TITLE 35: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
SUBTITLE F: PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIES
CHAPTER II: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PART 680
WATER SUPPLY OPERATOR CERTIFICATION
SUBPART A: INTRODUCTION AND DEFINITIONS
Section
680.101 Purpose
680.102 Advisory Board
680.103 Examination
680.104 Hands-on or Necessary Skills, Knowledge, Ability, and Judgment
680.105 Law
680.106 Responsible Charge
680.107 Equivalent to a High School Education
680.108 Continuing Education Unit
680.109 Quarter Hours and Semester Hours
680.110 Grandparenting
680.111 Other Definitions
SUBPART B: EXAMINATION FREQUENCY AND LOCATION
Section
680.201 Examination Frequency
680.202 Examination Location
680.203 Examination on Request
SUBPART C: EXAMINATION ELIGIBILITY
Section
680.301 Eligibility
680.302 Applications
680.303 Eligibility Determination
680.304 Review of Determination
680.305 Examination Admission
680.306 Letters of Admission
SUBPART D: WRITTEN EXAMINATION
Section
680.401 Examination Classification
680.402 Standards for Examination and Grading
680.403 Award of Certificate of Competency
SUBPART E: REEXAMINATION
Section
680.501 Reexamination at Same Classification
680.502 Alternate Classification (Repealed)
680.503 Reexamination Fee
SUBPART F: RECIPROCITY
Section
680.601 Application for Reciprocal Certification
680.602 Authority to Obtain Information
680.603 Personal Interview (Repealed)
680.604 Reciprocity Determination
680.605 Change in Classification
SUBPART G: SANCTIONS
Section
680.701 Causes
680.702 Procedures
680.703 Hearing and Decision
680.704 Sanctions
680.705 Appeal
SUBPART H: CERTIFICATE RENEWAL, RESTORATION, AND REQUIRED TRAINING
Section
680.801 Certificate Expiration
680.802 Certificate Renewal
680.803 Renewal Application Filing Deadlines
680.804 Renewal Training Requirements
680.805 Restoration of Expired Certificates
680.806 Training Criteria
680.807 Proof of Training Records, Record Keeping, Audits
680.808 Training Exclusions
680.809 Meetings and Conferences of Professional Operator Organizations
680.810 Submission of Training Hours
680.811 Waiver of Required Training
680.812 Issuance of Renewed and Restored Certificates
680.813 Contested Renewal, Restoration, and Training Determinations
SUBPART I: GRANDPARENTING
Section
680.901 Grandparenting
AUTHORITY: Implementing and authorized by the Public Water Supply Operations Act [415
ILCS 45].
SOURCE: Filed April 1, 1974; Part repealed, new Part adopted at 6 Ill. Reg. 10942, effective
September 1, 1982; amended at 12 Ill. Reg. 8442, May 2, 1988; amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263,
effective April 24, 2000.
SUBPART A: INTRODUCTION AND DEFINITIONS
Section 680.101 Purpose
The purpose of this part is to set forward procedures for the testing for and granting of water
supply operator certification and for revocation of that certification.
Section 680.102 Advisory Board
"Advisory Board" means the Water Supply Operator Advisory Board provided for under Section
11 of the Law.
Section 680.103 Examination
"Examination" means a test, written in English, required to be taken by the applicant for
certification.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.104 Hands-on or Necessary Skills, Knowledge, Ability, and Judgment
"Hands-on" or necessary skills, knowledge, ability, and judgment means the knowledge acquired
from daily operating experience rather than from text book study or supervisory observation. It
means the applicant has actually operated a water plant or water supply or worked on the
distribution system and has performed tasks including, but not limited to, routine tests, sample
collection, completion of operational reports, calculation of chemical dosages and subsequent
adjustment of chemical feeders, or backwashed filters.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.105 Law
"Law" means the Public Water Supply Operations Act [415 ILCS 45].
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.106 Responsible Charge
35 ILLINOIS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CH. II, SEC. 680.106
SUBTITLE F
"Responsible Charge" means active, on-site charge or performance of operation of the treatment
plant or distribution system of a public water supply or comparable water supply.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.107 Equivalent to a High School Education
"The Equivalent" to a high school education means a General Education Development (GED)
test.
(Source: Old Section 680.107 renumbered to Section 680.111 and new Section 680.107
added at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.108 Continuing Education Unit
The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is a nationally recognized unit defined as 10 training
contact hours. One training contact hour is a 60 minute classroom session of instruction or its
equivalent (0.1 CEU). One contact hour or 0.1 CEU will count as 1 hour towards meeting the
certificate renewal training requirement. Training in which CEUs are not assigned will be
credited based on actual hours spent in training.
(Source: Added at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.109 Quarter Hours and Semester Hours
Quarter hours or semester hours are usually assigned for courses offered by colleges and
universities. For the purpose of calculating actual classroom hours for renewal training credit,
the following conversions should be used:
1 Semester Hour = 15 hours of training credit
1 Quarter Hour = 10 hours of training credit.
(Source: Added at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.110 Grandparenting
Grandparenting means the exemption for the registered persons in responsible charge of a
previously-exempt community water supply, as of July 9, 1999, from meeting the initial
education and examination requirements for the class of certification the community water
supply has been assigned.
(Source: Added at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
35 ILLINOIS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CH. II, SEC. 680.111
SUBTITLE F
Section 680.111 Other Definitions
The definitions found in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 601 and 611 shall apply to this Part.
(Source: Renumbered from Section 680.107 and amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective
April 24, 2000)
SUBPART B: EXAMINATION FREQUENCY AND LOCATION
Section 680.201 Examination Frequency
Examinations will be held each month at times and locations throughout the State as determined
by the Agency.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.202 Examination Location
An examination schedule listing locations with telephone numbers will be sent to each applicant
who receives a Letter of Admission. An applicant who has received a Letter of Admission for
examination or reexamination must contact the examination center at least seven days prior to
the examination date.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.203 Examination on Request
Examinations on request may be given whenever ten or more students/operators who have
received a Letter of Admission wish to take the examination. Requests must be made in writing
to the Agency at least six weeks in advance of the requested examination date.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
SUBPART C: EXAMINATION ELIGIBILITY
Section 680.301 Eligibility
a) Only those applicants who meet the eligibility and fee requirements outlined in
Sections 4, 13, 14 and 22 of the Law shall be eligible to take the examination and
shall receive a Letter of Admission to the classifications outlined in Section 13 of
the Law, in accordance with the criteria mandated by the Law. Admission shall be
based upon the evaluation of a completed application form and payment of the
appropriate fee. Application forms shall be provided by the Agency.
b) Applicants who have had or have been exposed to typhoid fever or amoebic
dysentary will be required to submit fecal samples to the Department of Public
Health to determine whether the applicant is a carrier of the disease before
examination admission is granted. Instructions and sample containers will be sent
to the applicant, should exposure be indicated. If the applicant is a carrier, that
applicant will not be admitted to the certification process.
c) Those applicants who fail to meet the eligibility requirements outlined in Sections
4, 13, 14 and 22 of the Law may request, not later than one year from the date the
Agency received the application, a reevaluation without paying an additional fee.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.302 Applications
a) Applications for a Certificate of Competency must be submitted to the Agency at
least 45 days prior to the examination date. Applications must be complete before
any decision regarding eligibility will be issued; applications must be
accompanied by the non-refundable application review fee specified by Section
22 of the Law before review will be initiated.
b) The Agency shall notify applicants in writing of their eligibility for examination.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.303 Eligibility Determination
The Agency shall review all applications for certification and shall determine the applicant's
creditable experience on the basis of the information contained therein. Applications shall
contain information as mandated by Sections 4, 14 and 16 of the Law.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.304 Review of Determination
Each applicant who does not agree with the Agency determination of the applicant's experience
qualifications may write to the Agency requesting that the application be presented to the
Advisory Board for its review and recommendation. The Advisory Board shall review each
application in accordance with the requirements set out in Sections 4, 14 and 16 of the Law, and
shall make a recommendation to the Agency for reconsideration, or confirmation of the Agency
determination.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.305 Examination Admission
a) Each applicant will be admitted to one examination for which the applicant is
35 ILLINOIS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CH. II, SEC. 680.305
SUBTITLE F
eligible. The applicant shall be sent a Letter of Admission stating all
classifications for which the applicant is eligible. Each applicant must designate
one of the eligible classifications at the time of examination.
