California Code of Regulations
Title 23 - Waters
Division 3 - State Water Resources Control Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards
Chapter 26 - Wastewater Treatment Plant Classification, Operator Certification, and Contract Operator Registration
Article 3 - Grade Levels of Operator Certification
Section 3681 - Lone Operator

Universal Citation: 23 CA Code of Regs 3681

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024

(a) A chief plant operator of a wastewater treatment plant must receive written approval from the Office of Operator Certification before assigning an operator as a lone operator. The chief plant operator shall demonstrate that the owner has had difficulty, despite due diligence, hiring a certified operator of the appropriate grade to operate the wastewater treatment plant. The chief plant operator shall request approval and shall submit a written plan that includes:

(1) the name(s) and grade level(s) of the lone operator(s) and the proposed duties of the lone operator(s);

(2) a work schedule showing when the lone operator(s) will be working alone; and

(3) the procedure the lone operator(s) will use to communicate with the chief plant operator, the designated operator-in-charge, or an operator at the same or higher grade level as the designated operator-in-charge when the lone operator(s) needs direction.

(b) Except as provided in subdivision (c), the Office of Operator Certification shall approve the request to use a lone operator if the written plan prepared pursuant to subdivision (a) provides that the lone operator(s):

(1) will perform only basic duties that require minimal judgment; and

(2) has the ability to communicate at all times with the chief plant operator, the designated operator-in-charge, or an operator at the same or higher grade level as the designated operator-in-charge.

(c) The Office of Operator Certification may refuse to approve the request to use a lone operator if the chief plant operator fails to demonstrate that the owner exercised due diligence but had difficulty hiring a certified operator of the appropriate grade to operate the wastewater treatment plant.

(d) An approval to use a lone operator granted by the Office of Operator Certification shall be valid for 180 days.

(d) The following process shall govern any changes to the written plan approved pursuant to subdivision (b):

(1) At least 30 days before implementing any changes to the written plan, the chief plant operator shall notify the Office of Operator Certification in writing of the proposed changes.

(2) Within 30 days of receiving notice of the proposed changes, the Office of Operator Certification shall provide written approval of the proposed amended plan in accordance with subdivision (b) or notify the chief plant operator that the proposed amended plan does not meet the requirements for assigning a lone operator as prescribed in subdivision (b).

(3) The chief plant operator shall not amend the written plan as proposed if the Office of Operator Certification notifies the chief plant operator that the proposed amended plan does not meet the requirements for assigning a lone operator as prescribed in subdivision (b).

(e) The Office of Operator Certification may revoke its written approval if it determines that the plan has been violated.

(f) In no event shall an operator-in-training be assigned as a lone operator.

1. New section filed 1-28-2013; operative 4-1-2013 (Register 2013, No. 5).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 1058, Water Code. Reference: Section 13627, Water Code.

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