Section 327IAC8-12-1. Definitions

   In addition to the definitions contained in IC 13-11-2 and 327 IAC 1, the following definitions apply throughout this rule:

(1) "Acceptable experience" means employment in the actual hands-on operation of a water treatment plant or water distribution system. Experience in:

(A) water treatment plant maintenance; or

(B) water treatment plant laboratory;

that directly relates to plant operation will be given a maximum of fifty percent (50%) credit for operational experience for those employed solely in that respective area. Acceptable experience shall be obtained under the oversight of a certified operator, as a certified operator, or by otherwise demonstrating to the commissioner that the applicant's experience meets the requirements described by this subdivision.

(2) "Adequate supervision" means that sufficient time is spent at a water treatment plant or water distribution system on a regular basis to assure that the facility is operated and maintained in a manner that protects public health.

(3) "Applicant" means a person seeking certification as a water treatment plant or water distribution system certified operator, whether or not the person is currently employed as an operator.

(4) "Application" means a written request for certification under this rule addressed to the commissioner.

(5) "Automated monitoring" means a continuous monitoring system that will cause an alarm, dialer, or pager to notify a certified operator in cases where a water treatment plant or water distribution system may fail during periods of normal operation.

(6) "Available" means that, based on water treatment plant or water distribution system size, complexity, and source water quality, a certified operator must be on site or able to be contacted if needed to initiate appropriate action in a timely manner.

(7) "Certificate" means an appropriate document issued by the commissioner containing the following information:

(A) Affirmation that the named person has fulfilled the requirements, including receiving a passing examination grade, necessary for the operation of the water treatment plant or water distribution system for which application was made.

(B) The water treatment plant or water distribution system classification that may be operated under the issued certificate.

(C) The date of issuance.

(D) An identification number unique to each certificate document.

(8) "Certification card" means a card issued by the commissioner to a person who has fulfilled the requirements to be a water treatment plant or water distribution system certified operator and containing the following information:

(A) The name and certificate number of the person.

(B) The classification of the water treatment plant or water distribution system that the named person may operate.

(C) An expiration date.

(9) "Certified operator" means a person who has:

(A) met the requirements of this rule;

(B) a valid certificate in a classification identified in section 2 of this rule for water treatment plant or water distribution system operation; and

(C) the ability to make decisions regarding the daily operational activities of a public water system water treatment plant or water distribution system that will directly impact the quality or quantity of the drinking water.

(10) "Certified operator in responsible charge" means a person designated by the owner or governing body of a water treatment plant or water distribution system to be the certified operator who:

(A) has complete responsibility for the proper operation of a water treatment plant or water distribution system; and

(B) makes decisions regarding the daily operational activities of a public water system treatment plant or distribution system that will directly impact the quality or quantity of drinking water from community public water supply systems and nontransient noncommunity public water supply systems.

(11) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the department of environmental management.

(12) "Contact hour" means a fifty (50) to sixty (60) minute instructional session involving an instructor or lecturer approved by the commissioner. Ten (10) contact hours equals one (1) continuing education unit (CEU) as defined by the National Task Force on the Continuing Education Unit.

(13) "Daily visit" means the time that:

(A) a certified operator in responsible charge; or

(B) another properly certified operator under the direction of the operator in responsible charge;

is present on site at the facility of responsibility during a twenty-four (24) hour period.

(14) "Operating shift" means that period of time when operator decisions that affect public health are necessary for the proper operation of the system.

(15) "Plant operation" means the time of:

(A) actual production; or

(B) pumping to produce drinking water supply.

(16) "Population served" means the currently accepted population equivalent.

(17) "Training provider" means a person who conducts or presents a course training session approved under section 7.1 of this rule.

(Water Pollution Control Division; 327 IAC 8-12-1; filed Sep 24, 1987, 3:00 p.m.: 11 IR 719; filed Sep 19, 1990, 3:00 p.m.: 14 IR 259; filed Dec 12, 1994, 4:39 p.m.: 18 IR 1230; filed Nov 20, 2000, 4:11 p.m.: 24 IR 973; filed Oct 24, 2006, 3:03 p.m.: 20061122-IR-327050255FRA)