b) Each applicant must present the Letter of Admission and one photo identification
to the examination proctor to take the examination.
c) An applicant seeking to obtain a Letter of Admission for an additional
examination for which the Agency has determined the applicant eligible must
submit the appropriate fee to the Agency, and the Agency will issue a Letter of
Admission.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.306 Letters of Admission
a) Letters of Admission shall be valid for one examination and for up to one year
from the date of issuance.
b) In the event of expiration of the Letter of Admission, an applicant must submit the
appropriate fee to the Agency and the Agency will issue a new Letter of
Admission.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
SUBPART D: WRITTEN EXAMINATION
Section 680.401 Examination Classification
Examinations shall be administered based upon separate classifications. As outlined in Section
13 of the Law, there shall be four classifications: Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.402 Standards for Examination and Grading
a) Examinations shall be valid and reliable in accordance with professional standards
outlined by the American Psychological Association Standards for Educational
and Psychological Tests and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Guidelines.
b) The passing score for each examination shall be 70 percent of the points available.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.403 Award of Certificate of Competency
35 ILLINOIS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CH. II, SEC. 680.403
SUBTITLE F
The Agency shall award a Certificate of Competency to each individual who has obtained a
passing score on the examination.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
SUBPART E: REEXAMINATION
Section 680.501 Reexamination
An individual who fails a written examination may take any subsequent examination for which
the individual is eligible upon payment of the appropriate fee.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.502 Alternate Classification (Repealed)
(Source: Repealed at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.503 Reexamination Fee
An individual who is required by Section 22 of the Law to submit a reexamination fee must
submit that fee at least 21 days prior to the examination date in order to receive a Letter of
Admission.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
SUBPART F: RECIPROCITY
Section 680.601 Application for Reciprocal Certification
All applicants for reciprocity must complete the Illinois application requirements, must meet all
eligibility and fee requirements outlined in Sections 4, 13, 14 and 22 of the Law and must
indicate the classification of Illinois certification for which application is being made.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.602 Authority to Obtain Information
All applications for reciprocal certification must include a letter of authorization from the
applicant, authorizing the State of Illinois to contact the certifying authority which issued the
applicant's certificate to enable Illinois:
a) to determine the qualifications which the applicant was required to meet to
become certified;
b) to determine whether or not the certificate is in good standing, and
c) to obtain a representative copy of the regulations and examination of the
certifying authority for comparsion with Illinois' regulations and examinations.
Section 680.603 Personal Interview (Repealed)
(Source: Repealed at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.604 Reciprocity Determination
a) An applicant for a Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D Certificate of
Competency who possesses a valid certificate issued under the laws of another
state will be issued a Certificate of Competency, without examination, provided:
1) The Agency may determine by reviewing the other state's requirements
that the applicant has met minimum standards equivalent to or more
stringent than the standards specified in Sections 4, 13, 14 and 22 of the
Law, respectively, prior to receiving the certificate from the other state;
2) The state that issued the certificate to the applicant accepts, by reciprocity,
certificates issued by the Agency; and
3) The applicant resides in Illinois or is employed at a public water supply in
Illinois.
b) An applicant satisfying subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2) above, but failing to meet the
residency requirements of subsection (a)(3) above, shall be issued a notice of
intent to grant reciprocity. Should that applicant fail to meet the requirements
outlined in subsection (a)(3) above within 90 days after issuance of the notice, the
notice shall become void.
