FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5162

C 35 L 17

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Creating the wastewater treatment plant operator certification account.

Sponsors: Senators McCoy, Sheldon, Rolfes, Takko and Chase; by request of Department of Ecology.

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Committee on Energy, Environment & Telecommunications

House Committee on Appropriations

Background: The Department of Ecology (Ecology) implements the Wastewater Operator Certification program (program). To implement the program, Ecology is authorized to categorize wastewater treatment plants by size, type, and complexity to address the experience and skill level needed by a certified operator to protect the public health and the state's waters; determine qualifications and certification of operators for different classification of wastewater treatment plants; and to certify operators. A wastewater treatment plant must be operated by a certified operator.

There are five levels of wastewater certification in Washington. The certification levels range from an operator in training to Group IV. Each level of certification has education and experience requirements. An applicant must take and pass an exam to become a certified operator. All certification levels require a high school diploma or GED, in addition to specific experience and college credit.

Ecology is required to collect fees for issuing and renewing certificates sufficient to cover the cost of the program. All fees received in the administration of the program are deposited into the state General Fund.

Summary: The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification account is created. The provision requiring fees received for the administration of the program be deposited into the state General Fund is repealed.

Votes on Final Passage: