Are you considering taking one of the exams this fall? Have you been studying or are you going to just wing it? How comfortable do you feel regarding the following topics:
Activated Sludge – name the protozoa/metazoan microbes in order of pre-dominance for a well operated plant.
Clarifiers – what is the main difference between a primary and secondary clarifier?
Collection system – how long after becoming aware of one do you have to report a dry weather CSO?
Disinfection – where does post chlorination take place?
Laboratory – what is a cuvette?
Maintenance – how many drips should “leak” from packing per minute?
Preliminary treatment – what is the detention time in an aerated grit chamber at peak flow?
Safety – where should the exhaust fan intake be located in a chlorine room and why?
Solids Handling – in an anaerobic digester which comes first, methane or carbon dioxide?
Mathematics – can you convert from days to seconds or from pounds to cuft?
Rules/Regulations/Completing reports – when does your week start and end for your permit?
Pretreatment – define SIU.
Did any of these topics throw you a little? Have you been taking the weekly quizzes on Wastewater 101’s Face Book page and got stumped more than once? You might want to check out a Wastewater Operator Certification Review Course with Wastewater 101.
How comfortable are you with any of the following Collection System topics:
Perform Maintenance – what is the difference between predictive and preventative maintenance?
Evaluate Operation of Equipment – what is a Mandrel Assembly used for?
Maintain and Restore Collection System – spring blades and porcupines are used for what?
Maintain Lift Stations – air bubblers on a lift station wet well should be purged how often and why?
Monitor, Evaluate and Adjust Collection System – what is the purpose of source control programs?
Safety – which of the gasses found in the collection system is lighter than air?
Administrative Procedures – what is the most common customer complaint?
Did you falter on any of the topics or questions above? Have you been taking the weekly quizzes on Wastewater 101’s Face Book page and stumbled? You might want to check out the newly revised Collection System Certification Review Course with Wastewater 101.
In Indiana the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Wastewater Operation Certification Exam will be given October 2, 2014. Applications are to be postmarked no later than August 18th. For more information, study guides, book lists, applications, operator manual, etc. see the following link: http://www.in.gov/idem/5088.htm
“The latest version of 327-IAC 5-22, effective March 18, 2008 includes a new classification designation of “Wastewater Apprentice”. The Apprentice classification allows persons with no experience at a wastewater treatment facility to take the same Certification Examination taken by those wishing to obtain certification. The person need only complete the short Apprentice exam form. Having passed the exam might allow an apprentice to more easily get a job in the wastewater industry and acquire the necessary experience to then apply for certification.” – from the IDEM web-site
The state of Indiana does not offer certification for the collection system operator, but the Indiana Water Environment Association (IWEA) does. There are two test dates and locations for the fall, October 21st at Clay Township and October 23rd in Fort Wayne. Your application must be received by the second Thursday of September or September 11th. For the application, etc. see the following link: http://indianawea.org/active/committees.html#void
Wastewater 101 has a weekly evening session scheduled in Muncie from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. each Thursday from August 14th to September 18th. The cost for this course is $125. This course is also approved for 14 hours Technical CEUs. Seating is limited so if you are interested or want more information please use the “contact us” form on this web-site.
Another option:
If you have more than 2 operators that need certification or you have collection system operators who have not been able to pass the exam, you might consider having a session at your facility or at an offsite location in your town. Wastewater 101 offers a 2 or 3 full day session for both Wastewater and Collection System certification at costs that are affordable and they are approved for contact hours for operators who are not studying for certification. (The 3-day session includes one 6-hour day of math – loved by one and all who attend) One option you might consider is to host a regional 2 or 3 day session for your area. Keep in mind these sessions will cover the information need for the Industrial Classes A and B certifications as well. Requirements would include tables and chairs for at least 15, a restroom, a white board and a wall or screen to show use for Power Point. If you are interested or just want more information please use the “contact us” form on this web-site. We want to work with you to get your employees certified at a cost that is affordable. If you have questions regarding the instructor, Barbara Smith, please see the “About” page. For comments from past students see the “Testimonial” page under Resources tab.
The calendar starts filling quickly from August to October, so don’t let your chance pass you by to get on the schedule.