Michael C. Caldwell, MD, MPH, Commissioner
- Operator Certification
- Available Training Courses
- The New York State Department of Health has additional courses and information.
- New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC)
http//www.neiwpcc.org/
116 John Street
Lowell, MA 01852
(978) 323-7929
Various courses throughout the year. - Hudson Valley Community College, 518-283-2235, spring semester.
- Sewage
- Call Tim Miller (NYSDEC) at 518-457-0810 - Water
- The Rural Water Association offers training on a variety of topics. They also have information on SUNY and DEC classes. - Check the Environmental Health Manual item CSFP TR 233
- Old data: Certified Pool Operator course: Pool Operation Management, Tema Abend, (916) 429-6080
- Old data: YMCA, Ct.
- Advice, Tips and Tricks
- American Water Works Association, New York Section
- Dutchess County Water Operators Association
- Documents to Download
- Watershed Rules and Regulations (.pdf) - protect your water quality.
- Watershed Management - a little more info.
- Public Water Supply Cross-Connection Control (NYSDOH) - regulations, policies and information, and forms
- Pressure tank drawdown - A very basic Excel spread sheet for calculating pressure tank drawdowns and pump cycling times.
- Operation Report
- Disinfection waiver application
- Asbestos sampling waiver application
There are three prerequisites to certification: training, experience, and an application form.
Part 5-4, which regulates water system operators, has been revised. The latest version is February 14, 2001.
Part 5-4 of the New York State Sanitary Code requires operators of community public water supplies and non-transient non-community water supplies to be certified. The Environmental Conservation Code requires sewage treatment plant operators to be certified.
Part 6-1.21(b) requires pools larger than 3,000 square feet or using gas chlorination to be maintained by a qualified swimming pool water treatment operator.
- Renewal -
Renewal forms are sent out by the State. Contact them if you haven't received yours.
Don't forget to get your contact hours for your renewal application.
For further information:
Water:
Sewage:
Contact Hours:
Exam announcements can be found in the Operator Facts newsletter. Get yours from NYSDEC facility operator assistance section (FOAS).
Pool:
Also see California State University Sacramento's Office of Water Programs for good textbooks and training material.
Filtration -
Many plants do not have the capacity to send filter effluent to waste but can still minimize after-backwash spiking by simply keeping the filter out of service. For best results, the filter should be allowed to ripen for at least 4 h before returning it to service.
- Joe McDonald
Filter media cleaning advice and instructions (.pdf)
Safety -
Suggestions about biological safety (mostly for STP personnel).
National Institute for Occupational Saftey and Health at CDC has information on disease transmission, latex glove allergies, etc.
Why not buy the NFPA 820 Standard for Fire Protection in Wastewater Treatment and Collection Facilities 1995 Edition and check out your plant? Contact NFPA at 1-800-344-3555.
Other Advice -
DCDOH Grade C Operator Training Manual Outline (.pdf) Information on math, wells, disease, disinfection, filters, pumps, safety.
Observations at an ozonation plant (.pdf) in Andover, MA.
Drought? Tank ruptured? Well down? Call NYSDOH for approved water bottlers and transporters.
Well disinfection instructions - from Rural Water Supply.
Low interest loans are available to water suppliers in NYS. See NYSDOH's State Revolving Fund page for details.
List of labs in Dutchess certified for Drinking Water Bacteriology.
Why not join a professional organization -
Water
Sewer - Water Environment Federation
See the forms page for water supply forms to download:
Accessibility:
County Executive