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2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 2 - Certification of Water Treatment Facility Operators. › § 90A-22 - Classification of water treatment facilities; notification of users.

§ 90A-22. Classification of water treatment facilities; notification of users.
(a) On or before July 1, 1982, the Board of Certification, with the advice and assistance of the Secretary of Environmental Quality, shall classify all surface water treatment facilities and all facilities for treating groundwater supplies that are used, or intended for use, as part of a public water supply system with due regard for the size of the facility, its type, character of water to be treated, other physical conditions affecting the treatment of the water, and with respect to the degree of skill, knowledge, and experience that the operator responsible for the water treatment facility must have to supervise successfully the operation of the facilities so as to adequately protect the public health.
(b) The Board shall notify users of such facilities when any classification of a facility by the Board would result in a certified operator's not being required to supervise the operation of that facility. Any user so notified may demand a hearing on the Board's decision, and that hearing and any appeal therefrom shall be conducted in accordance with Articles 3 and 4 of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes. (1969, c. 1059, s. 2; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1981, c. 616, s. 6; 1987, c. 827, ss. 1, 230; 1989, c. 727, s. 219(8); 1997-443, s. 11A.25; 2015-241, s. 14.30(v).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 2 - Certification of Water Treatment Facility Operators. › § 90A-23 - Grades of certificates.

§ 90A-23. Grades of certificates.
The Board of Certification, with the advice and assistance of the Secretary of Environmental Quality, shall establish grades of certification for water treatment facility operators corresponding to the classification of water treatment facilities. (1969, c. 1059, s. 2; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1989, c. 227, s. 3; c. 727, s. 219(9); 1997-443, s. 11A.26; 2015-241, s. 14.30(v).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 2 - Certification of Water Treatment Facility Operators. › § 90A-24 - Operator qualifications and examination.

§ 90A-24. Operator qualifications and examination.
The Board of Certification, with the advice and assistance of the Secretary of Environmental Quality shall establish minimum requirements of education, experience and knowledge for each grade of certification for water treatment facility operators, and shall establish procedures for receiving applications for certification, conducting examinations and making investigations of applicants as may be necessary and appropriate to the end that prompt and fair consideration be given every application and the water treatment facilities of the State may be adequately supervised by certified operators. (1969, c. 1059, s. 2; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1989, c. 727, s. 219(10); 1997-443, s. 11A.27; 2015-241, s. 14.30(v).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 2 - Certification of Water Treatment Facility Operators. › § 90A-25.1 - Renewal of certificate.

§ 90A-25.1. Renewal of certificate.
A certificate expires on December 31 of the year in which it is issued or renewed. The Board, with the advice and assistance of the Secretary of Environmental Quality, may establish minimum continuing education requirements that an applicant must meet to renew a certificate. The Board shall renew a certificate if the applicant meets the continuing education requirements imposed as a condition for renewal, pays the required renewal fee plus any renewal fees in arrears, and, if the application is late, pays the late penalty. (1991, c. 321, s. 2; 1997-443, s. 11A.29; 2015-241, s. 14.30(v).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 2 - Certification of Water Treatment Facility Operators. › § 90A-26 - Revocation or suspension of certificate.

§ 90A-26. Revocation or suspension of certificate.
The Board of Certification, in accordance with the procedure set forth in Chapter 150B of the General Statutes of North Carolina, may issue a reprimand to an operator, or suspend or revoke the certificate of an operator, when it finds any of the following:
(1) The operator has practiced fraud or deception.
(2) The operator failed to use reasonable care, judgment, knowledge, or ability in the performance of an operator's duties.
(3) The operator is incompetent or unable to properly perform the duties of an operator.
(4) The operator has failed to comply with the requirements for certification or renewal of certification. (1969, c. 1059, s. 2; 1973, c. 1331, s. 3; 1981, c. 616, s. 9; 1987, c. 827, s. 1; 1991, c. 321, s. 3.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 2 - Certification of Water Treatment Facility Operators. › § 90A-27 - Application fee.

§ 90A-27. Application fee.
The Board may establish a schedule of fees for the issuance or renewal of a certificate to cover the costs of administering the certification programs. The fee for issuing or renewing a certificate may not exceed fifty dollars ($50.00). The Board may impose a penalty not to exceed thirty dollars ($30.00) for the late renewal of a certificate. (1969, c. 1059, s. 2; 1981, c. 562, s. 1; 1991, c. 321, s. 4.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 2 - Certification of Water Treatment Facility Operators. › § 90A-28 - Promotion of training and other powers.

