If your facility has a pretreatment industrial wastewater permit, then your facility may have a wastewater certified operator, if your facility has a treatment facility. According to EPA’s website, one of the National Enforcement Initiatives for 2017 – 2019 is “Keeping Industrial Pollutants Out of the Nation’s Waters.” While this mainly targets certified operators from direct dischargers. The presenters noted that certified operators from indirect dischargers (facilities that discharge to a POTW) are also on EPA’s watch list. With that said, over the next few years, the EPA could potentially be stopping by your facility to inspect your wastewater system and interview your certified operator. To ensure preparedness for a potential EPA visitor, see the Wastewater Operator Certification Manual which serves as a quick refresher on rules and requirements for certified operators.
