reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 1 - DEFINITIONS, APPLICABILITY › Section 197-1-006

Current through June 17, 2024
Class I, Class II, Class III, Class IV, and Class L means the level of
	 certification of an operator of a municipal, commercial, or compatible
	 industrial wastewater treatment works.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 1 - DEFINITIONS, APPLICABILITY › Section 197-1-007 - Collection System

Current through June 17, 2024
"Collection System" means the part of the wastewater treatment
	 facility that includes the structures, equipment, and processes required to
	 collect and transport wastewater from its point of origin to a wastewater
	 treatment facility.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 1 - DEFINITIONS, APPLICABILITY › Section 197-1-009 - Compatible Industrial Facility

Current through June 17, 2024
"Compatible Industrial Facility" means a wastewater treatment facility
	 treating or pretreating wastewater produced by an industry whose wastewater is
	 treated similar to domestic wastewater.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 1 - DEFINITIONS, APPLICABILITY › Section 197-1-010

Current through June 17, 2024
Industrial I, Industrial II, Industrial III, or Industrial IV means
	 the level of certification of an operator of a non-compatible industrial
	 wastewater treatment facility.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 1 - DEFINITIONS, APPLICABILITY › Section 197-1-011 - Continuing Education Unit (CEU)

Current through June 17, 2024
"Continuing Education Unit (CEU)" is a standard unit of measurement
	 meaning ten contact hours of participation in, and successful completion of an
	 organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship,
	 capable direction, and qualified instruction which is approved by the director
	 or some nationally recognized association.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 1 - DEFINITIONS, APPLICABILITY › Section 197-1-012 - Contract Operation

Current through June 17, 2024
"Contract Operation" means operation of a wastewater treatment
	 facility by an individual operator who is not an employee of the owner of the
	 wastewater treatment facility, or by a private firm employing certified
	 operators, authorized to operate a facility through a contract with the owner
	 of the wastewater treatment facility.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 1 - DEFINITIONS, APPLICABILITY › Section 197-1-016 - Direct Responsible Charge (DRC)

Current through June 17, 2024
"Direct Responsible Charge (DRC)" means the person(s) designated by
	 the owner to be the certified operator(s) responsible for making decisions
	 regarding the daily operational activities of a wastewater treatment facility
	 and decisions that will impact compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge
	 Elimination System permit.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 1 - DEFINITIONS, APPLICABILITY › Section 197-1-017 - Domestic Wastewater

Current through June 17, 2024
"Domestic Wastewater" means human body waste and household type wastes
	 including bath and toilet wastes, laundry wastes, kitchen wastes, and other
	 similar wastes from households.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 1 - DEFINITIONS, APPLICABILITY › Section 197-1-019 - Initiation of Operation

Current through June 17, 2024
"Initiation of Operation" means the date on which a new or upgraded
	 wastewater treatment facility is put into operation or is capable of being
	 placed in operation for the purpose for which it was planned, designed, and
	 built.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 1 - DEFINITIONS, APPLICABILITY › Section 197-1-021 - Municipality

Current through June 17, 2024
"Municipality" means a city, town, borough, county, parish, district,
	 association, or other public body created by or pursuant to state law and
	 having jurisdiction over disposal of sewage, industrial wastes, or other
	 wastes.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 1 - DEFINITIONS, APPLICABILITY › Section 197-1-022 - National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

Current through June 17, 2024
"National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)" means the
	 national system for the issuance, reissuance, modification, suspension,
	 revocation, monitoring, and enforcing of permits pursuant to the Federal Water
	 Pollution Control Act,
	 33 USC,
	 1342, as amended, and includes any State
	 program which has been approved by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental
	 Protection Agency, in whole or in part, pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution
	 Control Act,
	 33 USC
	 1251, et seq., as amended.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 1 - DEFINITIONS, APPLICABILITY › Section 197-1-023 - Non-compatible Industrial Facility

Current through June 17, 2024
"Non-compatible Industrial Facility" means an wastewater treatment
	 facility treating or pre-treating wastewater produced by an industry whose
	 wastewater is not treated similar to domestic wastewater.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 1 - DEFINITIONS, APPLICABILITY › Section 197-1-024 - Non-discharging Lagoon Systems

Current through June 17, 2024
"Non-discharging Lagoon Systems" means the shallow earthen basins,
	 used for the treatment of wastewater by natural processes involving the use of
	 both algae and bacteria, which do not discharge to waters of the
	 state.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 1 - DEFINITIONS, APPLICABILITY › Section 197-1-026 - Operator

Current through June 17, 2024
"Operator" means any person who regularly makes recommendations or is
	 responsible for process control decisions at a wastewater treatment facility.
	 Operator shall not include a person whose duties are limited solely to
	 laboratory testing or maintenance or who exercises general or indirect
	 supervision only.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 1 - DEFINITIONS, APPLICABILITY › Section 197-1-027 - Population Equivalent Served

Current through June 17, 2024
"Population Equivalent Served" means the number of persons that would
	 be required to contribute an equivalent quantity of waste. Biochemical Oxygen
	 Demand (BOD) and Suspended Solids (SS) population equivalents are 0.17 lbs BOD
	 per person per day and 0.20 lbs SS per person per day,
	 respectively.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 1 - DEFINITIONS, APPLICABILITY › Section 197-1-028 - Wastewater

Current through June 17, 2024
"Wastewater" means the combination of the liquid or water- carried
	 wastes removed from residences, institutions, and commercial and industrial
	 establishments, together with such ground water, surface water, and storm water
	 as may be present.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 1 - DEFINITIONS, APPLICABILITY › Section 197-1-029

Current through June 17, 2024
"Wastewater Treatment Facility" or "Facility" means the structures,
	 equipment, and processes required to collect, transport, and treat domestic or
	 industrial wastes and to dispose of the effluent and sludge.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 2 - CLASSIFICATIONS OF FACILITIES, STAFFING REQUIREMENTS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNERS OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES › Section 197-2-001

Current through June 17, 2024
All wastewater treatment facility operators are to be certified by the
	 director. The level of certification required for the operator(s) in direct
	 responsible charge (DRC) of each municipal, commercial, or compatible
	 wastewater treatment facility will correspond to the wastewater treatment
	 facility's classification. A non-compatible industrial treatment facility is to
	 have one operator designated as DRC of the facility
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 2 - CLASSIFICATIONS OF FACILITIES, STAFFING REQUIREMENTS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNERS OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES › Section 197-2-002

Current through June 17, 2024
All wastewater treatment facilities will be operated by operators
	 certified at the classification level of the wastewater treatment facility,
	 unless the wastewater treatment facility is exempted under provisions of
	 Chapter 1 or the operator otherwise qualifies under provisions of Chapter
	 3.
002.01 Wastewater treatment
  facilities that are not staffed 24 hours a day, may use uncertified individuals
  to observe the facility during non-staffed times. All process control or
  operational changes made to the operation of a facility, during non-staffed
  periods, must be under the direction of and consultation with a certified
  operator.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 2 - CLASSIFICATIONS OF FACILITIES, STAFFING REQUIREMENTS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNERS OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES › Section 197-2-003

Current through June 17, 2024
Each municipal or commercial wastewater treatment facility will be
	 classified by the department as a Class L, Class I, Class II, Class III, or
	 Class IV wastewater treatment facility based upon complexity of treatment,
	 population equivalent served, downstream water course conditions, and potential
	 health hazards in accordance with the point rating system established in
	 Appendix A. The director will determine a wastewater treatment facility's
	 classification if the department is unable to classify using Appendix A.
	 Classifications and level of certification for operators will be as
	 follows:
Points per
Appendix A
Facility
Classification
DRC Operator Certification:
(Municipal/Compatible)
Other Staffing Requirements
15 or less (for Lagoons)
Class L
Class L or higher
N/A
30 or less (if not Class L)
Class I
Class I or higher
N/A
31 through 55
Class II
Class II or higher
Assistant operator at Class I or higher
56 through 75
Class III
Class III or higher
Assistant operator at Class II or higher; all other personnel
				  commensurate with level of responsibility
76 or more
Class IV
Class IV
Class IV for shift supervisors serving as DRC; all other
				  personnel commensurate with level of responsibility
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 2 - CLASSIFICATIONS OF FACILITIES, STAFFING REQUIREMENTS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNERS OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES › Section 197-2-004 - Compatible industrial facilities