§ 90A-28. Promotion of training and other powers.
The Board of Certification and the Secretary of Environmental Quality may take all necessary and appropriate steps in order to effectively and fairly achieve the purposes of this Article, including, but not limited to, the providing of training for operators and cooperating with educational institutions and private and public associations, persons, or corporations in the promotion of training for water treatment facility personnel. (1969, c. 1059, s. 2; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1989, c. 727, s. 219(11); 1997-443, s. 11A.30; 2015-241, s. 14.30(v).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 2 - Certification of Water Treatment Facility Operators. › § 90A-29 - Certified operators required.

§ 90A-29. Certified operators required.
(a) On and after July 1, 1971, every person, corporation, company, association, partnership, unit of local government, State agency, federal agency, or other legal entity owning or having control of a water treatment facility shall have the obligation of assuring that the operator in responsible charge of such facility is duly certified by the Board of Certification under the provisions of this Article.
(b) No person, after July 1, 1971, shall perform the duties of an operator, in responsible charge of a water treatment facility, without being duly certified under the provisions of this Article. (1969, c. 1059, s. 2; 1981, c. 616, s. 10; 1989, c. 227, s. 4.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 2 - Certification of Water Treatment Facility Operators. › § 90A-30 - Penalties; remedies; contested cases.

§ 90A-30. Penalties; remedies; contested cases.
(a) Upon the recommendation of the Board of Certification, the Secretary of Environmental Quality or a delegated representative may impose an administrative, civil penalty on any person, corporation, company, association, partnership, unit of local government, State agency, federal agency, or other legal entity who violates G.S. 90A-29(a). Each day of a continued violation shall constitute a separate violation. The penalty shall not exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each day such violation continues. No penalty shall be assessed until the person alleged to be in violation has been notified of the violation.
The clear proceeds of penalties imposed pursuant to this section shall be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund in accordance with G.S. 115C-457.2.
(b) Any person wishing to contest a penalty issued under this section shall be entitled to an administrative hearing and judicial review conducted according to the procedures outlined in Articles 3 and 4 of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes.
(c) The Secretary may bring a civil action in the superior court of the county in which the violation is alleged to have occurred to recover the amount of the administrative penalty whenever an owner or person in control of a water treatment facility
(1) Who has not requested an administrative hearing fails to pay the penalty within 60 days after being notified of such penalty, or
(2) Who has requested an administrative hearing fails to pay the penalty within 60 days after service of a written copy of the decision as provided in G.S. 150B-36.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, this section imposes the only penalty or sanction, civil or criminal, for violations of G.S. 90A-29(a) or for the failure to meet any other legal requirement for a water system to have a certified operator in responsible charge. (1981, c. 616, s. 11; 1987, c. 827, s. 231; 1989, c. 227, s. 5; c. 727, s. 219(12); 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1024, s. 18; 1997-443, s. 11A.31; 1998-215, s. 45; 2015-241, s. 14.30(v).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 2 - Certification of Water Treatment Facility Operators. › § 90A-31 - Commercial water treatment operation firms.

§ 90A-31. Commercial water treatment operation firms.
(a) Every person, corporation, company, association, partnership, unit of local government, State agency, federal agency, or other legal entity owning or having control of a water treatment facility may contract with a responsible commercial water treatment facility operation firm for operational and other services of that firm. The owner with the firm's consent may designate an employee of that contracting firm as the operator in responsible charge. This designee and other licensed employees of the firm shall be responsible for the total operation and maintenance of the water treatment facility, and shall be limited as to the number of facilities, distance between facilities, and frequency of visits as can reasonably be handled during the ordinary course of business as well as during emergencies. Contractual firms shall not be limited as to the number of facilities, distance between facilities, location of office or other internal management procedures.
(b) Any operator in responsible charge shall obtain certification from the Water Treatment Facility Operators Board of Certification and shall comply with all of the requirements specified in Chapter 90A and the rules and reasonable standards of the Board, applicable to all operators in responsible charge, designed to assure satisfactory operation of water treatment facilities. (1985, c. 550, s. 1; 1989, c. 227, s. 6.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 2 - Certification of Water Treatment Facility Operators. › § 90A-32 - Certification of distribution operators.

