Has the board failed to consider the gap between Class IV wastewater works operators and the onsite operator?

The public and the professional are unable to determine the classification of operator who is qualified to maintain and support systems falling within the 30,000 gallon/day gap. A malfunction stands to discharge a significant volume of water resulting in significant contamination of the waters of the Commonwealth.

Reference:

18VAC160-20-74. License Required.

Part II. License Requirements

D. No individual shall act as an alternative onsite sewage system operator of an alternative onsite sewage system that exceeds 10,000 gallons per day design flow without possessing the appropriate class of wastewater works operator license in addition to an alternative onsite sewage system operator license.

18VAC160-20-130. Wastewater Works.

A. A Class 4 wastewater works licensee may operate any wastewater works as follows:

1. A wastewater works employing natural treatment methods (i.e., those not utilizing aerated or mixed flows and not using electrical or outside energy sources to accomplish treatment) with a design hydraulic capacity greater than 0.04 MGD but equal to or less than 1.0 MGD; or

2. A wastewater works classified by the Virginia Department of Health or the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality as a Class 4 wastewater works.