Wastewater Operator FAQ

As defined in Statute by RSA 485-A2 XVI-a: “Wastewater treatment plant” means the treatment facility or group of treatment devices which treats domestic or combined domestic and industrial wastewater through alteration, alone or in combination, of the physical, chemical, or bacteriological quality of the wastewater and which dewaters and handles sludge removed from the wastewater.

As defined in Statute by RSA 485-A2 XIX: “Wastewater facilities” means the structures, equipment, and processes required to collect, convey, and treat domestic and industrial wastes, and dispose of the effluent and sludge.

The term “Wastewater treatment plant operator” (operator) means “operator” as defined in Statute by RSA 485-A:2, VII-a, namely:
“(a) The individual who has full responsibility for the daily operation of a wastewater treatment plant or a pollution control facility;
(b) The individual normally responsible for the operations shift; or
(c) Individuals who perform important operating functions.”

“Operator in responsible charge” is identified as the individual who oversees the daily operation of the wastewater treatment facility and is ultimately accountable for decisions involving all plant operational duties, including maintenance of process equipment, laboratory work, equipment operation, administration, process control, record keeping, and reporting necessary for the wastewater treatment plant to comply with applicable federal and state requirements.

Wastewater treatment plant operators play a key role in protecting New Hampshire’s surface waters and groundwater. Operators maintain and operate various types of mechanical and computerized equipment in wastewater treatment facilities in order to remove the harmful components from wastewater and render the water suitable for discharge to a surface water or to groundwater.

Due to the importance of ensuring that wastewater is properly contained, conveyed and treated prior to being discharged, New Hampshire law requires public wastewater treatment plants to be operated only by operators who have been certified by NHDES. The certification process is designed to make sure that certified operators have the knowledge and ability to properly operate and maintain such plants and the associated collection systems.

Individuals who are interested in becoming a certified wastewater operator in New Hampshire, who are not certified elsewhere, must pass a written examination. Individuals who are certified elsewhere can apply to be certified by reciprocity (that is, without taking the examination) for Grades I, II and III. Both routes to certification (exam or reciprocity) require you to submit the same Application for Certification of Wastewater Treatment Operators with appropriate documentation.

NHDES offers wastewater exams on the first Wednesday of June and December each year, at the Franklin Training Facility (528 River Street Franklin, NH 03235).

An operator certified in another jurisdiction may apply for reciprocity for Grades I through III by so indicating on the application form. The Certification Committee will review the application and the requirements for certification of the certifying jurisdiction. The Committee will issue a certification by reciprocity if it determines that (1) the requirements of the other jurisdiction are equivalent to New Hampshire’s, (2) the individual is actively seeking employment in New Hampshire, and (3) the certification was obtained by examination. Submit the Application for Certification of Wastewater Treatment Operators (with appropriate documentation).

If you aren’t currently certified as a wastewater operator from another state, and you don’t want to wait until the next New Hampshire Wastewater Exam you may take another state’s exam (may be offered more frequently), and once you’ve obtained a passing grade apply for New Hampshire Certification by Reciprocity. You can find more information about wastewater exams offered in nearby states at the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission Website.

As stated in RSA 485-A:7- a; RSA 485-A:7-c; Env-Wq 304.10; Env-Wq 304.17 upgrading a wastewater certification by exam and renewing a wastewater certification are two distinct processes and therefore require separate applications and fees.

Applicants must submit a complete, and signed Application for Certification of Wastewater Treatment Operators with $50 fee no later than two months prior to the date of the examination.

The Certification Committee, established by statute, reviews each application and required supporting documents, determines the applicant’s eligibility, and notifies the applicant in writing of whether he or she has qualified to take the examination.
Applications are sent to:

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services – Water Division
Wastewater Operations Section
PO Box 95
Concord, NH  03302-0095

NHDES has developed a Wastewater Operator Formula Sheet for use by operators.

Wastewater Operators Math Formulas

The exams are written, and the format of questions is described in the following table. Passing is a 70% overall grade. An Interview with the Certification Committee is required for those passing a grade two (or higher) Exam, or grade one if they are in responsible charge of a facility (only one interview is required during a career).

The Rules go on to define the responsibilities of licensed operators, by defining what actions the Certification Committee may take when an operator does not comply, or the operator’s conduct caused harm or posed a substantial threat of harm to public health or the environment. In circumstances where such proof exists, the committee may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a certificate.

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