18VAC160-40-200. Qualification for exemption from examination for master conventional onsite sewage
system operator applicants.

Applicants seeking licensure as a master conventional onsite sewage system operator may be exempt from the
examination provided the applicant:

1. Is able to satisfactorily demonstrate that he has been actively engaged in performing the duties of a
conventional onsite sewage system operator for at least four years. Documentation of qualifying experience
may be verified by a [ master ] conventional or alternative [ onsite ] soil [ evaluation evaluator ], a [ master ]
conventional or alternative onsite sewage system operator, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil
evaluator [ certified by VDH before July 1, 2009 ]; and
2. Meets the requirements of 18VAC160-40-60.

VOWRA lobbied very strenuously to the General Assembly to restrict "grandfathering" of operators as there is no method of assuring competency. To summarize the point, please consider the following dialogue entertained during the 2014 General Assembly session.

my problem is with an “Operator” being granted a license to manage, operate and maintain an AOSS up to 10,000 gpd without demonstrating they have the “knowledge” to do so … these guys run pump trucks and have the attitude (as demonstrated in their letter) that maintenance is nothing but “pumping and Dumping” … Managing the higher flow systems requires higher math skills, a working knowledge of some chemistry and microbiology, as well as intimately knowing HOW the systems work and WHY they work … 

Suggest striking language.