Printer-friendlyCertification System
Wastewater Treatment Plant Scoring System
Certification Grades
The Grades are divided into four levels, 1, 2, 3, and 4, with 1 being the lowest and 4 the highest Grade. All activated sludge wastewater treatment plant certifications will further be designated with the letter "A". Other treatment process certifications have no letter designation.
Scoring System for Wastewater Treatment Plants
A WWTP Scoring System is used to determine the required Grade of Chief Operator and Assistant/Shift Operator. The system is based upon design flow, type of treatment, and operational complexity. The system is similar to that used by the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC). Refer to, "Guidelines for Wastewater Treatment Plant Scoring" below to estimate your facility score.
The table below illustrates the point score classifications for wastewater treatment plants along with the required certification Grades for the Chief Operator and Assistant/Shift Operator.
| Total Wastewater Treatment Plant Score | 30 & less | 31 - 55 | 56 - 75 | 76 & greater |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade of Chief Operator Required | 1/1A | 2/2A | 3/3A | 4/4A |
| Grade of Assistant/Shift Operator Required | 1/1A | 1/1A | 2/2A | 3/3A |
Guidelines for Wastewater Treatment Plant Scoring
A , (PDF 23 KB file), is available on this site that can be used to estimate your wastewater treatment score. The final score will be determined by the NYSDEC. If you are unsure of your WWTP, contact the NYSDEC, Facility Operations Assistance Section at (518) 402-8092.
Exemptions
Wastewater treatment plants consisting solely of the following treatment schemes are exempt from having a certified chief operator or assistant/shift operator.
- 1) septic systems followed by subsurface leaching facilities with eventual discharge to the ground waters, regardless of design capacity;
- 2) septic tanks followed by open or covered intermittent sand filters, with a design capacity of less than 50,000 gallons per day.
- 3) wastewater treatment plants which treat industrial wastes exclusively.
Industrial Operators
As stated under "Exemptions", industrial plants treating solely industrial wastewater don't require a certified operator. However, operating experience at an industrial wastewater plant with a SPDES permit may satisfy the operating experience requirements. Industrial operators who desire certification must meet all requirements (i.e.. education, training, laboratory proficiency, and examination).
Industrial applicants must include in their certification package, a schematic of the WWTP where their experience was acquired. Industrial operators may experience a delay in the certification process due to the lack of facility scoring information. Industrial operators are encouraged to complete the WWTP scoring form included in this manual and submit it with their certification package. The WWTP final scoring will be determined by NYSDEC.
Wastewater pretreatment facilities (sewer users) are excluded, and are not included under these regulations. Any operating experience gained at a pretreatment facility does not qualify as operating experience or approved operating experience for the purpose of wastewater treatment plant operator certification.
Plant Scoring for Out-of-State Applicants
Wastewater treatment plant scoring for out-of-state applicants must be verified by NYSDEC. Applicants should score the facility where their experience was gained and attach the scoring sheet to their application. Applicants must also include a schematic of the treatment plant, NPDES number, and telephone numbers of the Chief Operator, and a State representative who is familiar with the treatment processes at the facility.
