<section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-101" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Board” means the State Board of Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Certificate” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a certificate of certification as an operator, industrial operator, or superintendent, issued by the Board.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Certificate” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A certificate; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A temporary certificate, as limited by § 12–305 of this title.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Certified industrial operator” means, unless the context requires otherwise, an industrial operator who is certified by the Board.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Certified operator” means, unless the context requires otherwise, an operator who is certified by the Board.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Certified superintendent” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a superintendent who is certified by the Board.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>“Industrial operator” means an individual who operates the controls or maintains the logs of an industrial wastewater works.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Industrial operator” does not include a superintendent.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Industrial wastewater works” means a facility used to collect, store, pump, treat, or discharge any waste substance that results from:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A manufacturing process;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A business process; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The development of a natural resource.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>“Operator” means an individual who participates in the operation of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A waterworks, including the control of the flow, processing, and distribution of water; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A wastewater works, including the collection, control of flow, processing, and discharge of wastewater and effluent.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Operator” does not include a superintendent.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Responsible charge” means responsibility for the operation and performance of all or any part of a waterworks, wastewater works, or industrial wastewater works.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Superintendent” means an individual who is designated by any employing or appointing person, county, municipality, sanitary district, or this State as the individual in responsible charge of a waterworks, wastewater works, or industrial wastewater works.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <level label="1"> <text>“Wastewater works” means a facility used to collect, store, pump, treat, or discharge any liquid or waterborne waste.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Wastewater works” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A facility that is used only by a private residence;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A facility that uses a septic tank or subsoil absorption; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An industrial wastewater works.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <level label="1"> <text>“Waterworks” means a facility used to collect, store, pump, treat, or distribute water for human consumption.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Waterworks” does not include a facility that is used only by a private residence.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-102" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <text>The General Assembly enacts this title to establish a certification program for superintendents, operators, and industrial operators of waterworks, wastewater works, and industrial wastewater works:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To protect the quality of water in which wastes are placed;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To protect the public health; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To prevent pollution.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-103" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <text>This title does not limit the right of an individual to practice a health occupation that the individual is authorized to practice under this article or the Health - General Article.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-201" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board of Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators"> <text>There is a State Board of Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators in the Department.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-202" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board of Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board consists of 11 members.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>With the advice and consent of the Senate, the Governor shall appoint 8 members who represent one or more of the following:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Municipal government;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>County government;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A sanitary or a metropolitan commission;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Waterworks supervision;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Wastewater works or industrial wastewater works supervision;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Agriculture;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Industrial wastewater works superintendents; and</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>The Maryland Environmental Service.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary shall appoint:</text> <level label="i"> <text>1 engineer member from the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>2 public members who represent the community at large.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before taking office, each appointee to the Board shall take the oath required by Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a member appointed by the Governor is 4 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on July 1, 1981. The terms of those members end as follows:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Three in 1982;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>One in 1983;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>One in 1984; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Two in 1985.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the end of a term, a member appointed by the Governor continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A member who is appointed by the Governor after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The members appointed by the Secretary serve at the pleasure of the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Governor may remove for incompetence or misconduct a member appointed by the Governor.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-203" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board of Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators"> <level label="a"> <text>From among its members, the Board annually shall elect a chairman.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary of the Environment shall designate a representative of the Department as Board secretary.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The manner of election of officers shall be as the Board determines.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-204" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board of Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board shall meet at least once a year, at the times and places that it determines.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each member of the Board is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board may employ a staff in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-205" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board of Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators"> <text>In addition to the powers set forth elsewhere in this title, the Board may recommend:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Standards to the Secretary for the classification of waterworks, wastewater works, and industrial wastewater works; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Rules and regulations for adoption by the Secretary to carry out the provisions of this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-206" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board of Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board shall set reasonable fees for the issuance and renewal of certificates and its other services.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The fees shall be set so as to produce funds sufficient to cover the actual direct and indirect costs of regulating waterworks, wastewater works, and industrial wastewater works in accordance with the provisions of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In accordance with the State budget, the Board may pay expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of this title.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board shall pay all funds collected under this section into the General Fund of this State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-301" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Certification of Superintendents, Operators, and Industrial Operators"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this section or §§ 10–14A–03 and 10–14B–03 of the State Government Article, an individual shall be certified by the Board in an appropriate classification before a waterworks, wastewater works, or industrial wastewater works may employ the individual as:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A superintendent; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An operator or industrial operator in a job function determined by the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not prevent a governmental agency or a person from continuing to employ in a waterworks, wastewater works, or industrial wastewater works, until July 2, 1982, an operator or industrial operator who is not certified under this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-302" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Certification of Superintendents, Operators, and Industrial Operators"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary shall adopt rules and regulations for the qualifications of applicants.