§ 90A-32. Certification of distribution operators.
The Board of Certification shall have the authority to establish certification programs for personnel who operate the distribution portion of a water treatment facility. The Board may provide for voluntary of mandatory certification and may provide requirements for training, education, and experience of personnel to be certified. The owner of a water treatment facility shall have three years to obtain certification or the services of appropriately certified distribution personnel after the effective date of mandatory certification. (1989, c. 227, s. 7.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 3 - Certification of Water Pollution Control System Operators and Animal Waste Management System Operators. › § 90A-35 - Purpose.

§ 90A-35. Purpose.
It is the purpose of this Article to protect the public health and to conserve and protect the quality of the water resources of the State and maintain the quality of receiving waters as assigned by the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission; to protect the public investment in water pollution control systems; to provide for the classification of water pollution control systems; to require the examination of water pollution control system operators and the certification of their competency to supervise the operation of such systems; and to establish procedures for such classification and certification. (1969, c. 1059, s. 3; 1973, c. 1262, s. 23; 1991, c. 623, ss. 1, 3; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 626, s. 6(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 3 - Certification of Water Pollution Control System Operators and Animal Waste Management System Operators. › § 90A-37 - Classification of water pollution control systems.

§ 90A-37. Classification of water pollution control systems.
The Commission, with the advice and assistance of the Secretary of Environmental Quality, shall classify all water pollution control systems. In making the classification, the Commission shall give due regard, among other factors, to the size of the system, the nature of the wastes to be treated or removed from the wastewater, the treatment process to be employed, and the degrees of skill, knowledge and experience that the operator of the water pollution control system must have to supervise the operation of the system so as to adequately protect the public health and maintain the water quality standards of the receiving waters as assigned by the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission. (1969, c. 1059, s. 3; 1973, c. 1262, s. 23; 1977, c. 771, s. 4; 1979, c. 554, ss. 1, 2; 1989, c. 372, s. 2; c. 727, ss. 19, 218(23); 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 850, s. 1; 1991, c. 623, ss. 1, 4; 1997-443, s. 11A.119(a); 2015-241, s. 14.30(v).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 3 - Certification of Water Pollution Control System Operators and Animal Waste Management System Operators. › § 90A-38 - Grades of certificates.

§ 90A-38. Grades of certificates.
(a) The Commission, with the advice and assistance of the Secretary of Environmental Quality, shall establish grades and types of certification for water pollution control system operators corresponding to the classification of water pollution control systems. The grades of certification shall be ranked so that a person holding a certification in the highest grade is thereby affirmed competent to operate water pollution control systems of that type in the highest classification and any water pollution control system of that type in a lower classification; a person holding a certification in the next highest grade is affirmed as competent to operate water pollution control systems in the next-to-the-highest classification of that type and any lower classification of that type; and in a like manner through the range of grades of certification and classification of water pollution control systems.
(b) No certificate shall be required under this Article to operate a conventional septic tank system. For purposes of this section, "conventional septic tank system" means a subsurface sanitary sewage system consisting of a settling tank and a subsurface disposal field without a pump or other appurtenances. (1969, c. 1059, s. 3; 1973, c. 1262, s. 23; 1977, c. 771, s. 4; 1979, c. 554, s. 2; 1989, c. 372, s. 3; c. 727, ss. 20, 218(24); 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 850, s. 1; 1991, c. 623, ss. 1, 5; 1997-443, s. 11A.119(a); 2015-241, s. 14.30(v).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 3 - Certification of Water Pollution Control System Operators and Animal Waste Management System Operators. › § 90A-39 - Operator qualifications and examination.

§ 90A-39. Operator qualifications and examination.
The Commission, with the advice and assistance of the Secretary of Environmental Quality, shall establish minimum requirements of education, experience, and knowledge for each grade of certification for water pollution control facility operators and shall establish procedures for receiving applications for certification, conducting examinations, and making investigations of applicants as may be necessary and appropriate to the end that prompt and fair consideration be given every applicant and that the water pollution control systems within the State may be adequately supervised by certified operators. (1969, c. 1059, s. 3; 1973, c. 1262, s. 23; 1977, c. 771, s. 4; 1979, c. 554, s. 2; 1989, c. 372, s. 4; c. 727, ss. 21, 218(25); 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 850, s. 1; 1991, c. 623, ss. 1, 6; 1997-443, s. 11A.119(a); 2015-241, s. 14.30(v).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 3 - Certification of Water Pollution Control System Operators and Animal Waste Management System Operators. › § 90A-40 - Issuance of certificates.

