(1) If a wastewater treatment plant's classification increases solely due to a reclassification based on the criteria in Table 4, the department may issue a one-time provisional certificate to the certified operator in responsible charge and the lead operator of each shift.

(a) The provisional certificate issued to the operator in responsible charge, will be for the same level as the plant classification.

(b) The provisional certificate issued to the lead operator of a shift, will be for one level lower than the plant classification.

(2) The provisional certificate will not be issued if the classification of a plant increases due to a:

(a) Plant upgrade.

(b) Change to the treatment processes.

(c) Change to flow.

(3) The provisional certificate will be issued only for the operation of a specific plant and may not be transferred.

(4) When a certified operator holding a provisional certificate leaves employment with that plant, their certification level will return to their former certification level.

(5) The holder of a provisional certificate must continue to meet all certification requirements.

(6) When a certified operator holding a provisional certificate upgrades their certification level, they will no longer hold a provisional certificate.