7 Del. Admin. Code § 7204-15.0

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Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 4, October 1, 2024

Section 7204-15.0 - Department Contact Point

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

State Board of Certification for Operators of Wastewater Treatment Facilities

Division of Water

89 Kings Highway

Dover, DE 19901

Telephone: (302) 739-9946

TABLE 1

POINT CLASSIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES

Definitions:

Activated Sludge: A secondary (biological) wastewater treatment process which utilizes micro-organisms suspended by aeration in an aerobic environment followed by clarification. Some common examples are: Conventional, Extended Aeration, Intermittent Cycle Extended Aeration System (ICEAS), Contact Stabilization, Oxidation Ditches, Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR), and Membrane Bioreactor (MBR).

Aeration: The process of adding air to water. Air can be added to water by passing air through water or passing water through air.

Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR): The biological removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater.

Biological or Chemical/Biological Advanced Waste Treatment: The advanced treatment of wastewater for nutrient removal, including nitrification, denitrification, or phosphorus removal, utilizing biological or chemical processes or a combination thereof. If the Wastewater Treatment Facility is designed to nitrify based solely on detention time in an extended aeration system, only the points for nitrification by designed extended aeration, should be given.

Chemical Addition/Pretreatment: The addition of a chemical to wastewater, at an application point for the purposes of adjusting pH or alkalinity, improving solids removal, dechlorinating, removing odors, providing nutrients, or otherwise enhancing treatment, excluding chlorination for disinfection of effluent and the addition of enzymes or any process included in the Tertiary Chemical/Physical Processes. The capability to add a chemical at different application points for the same purpose, should be rated as one (1) application; the capability to add a chemical(s) to dual units, should be rated as one (1) application; and the capability to add a chemical at different application points for different purposes, should be rated as separate applications.

Chemical/Physical Advanced Treatment Following Secondary Treatment: The use of chemical or physical advanced treatment processes following (or in conjunction with) a secondary treatment process. This would include processes such as carbon adsorption, air stripping, chemical coagulation, and precipitation, etc.

Chemical/Physical Advanced Treatment Without Secondary Treatment: The use of chemical or physical advanced treatment processes without the use of a secondary treatment process. This would include processes such as carbon adsorption, air stripping, chemical coagulation, and precipitation, etc.

Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF)/Dissolved Nitrogen Flotation (DNF): Process of solids removal where dissolved air is added to the treatment unit from the bottom of the basin, and the air raises suspended particles to the top of the water, where the particles are removed by skimming.

Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR): Refines the Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) process and removes total nitrogen to levels as low as 3 mg/L and total phosphorus to 0.3 mg/L or less.

Filtration: The advanced treatment of wastewater for removal of solids by sand or other media or mixed media filtration.

Fixed-Film Reactor: Biofiltration by trickling filters or rotating biological contactors, followed by secondary clarification.

Land Treatment and Disposal (surface or subsurface): The ultimate treatment and disposal of the effluent onto the surface of the ground by rapid infiltration or rotary distributor or by spray irrigation. Subsurface treatment and disposal would be accomplished by infiltration gallery, injection, or gravity or pressurized drain field.

Mechanical Dewatering: The removal of water from sludge by any of the following processes, and including the addition of polymers, vacuum filtration; frame, belt or plate filter presses; centrifuge; or Rotary Press.

Mechanical Post-Aeration: The introduction of air into the effluent by mechanical means such as diffused or mechanical aeration. Cascade aeration would not be assigned points.

Mechanical Thickening: To reduce the liquid content of the sludge by a thickening process and including the additional of polymers in any of the following common examples: Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) or Gravity Belt Thickeners (GBT).

Membrane Bioreactor (MBR): A combination of two basic processes - biological degradation and membrane separation - into a single process where suspended solids and microorganisms responsible for biodegradation are separated from the treated water by membrane filtration unit.

Odor Control: Specific devices for reducing odors. Does not include "masking" devices.

Oil and Water Separator: Specific devices for the separation of oil from wastewater.

P.F.R.P.: Processes to "further" reduce pathogens in bioresiduals, prior to further use. Now currently known as Class A sludge which limits coliform bacteria to a single count of less than one (1) thousand per gram by analysis.

pH Adjustment: The alteration of the pH of the raw wastewater or pre-finished wastewater by mechanical or chemical procedures, to enhance the performance of the treatment process.

Population Equivalent (P.E.): Means the population computed by relating the total daily weight (W lbs.) of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) to the daily per capita BOD of 0.17 lb. as shown below:

P.E. = W/0.17

10,000 (per capita)

P.S.R.P.: Processes to "significantly" reduce pathogens in bioresiduals, prior to further use. Now currently known as Class B sludge which limits coliform bacteria to an average count of less than two (2) million per gram by analysis.

