added a $50 late fee for purchases of certificates 61 or more days after the date of the letter notifying the applicant of eligibility to receive certification and for renewal of a certificate after the expiration date. The Board found that the $50 amount is necessary and appropriate to cover administrative costs associated with delays in application for certification or certification renewal. Section 100.21. For consistency with other Department regulations, the Board defined a timely appeal to the Board as submitting the request for hearing within thirty (30) days of notice of a decision by the Board’s designee or the Division.
Section 100.25. This section regarding “Transitional Renewal Training Unit Requirements” was removed as obsolete.
The Board postponed the adoption of proposed sections 100.16.3(g), 100.16.3(h) and 100.16.4(a)-(f) regarding requirements for delegation of duties to uncertified personnel until a later rulemaking to allow time for additional stakeholder input.
100.50 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE: APRIL 29,
The previous term “operator in responsible charge” was deleted and replaced with “certified operator in responsible charge.” The Board determined that the new term was more appropriate to reflect the status of such operators. Within the definition, the Board clarified that “certified operators in responsible charge” have a higher level of responsibility at facilities because they are in charge of making process control/and or system integrity decisions that may affect public health or the environment. The Board also clarified its endorsement of the long-standing practice that facility owners may designate more than one person as the certified operator in responsible charge.
Finally, the definition of “operator” was revised to indicate that it is a general term that includes persons who may or may not hold a CWP certificate, and to delete the unnecessary word “supervises” to alleviate any confusion as to the general responsibilities or qualifications of an “operator.” The Board made revisions to terminology throughout the regulation to be consistent with these changes to the definitions of “certified operator,” “certified operator in responsible charge,” and “operator.” Additionally, the Board moved definitions that are only used once in the regulation to the section of the regulation where the term is used. The definitions of “Board,” “certificate,” “department, and “domestic wastewater treatment facility” were changed to match the statutory definitions, and clarifying language was added to the term “training unit.” The Board removed the definitions of “community water system,” “non-transient community water system,” and “non-community water system” because these terms are not specific to Regulation 100, and they are defined in the Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulations, 5 CCR 1002-11.
Section 100.4. The Board removed as unnecessary the terms “community,” “non-transient community,” and “transient non-community” water systems in the section 100.4.2 table heading. In accordance with authority granted in § 25-9-104.4(2), C.R.S., the Board added section 100.4.5, which exempts water treatment facilities that are not public water systems subject to the Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
Section 100.6. The Board combined the stormwater permitted facilities with other facilities discharging under listed general industrial permits, requiring these facilities to meet the conditions for classification as Class 2 industrial facilities. With changes to the stormwater permit discharge limits, there is the possibility a facility may install active treatment to meet permit discharge limits. This change ensures that if that were to occur, the facility would be required to operate under the direct supervision of a certified operator in responsible charge.
Section 100.7.5. The Board added a provision that exempts water distribution facilities that fall within the jurisdiction of the “Water Well Construction and Pump Installation Contractors Act,” 37-91-101 C.R.S. This provision was moved into the regulation from the Board’s “De Minimus Distribution Systems” policy (July 20, 2003).
Section 100.9. The Board added the minimum passing score to the requirements for certification. The Board changed the minimum passing score for certification by examination to 70 percent at the April 2004 meeting. This decision is being incorporated in the regulation for clarity and transparency of the Board’s expectations.
To improve the alignment of like provisions, the Board moved the provisions regarding restrictions on Class T and Class S Water and Wastewater certifications from section 100.9.2 (d), (e), and (f) to section 100.18.5(c), (d), and (f), which defines the minimum certification levels necessary for certified operators in responsible charge for each facility classification. Persons holding Class T and Class S certificates may serve as a certified operator in responsible charge only when all of the criteria in the relevant sections is met.
The Board made changes to the wording to increase clarity and readability. In addition, redundant language in section 100.9.9(c) was removed regarding the special rules for satisfying the minimum experience requirement for entry level certification in order to simplify the section. Sections 100.10 and 100.11. For consistency, the Board changed the word “type” to “category” in sections 100.10.7 and 100.11.6. In addition, the terms “small water system” and “small wastewater system” were corrected in section 100.10.7 to be consistent with changes to the certificate names made in 2012. Class T was added to the list.
Section 100.13.1(a)(iii) and section 100.13.6. To ensure the Board has the most accurate operator contact information, the Board added the requirements to provide current contact information when applying for a new certificate and to update the Board upon a change to the contact information within 30 days of such a change.
Sections 100.13(e) and 100.16. The Board added language to clarify its expectations and to incorporate language from its policies and procedures regarding the following topics: renewal process for operators absent due to military service, delegation of tasks or activities, and duties of certified operators in responsible charge. These include the following Board policies: Policy 13-2 (USERRA), “Delegation of Tasks to Uncertified Personnel,” approved September 24, 2002, and “Interpretation of Operator in Responsible Charge Duties,” approved June 26, 2001.
Section 100.13.5(a)(i). The Board broadened the list of certifying authorities for applicants seeking to obtain a certificate by reciprocity by adding the general term “another certifying entity”. This revision gives the Board discretion to consider certificates awarded by national or international water or wastewater professional organizations, such as the Association of Boards of Certification (of which the Board is a member), which offers professional certification for water and wastewater facility operators. The Board recognizes that this type of certification should be recognized and taken into account when evaluating an operator who applies for a certificate by reciprocity.
Section 100.15.6 and 100.20.1. The Board added the requirement for certified operators to conduct themselves in a professional manner when acting in the capacity of an operator, and included failure to do so to the list of offenses that may result in a Board disciplinary action. The Board made this addition to clarify its expectations with respect to a certified operator’s obligation to uphold the integrity of the CWP profession while acting in such capacity.
Section 100.18.2 and 100.18.3. The Board clarified for facility owners its expectation regarding who may make process control decisions and who must be available to make those decisions. This change is consistent with section 100.30 (Statement of Basis and Purpose November 2000), which states: “In order to meet EPA guidelines, the Board required that all process control and/or system integrity decisions about water quality or quantity that may affect the public health or the environment be made by either an operator in responsible charge or another certified operator. This operator must be certified at a level equal to or higher than that of the facility.”
100.51 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE: JUNE 30,
Section 100.13. To ensure consistency, provisions of Regulation 100 that refer to the issuing of the certificate, payment of program fees and the period each certificate is valid were moved to section 100.13 “Introduction.” For transparency, the board added the requirements to comply with section 24-76.5-101 et seq., C.R.S., often referred to as the lawful presence legislation when applying for new or renewed certificates.
