Examinations for certification as a Subsurface
System Operator are administered quarterly by the staff of the Water
Pollution Control System Operators Certification Commission (WPCSOCC)
at six locations throughout North Carolina. Application for the
certification examination is a separate process from registration
for the training school and must be made directly to the WPCSOCC.
Completion of the Subsurface Wastewater System Operators Training
School is only one of several eligibility requirements that must
be met in order to sit for the examination. The examination application
and fee must be submitted directly to the WPCSOCC 30 days prior
to the desired examination date. The first two examination dates
after the training schools are:
September 9, 2004 December 9, 2004
For an application to become a NC Certified
Subsurface System Operator or for further information concerning the
examination, please write or call:
WPCSOCC
PO Box 29535
Raleigh, NC 27626-0535
919-733-0026
Planning Committee
Michael Hoover, Soil Science Department, NCSU
Tony Honeycutt, Division of
Water Quality, WPCSOCC, NCDENR
Steven Berkowitz, Division of Environmental Health, On-Site Wastewater
Section, NCDENR
Beth Buffington, Division of
Water Quality, WPCSOCC, NCDENR
Nancy Deal, Soil Science
Department, NCSU
Gwen Dezern, Dezern's Backhoe Service, Inc.
Jack Harman, Waste Water
System of NC
Tom Konsler, Orange County
Health Department
Everett Lynn, Wake County
Health Department
George Pendergrass, Catawba County Health Department
Daryl Poe, Durham County
Health Department
A. Bob Rubin, Bio. and Agri. Engineering Department, NCSU
Proper operation and maintenance are key to assuring the longevity of on-site
systems. This training school was developed to teach individuals how to provide quality
service to owners of advanced on-site systems. Article 3 of 90A of the North Carolina
General Statutes and the state wastewater rules require some wastewater treatment systems
such as existing large subsurface disposal systems, newly permitted or repaired small
on-site low pressure pipe (LPP) systems, drip irrigation systems, pressure-dosed sand
filter systems, and peat biofilter systems to be operated by certified subsurface
system operators. These requirements significantly increase the need for subsurface
operator training and preparation for the examination for certification as a subsurface
system operator.
Classroom sessions will address wastewater characteristics, laws, regulations,
and permit requirements relating to operation, the theory and concepts behind
subsurface treatment and disposal systems, and the nuts and bolts of operating both small-
and large-scale systems including systems using pressure distribution. A major focus of
the training school is gaining hands-on experience with system alternatives at the Soil
and Water Environmental Technology Center at NCSU's Lake Wheeler Road Field
Laboratory.
The operation and maintenance procedures for important components of
subsurface treatment and disposal systems will be demonstrated. A Subsurface Wastewater
System Operator Training School Manual will be provided to you prior to the School.
Please read this training manual in preparation for the School.
Audience
The Subsurface Wastewater System Operator Training School is intended for
those planning to become certified operators of subsurface wastewater systems including
low pressure pipe systems, drip irrigation systems, large septic systems (flows
exceeding 3000 GPD), and subsurface systems involving pretreatment beyond a septic tank
(sand filters, peat filters, aerobic treatment units, and package plants).
This includes:
Contract operators of such systems
Operators of subsurface treatment systems for public schools
Regulatory agency personnel with responsibility for permitting, inspecting,
training, or technical assistance.
Out-of-State Professionals
This training program is also intended to assist individuals from other states
who desire a rigorous, concise training program regarding operation and maintenance
of on-site systems.
University Biosecurity Protocol
In an effort to prevent foot and mouth disease among our livestock, the university
now requires that all visitors to field sites must not have traveled outside the United
States for at least 14 days prior to the course date. Some international travel may be allowed.
Please call if your international travel conflicts with your chosen course date.
Program
DAY ONE
Classroom
Introduction to Wastewater
Laws, Regulations, and Permits
Principles of Subsurface Treatment and Disposal
Soils and Agronomy
Groundwater and Hydrology
System Mechanics
DAY TWO
On-Site Training
Above ground demonstrations of working subsurface systems
Demonstrations and displays of tanks, valves, pipes, fittings,
distribution devices, and other equipment
Hands-on demonstrations, question and answer opportunities, and
much more
The registration fee includes lunch on the field day, breaks, the Operator Manual, and
a certificate of attendance. Lodging, other meals, and the exam fee are not included
in the registration fee. The registration form and fee must be postmarked by July
25, 2002, in order to receive the Manual before the School. (You must bring the Manual
to the School. Limited replacement Manuals will be available for a $25 fee.)
Registrations postmarked after July 25th will receive Manuals at the School.
The full registration fee or an organization purchase order number must
accompany the registration form in order to reserve a place in the school. Cancellations will
be refunded (minus a $25 processing fee) if written notification (fax acceptable)
is received by July 25th. Notifications made after July 25th will not be refunded. For
more information please call Joni Tanner at 919-513-1678.
