Wastewater Operators: What Applicants for Licensing Need to Know
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This page will assist you in preparing for your licensing exam
and your daily job activities. Select the class and type of license
you are applying for in the list below to find the information you
should know before taking the licensing exam.
Need-to-Know Criteria for
Class D Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
| Subject Category |
Scope of Category |
The Class D Operator Should: |
| Statutes and Rules |
Statutes and rules relating to the TCEQ authority to control
wastewater discharges to the waters of the state. |
Know the basic laws and rules that grant authority to the TCEQ
to protect waters of the state by issuing waste discharge permits
and licensing wastewater operators. |
| Permits |
Requirements of the TCEQ’s system for waste discharge
permits and self-reporting. |
Know the basic provisions of a typical domestic waste discharge
permit. Know the basic permit definitions of wastewater flow and
quality parameters. |
| Design Criteria |
TCEQ “Design Criteria for Sewerage Systems” (
(30 TAC Chapter 317)  |
Be aware that there are design criteria for sewerage systems in
Texas which set minimum standards for design and construction of
wastewater collection, pumping, treatment, and disposal
systems. |
| Safety |
Safety practices for wastewater collection and treatment
personnel. |
Recognize hazards for wastewater collection and treatment
personnel, and be able to work safely without constant
supervision. |
| Laboratory |
Wastewater monitoring, sampling, testing, analysis,
instrumentation, equipment and techniques. |
Know general purpose and function of adequate laboratory
testing for proper control of wastewater treatment processes. |
| Management |
Management theory and techniques as applied in the wastewater
utility discipline. |
Recognize need for management skills in the wastewater
collection and treatment utility. Also recognize appropriate
management decisions when presented in typical work
situations. |
| General Knowlege |
General characteristics of wastewater and its effects on public
health and the environment. |
Know definition, source, estimated quantity, basic physical and
chemical composition, reasons for collection and treatment, and
basic effects of untreated or partially treated effluents on
receiving streams. |
| Collection |
Wastewater collection system facility components, materials of
construction, construction practices, operation and
maintenance. |
Know general purpose and function of various collection system
components and appurtenances. Recognize attendant safety
hazards. |
| Pumping |
Wastewater pumps and motors, pumping installations, operation
and maintenance. |
Know the purpose and function of various types of wastewater
pumps and pumping installations. Recognize attendant safety
hazards. |
| Preliminary Treatment |
Wastewater preliminary treatment facilities, operation and
maintenance. |
Know general purpose and function of various preliminary
treatment facilities, such as bar screens, comminutors, and grit
removal methods and equipment. Recognize attendant safety
hazards. |
| Primary Treatment |
Characteristics, operation, and maintenance of primary
treatment processes and equipment. (Includes Imhoff tanks.) |
Know general purpose and function of various primary treatment
facilities, including Imhoff tanks. |
| Ponds |
Characteristics, biology, operation and maintenance of various
types of wastewater lagoons and treatment ponds. |
Know general purpose and function of various types of
wastewater treatment ponds and lagoons. |
| Trickling Filters |
Characteristics, operation and maintenance of various types of
trickling filters and RBC units. |
Know basic components, general purpose, and function of
trickling filters and RBC units. |
| Activated Sludge |
Characteristics, operation and maintenance of various modes of
activated sludge treatment processes. |
Know general features (flow patterns and comparative detention
times) of various modes of activated sludge wastewater treatment
processes. |
| Process Control |
Process control of various modes of wastewater treatment. |
Be familiar with sampling and testing techniques utilized to
control various modes of wastewater treatment. Be aware of the
TCEQ’s recommended minimum process-control tests for domestic
wastewater treatment facilities. |
| Disinfection |
Characteristics of chlorination and dechlorination processes
and equipment, and alternative methods of disinfection. |