§ 90A-40. Issuance of certificates.
(a) An applicant, upon meeting satisfactorily the appropriate requirements, shall be issued a suitable certificate by the Commission designating the level of his competency. Once issued, a certificate shall be valid unless:
(1) The certificate holder voluntarily surrenders the certificate to the Commission;
(2) The certificate is replaced by one of a higher grade;
(3) The certificate is revoked by the Commission for cause; or
(4) The certificate holder fails to pay the annual renewal fee when due.
(b) A certificate shall be issued in an appropriate grade without examination to any person who is properly registered on the "National Association of Boards of Certification" reciprocal registry and who meets all other requirements of rules adopted under this Article.
(c) Repealed by Session Laws 1987, c. 582, s. 2.
(d) Repealed by Session Laws 1991, c. 623, s. 7.
(e) Temporary certificates in an appropriate grade may be issued without examination to any person employed as a water pollution control system operator when the Commission finds that the supply of certified operators or persons with training and experience necessary for certification is inadequate. Temporary certificates shall be valid for only one year, but may be renewed. Temporary certificates may be issued with such special conditions or requirements relating to the place of employment of the person holding the certificate, his supervision on a consulting or advisory basis, or other matters as the Commission may deem necessary to protect the public health and maintain the water quality standards of the receiving waters as assigned by the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission.
(f) Certificates in an appropriate grade and type may be issued without examination to water pollution control system operators who on 1 January 1992 hold certificates of competency issued under the voluntary certification program administered by the North Carolina Water Pollution Control Association. (1969, c. 1059, s. 3; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; c. 1262, s. 23; 1979, c. 554, ss. 2-4; 1987, c. 582, ss. 1, 2; 1989, c. 372, s. 5; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), s. 1; 1991, c. 623, ss. 1, 7; 2022-6, s. 20.1(b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 3 - Certification of Water Pollution Control System Operators and Animal Waste Management System Operators. › § 90A-41 - Revocation of certificate.

§ 90A-41. Revocation of certificate.
The Commission, in accordance with the procedure set forth in Chapter 150B of the General Statutes, may suspend or revoke a certificate or may issue a written reprimand to an operator if it finds that the operator has practiced fraud or deception; that reasonable care, judgment, or the application of his knowledge or ability was not used in the performance of his duties; or that the operator is incompetent or unable to properly perform his duties. (1969, c. 1059, s. 3; 1973, c. 1331, s. 3; 1979, c. 554, s. 2; 1987, c. 827, s. 1; 1991, c. 623, ss. 1, 8.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 3 - Certification of Water Pollution Control System Operators and Animal Waste Management System Operators. › § 90A-42 - Fees.

§ 90A-42. Fees.
(a) The Commission, in establishing procedures for implementing the requirements of this Article, shall impose the following schedule of fees:
(1) Examination including Certificate, $85.00;
(2) Temporary Certificate, $200.00;
(3) Temporary Certification Renewal, $300.00;
(4) Conditional Certificate, $75.00;
(5) Repealed by Session Laws 1987, c. 582, s. 3.
(6) Reciprocity Certificate, $100.00;
(6a) Voluntary Conversion Certificate, $50.00;
(7) Annual Renewal, $50.00;
(8) Replacement of Certificate, $20.00;
(9) Late Payment of Annual Renewal, $50.00 penalty in addition to all current and past due annual renewal fees plus one hundred dollars ($100.00) penalty per year for each year for which annual renewal fees were not paid prior to the current year; and
(10) Mailing List Charges – The Commission may provide mailing lists of certified water pollution control system operators and of water pollution control system operators to persons who request such lists. The charge for such lists shall be twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each such list provided.
(b) The Water Pollution Control System Account is established as a nonreverting account within the Department. Fees collected under this section shall be credited to the Account and applied to the costs of administering this Article. Interest and other income received on the Fund balance shall be treated as set forth in G.S. 147-69.1(d). (1969, c. 1059, s. 3; 1979, c. 554, s. 5; 1981, c. 361, ss. 1-4; 1987, c. 582, s. 3; 1989, c. 372, s. 7; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 850, s. 1; 1991, c. 623, ss. 1, 9; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 1039, s. 1; 1998-212, s. 29A.11(e); 2007-323, s. 30.3(c); 2014-100, s. 14.21(f).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 3 - Certification of Water Pollution Control System Operators and Animal Waste Management System Operators. › § 90A-43 - Promotion of training and other powers.