Current through June 17, 2024
Compatible industrial facilities: Each compatible industrial wastewater
	 treatment facility, will be classified by the department as an Industrial
	 compatible I, II, III, IV, or exempt facility based upon complexity of
	 treatment, downstream water course conditions, and potential health hazards in
	 accordance with the point rating system established in Appendix B. The director
	 will determine a wastewater treatment facility's classification if the
	 department is unable to classify the facility, using Appendix B.
	 Classifications and level of certification for operators will be as
	 follows:
Points per Appendix B
Facility Classification
DRC Operator Certification: (Municipal/Compatible)
Other Staffing Requirements
15 or less
Exempt
Exempt
N/A
16 through 30
Industrial I compatible
Class I or higher
N/A
31 through 55
Industrial II compatible
Class II or higher
Assistant operator at Class I or higher
56 through 75
Industrial III compatible
Class III or higher
Assistant operator at Class II or higher; all other personnel
				  commensurate with level of responsibility
76 or more
Industrial IV compatible
Class IV
Class IV for shift supervisors serving as DRC; all other
				  personnel commensurate with level of responsibility
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 2 - CLASSIFICATIONS OF FACILITIES, STAFFING REQUIREMENTS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNERS OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES › Section 197-2-005 - Non-compatible industrial facilities

Current through June 17, 2024
Non-compatible industrial facilities: Each non-compatible industrial
	 wastewater treatment facility, will be classified by the department as an
	 Industrial non-compatible I, II, III, or IV or exempt facility based upon
	 complexity of treatment, downstream water course conditions, and potential
	 health hazards in accordance with the point rating system established in
	 Appendix B. The director will determine a wastewater treatment facility's
	 classification if the department is unable to classify the facility, using
	 Appendix B. Classifications and level of certification for operators will be as
	 follows:
Points per Appendix B
Facility Classification
DRC Operator Certification: (Physical/Chemical
				  Industrial)
Other Staffing Requirements
4 or less
Exempt
Exempt
N/A
5 through 30
Industrial I non-compatible
Industrial I level or higher
N/A
31 through 55
Industrial II non-compatible
Industrial II level or higher
Assistant operator at Industrial I level or higher
56 through 75
Industrial III non-compatible
Industrial III level or higher
Assistant operator at Industrial II level or higher; all
				  other personnel commensurate with level of responsibility
76 or more
Industrial IV non-compatible
Industrial IV level
Industrial IV level for shift supervisors serving as DRC; all
				  other personnel commensurate with level of responsibility
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 2 - CLASSIFICATIONS OF FACILITIES, STAFFING REQUIREMENTS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNERS OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES › Section 197-2-006

Current through June 17, 2024
Reporting Requirements for wastewater treatment facility owners and
	 operators are as follows:
006.01 The
  owner of a wastewater treatment facility will:
006.01A notify the department , in writing,
  within 30 days of when a DRC operator leaves or is hired ;
006.01B furnish the department upon request
  the names, addresses, and positions of all operators; and
006.01C notify the department prior to
  construction of any process modifications affecting the quality of effluent or
  plant capacity.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 2 - CLASSIFICATIONS OF FACILITIES, STAFFING REQUIREMENTS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNERS OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES › Section 197-2-007

Current through June 17, 2024
New wastewater treatment facilities or wastewater treatment facilities
	 reclassified due to an upgrade are to have properly certified operator(s) prior
	 to initiation of operation.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 2 - CLASSIFICATIONS OF FACILITIES, STAFFING REQUIREMENTS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNERS OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES › Section 197-2-008

Current through June 17, 2024
Operation of wastewater treatment facilities may be allowed from a
	 remote work station by the director when:
008.01 The owner can demonstrate a capability
  to comply with all NPDES permit requirements and protect the public health and
  the environment.
008.02 The level of
  certification of the DRC operator at the remote workstation will be at least at
  the level of the classification of the facility, which is being operated from a
  remote workstation.
008.03 Where
  multiple facilities are operated from a common remote work station the DRC
  operator and backups will be certified at the Class IV level. Where multiple
  non-compatible industrial facilities are operated from a common remote work
  station the DRC operator will be certified at the Industrial IV
  level.
008.04 The wastewater
  treatment facility which is being operated remotely will be readily accessible
  to the certified operator and will be less than one hour travel time away from
  the location of the DRC operator.
008.05 The owner will provide a staffing plan
  which includes all the operators who are responsible for operation of the
  treatment plant(s) which are being remotely operated.
008.06 The owner will provide a back-up
  emergency operation plan which describes how the plant to be remotely operated
  will be operated in case of an emergency.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 2 - CLASSIFICATIONS OF FACILITIES, STAFFING REQUIREMENTS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNERS OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES › Section 197-2-009

