Contract Operators

By: Dave Cole

In previous issues I have written about the operator certification program, as well as the changes that will be coming due to the SDWA amendments. As you all know, there will be several changes. Probably the most important to you will be the re-certification program. Currently you have four years to get the required number of CEU's or hours. When the new regulation takes effect in 2001, that will be reduced to 3 years. Remember the same number of hours are required though. Another key change will be for the NTNCWS. Presently the operators of the Non-Transient Non-Community Water Systems aren't required to be certified operators. As they say, " that too shall pass". They will also need to become certified after the regulation takes effect. Recently I have been getting several requests for information on obtaining certification for those operators. Many of these systems have a "maintenance man" or an individual who is, and has been, taking care of the water system. In most cases these are very small systems, but they still require someone to monitor them closely. Typically they consist of a well with a small holding tank and a chlorinator. Now in 2001, the new program is going to include these systems and require them to be certified operators they can't, and don't, expect them to be the day the regulation goes into effect. There has been time allowed for all those systems to comply. Fortunately the state and local health departments have been notifying those systems of the requirements. That was very important because we all know how we sometimes don't seem to get that letter or memo. In this case, both have been doing an outstanding job of getting that information to the right people. It's nice for me to see that many of those systems are looking for ways to comply with the new regulation. In most cases I refer them to our own correspondence course. I also mention that many community colleges offer the course. The one that most all of you, and myself included, took way back when. I believe that is the best way, but many of these systems can't afford to send someone away for a week or two to do that. All the local county health departments have a list of who offers the course and when. That leads me to the topic of this article. In many of these systems, having their own certified operator just isn't feasible. In a lot of these cases contracting for an operator might very well be the best way to go. I know there are a couple of companies out there who do this and should be contacted if a system decides to go this route. However I see this as an opportunity for some of you as well. I know several operators now who are contracting for other systems, both community and non-community, and it seems to be working out very well for both parties. I have heard more than one of you say " It's putting my kid through college" and that's great. Many of you know who these systems are that will need the operator. They're the ones who show up at your door from time to time looking for info or advice, or they borrow some piece of equipment like your metal detector or line locator. Sound familiar? I know I had them at the system I use to run.

The next time you see that guy or gal, ask them if they are aware of the upcoming changes. See if they are planning on becoming a certified operator, or someone from that facility is. If so, perhaps you could refer them to us for our correspondence course. If they don't have a person willing, or capable, to take the course, let them know that they do have an alternative… YOU. However please be aware that this has also created a few problems in the past as well. Be careful when "moonlighting" at another system. Typically this works out to be beneficial to all parties involved. Make sure you cover all the bases and your current employer has no problem with it. You all have heard me before, "document, document, and document". Get it in writing. Make sure what you are responsible for and what is expected of you. If all aspects can be worked out, then you might just want to give it a shot. Just remember, anything worth doing is worth doing right.