c) Applications for reciprocity described in Section 680.601 shall be reviewed by the
Agency as follows:
1) The Agency shall review each applicant's education and experience to
determine the levels of certification examination for which the applicant is
eligible pursuant to Subpart C of this Part;
2) An applicant for reciprocity shall be notified of, and given the option to
take, the certification examinations for which the applicant qualifies;
3) The Agency shall contact the certifying officials from the other state to
determine the level of certification of each applicant for reciprocity and
whether the certificates are currently valid;
4) The Agency shall compare the applicant's qualifications and the other
state's eligibility requirements for certification with those described in
Subpart C of this Part to determine if the requirements of subsection (a)
above are fulfilled; if so, reciprocity shall be granted at the appropriate
level;
5) If it is determined that reciprocity should be granted, the Agency shall
issue the appropriate level Certificate of Competency to the applicant and
shall notify the certifying official from the other state; and
6) If it is determined that reciprocity should not be granted, the Agency shall
notify the applicant and the certifying official from the other state, and
provide reasons for the decision.
d) If a Certificate of Competency that has been issued through reciprocity is
suspended or revoked pursuant to Subpart G of this Part, the Agency shall notify
the certifying official from the other state.
e) An applicant who is denied reciprocity or who is given a lower level of eligibility
than the one requested shall have an opportunity for a hearing with the Advisory
Board. The applicant for reciprocity may seek review of the Agency
determination by the Advisory Board. The Advisory Board shall review the
determination and provide a recommendation to the Agency.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.605 Change in Classification
An applicant for reciprocity whose accrued experience entitles admission to a higher level of
Illinois certification, but whose previous classification and examination entitles the applicant to a
lower level of reciprocal certification, will be admitted to examination at the higher level(s) upon
payment of the subsequent examination fee, pursuant to Section 22 of the Law. The applicant
will receive reciprocal certification at the lower level at the same time as examination admission
to the higher level(s) of certification is granted.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
SUBPART G: SANCTIONS
Section 680.701 Causes
Certificates of Competency shall be subject to sanctions of revocation or suspension upon a
showing of cause by a preponderance of the evidence. Such sanctions shall not be a bar to any
civil or criminal proceedings. Causes for sanction shall include but are not limited to:
a) having obtained, renewed or restored, or attempted to obtain, renew or restore, a
Certificate of Competency by fraud or deceit;
b) any gross negligence, misconduct, or incompetency in the operation of a public
water supply;
c) falsification of reports required to be submitted to the Agency;
d) willful violation of the Environmental Protection Act or any rules thereunder; or
e) a final judgment in a civil action or a conviction in a criminal action that the
operator has performed any of the acts listed in subsections (a) through (d) above.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.702 Procedures
a) Any person may initiate the procedure for sanction by filing a written complaint
35 ILLINOIS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CH. II, SEC. 680.702
SUBTITLE F
with the Agency. The complaint shall state the name and address of the
complainant, the name of the operator and all information that supports the
complaint. If the Agency determines that the complaint is duplicitous or
frivolous, it shall notify the person filing the complaint, but shall take no further
action.
b) If the Agency determines that a sanction procedure is warranted, either on the
basis of a valid complaint or on its own motion, it shall notify the operator by
certified mail.
c) Such notice shall specify the cause for which sanction is sought and shall meet the
requirements of the Agency's Procedures for Contested Case Hearings, 35 Ill.
Adm. Code 168.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.703 Hearing and Decision
a) Should a hearing be requested, the Director shall appoint one or more persons to
act as hearing officers. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the
Agency's Procedures for Contested Case Hearings, 35 Ill. Adm. Code 168.
b) The Advisory Board shall be notified of the hearing. A copy of the hearing
transcript shall be sent to the operator and to the Advisory Board. The Agency
shall pay the cost of providing transcripts.
c) The Advisory Board shall recommend on the basis of the hearing transcript
whether sanction is appropriate. If the Advisory Board determines that a
certificate should be revoked or suspended, it may, at its option, recommend a
suspension period or a period of time before the operator may reapply in
accordance with Subpart C of this Part. This recommendation shall be submitted
in writing to the operator and the Director within 30 days after receipt of
transcripts and shall include a statement of reasons for the Advisory Board's
actions. If the recommendation is not sent to the Director within 30 days, the
Director shall proceed pursuant to subsection (d) below.