Current through June 17, 2024
Operators certified to operate municipal, commercial, or compatible
	 industrial facilities (Class L and Class I-Class IV) may not operate a
	 non-compatible industrial facility without obtaining the appropriate industrial
	 certification license (Industrial I - Industrial IV).
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 2 - CLASSIFICATIONS OF FACILITIES, STAFFING REQUIREMENTS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNERS OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES › Section 197-2-010

Current through June 17, 2024
Operators certified to operate a non-compatible industrial facility
	 (Industrial I - Industrial IV) may not operate municipal, commercial, or
	 compatible industrial facilities without obtaining the appropriate
	 certification license (Class L and Class I-Class IV).
Enabling Legislation: Neb. Rev.
	 Stat. §
										81-15,130;
	 §
										81-15,131;
	 §
										81-15,134.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 3 - OPERATOR CERTIFICATION, TYPES OF CERTIFICATES › Section 197-3-001

Current through June 17, 2024
The director will issue Class L, Class I, Class II, Class III, Class
	 IV, Industrial I, Industrial II, Industrial III, and Industrial IV certificates
	 to operators who pass the respective certification test and also meet the
	 education and experience requirements.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 3 - OPERATOR CERTIFICATION, TYPES OF CERTIFICATES › Section 197-3-002

Current through June 17, 2024
Class L and Class I, wastewater treatment facility owners are eligible
	 to obtain temporary certificates for their operators.
002.01 A temporary certificate issued
  pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. §
									81-15,135
  is valid for a period of one year from the date of hire.
002.02 The Class L temporary certificate and
  the Class I temporary certificate are operator and site specific and may not be
  transferred to another facility or operator.
002.03 The director will not issue a
  temporary certificate at any Class L and Class I wastewater treatment
  facilities in consecutive years without acceptance of written justification of
  due cause or extenuating circumstances.
002.04 Owners may request a temporary
  certificate for their operator within 30 days of hiring the
  operator.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 3 - OPERATOR CERTIFICATION, TYPES OF CERTIFICATES › Section 197-3-003

Current through June 17, 2024
Owners of non-compatible industrial wastewater treatment facilities are
	 eligible to obtain temporary certificates for their uncertified
	 operators.
003.01 The director may
  issue a temporary certificate to an applicant who is a new operator at an
  Industrial I wastewater treatment facility in accordance with Neb. Rev. Stat.
  §
									81-15,135.
003.02 The temporary certificate is
  operator specific and site specific and may not be transferred to another
  facility or operator.
003.03 The
  director will not issue a temporary certificate at any wastewater treatment
  facility in consecutive years without acceptance of written justification of
  due cause or extenuating circumstances.
003.04 Owners may request a temporary
  certificate for their operator within 30 days of hiring the
  operator.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 3 - OPERATOR CERTIFICATION, TYPES OF CERTIFICATES › Section 197-3-004

Current through June 17, 2024
004 Provisional certification will be issued
  to applicants who pass the certification test for any level of classification
  but do not meet all of the educational and experience requirements. Operator(s)
  may request removal of provisional status upon completion of education and
  experience requirements.
004.01 The owner of a
  wastewater treatment facility may request the department to allow an operator
  with a provisional certificate to be in DRC of their wastewater treatment
  facility.
004.02 The director may
  authorize an operator with a provisional certificate to be in DRC of a
  wastewater treatment facility if the operator has obtained a level of
  provisional certification which is equivalent to the facility
  classification.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 3 - OPERATOR CERTIFICATION, TYPES OF CERTIFICATES › Section 197-3-005

Current through June 17, 2024
New or promoted employees hired as operators in a wastewater treatment
	 facility will have up to twelve months (from hiring date) to obtain the
	 required level of certification of the position, provided the employee takes
	 the certification exam at least once within six months of hiring or
	 promotion.
Enabling Legislation: Neb. Rev.
	 Stat. §
										81-15,130(1),(3),(9);
	 §
										81-15,131;
	 §
										81-15,132;
	 §
										81-15,133;
	 §
										81-15,135
	 and §
										81-15,138.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 3 - OPERATOR CERTIFICATION, TYPES OF CERTIFICATES › Section 197-3-006

