1. (a) Certified wastewater treatment plant operators shall comply with the following code of ethics, the purpose of which is to ensure the ethical operation and maintenance of the plant assets, mechanical equipment, and chemical processes in order to protect public health and the environment.

2. (b) The certified operator shall comply with the following:

   1. (1) Use reasonable care and judgement in the performance of their operational duties;
   2. (2) Ensure the integrity of the samples that they collect, prepare, or analyze to ensure that the results are a true representation of water quality;
   3. (3) Undertake only those jobs which they are qualified for by reason of education, training, and experience to perform;
   4. (4) Immediately advise the OIRC or the owner of the plant, as applicable, and document adverse conditions as they arise; and
   5. (5) If the certified operator's judgment is overruled by the owner of the plant or the certified operator's employer, in circumstances in which the safety, health, or welfare of the public or the environment are endangered, the certified operator shall inform and document that they informed the owner or employer, as applicable, of the possible consequences.

Source. #13755, eff 9-27-23 (see Revision Note #2 at part heading for Env-Wq 304)