Section 100.13.1, 100.13.2 and 100.13.5. For clarification, the board changed the headings and provisions of these three sections to clearly reflect they refer to the second of the two-step process of certification, the requirement to submit application for new or renewed certificates or to obtain certification by reciprocity.
Section 100.15.3. In August 2014, the board adopted revisions to section 100.20.1(j) to clarify that the board may take disciplinary action for failure to conduct oneself in a professional manner. In this proceeding, the board also adopted section 100.15.3 to include in the list of certified operators’ duties the requirement to act in a professional manner. The board made this addition to clarify its expectations with respect to a certified operator’s obligation to uphold the integrity of the CWP profession while acting in such capacity.
Section 100.16.5. The board removed responsibility from the certified operator in responsible charge duties for the management, administration, compliance with regulatory and permit requirements, and other responsibilities that require decision-maker action and approval, such as providing operational, technical and financial resources necessary for proper operation and maintenance of the water or wastewater facility. These responsibilities are implicitly and explicitly identified in other applicable regulatory and permit requirements as belonging to the owner of the facility. The board wanted it clearly understood that the certified operator in responsible charge is responsible for the professional operation and maintenance of the facility as appropriate to their certification level and working with the resources provided by the owner.
Section 100.18.1(a) and (b). For consistency and clarity, the board combined these provisions so the definition for direct supervision immediately follows the requirement for direct supervision by a certified operator in responsible charge.
Section 100.18.1 (b). The board defined how an owner designates the certified operator in responsible charge.
Section 100.18.3(a) and (b). For consistency and clarity, the board combined these provisions so the definition for available immediately follows the requirement for a certified operator in responsible charge to be available to make decisions and initiate actions that are reserved to the certified operator in responsible charge.
Section 100.18.4. For clarity, the board defined how an owner reports changes to the certified operator in responsible charge to the division. The division requires that current update forms be used. In addition, the board removed reference to certified operators in responsible charge being employed or contracted by the owner from sections 100.18.4 (b) and (c). There are other relationships that may exist between the owner and certified operators in responsible charge.
100.52 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE: DECEMBER
100.53 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE; NOVEMBER
Generally, the board made grammatical corrections, stylistic changes, and used simple declarative sentences when possible to avoid confusion or ambiguity. The board also made clarifications, removed duplicates and obsolete language, updated citations and numbering, and changed section titles to be more specific. The sections of the regulation were reorganized for a more logical flow and to increase readability. Sections 100.1 through 100.13 describe the various components of the operator certification program, including facility classification criteria. Sections 100.13 through 100.17 detail the certification process and requirements for obtaining and renewing certificates. Section 100.1.3. The board created a new section titled “Severability” to make it known that if, for any reason, a portion of the regulation is held inoperative, unconstitutional, void or invalid, the validity of the remaining portions is not affected.
Section 100.1.4. The board created a new section titled “Applicability.” For clarity, the board defined the categories of persons to which the regulation applies.
Section 100.1.5. The board created a new section titled “Automatic Exemptions.” It is divided into four subsections covering water treatment facilities and water distribution systems, as well as certain industrial wastewater treatment facilities. Each subsection includes the criteria which, if met, automatically results in an automatic exemption from the requirement for the facility/system to operate under the supervision of a certified operator in responsible charge (ORC). Under these subsections, if the criteria are met, there is no requirement for a facility to request an exemption from the board. Section 100.1.6. The board created a new section titled “Discretionary Exemptions.” This new section outlines the procedure for facilities that do not meet the “automatic exemption” criteria of section 100.1.5 to request an exemption from the requirement to operate under the supervision of a certified operator in responsible charge. This section is comprised of a combination of language from 25-9-104.4, C.R.S. (covering water and wastewater facilities), and from section 100.6, which is specific to industrial wastewater treatment facilities. The board also removed the requirement that was previously in section 100.6 for an adjudicatory hearing to address an industrial wastewater treatment facility exemption request. The division will evaluate exemption requests made under this section and make a recommendation to the board. The board will make a decision regarding the request at a regularly scheduled meeting.
Section 100.1.7. The board created a new section titled “Exceptions” which makes clear that the board has the authority to make exceptions to the requirements in Regulation 100 if the exception is not contrary to statute and does not endanger the public health or environment. Section 100.2(9). The board added the definition for graywater treatment facility. In this rulemaking, the board is adding a requirement for a certified operator in responsible charge for certain graywater treatment works as defined in the Graywater Control Regulation, 5 CCR 1002-86. Section 100.3. The board added a provision to clarify the role of the Water Quality Control Division, which details the scope of division enforcement authority and oversight and reserves all enforcement and oversight regarding graywater facilities to the local city, city and county, or county with a local graywater control program in accordance with the Graywater Control Regulation, 5 CCR 1002-86. The board also clarified the duties delegated to its contractor and removed two provisions that were not accurate. Throughout the regulation for consistency, the board deleted the term “the board’s designee” and replaced it with “the board’s contractor.”
Section 100.3.2. For clarity, the board added this provision from section 25-9-104.2(4), C.R.S., stating that the board retains the final authority over all actions and decisions of its contractors and subcontractors.
Section 100.3.2. To accomplish better flow of the regulation, this section was moved from the former section 100.21, “Hearings and Appeals,” and placed into this section of the regulation because it outlines the process for appealing decisions of the division and the board’s contractor(s). Section 100.6. The board added category D non-single family, indoor toilet and urinal flushing graywater treatment facilities, as defined in the Graywater Control Regulation, 5 CCR 1002-86, to domestic wastewater treatment facilities that require supervision by an ORC. Treated graywater is not potable water and is not required to be treated to potable water standards prior to recycling. Using non-potable water in homes, apartments or condominiums, schools, businesses, hotels, dormitories, etc. may increase the possibility of exposure to pathogens or other substances from partially treated water and could pose a public health risk. Current research is showing an increase in risk with each additional contributor to a graywater system, such as apartments, condominium units, hotel rooms, or numbers of people.
Ensuring that graywater treatment processes are functioning properly is a critical component in protecting public health. A certified operator is specifically trained to understand and oversee operation of treatment processes. Based on this increased risk from multiple contributors and the unique role of a certified operator in protecting public health, the board is requiring an ORC for non-single family graywater treatment facilities that supply non-potable water for toilet and urinal flushing. The board is not requiring an ORC for category A and C single family graywater systems and category B non-single family subsurface irrigation graywater systems as defined in the Graywater Control Regulation, 5 CCR 1002-86.