Current through June 17, 2024
Reporting Requirements for wastewater treatment facility owners and
	 operators are as follows:
006.01 The
  owner of a wastewater treatment facility shall notify the department, in
  writing, within 30 days of when a DRC operator leaves or is hired.
006.02 The owner of a wastewater treatment
  facility shall furnish the department upon request the names, addresses, and
  positions of all operators.
006.03
  The owner of a wastewater treatment facility shall notify the department prior
  to construction of any process modifications affecting the quality of effluent
  or plant capacity.
006.04 The DRC
  operator in overall charge of the entire Class IV or Industrial IV wastewater
  treatment facility shall submit a staffing plan to the department every year by
  December 31st.
006.04A Staffing plans shall
  include organizational charts which identify the DRC operator in overall charge
  of the entire facility.
006.04B
  Staffing plans shall identify shift supervisors who are in DRC of the
  shifts.
006.04C Staffing plans
  shall identify other operators working with treatment processes or making
  process control decisions.
006.04D
  Staffing plans shall include an emergency plan. The emergency plan shall
  describe how a treatment facility will be monitored during non-staffed
  operation, who will be contacted in the event of an emergency, and who will be
  in DRC of the plant during an emergency situation.
006.04E Prior to initiation of operation, all
  new or upgraded Class IV or Industrial IV wastewater treatment facilities shall
  submit a staffing plan for approval by the director, outlining levels of
  certification for all operators.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 3 - OPERATOR CERTIFICATION, TYPES OF CERTIFICATES › Section 197-3-007

Current through June 17, 2024
New wastewater treatment facilities or wastewater treatment facilities
	 reclassified due to an upgrade must have properly certified operator(s) prior
	 to initiation of operation.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 3 - OPERATOR CERTIFICATION, TYPES OF CERTIFICATES › Section 197-3-008

Current through June 17, 2024
Operation of wastewater treatment facilities may be allowed from a
	 remote work station by the director when:
008.01 The owner can demonstrate a capability
  to comply with all NPDES permit requirements and protect the public health and
  the environment.
008.02 The level
  of certification of the DRC operator at the remote workstation shall be at
  least at the level of the classification of the facility, which is being
  operated from a remote workstation.
008.03 Where multiple facilities are operated
  from a common remote work station the DRC operator and backups shall be
  certified at the Class IV level. Where multiple non-compatible industrial
  facilities are operated from a common remote work station the DRC operator
  shall be certified at the Industrial IV level.
008.04 The wastewater treatment facility
  which is being operated remotely will be readily accessible to the certified
  operator and will be less than one hour travel time away from the location of
  the DRC operator.
008.05 The owner
  will provide a staffing plan which includes all the operators who are
  responsible for operation of the treatment plant(s) which are being remotely
  operated.
008.06 The owner will
  provide a back-up emergency operation plan which describes how the plant to be
  remotely operated will be operated in case of an emergency.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 3 - OPERATOR CERTIFICATION, TYPES OF CERTIFICATES › Section 197-3-009

Current through June 17, 2024
Operators certified to operate municipal, commercial, or compatible
	 industrial facilities (Class L and Class I-Class IV) may not operate a
	 non-compatible industrial facility without obtaining the appropriate industrial
	 certification license (Industrial I - Industrial IV).
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 3 - OPERATOR CERTIFICATION, TYPES OF CERTIFICATES › Section 197-3-010

Current through June 17, 2024
Operators certified to operate a non- compatible industrial facility
	 (Industrial I - Industrial IV) may not operate municipal, commercial, or
	 compatible industrial facilities without obtaining the appropriate
	 certification license (Class L and Class I-Class IV).
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 4 - CERTIFICATION APPLICATION, EXAMINATION PROCEDURES, EXPIRATION AND RENEWAL › Section 197-4-001 - Application