d) The Director shall make a decision on the basis of the contested case record. If
the Director determines sanction is appropriate, a decision shall be issued
suspending or revoking the certificate. This decision shall state a suspension
period or a period of time before the operator may reapply in accordance with
Subpart C of this Part. The Director shall give written notice of the decision and
the reasons to the operator by certified mail.
e) If a hearing is not requested, or if the operator does not respond to the notice
prepared pursuant to Section 680.702, the Director shall assume all facts
contained in the notice are true and shall base the decision on this notice. This
decision shall be made within 30 days after the deadline stated in this notice and
shall state a suspension period or a period of time before the operator may reapply
in accordance with Subpart C of this Part. The Director shall give written notice
of the decision and the reasons to the operator by certified mail.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.704 Sanctions
a) The decision between revocation and suspension shall be based on the following:
1) The severity of the violations that led to the sanction including:
A) The frequency or duration of the violations; and
B) The impact on the public water supply's ability to provide water
that is assuredly safe in quality, clean, adequate in quantity, and of
satisfactory mineral characteristics for ordinary domestic
consumption;
2) The recalcitrance of the operator in preventing the recurrence of the
violations; and
3) Any other mitigating or aggravating factors.
b) If a Certificate of Competency is suspended, it shall be considered void for a
period of time not to exceed a year and a half. This period shall be set according
to the factors listed in subsection (a). Experience obtained during this period shall
not be credited towards meeting the requirements described in Subpart C and
Section 14 of the Act. At the end of this period the suspended certificate shall be
considered valid.
c) If a Certificate of Competency is revoked, the operator may not reapply for any
certificate for a period of not less than one and a half years but not more than four
years. This period shall be set according to the factors listed in subsection (a).
d) After a Certificate of Competency is revoked, an operator may not apply for a
certificate until after the period set pursuant to subsection (c) above has elapsed.
In order to obtain a certificate the operator must successfully complete a written
examination for the class certificate sought and meet the requirements of Sections
4, 13, 14, 16, and 22 of the Act. Education and experience gained prior to
revocation shall be credited towards meeting the requirements described in
Subpart C. However, any experience obtained during the period set pursuant to
subsection (c) above will not be credited towards certification.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.705 Appeal
Within 35 days after receipt of a notice of sanction from the Agency, the operator may appeal the
sanction to the Pollution Control Board. The suspension/revocation of the operator's Certificate
of Competency shall be stayed pending a final decision on the appeal by the Pollution Control
Board.
(Source: Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
35 ILLINOIS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CH. II, SEC. 680.801
SUBTITLE F
SUBPART H: CERTIFICATE RENEWAL, RESTORATION, AND REQUIRED TRAINING
Section 680.801 Certificate Expiration
Drinking water operator certificates are issued with the expiration date being 3 years from July 1
of the calendar year in which the certificate was issued.
(Source: Added at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.802 Certificate Renewal
By May 31 of the year a certificate is due to expire, the Illinois EPA shall mail a Renewal
Application Form to the operator at the most recent address the Agency has on file for the
operator. The Renewal Application Form shall specify the certificate expiration date, fees due,
training requirements for certificate renewal, and an itemization of the completed training on file
with the Agency. The operator is responsible for itemizing any additional accumulated training
hours (completed training not previously submitted to the Agency) on the renewal application by
documenting the following information for each completed training activity:
Training provider name;
Name of course or training event;
Training description or course content summary;
Drinking water related competencies developed or maintained;
Location of training;
Dates of training (beginning and ending); and
Training hours completed.
After completing the required information, the operator is responsible for signing the Renewal
Application Form and returning it along with the appropriate fees to the Agency on or before
June 30. A grace period for submitting the completed Renewal Application Form shall be
granted until August 1 before the restoration fee is assessed.
The completed Renewal Application Form shall contain a certification statement to be signed by
the operator to certify that all information provided in the Renewal Application Form is true and
complete. The Agency shall not process Renewal Application Forms that are not signed by the
operators seeking renewal. Falsification of a Renewal Application Form shall result in denial of
certificate renewal and/or certificate revocation. Failure to receive the renewal application does
not exempt a certified water supply operator from meeting the renewal deadline.