Section 100.9.7. To accomplish better flow of the regulation, the board removed this provision dealing with the appeal rights of facility owners regarding a violation of the responsibility to have an ORC from the former section 100.21, “Hearings and Appeals”
Section 100.15.5(b) and (c). For clarification and consistency, the board replaced the word “field” with “category” and spelled out the five certificate categories: water treatment, domestic wastewater treatment, industrial wastewater treatment, distribution system or collection system. Section 100.15.5(d). For clarity and to make it easier to understand, the board reworded the section using plain language.
Section 100.15.5(f-j). For clarification and transparency, the board added certain provisions from Policy #15-3 regarding timing of training units.
Section 100.15.8. The board clarified the criteria for a certified operator to receive double training units for teaching a board approved classroom course.
100.54 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE: JUNE 20,
100.9.5 and related civil penalty assessments are to be submitted to the division. The hearings are then conducted by the board.
100.55 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE:
• improve clarity and update citations;
• add failure to follow the Colorado Certified Water Professionals Code of Conduct to the list of violations that could result in disciplinary action against an operator; • ensure that regulatory language is harmonious with the automated features of the board’s new web-based certification management system;
• remove references to test cycles;
• add military education as a valid substitute for experience; • add provisions for mandatory regulatory training; and • ensure that appropriate fees are collected to meet the needs and processes of the program, and are assessed in a consistent, equitable and transparent manner. 100.12.2. The board added failure to follow the Colorado Certified Water Professionals Code of Conduct to the list of violations that could result in disciplinary action against an operator.
100.13 and 100.14. The board renamed these sections to clarify that there is a single application for certification.
100.13.1. The board simplified the wording of the application requirement and, to improve transparency, added a list of materials applicants will need to submit with their applications. 100.13.2. The board clarified that applicable fees are to be paid at the time application is submitted. 100.13.4. The board removed the re-review requirement for disapproved applications. A concern was raised that operators would lose some due process regarding their right to appeal the decision of the reviewer if an application was denied. However, the board’s new information system renders the request for re-review unnecessary by providing a 90-day window to correct deficiencies. Essentially, operators can request innumerable re-reviews until the 90-day period is over. .
100.13.5. The board reorganized this section for a more logical flow of ideas. 100.13.5(b). The board added a provision for mandatory regulatory training to be completed prior to submission of an application and valid for three years. To ensure flexibility as the division develops criteria for this requirement, the regulation does not specify the length of the regulatory training course or the number of training units to be awarded, only that the course must be approved to meet this requirement.
100.13.5(d). The board moved the qualifications for reciprocity from section 100.14 to section 100.13.5(d) for a more logical flow.
100.13.5(k). The board removed a provision that had allowed entry-level applicants to sit for an exam prior to meeting the one-month experience requirement because the provision would not be enforceable when the new on-line information system goes live. Proposed alternatives such as removing the experience requirement altogether or creating a new classification for operators-in- training, were determined not to be viable at this time. 100.13.6(a)(ii). As part of the implementation of HB 16-1197 which mandates clear pathways to certification for members of the armed services and veterans, the board added language making it clear that military education can be substituted for experience requirements consistent with the same way postsecondary education from educational institutions can be substituted for experience requirements.
100.13.6(b). The board removed the provision allowing secondary students in board-approved programs or courses to take exams prior to earning a high school diploma. The goal of this provision was to allow graduating students to be certified shortly after graduation. This was necessary as a work-around of the test cycles. This provision is no longer necessary with the end of test cycles.
100.13.13. The board moved language about examinations to section 100.14.1 and took out implementation details such as the setting of places, times and dates for examinations. The board established that, unless other arrangements are made with the exam administrator, exams will be administered electronically. The board also removed language about preparation of validated examinations and examination materials as these items are addressed in state statute. 100.14. The board simplified this section and removed reference to renewed certificates because this section is specifically for new certificates.
100.14.1. Added the language moved from section 100.13.13. The board removed language related to the setting of places, times and dates for examinations and established that, except as approved by the board, exams will be administered electronically. The board also removed language about preparation of validated examinations and examination materials as these items are addressed in state statute. The board added the provision to allow applicants who fail an exam to retest within a 180-day eligibility period.
100.15.1. The board moved a reference to renewed certificates and their period of validity from section 100.14 to 100.15 because section 100.15 deals specifically with certificate renewal. 100.15.2(a). The board removed all reference to the time frame for submitting applications for certificate renewal as such applications can be made at any time in the new on-line information system.
100.15.8. The board clarified training units from the mandatory regulatory training are included in the total training units required for renewal and not in addition to those requirements. 100.15.9(d). The board adopted a new provision specifying that the minimum course duration for training unit course approval is 30 minutes and spelling out the maximum training units that can be granted for courses lasting less than an hour. The information has been documented for years on the Training Units Matrix, but the board determined that adopting the minimum course duration into Regulation 100 was appropriate to increase transparency. 100.15.9(e). The board also adopted a provision for operators who have taken a course not approved for training units by the board or its contractors to provide a context for the fees collected for review of such courses.
100.16.1 and 100.16.2. The board revised the fees section of this regulation for greater clarity, transparency, equity and consistency.
100.16.3. The board adopted a provision to clarify that late fees for renewal applications submitted after the expiration date of the previous certificate should be paid through the certification management system at the time the application is submitted.100.16.4. The board modified the fee structure for approval of training unit courses and events to ensure consistency and transparency in handling various types of training options and mitigate against lost training opportunities due to overpricing.
100.56 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE: NOVEMBER
100.57 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE; NOVEMBER
The Board adopted updates to the facility classification sections to provide clarity to the facility classification process, better align the classifications with operator certification testing, and update the facility classification sections to include currently accepted technologies. The Board’s intent was not to change all facility classifications. In Colorado, there are over 2,000 public water systems, over 400 domestic wastewater facilities, and over 200 industrial facilities. The Board expects many facility classifications to be unchanged by the updates. The Board understands that the classification of some facilities will change. The Board specifically included a delayed effective date for any facility classification changes to existing facilities to assist with compliance. The Board also included provisions for a site- specific certified operator in responsible charge for some situations to provide additional time to assist with compliance.