Current through June 17, 2024
001.01 An applicant is to submit an
  application which contains information regarding education, and work experience
  to the department with the respective application fee prescribed in Appendix C.
  The department will notify applicants if additional information is
  required.
001.02 When an application
  for certification is denied, the department will notify the applicant in
  writing and explain the reason for denial. Upon notice of denial, the applicant
  may request a hearing following the procedure in Neb. Rev. Stat. §
									81-1507.
001.03 All applications received less than 30
  days prior to a scheduled examination date may be held for the next scheduled
  examination date.
001.04 After
  receipt of the application, the department will review the application and will
  schedule a date, time and place of examination for the applicant, or notify the
  applicant otherwise.
001.05 When
  the applicant is ineligible for certification, due to revocation of prior
  certification, the department will notify the applicant in writing and explain
  the reason for ineligibility. Upon notice of ineligibility, the applicant may
  request a hearing, following the procedure in Neb. Rev. Stat. §
									81-1507.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 4 - CERTIFICATION APPLICATION, EXAMINATION PROCEDURES, EXPIRATION AND RENEWAL › Section 197-4-002 - Examination

Current through June 17, 2024
002.01 A minimum of four examinations per
  year will be scheduled across the state.
002.02 Applicants must attain a minimum grade
  of seventy percent for passage of an examination. All applicants will be
  notified regarding the examination results by the department in writing as soon
  as the results of the examination are available.
002.03 Upon failure to pass an examination,
  an applicant will be permitted to be re-examined at subsequent examinations.
  Applicants desiring to be re-examined are to submit their application together
  with the retesting fee as prescribed in Appendix C. Applicants failing three
  (3) exams in succession are to obtain a minimum of 1 CEU of applicable training
  prior to retesting.
002.04 All
  examination records will be filed and retained by the department for three
  years.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 4 - CERTIFICATION APPLICATION, EXAMINATION PROCEDURES, EXPIRATION AND RENEWAL › Section 197-4-003 - Expiration and Renewal

Current through June 17, 2024
003.01 Expiration,
  notification, and renewal is in accordance with Neb. Rev. Stat. §
									81-15,138.
003.02 The department will notify the
  certified operator regarding expiration at the last known address. Failure of
  the department to notify the certified operator of expiration does not relieve
  the certified operator of the responsibility for renewal.
003.03 As a prerequisite for renewal, each
  certified operator will obtain a minimum of two (2) CEU's of training approved
  by the department during the two (2) years prior to expiration. Excess CEU's
  earned in a two (2) year interval may be carried over into the next two (2)
  year interval up to the maximum amount of one (1) CEU.
003.04 The certificate renewal fee as
  prescribed in Appendix C is to accompany the renewal application.
003.05 The certificate renewal date may be
  changed for the convenience of the certified operator with adequate
  justification, at the discretion of the director. Renewal fees will be prorated
  in such cases.
003.06 Certification
  Status during Military Deployment or Catastrophic Conditions. Certified
  operators may request their certification status be placed temporarily on hold
  during times of military deployment or a catastrophic condition. Upon request
  from the operator, in accordance with this section, the Department will place a
  hold on the certification in such cases until such time as the operator is in a
  return to work status. The operator, or wastewater facility on behalf of the
  operator, is to notify the Department within 30 days of a military deployment
  or catastrophic condition and within 30 days of the operator returning to work.
  While the certification is placed on hold, the operator will not be required to
  renew or obtain CEUs. Upon returning to work, the operator will have six (6)
  months to obtain necessary CEUs and renew certification, as
  appropriate.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 4 - CERTIFICATION APPLICATION, EXAMINATION PROCEDURES, EXPIRATION AND RENEWAL › Section 197-4-004 - Reciprocity

Current through June 17, 2024
Certificates of an equivalent class may be issued, without examination,
	 to any operator applying for certification who holds a valid certificate from
	 another recognized wastewater operator certification program having
	 requirements for certification which the director considers similar to the
	 standards established in these regulations.
004.01 Applications are to be made to the
  director as described in this Chapter. The application fee in Appendix C is to
  accompany the application.
004.02
  Certification by reciprocity will not be available for a person whose
  certification has been denied revoked or suspended.
Enabling Legislation: Neb. Rev.
	 Stat. §
										81-15,130(1)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8),
	 §
										81-15,131,
	 §
										81-15,138
	 and §
										81-15,140.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 4 - CERTIFICATION APPLICATION, EXAMINATION PROCEDURES, EXPIRATION AND RENEWAL › Section 197-4-005

Current through June 17, 2024
New or promoted employees hired as operators in a Class II, III, IV,
	 or Industrial I, II, III, IV wastewater treatment facility will have up to six
	 months (from hiring date) to obtain the required level of certification of the
	 position.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 5 - EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS, AND CONTINUING EDUCATION › Section 197-5-001

