15A ncac 18d .0105      DEFINITIONS

The following definitions shall apply throughout this Subchapter:

(1)           "Acceptable Experience"  

(a)           For all surface grade certifications, the term shall mean at least 50 percent of the duties consist of active on‑site performance of operational duties, including on-site water facility laboratory duties, at a surface water treatment facility. This experience shall be based on the use of mathematics, equipment, materials, maintenance, installation and repair techniques, cross-connection control, and other skills necessary for maintaining and operating a surface water treatment facility. The remaining duties shall be in related fields, such as wastewater facility operation, a water or wastewater laboratory, water pumping stations, water system design and engineering, wells, distribution systems, or cross-connection control. The experience of Public Water Supply Section personnel shall be acceptable if at least 50 percent of their job duties include inspection or on‑site technical assistance of public water systems.

(b)           For all well grade certifications, the term shall mean at least 50 percent of the duties consist of active on‑site performance of operational duties for public water systems with chemical treatment having one or more wells. This experience shall be based on the use of mathematics, equipment, materials, maintenance, installation and repair techniques, cross-connection control, and other skills necessary for maintaining and operating a treated well water system. The remaining duties shall be in related fields, such as wastewater facility operation, a water or wastewater laboratory, water pumping stations, water system design and engineering, surface facilities, distribution systems, or cross-connection control. The experience of Public Water Supply Section personnel shall be acceptable if at least 50 percent of their job duties include inspection or on‑site technical assistance of public water systems.

(c)           For all distribution grade certifications, the term shall mean at least 50 percent of the duties consist of active on‑site performance of operational duties for distribution systems within public water systems. This experience shall be based on the use of mathematics, equipment, materials, maintenance, installation and repair techniques, cross-connection control, and other skills necessary for maintaining and operating a water distribution system. The remaining duties shall be in related fields, such as wastewater facility operation, a water or wastewater laboratory, water pumping stations, water system design and engineering, surface facilities, wells, or cross-connection control. The experience of Public Water Supply Section personnel shall be acceptable if at least 50 percent of their job duties include inspection or on‑site technical assistance of public water systems.

(d)           For all cross-connection control grade certifications, the term shall mean the duties consist of on‑site performance of cross-connection control duties for a public water system. This experience shall be based on the use of mathematics, equipment, materials, maintenance, installation and repair techniques, back flow prevention, and other skills necessary for maintaining and operating a cross-connection control program for a public water system. The remaining duties shall be in related fields, such as wastewater facility operation, a water or wastewater laboratory, water pumping stations, water system design and engineering, surface facilities, or wells. The experience of Public Water Supply Section personnel shall be acceptable if at least 50 percent of their job duties include inspection or on‑site technical assistance of public water systems.

(2)           "Certified Operator" means any holder of a certificate issued by the Board in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 90A-25.

(3)           "College Graduate" means a graduate of a four‑year institution accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and awarding degrees on the bachelor level.

(4)           "Fire Protection System" means dry or wet sprinkler systems or fire hydrant connections to the water distribution system.

(5)           "Owner" means the person, unit of local government, firm, corporation, association, partnership, or non‑profit corporation formed to operate a public water supply facility.

(6)           "Satisfactorily Completed" means the attendance of at least 80 percent of the training required for examination eligibility and 100 percent of the training required for professional growth hours.

(7)           "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality.

(8)           "Service Connection" means a water tap made to provide a water connection to a water distribution system.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90A‑21(c);

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Readopted Eff. March 1, 1979;

Amended Eff. May 1, 2006; August 1, 2002; August 1, 1998; August 3, 1992; January 1, 1992; September 1, 1990; June 1, 1988;

Readopted Eff. September 1, 2018.