SECTION 252:710-3-36. Approved equivalents for waterworks/wastewater works operators

(a)   Experience. One year of operational assistance to water or wastewater facilities in addition to an undergraduate degree in biological sciences, biology, engineering, physical science, hydrology, geology, mathematics, environmental science, chemistry, microbiology, toxicology, or civil, chemical, sanitary or environmental engineering or equivalent sciences may be substituted for 5 years of experience. However, this approved equivalent does not count towards the hands-on operational experience required to obtain Class A or B certifications.

(b)   Training. For initial certification of waterworks/wastewater works operators, applicants for any operator certification may substitute the following for the training requirements listed in Appendix B:

(1)   Academic credit. Successful completion of one (1) semester hour of higher education courses in biological sciences, biology, engineering, physical science, hydrology, geology, mathematics, environmental science, chemistry, microbiology, toxicology, or civil, chemical, sanitary or environmental engineering or equivalent sciences may substitute the training requirement of sixteen (16) hours in the classroom;

(2)   Presenter credit. A presenter of a DEQ-approved training course may substitute four (4) hours training credit per one (1) hour of presentation. Presenters are required to complete a minimum of four hours of DEQ-approved professional development as a class attendee.

(3)   Publication credit. Publication of one peer-reviewed technical article related to water or wastewater in journals or magazines generally accepted in the field may be substituted for ten (10) hours training credit; and

(4)   Continuing education credit. One continuing education unit may be substituted for ten (10) hours in the classroom.

[Source: Added at 17 Ok Reg 2024, eff 6-12-00; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 1722, eff 6-13-02; Amended at 37 Ok Reg 1319, eff 9-15-20]