§ 90A-43. Promotion of training and other powers.
The Commission and the Secretary of Environmental Quality are authorized to take all necessary and appropriate steps in order to effectively and fairly achieve the purposes of this Article, including, but not limited to, the providing of training for water pollution control system operators and cooperating with educational institutions and private and public associations, persons, or corporations in the promotion of training for water pollution control system personnel. (1969, c. 1059, s. 3; 1973, c. 1262, s. 23; 1977, c. 771, s. 4; 1979, c. 554, s. 2; 1989, c. 372, s. 8; c. 727, s. 218(26); 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 850, s. 1; 1991, c. 623, ss. 1, 10; 1997-443, s. 11A.119(a); 2015-241, s. 14.30(v).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 3 - Certification of Water Pollution Control System Operators and Animal Waste Management System Operators. › § 90A-44 - Certified operators required.

§ 90A-44. Certified operators required.
No person, firm, or corporation, municipal or private, owning or having control of a water pollution control system for which a certified operator is required under rules adopted by the Commission shall allow such system to be operated by any person who does not hold a currently valid certificate in an appropriate grade and type issued by the Commission. No person shall perform the duties of a water pollution control system operator in responsible charge without being duly certified under the provisions of this Article. No person shall perform the duties of a water pollution control system operator who has not paid all fees required under this Article. (1969, c. 1059, s. 3; 1979, c. 554, s. 2; 1991, c. 623, s. 11.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 3 - Certification of Water Pollution Control System Operators and Animal Waste Management System Operators. › § 90A-45 - Commercial water pollution control system operating firms.

§ 90A-45. Commercial water pollution control system operating firms.
(a) Any person, firm, or corporation, municipal or private, owning or having control of a water pollution control system may contract with a responsible commercial water pollution control system operating firm for operational and other services of that firm. Such firm shall designate an employee as the operator in responsible charge of the water pollution control system. Such employee and any other employees who have been duly certified under this Article shall be responsible for the total operation and maintenance of the water pollution control system. Commercial water pollution control system operating firms shall not be limited as to the number of systems, distance between systems, location of office or residence, or other internal management procedures.
(b) Any employee designated by the firm as operator in responsible charge must hold an appropriate certificate issued by the Commission and must comply with all of the requirements of this Article and rules adopted by the Commission.
(c) The Commission may adopt rules requiring that any commercial water pollution control system operating firm file an annual report with the Commission as to the operation of such system. (1983, c. 489, s. 1; 1991, c. 623, ss. 1, 12.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 3 - Certification of Water Pollution Control System Operators and Animal Waste Management System Operators. › § 90A-46 - Definitions.

§ 90A-46. Definitions.
The following definitions shall apply throughout this Article:
(1) "Commercial water pollution control system operating firm" means a person who contracts to operate a water pollution control system for any person who holds a permit for a water pollution control system, other than an employee of the permittee.
(2) "Commission" means the Water Pollution Control System Operators Certification Commission.
(3) "Waste" has the same meaning as in G.S. 143-213.
(4) "Operator" means a person who holds a currently valid certificate as a water pollution control system operator issued by the Commission under rules adopted pursuant to this Article.
(5) "Operator in responsible charge" means the person designated by a person owning or having control of a water pollution control system as the operator of record of the water pollution control system and who has primary responsibility for the operation of such system.
(6) "Water pollution control system" means a system for the collection, treatment, or disposal of waste for which a permit is required under rules adopted by either the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission or the Commission for Public Health. (1991, c. 623, s. 13; 2007-182, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 3 - Certification of Water Pollution Control System Operators and Animal Waste Management System Operators. › § 90A-46.1 - Expiration and renewal of certificates; continuing education requirements.

§ 90A-46.1. Expiration and renewal of certificates; continuing education requirements.
A certificate issued under this Part expires on 31 December of the year in which it is issued or renewed. The Commission may establish minimum continuing education requirements that an applicant must meet to renew a certificate. The Commission shall renew a certificate if the applicant meets the continuing education requirement and pays the required renewal fee, any renewal fee in arrears, and any late application penalty. (1997-496, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 3 - Certification of Water Pollution Control System Operators and Animal Waste Management System Operators. › § 90A-47 - Purpose.

§ 90A-47. Purpose.
The purpose of this Part is to reduce nonpoint source pollution in order to protect the public health and to conserve and protect the quality of the State's water resources, to encourage the development and improvement of the State's agricultural land for the production of food and other agricultural products, and to require the examination of animal waste management system operators and certification of their competency to operate or supervise the operation of those systems. (1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 626, s. 6(b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 3 - Certification of Water Pollution Control System Operators and Animal Waste Management System Operators. › § 90A-47.1 - Definitions.