Know the purpose, various uses, hazards, and important effects
of chlorine in wastewater treatment. Be aware of reasons and need
for dechlorination of treated wastewater effluents. Know pros and
cons of various other methods of wastewater disinfection. |
| Sludge Digestion |
Characteristics, operation and maintenance of aerobic and
anaerobic sludge-digestion processes. |
Know the general purpose and function of both aerobic and
anaerobic digestion. Be aware of safety hazards. |
| Biosolids Disposal |
Methods of thickening, dewatering, and stabilization of
wastewater sludges. Characteristics of digested biosolids, and
methods of disposal or alternative use. Sampling and analysis
requirements and procedures for sludges, biosolids, and soil
samples. |
Know the general purpose and function of various processes for
wastewater sludge treatment and disposal of biosolids. |
| Effluent Disposal |
Characteristics of treated wastewater effluents from secondary
processes, methods of disposal or reuse, sampling and testing
requirements and procedures for disposal by irrigation or to
surface waters of the state. Includes an introduction to advanced
wastewater treatment (tertiary treatment) of secondary
effluents. |
Know the general purpose and function of various alternative
methods of treated effluent disposal or reuse. |
| Math Problems |
Geometric and algebraic math calculations related to wastewater
flow, collection, pumping, and treatment. |
Exhibit ability to solve one- or two-step geometry and
algebraic problems involving area, volume, flow rate, dosage rate,
etc. as related to wastewater flow, collection, and treatment
situations. |
Return to top.
Need-to-Know Criteria for
Class C Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
| Subject Category |
Scope of Category |
In Addition to Thorough Knowledge of All Need-to-Know Criteria
for Lower Levels,
the Class C Operator Should: |
| Statutes and Rules |
Statutes and rules relating to the TCEQ authority to control
wastewater discharges to the waters of the state. |
Know who must be a licensed wastewater treatment plant
operator, and the minimum requirements for licensing at various
levels. |
| Permits |
Requirements of the TCEQ’s system for waste discharge
permits and self-reporting. |
Know basic wastewater flow and quality parameters which are
measured, recorded, and reported through the TCEQ Self-reporting
system. Know authority of TCEQ personnel to visit or inspect
permittees’ facilities. |
| Design Criteria |
TCEQ “Design Criteria for Sewerage Systems” (
(30 TAC Chapter 317) |
Know design criteria relative to minimum detention times in
various wastewater treatment units and systems. |
| Safety |
Safety practices for wastewater collection and treatment
personnel. |
Know safe procedures for self and other employees engaged in
wastewater treatment. |
| Laboratory |
Wastewater monitoring, sampling, testing, analysis,
instrumentation, equipment and techniques. |
Know proper procedures for collection and preservation of
samples of treatment process for laboratory analysis. Be generally
familiar with methods of analysis. |
| Management |
Management theory and techniques as applied in the wastewater
utility discipline. |
Recognize duties and responsibilities of various levels of
management team. |
| General Knowlege |
General characteristics of wastewater and its effects on public
health and the environment. |
Know possible effects on environment and public health of
inadequate treatment of wastewater. |
| Collection |
Wastewater collection system facility components, materials of
construction, construction practices, operation and
maintenance. |
Recognize influence of collection system operation and
maintenance on quantity and quality of raw wastewater received at
the treatment plant. |
| Pumping |
Wastewater pumps and motors, pumping installations, operation
and maintenance. |
Know how various pumps operate, and basic maintenance
procedures for both pumps and motors. Recognize how pumps and
pumping installations affect treatment plant operation. |
| Preliminary Treatment |
Wastewater preliminary treatment facilities, operation and
maintenance. |
Know operational characteristics and maintenance of various
preliminary treatment equipment and processes. |
| Primary Treatment |
Characteristics, operation, and maintenance of primary
treatment processes and equipment. (Includes Imhoff tanks.) |
Know operational characteristics and maintenance of various
primary treatment facilities. |
| Ponds |
Characteristics, biology, operation, and maintenance of various
types of wastewater lagoons and treatment ponds. |
