Section 327IAC8-12-3.5. Facility specific operator

  5. (a) Operators of nontransient noncommunity public water systems of the following facility classifications may be granted facility specific operator (FSO) certifications:

(1) Class DSS systems.

(2) Class WT1 systems.

(3) Noncommunity public water systems of other facility classifications may be granted FSO certifications for their classifications if the commissioner determines that the FSO applicant will adequately perform the tasks necessary for proper operation of the system.

  (b) Operators of community public water systems serving one hundred (100) or fewer people with the following facility classifications may be granted FSO certifications:

(1) Class DSS systems.

(2) Class WT1 systems.

  (c) The following requirements must be met in order for a FSO certification to be granted for a public water system:

(1) The owner of the system shall designate a person to be in responsible charge of the system.

(2) The designee (applicant) must be an employee or member of the public water system.

(3) Each applicant shall do the following:

(A) Demonstrate proficiency to the commissioner in accordance with section 4.5 of this rule.

(B) Meet the requirements of section 3(b)(1) of this rule.

(C) Be able to do the following:

(i) Maintain inventories.

(ii) Order supplies.

(iii) Interpret chemical and bacteriological sample reports.

(4) A person may hold only one (1) FSO certification at a time unless the commissioner has determined that the FSO operator can maintain each system that an FSO certification is requested.

  (d) An FSO certification is valid as follows:

(1) Only at the facility that the FSO certification is granted.

(2) For three (3) years, during which time the operator shall fulfill the continuing education requirements for the FSO certification as listed in section 7.5 of this rule in order to be eligible for certification renewal in accordance with section 7(e)(3) of this rule.

  (e) An FSO certification will be invalid if the classification of water treatment plant or water distribution system changes to one (1) requiring a certified operator with more extensive education or experience, such as any of the following:

(1) Increased capacity.

(2) An increase in population served.

(3) A basic change in the method of water treatment.

(4) Another change in conditions that causes a more difficult or complex operation.

  (f) If a person granted an FSO certification fails to meet the continuing education requirements of section 7.5 of this rule within the required time set forth in subsection (d)(2), then:

(1) the FSO certification is voided; and

(2) the operator must become certified according to the requirements of this rule.

  (g) The commissioner may revoke an FSO certification due to failure to do any of the following:

(1) Conduct any of the following:

(A) Monitoring and reporting to meet the requirements of 327 IAC 8-2.

(B) Reporting to meet the requirements of 327 IAC 8-2.1.

(C) Monitoring and reporting to meet the requirements of 327 IAC 8-2.5.

(2) Operate and maintain the system in a manner that protects human health.

(Water Pollution Control Division; 327 IAC 8-12-3.5; filed Oct 24, 2006, 3:03 p.m.: 20061122-IR-327050255FRA)