In this title the following words have the meanings indicated. “Board” means the State Board of Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators. “Certificate” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a certificate of certification as an operator, industrial operator, or superintendent, issued by the Board. “Certificate” includes: A certificate; and A temporary certificate, as limited by § 12–305 of this title. “Certified industrial operator” means, unless the context requires otherwise, an industrial operator who is certified by the Board. “Certified operator” means, unless the context requires otherwise, an operator who is certified by the Board. “Certified superintendent” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a superintendent who is certified by the Board. “Industrial operator” means an individual who operates the controls or maintains the logs of an industrial wastewater works. “Industrial operator” does not include a superintendent. “Industrial wastewater works” means a facility used to collect, store, pump, treat, or discharge any waste substance that results from: A manufacturing process; A business process; or The development of a natural resource. “Operator” means an individual who participates in the operation of: A waterworks, including the control of the flow, processing, and distribution of water; or A wastewater works, including the collection, control of flow, processing, and discharge of wastewater and effluent. “Operator” does not include a superintendent. “Responsible charge” means responsibility for the operation and performance of all or any part of a waterworks, wastewater works, or industrial wastewater works. “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. “Wastewater works” means a facility used to collect, store, pump, treat, or discharge any liquid or waterborne waste. “Wastewater works” does not include: A facility that is used only by a private residence; A facility that uses a septic tank or subsoil absorption; or An industrial wastewater works. “Waterworks” means a facility used to collect, store, pump, treat, or distribute water for human consumption. “Waterworks” does not include a facility that is used only by a private residence.

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: To protect the quality of water in which wastes are placed; To protect the public health; and To prevent pollution.

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.