Know operational characteristics and maintenance of various
types of wastewater treatment ponds and lagoons. |
| Trickling Filters |
Characteristics, operation, and maintenance of various types of
trickling filters and RBC units. |
Know operational characteristics and maintenance of trickling
filters and RBC units. |
| Activated Sludge |
Characteristics, operation, and maintenance of various modes of
activated sludge treatment processes. |
Know operational characteristics and maintenance of various
modes of activated sludge wastewater treatment processes. |
| Process Control |
Process control of various modes of wastewater treatment. |
Know recommended monitoring, sampling, and testing procedures
for small (1.0–5.0 MGD) wastewater treatment facilities, and
recognize applications of various laboratory tests to optimize
solids monitoring and control. |
| Disinfection |
Characteristics of chlorination and dechlorination processes
and equipment, and alternative methods of disinfection. |
Know operational characteristics and maintenance of various
chlorination systems including basic safety practices. Know
interrelationship between chlorine demand, dosage, and
residual. |
| Sludge Digestion |
Characteristics, operation, and maintenance of aerobic and
anaerobic sludge-digestion processes. |
Know operational characteristics and maintenance of both
aerobic and anaerobic sludge-digestion processes including basic
safety practices. |
| Biosolids Disposal |
Methods of thickening, dewatering, and stabilization of
wastewater sludges. Characteristics of digested biosolids and
methods of disposal or alternative use. Sampling and analysis
requirements and procedures for sludges, biosolids, and soil
samples. |
Know operational characteristics and maintenance of sludge
conditioning and dewatering equipment. Know basic procedures and
alternative methods of disposal or reuse of stable biosolids. |
| Effluent Disposal |
Characteristics of treated wastewater effluents from secondary
processes, methods of disposal or reuse, sampling and testing
requirements and procedures for disposal by irrigation or to
surface waters of the state. Includes an introduction to advanced
wastewater treatment (tertiary treatment) of secondary
effluents. |
Know operational characteristics and maintenance of various
treated effluent disposal and/or reuse facilities. |
| Math Problems |
Geometric and algebraic math calculations related to wastewater
flow, collection, pumping, and treatment. |
Exhibit ability to solve two- or three-step geometric and
algebraic problems involving area, volume, flow rate, dosage rate,
etc. as related to wastewater flow, collection, and treatment
situations. |
Return to top.
Need-to-Know Criteria for
Class B Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
| Subject Category |
Scope of Category |
In Addition to Thorough Knowledge of All Need-to-Know Criteria
for Lower Levels,
the Class B Operator Should: |
| Statutes and Rules |
Statutes and rules relating to the TCEQ’s authority to
control wastewater discharges to the waters of the state. |
Know the TCEQ categorization system for domestic wastewater
treatment facilities in Texas, and class of licensed operator
required at each category facility. Know authority of TCEQ to
revoke a license or otherwise censure operators for violations of
TCEQ rules. |
| Permits |
Requirements of the TCEQ’s system for waste discharge
permits and self-reporting. |
Be able to determine violation of specific waste discharge
permit limits from wastewater flow and quality data records. |
| Design Criteria |
TCEQ “Design Criteria for Sewerage Systems” (
(30 TAC Chapter 317) |
Know design criteria relating to minimum sizes of wastewater
collection system components, materials of construction,
construction practices, flow velocities, etc. |
| Safety |
Safety practices for wastewater collection and treatment
personnel. |
Know safe procedures for self and other employees engaged in
wastewater collection and treatment. |
| Laboratory |
Wastewater monitoring, sampling, testing, analysis,
instrumentation, equipment and techniques. |
Know steps in performing basic laboratory analyses. Be able to
interpret results of various laboratory tests, and make proper
adjustments to treatment processes. |
| Management |
Management theory and techniques as applied in the wastewater
utility discipline. |
Be able to implement management techniques under direction of a
city manager or director of public works. |
| General Knowlege |
General characteristics of wastewater and its effects on public
health and the environment. |