(Source: Added at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.803 Renewal Application Filing Deadlines
a) A certified water supply operator shall complete the renewal application with the
required information and submit the application with appropriate fees to the
Agency on or before June 30 of the year in which the certificate expires. A grace
period for renewal will be granted until August 1 of that year before the
restoration fee is assessed. No renewal shall be issued by the Agency after
August 1.
b) Expired certificates shall have no validity.
(Source: Added at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.804 Renewal Training Requirements
Certified drinking water operators are required to obtain a specified amount of training in order
to qualify for certificate renewal. Class A and Class B operators are required to obtain 30 hours
of training and Class C and Class D operators are required to obtain 15 hours of training during
the 3 year certificate period before the certificate expiration date. Training hours are required for
renewal or restoration of certificates that expire after July 1, 2002.
(Source: Added at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.805 Restoration of Expired Certificates
An individual whose certificate has been expired for less than 2 years may have the certificate
restored only upon payment of the required restoration fee and upon a demonstration that the
required training has been completed, as required by Section 680.804 of this Subpart. A restored
certificate expires on the original certificate expiration date. An individual whose certificate has
been expired for 2 or more years must reapply and obtain a passing score on an examination in
order to be certified as a water supply operator.
(Source: Added at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.806 Training Criteria
Specific training sessions, courses, meetings, etc. must meet all of the following criteria to be
accepted for certificate renewal:
a) The training must directly relate to water distribution, water treatment, or the
professional responsibilities of the operator. Allowable training topics include but
are not limited to:
Coagulation and Flocculation
Corrosion Control
Demineralization
Disinfection
Distribution System Facilities
Distribution System
Operation and Maintenance
Drinking Water Related Computer Courses
Drinking Water Permits, Laws, Rules, and Regulations
Electrical Maintenance
Emergency Planning and Preparation
Filtration
Fluoridation
Ground Water Protection
Ground Water Treatment
Instrumentation
Iron and Manganese Control
Laboratory Procedures
Membrane Technology
Process Waste Handling and Disposal
Pumps and Hydraulics
Reservoir Management and Intake Structures
Reverse Osmosis
Safety
Sampling and Operating Reports
Sedimentation
Surface Water Treatment
Surface Water Protection
Taste and Odor Control
Trihalomethanes
Utility Administration Management
Water Quality
Water Softening
Water Sources & Treatment
Water Storage Facilities
Water Supply Math and Chemistry
Water Supply Operation and Maintenance
Wells
b) Training may be provided by any of the variety of organizations equipped to
provide such training, such as colleges and universities, technical institutes,
educational units of governmental or industrial agencies, professional operator
organizations, and equipment suppliers and manufacturers. Training that meets
the criteria, regardless of the location of the training or training provider, is
allowed for renewal training credit. For example, drinking water related training
from another state will be allowed for credit provided the criteria is met. In-house
training programs provided at drinking water supplies are also allowed for
training credit provided all training criteria are met and proof of training
documentation is provided to the trainees.
c) Acceptable training formats include classroom courses, teleconferences, courses
offered via the Internet, workshops, seminars, correspondence courses, in-house
training programs, and drinking water related training sessions at
conferences/meetings of professional operator organizations. Training credit is
also allowed for teachers or presenters of training for the first time a course is
taught or a drinking water related presentation is made.
d) Training providers, or training sponsors, must provide proof of training
documentation to trainees in order for the training to be accepted for certificate
renewal. Training providers, or training sponsors, may request pre-approval of
training by submitting a Training Provider Application for Course/Training Event
Approval Form to the Agency.
