Georgia State Board of Examiners for Certification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Laboratory Analysts
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
(478) 207-2440 phone
(866) 888-8026 fax
www.sos.ga.gov/plb/water

Update from the Director of the Professional Licensing Boards:
The last quarter of the year is one of the busiest processing times for the staff at PLB.  We have twelve different license types in renewal during the period along with a number of December graduates applying for various licenses.  For existing license holders, our on-line renewal process allows us to process in excess of 92% of our renewals with very nominal staff involvement.  It also provides our customers with a process that is fast, efficient, paperless and accurate.

For the new graduates, we now have 32 on-line applications available for those applying for their first license with us.  This enables some new graduates to go on-line, register, apply for licensure and pay their fees.  This  paperless system allows the staff to process applications much quicker to the benefit of the applicant who can receive their license and go to work much faster than in the past.  We are planning more on-line applications for the near future.

As we begin the year 2010, we will continue to offer more services on-line and strive to improve our processing times.  For license holders, please keep your personal information up to date and accurate so our transactions with you can be faster and more accurate. 

Regards,
Randy Vaughn
Director of the Professional Licensing Boards

The Georgia State Board of Examiners for the Certification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Laboratory Analysts was created by legislation enacted in 1969 for the purpose of protecting the public health, safety, and welfare by establishing minimum qualifications for persons who operate wastewater treatment plants, wastewater collection systems, water distribution systems, public water supply systems, or who conduct certain tests of water or wastewater samples in conjunction with the operation of public water system or wastewater treatment plants.

The Board certifies thirteen categories of license. Requirements for all categories include education, training, experience, and passage of a national examination.

The Georgia State Board of Examiners for Certification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Laboratory Analysts consists of six members: one technical staff member of the Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources; one member who is a currently employed public water supply system operator holding a valid certificate of the highest classification issued by the board; one member who is a currently employed wastewater treatment plant operator holding a valid certificate of the highest classification issued by the board; one member who is an employee of a municipality or county required to employ a certified operator and who holds the position of municipal or county manager, engineer, director of public works, or director of water supply and water pollution control; one consultant in the field of water supply and water pollution control or who is engaged in teaching or administering courses in water supply and water pollution control in an educational institution in this state; and one consumer member.

Typically, the Board meets six times each year. Board meetings are open to the public, with the exception of executive session, in which confidential matters such as complaints, disciplinary items, and applications are discussed.

Minutes from the Board meetings can be found on the Board’s website: www.sos.ga.gov/plb/water.

Board Members:

Board Staff:

Steve Lindsey
Executive Director
Georgia State Board of Examiners for Certification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Laboratory Analysts

2010 Meetings:

February 18, 2010 at 9:30 a.m.
April 22, 2010 at 9:30 a.m.
June 17, 2010 at 9:30 a.m.
August 19, 2010 at 9:30 a.m.
October 21, 2010 at 9:30 a.m.
December 9, 2010 at 9:30 a.m.

The Board meets at the Professional Licensing Board office in Macon.

Number of Active Licensees:

Water Operator Class 1: 738
Water Operator Class 2: 423
Water Operator Class 3: 918
Water Operator Class 4: 781
Wastewater Operator Class 1: 855
Wastewater Operator Class 2: 358
Wastewater Operator Class 3: 1,484

Wastewater Operator Class 4: 49
Wastewater Industrial Operator: 302
Wastewater Collect Sys Oper: 841
Water Distribution Operator: 1,285
Water Laboratory Analyst: 505
Wastewater Laboratory Analyst: 569

Actions Taken by the Georgia Board of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators

October: The Board voted to approve 14 applicants for licensure.
The Board accepted a consent order on the following licensure applicant:

• Willis Craig Gabriel (Water Operator Class 3), Comer: Probation concurrent with criminal probation.

The Board voted to deny a petition for rule waiver or variance for a Wastewater Laboratory Analyst and a Wastewater Operator Class I certificate.
The Board voted to allow the petitioner to reinstate the certificates by consent order, contingent to the licensee obtaining the qualifying number of continuing education points by June 30, 2010, and paying a fee difference in the amount of $35 per certificate for which application for reinstatement is made. The Board further specifies that the continuing education points obtained for the purpose of meeting the CE requirements for the 2009 renewal period may not be used for the 2011 renewal period.
A committee was created to evaluate Board Rule 750-6 with regard to continuing education. The committee’s assignment is to partner with continuing education providers and other professional organizations to offer recommendations that the Board may adopt as amendments to the existing rule. Margaret Doss of Augusta, Bill DeFino of Clarkesville and Eric Osborne of McDonough were elected to serve as members for the newly established committee. Committee members will invite members of professional organizations and continuing education providers to meet with the committee.

