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 7 - Examination for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
Section 3701 - Examinations

Universal Citation: 23 CA Code of Regs 3701

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

(a) A minimum of two examinations shall be given each year. The final filing date will be 60 days before the scheduled examination.

(b) Written examinations for each wastewater treatment plant operator grade level shall test an applicant's knowledge of wastewater treatment plant operation. Mathematical problems related to process control and evaluation shall be included. The examination for each progressively higher grade level shall require more detailed knowledge of the subject matter.

(1) Grade I examinations shall test the applicant's knowledge of: basic safety practices and hazards related to wastewater treatment plant operation; wastewater constituents including simple and routine sampling and analysis procedures; procedures involved in operating and maintaining preliminary and primary treatment facilities including sludge digestion and disinfection; specifics regarding the operation of stabilization ponds; and state regulations regarding wastewater treatment plant classification, waste discharge requirements, and operator certification.

(2) Grade II examinations shall test the applicant's knowledge of: the components of the Grade I examination as prescribed in (1) above; commonly used processes for preliminary, primary, and secondary treatment including disinfection, sludge handling, and digestion; routine sampling and analysis procedures for evaluation of process and overall wastewater treatment plant performance; and basic supervision responsibilities.

(3) Grade III examinations shall test the applicant's knowledge of: the components of the Grade II examination as prescribed in (2) above; limitations, controls, and performance calculations for primary and secondary treatment and sludge-handling processes; basic principles of tertiary treatment processes; state regulations regarding water recycling; and public health issues.

(4) Grade IV examinations shall test the applicant's knowledge of: the components of the Grade III examination as prescribed in (3) above; limitations, controls, and performance calculations for tertiary treatment processes; requirements and practices for water reclamation and reuse; supervision and management responsibilities including energy management, safety program development and control, operator training, and budget development and control.

(5) Grade V examinations shall test the applicant's knowledge of the components of the Grade IV examination as prescribed in (4) above as applied in more difficult and complex situations.

1. Editorial correction renumbering section 2481 of chapter 3 to section 3701 filed 3-25-82; designated effective 1-6-82 pursuant to Government Code section 11346.2(d) (Register 82, No. 13).
2. Amendment filed 7-26-82; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 82, No. 31).
3. Repealer and new section filed 6-24-92; operative 6-24-92 pursuant to Government Code section 11346.2(d) (Register 92, No. 26)
4. Amendment of subsection (b)(3) filed 3-27-98; operative 4-26-98 (Register 98, No. 13).
5. Repealer and new section filed 1-28-2013; operative 4-1-2013 (Register 2013, No. 5).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 1058, 13627 and 13628, Water Code. Reference: Sections 13627 and 13628, Water Code.

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