Current through June 17, 2024
The director will evaluate qualifications of operators based on
	 education, operating experience, knowledge of wastewater characteristics,
	 treatment processes, and wastewater treatment facility operation relating to
	 the classification of wastewater treatment facilities.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 5 - EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS, AND CONTINUING EDUCATION › Section 197-5-002

Current through June 17, 2024
All applicants for a Class I, Class L, and Industrial I operator's
	 certificate are to meet the following education or experience
	 requirement:
002.01 One year of work
  experience in a wastewater treatment facility;
002.02 Completion of high school education or
  the equivalent may be substituted for one year of work
  experience.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 5 - EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS, AND CONTINUING EDUCATION › Section 197-5-003

Current through June 17, 2024
All applicants for a Class II or an Industrial II operator's
	 certificate are to meet the following education or experience
	 requirement:
003.01 Two years of work
  experience in a wastewater treatment facility;
003.02 Completion of high school education or
  the equivalent may be substituted for one year of work experience;
003.03 Completion of two years of post-high
  school or equivalent education in a curriculum related to wastewater facility
  operation and design may be substituted for two years of work
  experience.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 5 - EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS, AND CONTINUING EDUCATION › Section 197-5-004

Current through June 17, 2024
All applicants for a Class III, Class IV, Industrial III, or Industrial
	 IV operator's certificate are to meet the following education or experience
	 requirement:
004.01 Four years of work
  experience in a wastewater treatment facility with at least two years
  experience in a Class III, Class IV, or an Industrial III, or Industrial IV
  facility;
004.02 Completion of a
  college degree majoring in environmental engineering, environmental sciences,
  or the equivalent ( as determined by the director ) may be substituted for
  three years of work experience;
004.03 Completion of two years of post-high
  school or equivalent education related to the wastewater facility operation and
  design may be substituted for two years of work
  experience.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 5 - EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS, AND CONTINUING EDUCATION › Section 197-5-005 - Continuing Education

Current through June 17, 2024
All CEU's for initial qualifications or certificate renewal will be
	 subject to review for approval to insure that the training is applicable to
	 wastewater treatment facility operation and meets CEU criteria. Training
	 records are to be maintained by the operator and submitted to the department as
	 part of application for certificate renewal. The department will verify
	 successful completion of approved training
005.01 Qualified education programs include
  all wastewater courses and related technical courses, workshops, correspondence
  courses, and other education experiences approved by the department.
005.02 Training may be provided by wastewater
  operator personnel to other operators. This type of training may meet CEU
  requirements as long as prior approval of training to be provided is obtained
  from the department. Training submitted to the department for approval is to
  meet the following criteria:
005.02A
  Instruction are to be provided by an operator certified at a level equal to or
  greater than the classification level of the facility whose operator is
  receiving instruction, or by a trainer that has submitted information
  demonstrating qualifications for specific training activities.
005.02B An outline of the training to be
  provided is to be submitted and is to include the time allotted to each main
  topic.
005.02C A list of the
  teacher's objectives is to be submitted documenting the essential points of the
  instruction, need-to-know information and the methods used to illustrate these
  principles.
005.02D Written
  evidence of successful completion of the training is to be submitted to the
  department by the instructor within thirty (30) days following the training and
  a copy provided to the operator for his/her training
  record.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 5 - EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS, AND CONTINUING EDUCATION › Section 197-5-006

Current through June 17, 2024
When the applicant is ineligible for certification, as prescribed in
	 Chapter 10, Section 004, the department will notify the applicant in writing
	 and explain the reason for ineligibility. Upon notice of ineligibility, the
	 applicant may request a hearing, following the procedure referred to in Chapter
	 11.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 5 - EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS, AND CONTINUING EDUCATION › Section 197-5-007

Current through June 17, 2024
Applicants must attain a minimum grade of seventy percent for passage
	 of an examination. All applicants shall be notified regarding the examination
	 results by the department in writing as soon as the results of the examination
	 are available.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 5 - EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS, AND CONTINUING EDUCATION › Section 197-5-008

Current through June 17, 2024
Upon failure to pass an examination, an applicant shall be permitted
	 to be re-examined at subsequent examinations. Applicants desiring to be
	 re-examined shall submit their application together with the retesting fee as
	 prescribed in Appendix C. Applicants failing three (3) exams in succession
	 shall obtain a minimum of 1 CEU of applicable training prior to
	 retesting.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 5 - EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS, AND CONTINUING EDUCATION › Section 197-5-010