Rapid Infiltration Basin (RIB): means earthen basins designed for a repetitive cycle of flooding, infiltration/percolation, and drying of treated wastewater.

Reverse Osmosis (R.O.): Passage of wastewater from a concentrated solution through a semipermeable membrane, to finished water with the application of pressure.

SCADA Instrumentation: The Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system is a computer-based system that monitors and controls remote wastewater treatment facility sites. A SCADA master control is typically located in a dedicated control center or treatment plant control room. Remote sites are equipped with remote terminal units to gather information and issue controls from the master station.

Secondary Treatment: A type of biological treatment of wastewater followed by secondary clarifiers.

Sequential Batch Reactor (S.B.R.): An activated sludge treatment process that takes place in a single vessel, cycling through stages.

Solids Composting: Biosolids treatment process whereby solids are combined with other organic matter and operated to promote thermophilic decomposition of wastes which may then be used as a soil conditioner or fertilizer.

Solids Stabilization: The processes to oxidize or reduce the organic matter in the sludge, to a more stable form. These processes reduce pathogens or reduce the volatile organic chemicals, and thereby reduce the potential for odor. These processes would include lime (or similar) treatment and thermal conditioning.

Spray Irrigation: A method for disposing of treated wastewater by spraying it on the land surface.

Subsurface Disposal: See definition for Land Treatment and Disposal (surface or subsurface) above.

Tertiary Treatment: Those processes commonly used after secondary treatment to meet water reuse requirements.

Facility: Date:

Address: Classifier:

Permit No. Facility Representative:

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¹Any technologies outside of those listed will be evaluated for point equivalencies.

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TABLE 2

APPROVAL FOR A DELAWARE LICENSED WASTEWATER OPERATOR TO OPERATE MORE THAN ONE (1) WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY

Section 1 - Basic Concept

Operation of a Wastewater Treatment Facility is intimately connected to the protection of the environment and therefore such operation requires training, experience, and a degree of commitment and care by the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator.

Performing the functions of a Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator is not a custodial function, but is a professional activity that requires planning, scheduling and active intervention by the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator.

Section 2 - Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator Eligibility

To be approved to operate more than one (1) Wastewater Treatment Facility, a regular DRC and/or backup DRC Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator must meet the following requirements:

1. The Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator shall have a minimum of a Level II license and shall be licensed for the highest class of Wastewater Treatment Facility being operated. Special circumstances will be considered by the Board. Note: A Level I operator may be approved to operate more than one treatment facility; however, this applies only to additional facilities that are Type E (septic tanks only).

2. The existing Wastewater Treatment Facility being operated by the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator shall show no violations (that are within the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator's control) of the same effluent parameter for more than two (2) consecutive months before the Board will consider the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator's written request to operate more than one (1) Wastewater Treatment Facility.

3. If the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator is employed full-time, then the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator shall provide a letter (on company letterhead) from the full-time employer stating the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator can maintain the Wastewater Treatment Facilities and be immediately available during normal working hours of the full-time employer to answer and immediately respond to emergency calls at the Wastewater Treatment Facilities being operated. The letter shall also state that the full-time employer will notify the Department in writing within five (5) calendar days if this approval changes.

4. The operator must include all facilities operated both in-state and out-of-state.

Section 3 - Limitations

1. A Delaware LicensedWastewater Operator may serve as a regular and/or backup Wastewater Operator in Direct Responsible Charge (DRC) of a combination of Wastewater Treatment Facilities in accordance with the following table. A Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator may be approved to operate in DRC any combination of Wastewater Treatment Facilities provided that the total accumulation of regular points from the table below does not exceed 25 regular points. A Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator may serve as a backup Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator at Wastewater Treatment Facilities other than the ones currently operated provided the total accumulation of backup points from the table below does not exceed 20 backup points. Special circumstances will be considered by the Board.

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Where the type of Wastewater Treatment Facility is determined by permitted plant design average flow as shown in the following table:

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2. The Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator's authority to operate more than one (1) Wastewater Treatment Facility may be immediately revoked by the Department if:

a) It is found that the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator has practiced fraud or deception; or

b) that reasonable care, judgment, or the application of knowledge or ability was not used in the performance of the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator's duties; or

c) that the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator is incompetent or unable to perform duties properly; or

d) if Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) for any one (1) specific Wastewater Treatment Facility being operated show violations of the same effluent parameter for more than two (2) consecutive months that are within the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator's control.

The Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator may recommend, for the Department's consideration, which one (1) of the Wastewater Treatment Facilities the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator would prefer to continue to operate, if approved.