(Source: Added at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.807 Proof of Training Records, Record Keeping, Audits
Certified water supply operators are required to maintain their own proof of training records for a
period of 4 years. The Agency may audit proof of training records by random selection or when
additional information is required. Failure to provide proof of training documentation when
specifically requested by the Agency may result in denial of certificate renewal, denial of
certificate restoration, or certificate revocation. Proof of training records must include:
a) Records showing the name of the course or training activity, name of the training
provider, the instructor's or speaker's name, the location of training, the dates of
training, and the total training hours completed (specified actual hours,
Continuing Education Units, or Quarter Hours/Semester Hours);
b) A program/course outline, conference/meeting agenda, or narrative summary of
training;
c) Attendance verification records, such as completion certificates, diplomas, grade
slips, registration payment receipts, or other documents to verify attendance for
training where official documents are provided, or name, address, and telephone
number of training provider where official documents are not provided.
(Source: Added at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.808 Training Exclusions
Types of training activities that shall be excluded from renewal training credit are those that do
not directly relate to water distribution, water treatment, or the professional responsibilities of the
operator. The following are not considered training for the purpose of meeting the certificate
renewal training requirements:
Entertainment or recreational activities;
On the job work or apprenticeships;
Personal self-improvement courses;
Plant tours (unless drinking water related training is integrated into the tour);
Portions of meetings and conferences when drinking water related training is not
provided (i.e., business session, lunch, breaks, etc.);
Time spent viewing conference/meeting exhibits; and
Travel time to and from training activities.
(Source: Added at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.809 Meetings and Conferences of Professional Operator Organizations
Operators may receive training credit for certificate renewal by attending training sessions
presented at meetings and conferences of professional operator organizations. In order to receive
training credit, each training session attended during a meeting or conference must be identified
and included on an Operator Training Submission Form provided by the Agency.
(Source: Added at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.810 Submission of Training Hours
Operators may submit completed training for renewal credit to the Agency using Operator
Training Submission Forms provided by the Agency. Submission of training hours must occur
prior to certificate renewal. The operator is responsible for documenting accumulated training
hours on the Operator Training Submission Forms by providing the same documentation as
described in Section 680.802 of this Subpart.
(Source: Added at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.811 Waiver of Required Training
In an extreme hardship case, and upon recommendation of the Advisory Board, the Agency may
grant a waiver from the renewal training requirement when it is demonstrated and documented
that it was impossible for an operator to obtain the required training. Examples of extreme
hardship may include serious medical conditions or extended military service. Individuals
applying for a training waiver must provide the Agency with a written request for an Advisory
Board review within 2 years after the certificate expiration date.
(Source: Added at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.812 Issuance of Renewed and Restored Certificates
The Agency will reissue or restore certification when the Agency has determined that the
applicant has satisfied all applicable certification requirements and has paid all applicable fees.
(Source: Added at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
Section 680.813 Contested Renewal, Restoration, and Training Determinations
Operators, training providers, and training sponsors may contest Agency determinations
regarding denial of certificate renewal or restoration, denial of training credit, and determinations
35 ILLINOIS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CH. II, SEC. 680.813
SUBTITLE F
regarding the amount of training credit to be awarded for a specific training event. Contested
Agency determinations will be forwarded to the Advisory Board for recommendation.
Individuals contesting an Agency determination must provide the Agency with a written request
for an Advisory Board review within 30 days after the Agency determination. The written
request shall state the name and address of the individual, the Agency determination being
contested, and all information to support the individual's position.
(Source: Added at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)
SUBPART I: GRANDPARENTING
Section 680.901 Grandparenting
a) The registered person in responsible charge of a previously-exempt community
water supply on
July 9, 1999
may be issued a certificate of competency, with no
fee required, after
July 9, 1999,
for the community water supply for which the
individual is registered. The community water supply owner must make
application for grandparenting of the operators in responsible charge within 2
years after
July 9, 1999.
This certificate is non-transferable, site specific, and is
not valid if the water system is reclassified to a higher level.
[415 ILCS 45/19]
b) For the initial renewal of a Certificate of Competency issued under this Section,
the operators must successfully complete designated training provided by the
Agency and pay the required renewal fee in accordance with Section 22 of the
Law.
c) For subsequent renewal of a Certificate of Competency issued under this Section,
the operators may renew every 3 years in accordance with Sections 18 and 22 of
the Law.
(Source: Added at 24 Ill. Reg. 7263, effective April 24, 2000)