As noted below, the Board added section 100.6 to include reclaimed water treatment and distribution systems. The existing sections 100.6 and greater were shifted to sections 100.7 and greater. Cross references to these later sections were modified to the new section numbering. The purpose of the facility classification updates is explained in more detail below. Reasons for Facility Classification Updates The Board observed that there were increasing number of situations where the use of the classification sections to classify a facility was ambiguous, leading to possible different interpretations, and requiring Board involvement for what should be regular decisions by Division staff based on the regulation. The classification sections date from generally 20 years or more in the past and do not include many technologies that have been developed and used in facilities since that time. The Board also observed portions of the facility classification sections did not align with the testing criteria for the operator certification tests. Alignment of the operator certification testing and the facility classifications is important since the Board and the Division rely on the existing and future certified operator in responsible charge of a facility to have the level of understanding to responsibly operate the facility. Regarding the distribution and collection sections, in the year 2000 the Board stated that it intended that the Division would include complexities in classification, but the regulation language is unclear regarding how to include the noted complexities and the Board intended that the complexities be clarified in the future. Determination of Classifications The Board updated the classification sections based on best professional judgment of the stakeholder and Division recommendations considering the 2017 Need-to-Know Criteria developed by the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), the organization responsible for the certification tests being used by Colorado, and minimum experience requirements for the operator certification levels. The Need-to-Know Criteria identify several types of knowledge that support job tasks associated with the particular certification with similar levels of test questions. The types of knowledge are rated at one of three levels to represent the extent of knowledge needed to perform the job tasks assigned to each content area in the criteria. The three levels are: 1) basic – a fundamental or lower level of knowledge, 2) intermediate – ability to understand and discuss the application and implications of changes to processes, and 3) advanced – very high level of knowledge/expertise and functioning at an expert level. Within the testing, the testing for particular content areas may only be at the basic level for lower levels of certification. When content areas are significant for a particular technology, the testing needs to be at the intermediate or advanced level. The classifications adopted by the Board also recognize the experience requirements associated with initially receiving a particular operator certification level. Some classifications were adjusted to align with the intermediate/advanced test questions and operator experience requirements. Although the Board included many technologies in the classification sections, the lists may not include every technology encountered in the future. In those situations, the list of technologies included in the facility classification sections are representative and the Board directs the Division to categorize other technologies consistent with the updated lists and classify facilities based on the similar technologies. Optional Technologies The Board determined that optional technologies installed at a facility are included in this important responsibility of the certified operator in responsible charge and must be included in the facility classification. Some stakeholders had expected that optional technologies installed at a facility, but not required for compliance, should not be considered for facility classification. This concern is an issue when the optional technology is more complicated than the other technologies in use at the facility and the facility classification would be lower if the optional technology is ignored during classification. When a technology is installed and could be used, the certified operator in responsible charge still needs to understand how to properly operate the technology and what interactions and potential impacts the optional technology can have on the other treatment technologies in use at the facility. A long-time requirement of Regulation 100 is for the certified operator in responsible charge to be certified at a level representing their ability to fulfill their responsibility for process control and/or facility integrity decisions about water quality or quantity or wastewater effluent quality or quantity that may affect public health or the environment.
Implementation of Updated Classifications The Board, the workgroups, and the Division were aware the implementation of updated classifications will be a significant effort and that some certified operators in responsible charge may need to acquire a higher level certification. Therefore, the Board included a split schedule with an immediate effective date for new or substantially modified facilities and a two-year deferred effective date for existing facilities that are not being substantially modified. The extended period for existing facilities that are not being substantially modified will give the facilities and the Division time to develop methods for classifying, reporting, and confirmation and give certified operators in responsible charge time to acquire a higher level operator certification, if needed.
Site-Specific Certified Operator in Responsible Charge The Board recognized that for some operators not located near teaching or testing resources, it can be difficult to get testing. Therefore, the Board added the ability for facility owners to request approval of a site-specific certified operator in responsible charge to give additional time to meet the operator requirements related to an updated facility classification for facilities that will not be substantially modified and are in three types of scenarios: 1) the facility classification level will increase two or more levels (added three years for a total five years to implement), 2) the certified operator in responsible charge has been in that role for that facility for 5 or more years (added three years for a total five years to implement), and 3) the certified operator in responsible charge has been in that role for that facility for 15 or more years (added 8 years for a total 10 years to implement). See discussion for section 100.10 for more detail. Automatic Exemptions, Section 100.1.5 In this rulemaking, the Board clarified automatic exemptions in section 100.1.5. Some public water systems are contained in a single building such that a separate distribution classification and operator are not needed. There are limited situations where there may be some water system piping outside the building, but a distribution system classification and operator is still not needed, such as between the treatment building and the single building or associated with an irrigation system protected by an approved backflow prevention assembly. The Board updated the water distribution system exemptions to clarify the situations where the distribution classification and operator are not required. The Board added four automatic exemptions. Two of the added exemptions clarify situations that are not part of the collection system definition, such as collection systems on the property of the owner of the domestic wastewater treatment facility and service lines from a building to the collection system. With the increased focus in society on the use of non-potable water, the Board added two more exemptions for non-potable water lines at a domestic wastewater treatment facility or reclaimed water treatment facility, and one for an industrial wastewater treatment facility, similar to the concept in the collection system definition of excluding the collection pipe system on the property of the treatment facility. The Board also clarified in section 100.1.6 that requests for discretionary exemptions be submitted to the Division for evaluation. Materials Incorporated by Reference, Section 100.1.8 The Board added Section 100.1.8 Materials Incorporated by Reference to comply with the statutory requirements in the Administrative Procedures Act, 24-4-103(12.5), C.R.S. Definitions, Section 100.2.
The Board clarified and added definitions in section 100.2. For the definition of “plant design flow,” Regulation 100 previously included two terms for the same definition, depending on whether the context was referring to a drinking water treatment facility or a wastewater treatment facility. The definition for drinking water treatment was a flow rate and the definition for wastewater treatment was a daily flow capacity. The Board acknowledges the two terms were often confused by using one term to mean two different concepts within different sections of the regulation. The Board deleted the definition of “plant design flow” and created two separate definitions in its place. The new definitions are “plant design flow rate” for drinking water treatment and “plant design hydraulic capacity” for wastewater treatment. In addition, the updated facility classification sections include units of gallons per minute (gpm) for drinking water treatment and millions of gallons per day (MGD) for wastewater treatment, to further separate the concepts for the two definitions. These modifications do not change the long-term intent of the Board, but add clarity for users of Regulation 100. The Board added definitions for “reclaimed water distribution system” and “reclaimed water treatment facility.” In Colorado, there is an increased focus on the use of non-potable water derived from treated domestic wastewater, which is referred to as “reclaimed water” in water quality terms. The Board did not create a separate certification for reclaimed water. Instead, the Board included a classification section for reclaimed water that refers to existing classifications for domestic wastewater treatment, in some instances drinking water treatment, and drinking water distribution. The Board added definitions for “reclaimed water distribution system” and “reclaimed water treatment facility” to support the updated classification sections.