3. The Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator shall submit a schedule for operating and maintaining all Wastewater Treatment Facilities. A minimum of two (2) Wastewater Treatment Facility operation and maintenance visits per calendar week is required for the simplest of Wastewater Treatment Facilities, [except as noted in the table below]. More frequent visits may be required depending upon the operational complexity of each Wastewater Treatment Facility. In submitting the schedule, the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator shall note thereon that the Department shall be notified in writing with an amended schedule within five (5) calendar days of any change to the original or previously approved schedule. Failure to do so may result in revocation of the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator's privilege to operate more than one (1) Wastewater Treatment Facility.

The Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator in DRC, or a Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator approved by the facility DRC shall visit each Wastewater Treatment Facility for which he/she is responsible at least as frequently as shown on the following table or as approved by the Department:

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4. The DRC Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator or, in his/her absence a backup Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator (or other approved Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator), shall be on 24-hour call and shall be able to respond to any Wastewater Treatment Facility being operated and arrive at the Wastewater Treatment Facility within 60 minutes after receiving notification, whether during emergencies or normally scheduled operations and shall have a communication system which will provide for contact with the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator(s) during both working and off-duty hours. This communication system may be as fundamental as a list of telephone numbers where the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator(s) can most likely be reached during routine daily activities.

5. A schedule of routine visits to each Wastewater Treatment Facility, for which a Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator is responsible, must be submitted with the request for approval to operate more than one (1) Wastewater Treatment Facility. The schedule should be updated if significant changes occur. Copies of the schedule shall be provided to the designated backup Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator for each facility and shall be posted at each facility for which the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator is responsible.

6. The DRC Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator shall assure that the backup Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator (or other approved Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator) is available to assume responsibility for the operation of each facility when the DRC Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator is not available. The backup Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator shall meet the requirements of a DRC Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator during such period of service.

7. Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operators (not associated with an RME) must complete the following: Approval for a Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator to Operate More Than One (1) Wastewater Treatment Facility - Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operators Not Associated with a Responsible Management Entity (RME).

8. Authorization for the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator to be responsible for the operation of the Wastewater Treatment Facilities listed will be granted, upon approval of the Department in the form of an authorization letter.

9. Upon receiving official authorization, the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator must post a copy of the authorization letter, along with a copy of his/her certificate, at each Wastewater Treatment Facility listed on the form.

Section 4 - Requirements/Exceptions for Responsible Management Entities (RME):

RME is a legal entity that contracts to maintain responsibility for managing and operating multiple Wastewater Treatment Facilities, and shall be guided by all of the requirements of this regulation, with the following additional requirements and/or exceptions:

1. A RME is defined as any legal entity (i.e.: company, corporation, partnership, etc.), consisting of six (6) or more employees, that is responsible for providing various management and operating services with the requisite managerial, financial, and technical capacity to ensure the long-term management of multiple Wastewater Treatment Facilities in accordance with all applicable regulations and performance requirements.

2. Any Wastewater Treatment Facility being managed and operated by a RME will continue to be required to send in a Section 4.04 Report whenever there is a change in the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator(s) as defined in "Regulations for Licensing Operators of Wastewater Facilities". The RME managing the Wastewater Treatment Facilities, however, will be required to send in a Quarterly Report to the Department. This Quarterly Report must list all Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operators employed by the RME (full-time and part-time), their assigned locations, dates assigned, points allocation, etc. The report will show DRC Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operators, backup Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operators, Wastewater Treatment Facility assignments, location of Wastewater Treatment Facilities, visit frequencies, etc. Any change in the Wastewater Treatment Facility listing must be communicated to the Department within 30 days (this includes any additions or deletions of Wastewater Treatment Facilities). This Quarterly Report will be used to track Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator's and their experience.

3. The RME must maintain and track "Point Allocations" as specified in Section 3.1 of this Table 2. It will be the responsibility of the RME to ensure that the scope of work and responsibilities for all Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operators is guided by the "Point Allocations" and that the maximum allowable multi-plant points are not exceeded. If it is found that a Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator(s) have or are operating beyond their maximum allowable points for multi-plant operations, this could be grounds for revocation of the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operators authority to operate in more than one (1) Wastewater Treatment Facility. Additionally, if the RME is found to have practiced fraud or deception in tracking and/or allocating points for their Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operators, authority to operate multiple Wastewater Treatment Facilities for all Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operators working for the RME could be subject to revocation.

4. Employees (full-time and part-time) of a RME who will be assigned to multi-plant operations must complete the following: Approval for a Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator to Operate More Than One (1) Wastewater Treatment Facility - Employee of a Responsible Management Entity (RME). This application must be filed on the initial assignment of any employee; thereafter, any changes to assignments will be included in the RME's required Quarterly Report to the Department.

7 Del. Admin. Code § 7204-15.0

5 DE Reg. 1307 (12/01/01) <linebreak/> 21 DE Reg. 900 (5/1/2018) (Final)