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Wastewater Operator Certification 2024

Proposed rule

Rulemaking contact: Kimi Grzyb, 503-229-5349

DEQ proposes the Environmental Quality Commission approve new proposed rules to address the growing challenge of ensuring there is a sustainable, certifiable workforce to operate and maintain Oregon's wastewater utilities. This effort includes updating the qualification pathways to certification for wastewater system operators, facilitating operator certification reciprocity among states, modernizing and simplifying the way wastewater systems are classified, and expanding options for attaining compliance when a supervisory operator is not available.



In convening this committee, DEQ selected a committee that was large enough to provide diverse perspectives and represent affected parties and stakeholders, while allowing opportunity for members to engage.  Advisory committee members will review proposed rules and provide feedback on potential fiscal, economic, and racial equity impacts.  

Public involvement

The comment period closed at 4 p.m. on Aug. 21, 2024.

For more information, see the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which includes the notice and proposed rules.

Public hearing  

DEQ held one public hearing on Aug. 15, 2024. 

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EQC action

DEQ plans to present the final proposal, including any modifications made in response to public comments to the Environmental Quality Commission for a decision at its Nov. 21-22 meeting.