The Board added a definition for “significant industrial user,” a term associated with pretreatment programs. The term is used in classifying collection systems as multiple significant industrial users can increase the complexity of operation and maintenance of a collection system. The Board also adopted a definition for “site-specific certified operator in responsible charge,” which is a term for a certified operator in responsible charge that the Division approves to be certified at a level less than the classification of the facility he or she is operating, for a specified limited period of time, provided specific conditions are met. The Board adopted this type of designation to provide some additional time to assist owners and operators in responding to facility classification changes for specific situations. See further discussion under section 100.10 below.
Water Treatment Facility Classification, Section 100.4. The Board updated the content and format of the drinking water treatment facility classification section 100.4. In 100.4.2, the Board established two classification subsections. The first subsection, part (a), includes classifications that are immediately applicable to new or substantially modified facilities, and will be applicable to existing facilities not undergoing substantial modifications after the two year implementation period. The second subsection, part (b), includes the current classification sections that are applicable to the existing facilities not undergoing substantial modifications during the two year implementation period.
The Board also modified the descriptions of the classification basis for drinking water treatment from descriptions that were more similar to drinking water regulations to a format listing treatment technologies and is more similar to the other classification sections. Each treatment technology is grouped under the headings of filtration, disinfection, and other treatment, although a technology might be used for different purposes than the heading.
In addition to modifying the technologies list, the Board clarified the plant design flow for drinking water treatment facilities. For drinking water systems, plant design flow rate means the approved maximum flow rate of the facility (instantaneous flow). The Board also adopted units for plant design flow rates for drinking water treatment facilities as gallons per minute. The plant design flow rate (gpm) heading in the classification table clarifies the flow rate within the table itself. The modifications should alleviate the confusion that surrounds which value to use in assessing a facility’s appropriate classification. The Board also adopted new capacities for grouping classifications based on the recommendation of the stakeholder workgroup of operators.
The facility classification tables include specific classifications (i.e., letters D, C, B, A) assigned to treatment technologies based, in part, on the 2017 Need to Know Criteria published by the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC). The Board adopted a minimum facility classification level of C for drinking water facilities conducting surface water treatment, including sources that are groundwater under direct influence of surface water (GWUDI). This classification will change classification for systems with surface water treatment facilities that have bag or cartridge treatment that are currently have a D classification. The C classification was selected because the D level operator certification testing does not adequately cover the concepts for drinking water treatment of a surface water source. The D level operator certification covers simple chlorination of groundwater. It does not adequately cover the following topics: the importance of properly and continuously operating multiple barriers, log-inactivation of Giardia, or maintaining disinfection contact time levels given differing water quality conditions like changing temperature, pH, and alkalinity.
The Board also found that proficiency levels, as evidenced by the minimum experience required to initially qualify to test for a certification level, were necessary for each classification level in addition to passing the certification test for each level since certain types of technologies and larger systems require a more experienced operator.
During the stakeholder review of the workgroup proposals, some of the classification levels for various technologies (e.g. membranes) were questioned by stakeholders, including at higher flow rates. The workgroup met again to review and discuss the classification levels and decided that the proficiency levels necessary with each classification level, there is the minimum experience period required to initially qualify for a certification level in addition to passing the certification test. The workgroup wanted to remind the stakeholder community that experience cannot be ignored when setting minimum classification levels and higher flows necessitate a certain amount of experience in many cases. The Board concurred with this perspective of the workgroup.
Domestic Wastewater Treatment Facility Classification, Section 100.5. The Board updated the content and format of the domestic wastewater treatment facility classification section 100.5. In 100.5.2, the Board established two classification subsections. The first subsection, part (a), includes classifications that are immediately applicable to new or substantially modified facilities, and will be applicable to existing facilities not undergoing substantial modifications after the two year implementation period. The second subsection, part (b), includes the current classification sections that are applicable to the existing facilities not undergoing substantial modifications during the two year implementation period. The Board also moved the category D non-single family, indoor toilet and urinal flushing graywater treatment facilities to the new reclaimed water section of the regulation. All but one row of the existing domestic wastewater treatment technologies were focused on secondary treatment (i.e., removal of total suspended solids and organic material as represented by biological oxygen demand or BOD tests). Since the tables were originally developed more than 20 years ago, the constituents being removed in treatment have increased (e.g., nutrients) and the effluent limits for constituents have decreased to low levels that necessitate advanced levels of wastewater treatment. To meet these more stringent treatment needs, newer technologies and combinations of technologies have been developed. Therefore, the Board adopted a format with a significantly longer listing of treatment technologies, grouped under headings representing the anticipated purpose of the technology including: preliminary, primary, secondary, and advanced treatment and the added purposes of: disinfection/inactivation, dechlorination, chemical addition, effluent discharge type, and solids handling. In addition to adding technologies, the Board clarified the plant design flow for domestic wastewater treatment facilities. Although the design flow for drinking water systems means the approved maximum flow rate of the facility (instantaneous flow), the design flow for wastewater facilities means the design hydraulic capacity of the facility as a volume discharged in 24 hours. The Board created the definition “plant design hydraulic capacity” for wastewater treatment facilities and retained the units of million gallons per day. The plant design hydraulic capacity (MGD) heading in the classification table clarifies the hydraulic flow capacity within the table itself.
With the large number of wastewater technologies added, the Board chose not to modify the capacities for grouping classifications. The facility classification tables include specific classifications (i.e., letters D, C, B, A) assigned to treatment technologies based, in part, on the 2017 Need to Know Criteria published by the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC). The Board also found that proficiency levels, as evidenced by the minimum experience required to initially qualify to test for a certification level, were necessary for each classification level in addition to passing the certification test for each level since certain types of technologies and larger systems require a more experienced operator. The technology rows for the secondary treatment technologies in the existing regulation are the same in the updated classifications with one exception for the advanced treatment technologies. In the current classifications, the classification of a facility with treatment beyond secondary treatment moves to the level A classification above 4 MGD. In the updated classifications, the classification of a facility with treatment beyond secondary treatment moves to the level A classification above 1 MGD. The Board determined that the technologies represented by advanced treatments warranted an advanced/expert level of both testing and the minimum experience period required to initially qualify for a certification level at the size of a “major” facility, represented at the 1 MGD capacity in wastewater permitting. The Board also determined that various methods of discharge, including increased uses of reclaimed wastewater, should be included in the classification of the treatment facilities based on possible risks and included a component to assess effluent discharge type during facility classification. When the effluent is being used as reclaimed water for outdoor uses, treatment beyond secondary limits (i.e., organic matter and total suspended solids) is required. As noted above, in the ABC 2017 Need to Know Criteria, the content questions are predominantly basic questions at the level C operator certification test and become intermediate questions at the level B operator certification test and advanced/expert questions at the level A operator certification test. The classification system follows this need for level B classification for advanced technologies beyond secondary treatment. When the effluent is being used as reclaimed water with indoor uses, it is expected that drinking water type technologies will be used to produce high quality reclaimed water. In this instance, the dual classification of wastewater treatment and drinking water treatment is indicated. As noted in the new reclaimed water section 100.6, there are situations where a reclaimed water treatment facility does not receive raw sewage, but receives treated effluent from a domestic wastewater treatment facility and could be classified as a drinking water treatment facility. If the separate reclaimed water treatment facility is classified as a drinking water treatment facility, the facility does not need the dual classification as wastewater treatment. The Board determined that the proficiency levels necessary for complicated technologies and high risk situations should recognize the minimum experience period required to initially qualify for a certification level in addition to passing the certification test. Although some technologies used in both drinking water and wastewater treatment are classified differently, the testing content for drinking water treatment and wastewater treatment are different at different certification levels based on the 2017 Need to Know Criteria.