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To qualify for certification, the applicant shall meet the education and experience requirements that the Secretary sets by rule or regulation under this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this title or the rules and regulations adopted under this title, the applicant shall pass an examination given by the Board under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-303" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Certification of Superintendents, Operators, and Industrial Operators"> <level label="a"> <text>To apply for certification, an applicant shall submit an application to the Board on the form that the Board requires.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary shall adopt rules and regulations as to application procedures.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-304" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Certification of Superintendents, Operators, and Industrial Operators"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary shall adopt rules and regulations for the examination of applicants.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An applicant who otherwise qualifies for certification is entitled to be examined as provided in this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board shall give examinations to applicants at least twice a year, at the times and places that the Board determines.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Board shall notify each qualified applicant of the time and place of examination.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Subject to subsection (a) of this section, the Board shall determine the subjects, scope, form, and passing score for examinations given under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-305" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Certification of Superintendents, Operators, and Industrial Operators"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board shall certify any applicant who meets the requirements of this title and of any applicable rule or regulation adopted under this title.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board may issue a temporary certification to any applicant who lacks the experience or the education that is acceptable to the Board for certification, if the applicant:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Applies for certification under § 12–303 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Complies with any applicable rule or regulation adopted under this title for this purpose.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-306" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Certification of Superintendents, Operators, and Industrial Operators"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this section, certification authorizes a waterworks, wastewater works, or industrial wastewater works to employ the certified individual as an operator, industrial operator, or superintendent in an appropriate job classification.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Certification as an operator authorizes the operator to perform tasks assigned by a certified superintendent, if an operator is not prohibited from performing those tasks by the rules and regulations adopted under this title.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Secretary shall adopt rules and regulations to classify or certify superintendents, operators, and industrial operators to perform certain tasks in waterworks, wastewater works, and industrial wastewater works.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-307" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Certification of Superintendents, Operators, and Industrial Operators"> <text>The Secretary shall adopt rules and regulations for the term and renewal of certifications.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-308" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Certification of Superintendents, Operators, and Industrial Operators"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to the hearing provisions of § 12–309 of this subtitle, the Board may deny certification or temporary certification to any applicant, if the applicant:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain a certificate or temporary certificate for the applicant or for another; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Fraudulently or deceptively uses a certificate or temporary certificate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to the hearing provisions of § 12–309 of this subtitle, the Board may reprimand any certificate holder, or suspend or revoke a certification or temporary certification, if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The certificate holder:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain a certificate or temporary certificate for the certificate holder or another; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Fraudulently or deceptively uses a certificate or temporary certificate; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Board has any other reasonable cause for the action.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-309" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Certification of Superintendents, Operators, and Industrial Operators"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in the Administrative Procedure Act, before the Board takes any action under § 12-308 of this subtitle, it shall give the individual against whom the action is contemplated an opportunity for a hearing before the Board.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board shall give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If after due notice the individual against whom the action is contemplated fails or refuses to appear, nevertheless the Board may hear and determine the matter.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-310" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Certification of Superintendents, Operators, and Industrial Operators"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in this section for an action under § 12-308 of this subtitle, any person aggrieved by a final decision of the Board in a contested case, as defined in the Administrative Procedure Act, may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Appeal the decision to the Board of Review; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Then take any further appeal allowed by the Administrative Procedure Act.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Any person aggrieved by a final decision of the Board under § 12-308 of this subtitle may not appeal to the Secretary or Board of Review but may take a direct judicial appeal.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The appeal shall be made as provided for judicial review of final decisions in the Administrative Procedure Act.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-401" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary shall classify all waterworks, wastewater works, and industrial wastewater works in this State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In determining the classification of a waterworks, wastewater works, or industrial wastewater works, the Secretary shall consider:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The size or capacity of the facility;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The type of treatment used;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The character of the water or wastes treated; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any other physical conditions that affect the facility.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-402" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, each waterworks, wastewater works, and industrial wastewater works shall be under the supervision of a superintendent who is certified in the appropriate classification.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A waterworks, a wastewater works, and an industrial wastewater works may have a certified operator serve in responsible charge instead of a certified superintendent if approved by the Department and if the facility:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Serves fewer than 500 persons;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Has minimal treatment requirements as determined by the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Employs no more than two operators.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall enforce this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-403" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <text>The Secretary shall adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this title.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-404" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall provide the necessary training throughout this State to carry out the provisions of this title.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall request budget support for the federal and State approved training center in this State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-501" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="5"> <level label="a"> <text>A person or municipal or private corporation may not operate a waterworks, wastewater works, or industrial wastewater works unless the facility is under the responsible charge of a certified superintendent or certified operator as provided under § 12–402 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>After July 1, 1982, a person or municipal or private corporation may not operate a waterworks or wastewater works unless all operators in the waterworks or wastewater works are certified operators.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>After July 1, 1982, a person or municipal or private corporation may not operate an industrial wastewater works unless all industrial operators in the industrial wastewater works are certified industrial operators.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department shall enforce this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-504" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="5"> <level label="a"> <text>A person or municipal or private corporation that violates any provision of this title or any rule or regulation adopted under this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $25 for each day of violation.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each day of employment in violation of this title or of any rule or regulation adopted under this title is a separate offense.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-601" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Short Title; Termination of Title"> <text>This title may be cited as the “Maryland Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators Act”.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="12-602" title_number="12" title_name="Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Short Title; Termination of Title"> <text>Subject to the evaluation and reestablishment provisions of the Program Evaluation Act, and except for the rules and regulations adopted by the Secretary, this title shall terminate and be of no effect after July 1, 2031.</text> </section>