Wastewater Operator Training And Certification

See the Wastewater Operator Resources page for links to Certification and Renewal forms, the Operator Training Calendar, and more.

The operator training program began in 1969 as one of the first programs in the agency. Since then, the training staff has provided classroom & on-site training to hundreds of facilities and more than 2000 individual operators. In 1984 the program published the Wastewater Treatment Facilities Operations and Training Manual which provided a single reference as a basis of instruction and certification. The Manual is now in its fifth edition printing and is available for download on the Operator Resources page above.

Certification of wastewater operators became mandatory in 1987 with the passage of the Municipal and Domestic Water and Wastewater System Operator’s Certification Act. Since the passage of the law, more than 1000 wastewater operators have been certified through the program. Certification is offered in four (4) classes of treatment and two (2) classes of collection based on size and type of facility. Links to the regulations governing certification can be found on the Operator Resources page.

The program currently consists of three trainers who are located in the North, Central and South Regional offices. The MDEQ Training Program works closely with the professional associations in the state to co-sponsor numerous training activities.

The trainers also offer on-site training and technical assistance, at no charge, to facilities which are experiencing operational difficulties and/or non-compliance with their NPDES permits. To request assistance, refer to the operator contact information below.