As the effluent parameters and treatment levels change over time, different technologies are being used at domestic wastewater treatment facilities. Some technologies are considered industrial technologies, for which it would be appropriate to have an industrial classification and be operated by an operator with an industrial operator certification. The updated facility classification table identifies these technologies in a row indicating those technologies require an industrial operator. Ideally, the certified operator in responsible charge for the domestic wastewater treatment facility with one of these technologies will have both the domestic wastewater treatment operator certification and also the industrial operator certification. There could be a situation at a facility where the certified operator in responsible charge for the facility has the domestic wastewater treatment certification, but may not have the industrial operator certification. At this time, there do not appear to be many domestic facilities with these industrial technologies. If a domestic facility has one of the industrial technologies and the certified operator in responsible charge for the facility has the domestic wastewater treatment certification but does not have the industrial operator certification, the Board anticipates an operator with the industrial operator certification will be available to and reporting to the certified operator in responsible charge for the facility who has the domestic wastewater treatment certification. The Board encourages the certified operator in responsible charge in a domestic wastewater treatment facility with an industrial technology to pursue and acquire the industrial operator certification. Although the addition to the updated classification table appears to create the situation, the situation could exist with the current classification and the update brings clarity to identifying what technologies are expected to be included under the domestic wastewater classification and operator, and which also require an industrial operator. Reclaimed Water and Graywater Treatment Facility and Distribution System Classification, Section 100.6.
The Board added a new section 100.6 to clarify classification of facilities for reclaimed water distribution and reclaimed water treatment. The Board also moved the category D non-single family, indoor toilet and urinal flushing graywater treatment facilities to the new reclaimed water section of the regulation. Reclaimed water facilities, a subset of domestic wastewater treatment works, have been classified previously, but there was confusion regarding classification since Regulation 100 did not mention them clearly. In Colorado, there is an increased focus on the use of non-potable water derived from treated domestic wastewater, which is referred to as “reclaimed water” in water quality terms. The Board did not create a separate operator certification for reclaimed water. Instead, the Board included a facility classification section for reclaimed water that refers to existing facility classifications for domestic wastewater treatment, in some instances drinking water treatment, and drinking water distribution. Most reclaimed water treatment facilities are located at the wastewater treatment facility where sewage is received and treated and would be classified as a wastewater treatment facility. Some reclaimed water treatment facilities receive treated effluent from a wastewater treatment facility and treat the reclaimed water in a separate treatment facility with technologies that are similar to drinking water treatment technologies. For these facilities, the Board included an option for a reclaimed water treatment facility to be classified as a drinking water treatment facility allowing operation by a certified operator in responsible charge with a certification as a drinking water treatment operator. The Board anticipates that operator experience accrued at a reclaimed water treatment facility will align with the classification of the facility – wastewater experience if the facility is classified as a wastewater facility and drinking water experience if facility is classified as a drinking water facility.
Reclaimed water distribution systems will have pressurized pipe carrying highly treated water, having multiple tap connections, with concern regarding preserving water quality and preventing cross connections. Each of these factors is much more similar to drinking water distribution systems than wastewater collection systems. The Board did note create a separate operator certification for reclaimed water. Instead, the Board adopted the approach for reclaimed water distribution systems to be classified using the water distribution section and to be operated by a certified operator in responsible charge having an appropriate drinking water distribution certificate. Although the new section references the drinking water distribution system, a daily flow capacity has been included to substitute for population in step 1 of the distribution classification section. The complexities in step 2 of the drinking water distribution system classification section will also apply to the reclaimed water distribution system classification. Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility Classification, Section 100.7. The Board updated the content and format of the industrial wastewater treatment facility classification section 100.7 (formerly section 100.6). In 100.7.2, the Board established two classification subsections. The first subsection, part (a), includes classifications that are immediately applicable to new or substantially modified facilities, and will be applicable to existing facilities not undergoing substantial modifications after the two year implementation period. The second subsection, part (b), includes the current classification sections that are applicable to the existing facilities not undergoing substantial modifications during the two year implementation period. The section format is similar to the existing section with more technologies added to the tables at the various classification levels. Since the technology list was developed 20-30 years ago, there have been more technologies developed. In recent years, the oil and gas industry has implemented a number of technologies, new and old, that were not included in the existing table. A few industrial wastewater treatment technologies, such as chemical conversion oxidation/reduction reactions, can be a single step reaction, such as iron oxidation, or more complex multiple step conversion, such as cyanide destruction or hexavalent chromium reduction. The Board listed the technology in the classifications based on the complexity of the treatment. As noted in section 100.36, in January 2002 the Board created the level D industrial wastewater treatment classification finding that some facilities process wastewater without chemical addition, without biological or mechanical processes, and normally require only the monitoring of otherwise passive physical processes. The Board established the level D industrial wastewater treatment classification shall consist of facilities whose wastewater handling is purely physical and is without routine chemical addition, biological treatment, or complex mechanical manipulation. The updated facility classification section maintains the distinction and clarifies that technologies without chemical addition may be a level D classification while the technology would require a higher level classification if chemical addition is included.
The Board clarified the automatic exemptions to include treated industrial wastewater recycled for industrial processes. With the future potential for some industrial treatment facilities to perhaps choose to use treated industrial wastewater for indoor uses other than industrial uses, the classification section was updated to include a provision similar to the reclaimed water section when the effluent is discharged into plumbing for indoor, non-process, domestic water uses. In this situation, a drinking water classification and operator would be needed (e.g., dual classification requiring drinking water certification as well as industrial wastewater certification) for indoor domestic uses. Whether a situation is exempt or requires dual classification will depend on ultimate use of water from the industrial treatment facility. One stakeholder requested the ability for a domestic wastewater operator certification to substitute for compliance with an industrial wastewater classification at an industrial treatment facility with only biological methods in use to treat organic and inorganic constituents. Since this is expected to be limited to a few situations, the updated classification section does not reference substituting a domestic wastewater operator certification for this situation, but the situation could be addressed by an individual facility’s request to the Board.