§ 90A-47.1. Definitions.
(a) As used in this Part:
(1) "Animal waste" means liquid residuals resulting from an animal operation that are collected, treated, stored, or applied to the land through an animal waste management system.
(2) "Application" means laying, spreading on, irrigating, or injecting animal waste onto land.
(3) "Commission" means the Water Pollution Control System Operators Certification Commission.
(4) "Operator in charge" means a person who holds a currently valid certificate to operate an animal waste management system and who has primary responsibility for the operation of the system.
(5) "Owner" means the person who owns or controls the land used for agricultural purposes or the person's lessee or designee.
(b) The definitions set out in G.S. 143-215.10B, other than the definition of "animal waste", apply to this Part. (1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 626, s. 6(b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 3 - Certification of Water Pollution Control System Operators and Animal Waste Management System Operators. › § 90A-47.2 - Certified operator in charge required; qualifications for certification.

§ 90A-47.2. Certified operator in charge required; qualifications for certification.
(a) No owner or other person in control of an animal operation having an animal waste management system shall allow the system to be operated by a person who does not hold a valid certificate as an operator in charge of an animal waste management system issued by the Commission. No person shall perform the duties of an operator in charge of an animal waste management system without being certified under the provisions of this Part. Other persons may assist in the operation of an animal waste management system so long as they are directly supervised by an operator in charge who is certified under this Part.
(b) The owner or other person in control of an animal operation may contract with a certified animal waste management system operator in charge to provide for the operation of the animal waste management system at that animal operation. The Commission may adopt rules requiring that any certified animal waste management system operator in charge who contracts with one or more owners or other persons in control of an animal operation file an annual report with the Commission as to the operation of each system at which the services of the operator in charge are provided. (1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 626, s. 6(b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 3 - Certification of Water Pollution Control System Operators and Animal Waste Management System Operators. › § 90A-47.3 - Qualifications for certification; training; examination.

§ 90A-47.3. Qualifications for certification; training; examination.
(a) The Commission shall develop and administer a certification program for animal waste management system operators in charge that provides for receipt of applications, training and examination of applicants, and investigation of the qualifications of applicants.
(b) The Commission, in cooperation with the Division of Water Resources of the Department of Environmental Quality, and the Cooperative Extension Service, shall develop and administer a training program for animal waste management system operators in charge. An applicant for initial certification shall complete 10 hours of classroom instruction prior to taking the examination. In order to remain certified, an animal waste management system operator in charge shall complete six hours of approved additional training during each three-year period following initial certification. A certified animal waste management system operator in charge who fails to complete approved additional training within 30 days of the end of the three-year period shall take and pass the examination for certification in order to renew the certificate. (1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 626, s. 6(b); 1996, 2nd Ex. Sess., c. 18, s. 27.34(c); 1997-443, s. 11A.119(a); 2013-413, s. 57(c); 2014-115, s. 17; 2015-241, s. 14.30(u).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 3 - Certification of Water Pollution Control System Operators and Animal Waste Management System Operators. › § 90A-47.4 - Fees; certificate renewals.

§ 90A-47.4. Fees; certificate renewals.
(a) An applicant for certification under this Part shall pay a fee of eighty-five dollars ($85.00) for the examination and the certificate.
(b) The certificate shall be renewed annually upon payment of a renewal fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) no later than December 31. Certificates that are not renewed when due shall be invalid. To renew a certificate that has been invalid for less than 12 months, the certificate holder shall pay the required renewal fee and a late application fee equivalent to twice the annual renewal fee in order to renew the certificate. All penalties that have been assessed since the certificate was last renewed shall be paid and all accrued continuing education requirements shall be met. To renew a certificate that has been invalid for more than 12 months, the operator shall be required to make a passing score on an examination for certification. (1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 626, s. 6(b); 1998-212, s. 29A.11(f); 2023-63, s. 13.1(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 3 - Certification of Water Pollution Control System Operators and Animal Waste Management System Operators. › § 90A-47.5 - Suspension; revocation of certificate.

