Section 42-17.4-5 - Powers and duties of boardThe board shall:
(1) Classify all wastewater treatment facilities as to their size and type and establish specifications for certification of operators of each class of wastewater treatment facilities;(2) Determine by examination, and from the applicant's training and experience, the class of certificate, if any, he or she will be issued. Examinations shall be held at least once each year at a time and place designated by the board;(3) Adopt such rules and regulations as it deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter;(4) Provide for the issuance of a non-renewable provisional certificate to an individual where the board deems necessary; provided, however, that any individual receiving a provisional certificate shall pass the examinations and meet other requirements for such position within one year after issuance of the certificate;(5) Study the feasibility of requiring mandatory certification of superintendents and assistant superintendents of wastewater treatment facilities which treat predominantly industrial wastewaters and report their findings to the general assembly on or before January 1, 1980;(6) When taking action with regard to subdivisions (1) - (5) above, consider generally applicable criteria, regulations, and guidelines developed by the association of boards of certification for operating personnel in water and wastewater utilities.(7) Keep records of its proceedings and of all applications for certification.(8) Submit to the governor at the end of each fiscal year a report on its transactions of that year and transmit to him or her a complete statement of the receipts and expenditures of the board, attested by affidavits of its chairperson and secretary.(9) Encourage all operators to attend classes, seminars, and/or other educational programs periodically to keep abreast of changes and advances in the fields of wastewater treatment and management.(10) Work with the state board of governors for higher education to establish various levels of training courses, seminars and/or other educational programs.(11) Encourage all operators in addition to those required by this chapter by virtue of their responsibility as superintendents and assistant superintendents to become certified.R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-17.4-5