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Wastewater Operator Certification Program

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) serve an essential function to protect public health and the environment, including Washington's rivers, lakes, streams, and Puget Sound. The certification of wastewater treatment plant operators helps ensure they are knowledgeable and that WWTPs are properly operated and maintained.

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Effective Aug. 10, 2019, changes to Operator Certification Rule

Drawing of a wastewater operator working on a system in a tunnel.

Drawing by James Davis

We adopted changes to chapter 173-230 WAC Certification of Operators of Wastewater Treatment Plants. The changes establish a fee schedule in rule as directed by the Legislature in 2018. In addition, we adopted multiple changes, including:
  • Providing for an Operator in Training and respective education and experience qualifications for Groups II-IV.
  • Acknowledging new technologies in wastewater treatment.
  • Creating stand-alone sections where more information and clarity were needed.
  • Clarifying rule language to codify existing program practice.
Find out more about the new fees and Operator in Training Group levels II-IV from our focus sheet.
To learn even more, visit the rulemaking webpage.
 

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Contact information

Questions
opcert@ecy.wa.gov
1-800-633-6193, Option 1 

Poppy Carre
Operator Certification Program Coordinator
poppy.carre@ecy.wa.gov 
360-407-6449

Tyga Hunter
Operator Certification Program Assistant
tyga.hunter@ecy.wa.gov
360-407-6889