PDFWAC 246-292-080

Public water system temporary operator certification.

(1) The department may issue a nonrenewable temporary certification to an individual to fill a vacated position for a certified operator in responsible charge, or for a position reclassified in WAC 246-292-086, for a public water system that is required to have a certified operator. The purveyor of the public water system and the operator may jointly submit to the department an application for a temporary certification without the operator taking an examination if:
(a) The operator meets, or will meet before the end of the temporary certification period, the minimum education and operating experience requirements of the water treatment plant or distribution system classification as required in WAC 246-292-050 for the temporary position; and
(b) The operator submits all of the following:
(i) A letter requesting temporary certification for the vacated certified operator in responsible charge position;
(ii) A temporary certification application on a form provided by the department signed by the operator and the purveyor for department review and approval;
(iii) Affidavits of employment and other supporting information to document experience and demonstrate that the applicant will meet the requirements to become certified for the position by the end of the temporary certification period; and
(iv) A temporary certification application fee as specified in WAC 246-292-995(4).
(2) The department may issue a temporary certification for up to twelve months except as specified in subsection (3) or (4) of this section.
(3) The department may issue a temporary certification for up to sixty days to an operator of a public water system that uses a surface water or a GWI source, if:
(a) The public water system has no more than two WTPO positions;
(b) All WTPO positions for the public water system are vacant at the same time;
(c) The operator meets the minimum education and operating experience requirements for the position in WAC 246-292-060 at the time the department receives the application; and
(d) The operator submits all information as required in subsection (1)(b) of this section.
(4) The department may issue a temporary certification for up to one hundred twenty days to an operator of a public water system if:
(a) The public water system meets the criteria in WAC 246-292-050 (2)(c);
(b) The operator meets the minimum education and operating experience requirements for the position in WAC 246-292-060 at the time the department receives the application; and
(c) The operator submits all information as required in subsection (1)(b) of this section.
(5) Only one temporary certification may be issued for each vacated position for a certified operator in responsible charge.
(6) A temporary certification issued by the department to an operator for a vacated certified operator in responsible charge position of a public water system is not transferable to:
(a) Another operator;
(b) Another position within the public water system; or
(c) Another public water system.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119.050 and chapter 70.119 RCW. WSR 14-01-003, § 246-292-080, filed 12/4/13, effective 1/4/14. Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.119 RCW and Safe Drinking Water Act, Public Law 104-182; 64 F.R. 5916 - 5921. WSR 01-02-070, § 246-292-080, filed 12/29/00, effective 1/29/01. Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.119 RCW. WSR 94-04-004, § 246-292-080, filed 1/20/94, effective 2/20/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-292-080, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119.050. WSR 78-10-053 (Order 1343), § 248-55-090, filed 9/22/78.]