If I understand the regulations correctly, the applicant for licensure to become an alternative onsite sewage system operator must already have an interim license as an operator for either conventional or alternative systems, must pass an examination, and must meet one of three additional requirements. These require either (depending on high school graduation status) 12 or 24 months of full time experience working under the direct supervision of an alternative onsite sewage system operator licensee or an interim operator or hold a Class IV or higher wastewater works operator license.

 

The first question is what is the point of requiring an interim license prior to applying for the full license? This means a person who wants a full license must first pay for an interim license and then pay for the “regular” license. This seems to be an unnecessary step and expense.

 

Secondly, what of the person who has been working for several years as a maintenance provider and operator. Does he need an additional 12 or 24 months experience under a licensed operator? The wording of the regulations seems to indicate this is a requirement. If that’s the case, how does anyone ever get a license since no one already has a license to provide this period of supervision?

 

My suggestions are that the requirement for holding an interim license prior to applying for a regular license be dropped and that wording be inserted in the specific entry requirements to allow persons with 12 months of experience as a maintenance provider to forego the additional “working under the direct supervision” requirement.