December: The Board voted to approve the following applicants for licensure:

• Spencer B. Roane, III, Atlanta
• Trampus Walker, Augusta
• Jesus L. Parrilla, Augusta
• Willie Frank Howell, McIntyre
• Jeffrey Torrance, Powder Springs

The Board accepted a consent order from the following licensure applicant:

• Darrell Williams, Water Distribution Operator, Millen

The Board voted to post an amendment to Board Rule 750-3-.04, to allow for a reduction in the required experience for applicants with an Associate of Science degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering or other related field of study, approved by the Board.

License Renewals:

Licenses expire as follows:

Wastewater Collection Systems Operator – June 30 of odd numbered years
Wastewater Industrial Operator – June 30 of odd numbered years
Wastewater Laboratory Analyst – June 30 of odd numbered years
Wastewater Operator Class 1 – June 30 of odd numbered years
Wastewater Operator Class 2 – June 30 of odd numbered years
Wastewater Operator Class 3 – June 30 of odd numbered years
Wastewater Operator Class 4 – June 30 of odd numbered years
Water Distribution Operator – June 30 of odd numbered years
Water Laboratory Analyst – June 30 of odd numbered years
Water Operator Class 1 – June 30 of odd numbered years
Water Operator Class 2 – June 30 of odd numbered years
Water Operator Class 3 – June 30 of odd numbered years
Water Operator Class 4 – June 30 of odd numbered years

It is illegal to work in the water/wastewater industry with an expired license.

How do I renew my license? 

You may renew your license on the Professional Licensing Board website with a credit card. Click on the “License Renewal” icon and follow the instructions. You will be asked a series of questions including whether you have been arrested, convicted or received a board sanction since your last renewal, whether you have completed your continuing education requirements, and whether or not you are a U.S. citizen. Renewing your license via the website is the fastest way to renew your license.

The Professional Licensing Boards do not mail paper renewals unless requested. A paper renewal form may be requested by the licensee by calling the Board office at (478) 207-2440, or submitting a written request. Licensees may also call our automated system at (404) 463-1100 and request a paper renewal form using their personal identification number included in their renewal notice.

Disciplinary Issues:

The Board addresses disciplinary issues on a case-by-case basis and takes these matters very seriously applying sanctions to those who violate the Georgia State Board of Examiners for Certification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Laboratory Analysts Practice Act, Board rules, and policies. It is important that licensees review all laws, rules and policies that affect their profession. These may be found on the Board’s website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/water.

All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Georgia State Board of Examiners for Certification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Laboratory Analysts website.

Grounds for denial, suspension, revocation of a license, or other disciplinary actions may be found at O.C.G.A. § 43-51-47 or at O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19, which can be found on the Georgia State Board of Examiners for Certification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Laboratory Analysts website.

Georgia State Board of Examiners for the Certification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Laboratory Analysts Complaints Process Information:

Complaints Process Information:

The Georgia General Assembly created the Georgia State Board of Examiners for Certification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Laboratory Analysts to regulate the licensing and practice of water/wastewater treatment and distribution. The responsibility of administering the laws in O.C.G.A. § 43-51 is given to the Board, whose members are appointed by the Governor. The Board determines if applicants meet licensure requirements, promulgates rules, and considers complaints against licensees and allegations of unlicensed practice. The process for disposing of complaints is as follows:

Complaint Form:

Complaints must be reported to and received by the Board in writing. Written complaints may be submitted to the Board office or on-line at http://sos.georgia.gov/myverification/submitcomplaint.aspx. Documents received in connection with a complaint will not be returned. The complaint must contain sufficient factual evidence indicating a clear violation of Georgia law or Board rules.

Investigations:

The Board gives serious consideration to all complaints. Further investigative action may be taken. Should you file a complaint, you may be contacted by a Board inspector or investigator for additional information. Investigative files are considered confidential for any purpose other than a hearing before the Board. However, the Board is authorized to release such records to another enforcement agency or lawful licensing authority.

Notification Process:

While the investigation is ongoing, the Board is unable to discuss the status of a complaint with anyone, including the complainant. When the Board has completed the case, the complainant will be notified in writing of the Board’s actions. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Board’s website.

Frequently Asked Questions:

A list of frequently asked questions may be found on the Board’s website. If you cannot find an answer to your question, you may contact the Board office at (478) 207-2440.