Water Distribution System Classification, Section 100.8. Wastewater Collection System Classification, Section 100.9, The Board updated the content and format of the water distribution and wastewater collection facility classification sections 100.8 and 100.9 (formerly sections 100.7 and 100.8). In sections 100.8 and 100.9, the Board established two classification subsections. The first subsection, part (a), includes classifications that are immediately applicable to new or substantially modified facilities, and will be applicable to existing facilities not undergoing substantial modifications after the two year implementation period. The second subsection, part (b), includes the current classification sections that are applicable to the existing facilities not undergoing substantial modifications during the two year implementation period. The Board adopted a two-step classification section for water distribution and wastewater collection. Step 1 is a classification determination based on population served. Step 2 includes an increase in the classification level, if the water distribution or wastewater collection system contains one or more of the complexities included in the updated classification section. The Step 2 complexity evaluation is not necessary for water distribution and wastewater collection systems serving a population greater than 25,000 people. The Step 2 complexity evaluation can increase, but not decrease a classification. A classification based on population in Step 1 would not be reduced based on a complexity in Step 2. This approach is consistent with the Board’s intentions when it originally adopted the distribution and collection system classifications. As noted in section 100.30, in November 2000 the Board chose to initially classify water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems based on population, which the Board believed serves as an adequate surrogate for general representations of complexity. Additionally, the Board provided that the Division can change the classification of any particular facility based on complexity factors. In practice, the complexity factors in the regulation could be subjective and were rarely used by the Division. The Board intended to revisit its initial classification scheme for water distribution and wastewater collection systems in a future rulemaking to include adoption of a classification system that will more accurately reflect the complexities and differences between the various types of distribution and collection systems. The distribution and collection workgroups evaluated the issue of complexities in distribution and collection systems from several perspectives including: 1) the complexity factors in the existing classification section, 2) potential complexity concerns not represented by population surrogate, and 3) the 2017 Need to Know Criteria published by the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), to assess the level of operator certification to be certified operator in responsible charge of a facility with a particular complexity.
Specific complexities in drinking water distribution systems include number of pressure zones, number of entry points, type of chlorine residual in use, and presence of booster chlorine stations within a distribution system. Generally, the different complexities contribute greatly to the complexity of a water distribution system and the expertise required to consistently operate it. With such complexities, the numbers of cascading effects can grow exponentially for changing conditions. This cascade effect therefore requires the higher level of experience and certification. Specific complexities in wastewater collection systems include a collection system having multiple medium size lift stations or at least one larger lift station. In the ABC 2017 Need to Know Criteria, the level of questions for the bulk of the lift station content areas and the sanitary sewer overflows are basic questions at level 1 operator certification test, include some more intermediate questions at the level 2 operator certification test, all intermediate questions at the level 3 operator certification test, with advanced questions becoming introduced at the level 4 operator certification test. The risk of sanitary sewer overflows increase with multiple lift stations and large lift stations and the higher testing and experience requirements for level 2 and 3 operator certifications represent the greater experience needed in these cases. Complexities in wastewater collection systems were also included for a collection system having multiple significant industrial users associated with a pretreatment program for the domestic wastewater treatment facility. Although the pretreatment program can be staffed by treatment operators at the treatment facility, the significant industrial users discharge non-domestic wastewater into the collection system and collection operators need to understand chemistry and other concerns associated with having multiple significant industrial users in a collection system. In the ABC 2017 Need to Know Criteria, the level of questions for chemistry, contaminants, corrosion control, etc. are basic questions at level 1 and 2 operator certification tests, include intermediate questions at the level 3 operator certification test, with advanced questions becoming introduced at the level 4 operator certification test. Higher testing and experience requirements for level 2 and 3 operator certifications represent the greater experience needed when multiple significant industrial users are present in the collection area. Wastewater collection systems serving multiple properties and conveying the wastewater on to another sanitation district for treatment are satellite collection systems. Satellite collection systems are required to have a certified operator in responsible charge. This includes large mobile home parks where the homes are located on individually owned property lots. There has been confusion regarding when a collection system serving multiple buildings on a property having a single owner needed a certified operator in responsible charge for the collection system. A service line for an individual property is exempt, and it is reasonable for a similar service line for a few buildings to be exempt. As a collection system increases, it becomes reasonable for a private collection system to have a certified operator in responsible charge to adequately maintain and clean the collection system. To bring clarity to this situation, the Board adopted provisions identifying when a private satellite collection system is to be classified and expected to operate under the supervision of a certified operator in responsible charge, including both collection system pipe and possible lift stations.
Responsibilities and Duties of Water and Wastewater Facility Owners, Section 100.10. The Board added a new portion to section 100.10 (formerly section 100.9) to allow for site-specific certified operator in responsible charge for some situations to assist owners and operators in responding to facility classification changes for specific situations. As noted above, the Board included an extended two-year deferred period before an effective date for existing facilities that are not being substantially modified to give the facilities time to understand the updated facility classification and time for the certified operator in responsible charge time to acquire a higher level operator certification, if needed. The Board determined that most operators will not need to change certifications or will be able to acquire the higher certification during the two year period. The Board recognized that for some operators not located near teaching or testing resources, it can be difficult to get testing. Under the allowance, a certified operator in responsible charge could be certified at a level less than the classification of the facility he or she is operating, for a specified limited period of time, provided specific conditions are met. Therefore, the Board added the ability for facility owners to request allowance for a site-specific certified operator in responsible charge to give additional time to meet the operator requirements related to an updated facility classification for facilities that will not substantially modify the facilities and are in three types of scenarios including: 1) the facility classification level will increase two or more levels (added three years for a total five years to implement); 2) the certified operator in responsible charge has been in that role for that facility for 5 or more years (added three years for a total five years to implement); and 3) the certified operator in responsible charge has been in that role for that facility for 15 or more years (added 8 years for a total 10 years to implement). Since the Regulation 100 certified operator in responsible charge requirements do not apply to other operators, the site-specific certified operator in responsible charge also does not apply to other operators at a facility.