§ 90A-47.5. Suspension; revocation of certificate.
(a) The Commission, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes, may suspend or revoke the certificate of any operator in charge who:
(1) Engages in fraud or deceit in obtaining certification.
(2) Fails to exercise reasonable care, judgment, or use of the operator's knowledge and ability in the performance of the duties of an operator in charge.
(3) Is incompetent or otherwise unable to properly perform the duties of an operator in charge.
(b) In addition to revocation of a certificate, the Commission may levy a civil penalty, not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation, for willful violation of the requirements of this Part.
The clear proceeds of civil penalties levied pursuant to this subsection shall be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund in accordance with G.S. 115C-457.2. (1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 626, s. 6(b); 1998-215, s. 46.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 3 - Certification of Water Pollution Control System Operators and Animal Waste Management System Operators. › § 90A-47.6 - Rules.

§ 90A-47.6. Rules.
The Commission shall adopt rules to implement the provisions of this Part. (1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 626, s. 6(b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 4 - Registrations of Environmental Health Specialists. › § 90A-50 - State Board of Environmental Health Specialist Examiners.

§ 90A-50. State Board of Environmental Health Specialist Examiners.
(a) There is hereby created a State Board of Environmental Health Specialist Examiners to register qualified environmental health specialists to practice within the State. Each registered sanitarian and registered sanitarian intern shall be a registered environmental health specialist or a registered environmental health specialist intern as applicable.
(b) It is the sole purpose of this Article to safeguard the health, safety, and general welfare of the public from adverse environmental factors and to register those environmental health professionals practicing as registered environmental health specialists or registered environmental health specialist interns who are qualified by education, training, and experience to work in the public sector in the field of environmental health within the scope of practice as defined in this Article. (1959, c. 1271, s. 2; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1274, s. 2; 2009-443, s. 1(b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 4 - Registrations of Environmental Health Specialists. › § 90A-52 - Practice without certificate unlawful.

§ 90A-52. Practice without certificate unlawful.
(a) In order to safeguard life, health and the environment, it shall be unlawful for any person to practice as an environmental health specialist or an environmental health specialist intern in the State of North Carolina or use the title "registered environmental health specialist" or "registered environmental health specialist intern" unless the person shall have obtained a certificate of registration from the Board. No person shall offer services as a registered environmental health specialist or registered environmental health specialist intern or use, assume or advertise in any way any title or description tending to convey the impression that the person is a registered environmental health specialist or registered environmental health specialist intern unless the person is the holder of a current certificate of registration issued by the Board.
(b) (Effective until May 1, 2024) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, a person may practice as an environmental health specialist intern for a period not to exceed three years from the date of the initial registration, provided the person has obtained a temporary certificate of registration from the Board.
(b) (Effective May 1, 2024) The following limited exceptions apply to the practice prohibitions in subsection (a) of this section:
(1) A person may practice as an environmental health specialist intern for a period not to exceed two years from the date of the initial registration, provided the person has obtained a temporary certificate of registration from the Board.
(2) A registered environmental health associate, directly reporting to a registered environmental health specialist, may perform all of the following duties in accordance with the rules adopted by the Commission for Public Health:
a. Permitting and inspections of private water wells.
b. Inspections of Category I food establishments, temporary food establishments, and limited food service establishments.
c. Inspections of lodging establishments.
d. Permitting and inspections of any Type II or Type III on-site wastewater systems, including system layouts and existing wastewater systems.
e. Inspections of migrant housing.
f. Inspections of private, public, and religious schools.
g. Inspections of local confinement facilities.
h. Inspections of residential care facilities. (1959, c. 1271, s. 12; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1274, s. 2; 2009-443, s. 3; 2023-90, s. 10.1(b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 4 - Registrations of Environmental Health Specialists. › § 90A-53.1 - (Effective May 1, 2024) Qualifications for registration as an environmental health associate.

§ 90A-53.1. (Effective May 1, 2024) Qualifications for registration as an environmental health associate.
The Board shall issue a certificate to a qualified person as a registered environmental health associate upon the Board's determination that the person satisfies all of the following criteria:
(1) Has made application to the Board on a form prescribed by the Board and paid a fee not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00).
(2) Is of good moral and ethical character and has signed an agreement to adhere to the Code of Ethics adopted by the Board.
(3) Possesses one or more of the following educational qualifications:
a. Graduated with an associate, bachelor's, or postgraduate degree from a program that is accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC) and satisfactorily completed general and specialized instruction and training in environmental health approved by the Department.
b. Graduated with an associate, bachelor's, or postgraduate degree and earned a minimum of 15 semester hours in the physical, biological, natural, life, or health sciences and satisfactorily completed general and specialized instruction and training in environmental health approved by the Department. (2023-90, s. 10.1(b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 4 - Registrations of Environmental Health Specialists. › § 90A-53.2 - (Effective May 1, 2024) Revocation or suspension of a registered environmental health associate.