Current through June 17, 2024
Alternative testing may be provided for unusual situations upon
	 written request by the owner or the operator to the director. If alternative
	 testing is approved by the director, a wastewater treatment facility-specific
	 test will be prepared and offered to applicants who have attempted to pass the
	 written test at least three times, are unable to comply with the standard
	 written testing procedures, but may otherwise qualify as an operator. The fee
	 for the alternative test will be in accordance with the fee schedule in
	 Appendix C. The alternative test may include an oral test and a demonstration
	 by the operator showing successful operation of all phases of the wastewater
	 treatment facility the applicant is employed to operate. The test will be
	 administered by the department and may result in a restricted certification as
	 addressed in Chapter 4, Section 004.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 6 - ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTRACT OPERATION › Section 197-6-001

Current through June 17, 2024
The following requirements are applicable to owners who hire contract
	 operators to operate their wastewater treatment facility. The owner of a
	 wastewater treatment facility will:
001.01 notify the department within 30 days
  of hiring a contract operator; and
001.02 provide the department with a copy of
  the contract or other information detailing the contract operator's
  responsibilities and the owner's responsibilities.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Chapter 6 - ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTRACT OPERATION › Section 197-6-002

Current through June 17, 2024
The following requirements are applicable to contract operators hired
	 to operate a wastewater treatment facility. The contract operator will:
002.01 provide the department with a list of
  all facilities that they are under contract to operate;
002.02 notify the department within 30 days
  of entering a contract to operate a wastewater treatment facility;
002.03 provide the department with the names
  of their employees who are DRC operators and their work assignments for
  specific wastewater treatment facilities. Information regarding backup or
  assistant operators for each wastewater treatment facility will also be
  provided. The contract operator will notify the department within 30 days of
  any changes to personnel assigned to operate the wastewater treatment
  facilities that the contract operator is hired to operate;
002.04 provide the department with an
  emergency operating plan, which describes how the wastewater treatment facility
  to be operated by the contract operator will be operated in case of an
  emergency within 90 days of entering into a contract to operate a wastewater
  treatment facility;
002.05 have a
  response time to an alarm or emergency at the wastewater treatment facility
  with less than one hour travel time.
002.06 provide a staffing plan demonstrating
  compliance with the requirements of Chapter 2.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 197 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATORS › Appendix C - FEE SCHEDULE

Current through June 17, 2024
Application for Certification by Examination
$150
Application for Retest
$125
Application for Certification by Reciprocity
$150
Application for Certificate Renewal
$150
Application for One Year Temporary Certificate
$125
Training Courses Set Prior to Course
Non Discharging Four Year Registration Exemption
$100
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 198 - RULES AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL CONTAINMENT › Chapter 1 - DEFINITIONS › Section 198-1-001 - Appurtenances

Current through June 17, 2024
Appurtenances means all valves, pumps, fittings, pipes, hoses, and
	 metering devices which are connected to a container, or which are used to
	 transfer a material into or out of such container.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 198 - RULES AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL CONTAINMENT › Chapter 1 - DEFINITIONS › Section 198-1-002 - Bulk Dry Pesticide

Current through June 17, 2024
Bulk Dry Pesticide means any pesticide, once formulated, that is in dry
	 or solid form in an individual container of undivided quantities equal to or
	 greater than 4,000 pounds, and that has not been combined with liquids; this
	 includes formulations such as dusts, wettable powders, dry flowables,
	 water-soluble powders, granules, and dry baits.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 198 - RULES AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL CONTAINMENT › Chapter 1 - DEFINITIONS › Section 198-1-003 - Bulk Fertilizer

Current through June 17, 2024
Bulk Fertilizer means any liquid fertilizer held in an individual
	 container of undivided capacity greater than 55 U.S. gallons liquid
	 measure.
Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY › Title 198 - RULES AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL CONTAINMENT › Chapter 1 - DEFINITIONS › Section 198-1-004 - Bulk Liquid Pesticide

Current through June 17, 2024
Bulk Liquid Pesticide means any liquid pesticide held in an individual
	 container of undivided capacity greater than 55 U.S. gallons liquid
	 measure.