The additional deferred periods for site-specific certified operators in responsible charge are based on several significant principles to maintain the integrity of the operator certification program. A facility will be properly classified in accordance with the facility classification sections. An operator will be certified based on the experience requirements and testing. During the transition, approval as a site-specific certified operator in responsible charge will provide time to allow the existing certified operator in responsible charge to get a higher certification, if needed based on the updated facility classification. During the additional period allowed to comply, the operators must maintain the on-going training required to renew the existing operator certification. If a higher level of certification is needed, the operators are expected to be studying and testing to acquire a higher level certification during the compliance period. The allowance for a site-specific certified operator in responsible charge is applicable to the current certified operator in responsible charge and does not apply to any other operator at or coming to the facility. The allowance for a site-specific certified operator in responsible charge does not apply to contract operators for a facility because contractors should be able to achieve higher levels of certification and are not subject to the same delays as fixed, rural communities. Any certified operator in responsible charge moving to a different facility must meet all the certification requirements for that facility. The allowances for a site-specific certified operator in responsible charge are not permanent. Although some stakeholders asked for permanent allowances for all existing operators at all existing systems, such a request is not compatible with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requirements for operator certification programs.
100.58 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE; NOVEMBER
100.59 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE:
100. Therefore, the board conducted a “written comment only rulemaking hearing” to align the language in the regulation with the statute.
100.60 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE; JANUARY
100.61 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE: MARCH 30,
100.62 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE:
100.63 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE: DECEMBER
100.15 through 100.17 to ensure that appropriate fees are collected to meet and improve the needs and processes of the program.
The Board determined that, effective March 1, 2024, the cost of administered operator examinations in Colorado will increase from $100 to $104, which requires a revision to Regulation 100.17.2(b) since it currently lists exam fees as $100. The Board revised the exam fee to reflect the increase established by the Board’s contract with the test provider, Water Professionals International (WPI), that becomes effective on March 1, 2024. Exam fees will continue to go directly to WPI, formerly the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC).
Upon the Board’s request, a Board subcommittee was formed to determine whether simultaneous revisions could be made to Regulation 100 that would generate program revenue without having to raise program fees or application costs. The subcommittee proposed additional revisions to Regulation 100 as a means of generating program revenue without increasing application costs, and to improve the program in general. Consistent with the subcommittee’s proposal, the Board made the following revisions: Section 100.17.1(c)(ii). The Board raised the fee for out-of-state operators seeking reciprocity in Colorado to align the reciprocity fee with the amount an in-state applicant would pay to become a certified operator. 100.17.3(a). The Board raised the late fee for certification renewals. Regulation 100 allows operators to apply for renewal up to two years following the expiration date of a certification (known as the “restoration period”). The Board believes that the program provides operators ample opportunity to timely renew their certifications, and the increased late fee is generous in comparison to what other states charge for late renewals, including the restoration period.
Section 100.17.4(a)(iv). The Board decreased the number of courses in a batch for providers requesting training unit course approval. Taking into consideration the amount of time it takes for the program to review course content for approval, the Board deemed the new batch amount as fair and appropriate. Reducing the number of courses in a batch still provides a financial benefit for the course provider and better compensates the program for its time.
Finally, the Board revised section 100.15.1(e) to shorten the eligibility period for retaking exams from 180 days to 100 days to ensure the operator certification program (program) is not simply creating good test takers, but rather quality operators that take the time to study and prepare for each exam attempt. This allows an operator three testing attempts under one exam application, with some flexibility for scheduling. The program still wants to allow multiple opportunities for individuals to enter the operator workforce, and three attempts at one examination was deemed more appropriate and fair.
100.64 STATEMENT OF BASIS, SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE: FEBRUARY
100.1 and 100.6 to ensure that the regulations are consistent with the operator certification statute and align with new language in the Water Quality Control Commission’s updated Regulation #86. On November 13, 2023, the commission adopted the division’s proposed changes to Regulation #86, the Graywater Control Regulation, to no longer require a certified operator for “Category D” Graywater, and to instead specify that a certified operator is required for graywater treatment works that produce greater than 2,000 gallons per day.
The Board determined that these revisions to Regulation 100 allow for the regulation to be worded more clearly and to prevent any additional revisions in the likely event that Regulation #86 is revised in the future to introduce new graywater uses. The revisions to Regulation #86 removed specific category types of graywater treatment facilities based on uses that were referenced in Regulation 100, and likewise, the Board removed the reference to Categories A, B and C in Regulation 100 to be more general. These revisions to Regulation 100 also now align with the 2,000 gallons per day threshold for state review under the Water Quality Control Act, and ensure that certified operator requirements apply to larger graywater systems. These revisions also align with other wastewater program requirements. _________________________________________________________________________ Editor’s Notes History Rules 100.7, 100.8, 100.9, 100.12, 100.13, 100.14, 100.21, 100.22, 100.44 eff. 09/30/2007. Rules 100.2, 100.6, 100.45 eff. 06/30/2009.
Rules 100.6(a)-(d), 100.13, 100.46 eff. 11/30/2009.
Rules 100.9.6, 100.9.8, 100.11.1, 100.11.3, 100.13.8, 100.22, 100.47 eff. 02/03/2010. Rules 100.9, 100.48 eff. 01/30/2012.
Rules 100.1-100.21, 100.49 eff. 06/30/2012.
Rules 100.1.1, 100.2, 100.3.1, 100.4-100.8.1, 100.9, 100.10.7, 100.11.6, 100.12.1(b)(i), 100.13, 100.14- 100.16, 100.18, 100.19.2, 100.20-100.21, 100.50 eff. 10/30/2014. Rules 100.2, 100.10, 100.13, 100.15.2-100.15.3, 100.16.5, 100.18.1-100.18.4, 100.51 eff. 08/30/2015. Rules 100.15.3, 100.20.1(j), 100.52 eff. 01/30/2016.
Entire rule, 100.53 eff. 01/30/2017.
Rules 100.9.7, 100.54 eff. 08/31/2017.
Entire rule, 100.55-100.57 eff. 03/01/2019.
Rules 100.13.2(k), 100.14.1, 100.58 eff. 01/14/2020.
Rules 100.2(8),(10), 100.59 eff. 11/30/2020.
Rules 100.3.2(n), 100.14.5(d), 100.15.3, 100.17.1(c)(ii), 100.60 eff. 03/31/2021. Rules 100.4.2, 100.5.2, 100.7.2, 100.8.2, 100.9.2, 100.10.8, 100.61 eff. 05/30/2021. Rules 100.14.1, 100.62 eff. 11/30/2021.
Rules 100.15.1(e), 100.17.1(c)(ii), 100.17.2(b), 100.17.3(a), 100.17.4(a)(iv), 100.63 eff. 03/01/2024. Rules 100.1.5(a)(v), 100.6.1, 100.64 eff. 04/15/2024.