§ 90A-53.2. (Effective May 1, 2024) Revocation or suspension of a registered environmental health associate.
The authorization of a registered environmental health associate by the Department under the authority provided in G.S. 130A-4(b) may be suspended or revoked as set forth in rules adopted by the Department. (2023-90, s. 10.1(b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 4 - Registrations of Environmental Health Specialists. › § 90A-55 - State Board of Environmental Health Specialist Examiners; appointment and term of office.

§ 90A-55. State Board of Environmental Health Specialist Examiners; appointment and term of office.
(a) Board Membership. – The Board shall consist of 12 members who shall serve staggered terms: the Secretary of Health and Human Services, or the Secretary's duly authorized representative, one public-spirited citizen, one environmental sanitation educator from an accredited college or university, one local health director, a representative of the Division of Public Health of the Department of Health and Human Services, and seven practicing environmental health specialists who qualify by education and experience for registration under this Article, six of whom shall represent the Western, Piedmont, and Eastern Regions of the State as described more specifically in the rules adopted by the Board.
(b) Term of Office. – Each member of the State Board of Environmental Health Specialist Examiners shall be appointed by the Governor for a term of four years. As the term of each current member expires, the Governor shall appoint a successor in accordance with the provisions of this section. If a vacancy occurs on the Board for any other reason than the expiration of a member's term, the Governor shall appoint a successor for the remainder of the unexpired term. No person shall serve as a member of the Board for more than two consecutive four-year terms.
(c) The Environmental Health Section of the North Carolina Public Health Association, Inc., shall submit a recommended list of Board member candidates to the Governor for the Governor's consideration in appointments, except for the two representatives of the Department of Health and Human Services recommended by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the local health director recommended by the North Carolina Local Health Directors Association.
(d) The Governor may remove an appointee member for misconduct in office, incompetency, neglect of duty, or other sufficient cause. (1959, c. 1271, s. 2; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1274, s. 2; 1989, c. 727, s. 23; 1997-443, s. 11A.32; 2005-386, s. 1.1; 2009-443, s. 6; 2011-145, s. 13.3(jj), (kk).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 4 - Registrations of Environmental Health Specialists. › § 90A-56 - Compensation of Board members; expenses; employees.

§ 90A-56. Compensation of Board members; expenses; employees.
Members of the Board may receive compensation and be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with G.S. 93B-5. Notwithstanding G.S. 93B-5(a), the per diem for eligible Board members shall not exceed fifty dollars ($50.00). The Board may employ necessary personnel for the performance of its functions and fix the compensation therefor, within the limits of funds available to the Board. The total expenses of the administration of this Article shall not exceed the total income therefrom and none of the expenses of said Board or the compensation or expenses of any officer thereof or any employee shall ever be paid or payable out of the treasury of the State of North Carolina; and neither the Board nor any officer or employee thereof shall have any power or authority to make or incur any expense, debt, or other financial obligation binding upon the State of North Carolina. (1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1274, s. 2; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 1011, s. 5; 2009-443, s. 7.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 4 - Registrations of Environmental Health Specialists. › § 90A-57 - Election of officers; meetings; regulations.

§ 90A-57. Election of officers; meetings; regulations.
(a) The Board shall annually elect a chair, vice-chair, and a secretary-treasurer from among its membership. The officers may serve more than one term. The Board shall meet annually in the City of Raleigh, at a time set by the Board, and it may hold additional meetings and conduct business at any place in the State. Seven members of the Board shall constitute a quorum to do business. The Board may designate any member to conduct any proceeding, hearing, or investigation necessary to its purpose, but any final action requires a quorum of the Board. The Board is authorized to adopt such rules and regulations as may be necessary for the efficient operation of the Board.
(b) The Board shall have an official seal and each member shall be empowered to administer oaths in taking of testimony upon any matters pertaining to the function of the Board. (1959, c. 1271, s. 3; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1274, s. 2; 2009-443, s. 8.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90A - Sanitarians and Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators › Article 4 - Registrations of Environmental Health Specialists. › § 90A-58 - Applicability of Chapter 93B.

§ 90A-58. Applicability of Chapter 93B.
The Board shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 93B of the General Statutes of North Carolina. (1959, c. 1271, s. 5; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1274, s. 2.)