Know effects of infiltration and inflow and industrial wastes
on various collection and treatment processes. Recognize the need
for adequate pretreatment of industrial wastes to reduce costs and
protect domestic wastewater collection and treatment systems. |
| Collection |
Wastewater collection system facility components, materials of
construction, construction practices, operation, and
maintenance. |
Know materials of construction, construction practices, and
operation and maintenance procedures for collection systems. |
| Pumping |
Wastewater pumps and motors, pumping installations, operation
and maintenance. |
Know how various pumping installations operate. Know
interrelationship of discharge vs. capacity for centrifugal
pumps. |
| Preliminary Treatment |
Wastewater preliminary treatment facilities, operation and
maintenance. |
Recognize evidence of inadequate preliminary treatment
processes, and know methods of remediation. |
| Primary Treatment |
Characteristics, operation, and maintenance of primary
treatment processes and equipment. (Includes Imhoff tanks.) |
Recognize operational malfunctions, understand physical and
biological reasons for malfunctions, and know methods of
remediation. |
| Ponds |
Characteristics, biology, operation and maintenance of various
types of wastewater lagoons and treatment ponds. |
Recognize operational malfunctions, understand physical and
biological reasons for malfunctions, and know methods of
remediation. |
| Trickling Filters |
Characteristics, operation and maintenance of various types of
trickling filters and RBC units. |
Recognize operational malfunctions, understand physical and
biological reasons for malfunctions, and know methods of
remediation. |
| Activated Sludge |
Characteristics, operation, and maintenance of various modes of
activated sludge treatment processes. |
Recognize operational malfunctions, understand physical and
biological reasons for malfunctions, and know methods of
remediation. |
| Process Control |
Process control of various modes of wastewater treatment. |
Know recommended minimum process control tests for medium-sized
(5.0–10.0 MGD) wastewater treatment facilities. Exhibit
ability to select appropriate operational data and make use of
various techniques of solids control to optimize the various
treatment processes. |
| Disinfection |
Characteristics of chlorination and dechlorination processes
and equipment, and alternative methods of disinfection. |
Exhibit ability to utilize interrelationship between chlorine
demand, dosage, and residual to optimize chlorine usage within the
wastewater treatment system. |
| Sludge Digestion |
Characteristics, operation and maintenance of aerobic and
anaerobic sludge digestion processes. |
Know how to diagnose problems of sludge-digestion processes,
and propose corrective actions. |
| Biosolids Disposal |
Methods of thickening, dewatering, and stabilization of
wastewater sludges. Characteristics of digested biosolids, and
methods of disposal or alternative use. Sampling and analysis
requirements and procedures for sludges, biosolids, and soil
samples. |
Know how to diagnose problems of sludge conditioning and
dewatering equipment and propose corrective actions. Know various
alternative methods of disposal or reuse of biosolids. |
| Effluent Disposal |
Characteristics of treated wastewater effluents from secondary
processes, methods of disposal or reuse, sampling and testing
requirements and procedures for disposal by irrigation or to
surface waters of the state. Includes an introduction to advanced
wastewater treatment (tertiary treatment) of secondary
effluents. |
Know how to diagnose problems with various effluent disposal
and/or reuse systems. Know sampling and testing requirements soils
and receiving streams used for effluent disposal. |
| Math Problems |
Geometric and algebraic math calculations related to wastewater
flow, collection, pumping, and treatment. |
Exhibit ability to solve geometric or algebraic problems with
three or more steps involving area, volume, flow rate, dosage rate,
etc. as related to wastewater collection and treatment
systems. |
Return to top.
Need-to-Know Criteria for
Class A Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
| Subject Category |
Scope of Category |
In Addition to Thorough Knowledge of All Need-to-Know Criteria
for Lower Levels,
the Class A Operator Should: |
| Statutes and Rules |
Statutes and rules relating to the TCEQ authority to control
wastewater discharges to the waters of the state. |
Know the authority of TCEQ to enforce its rules, and assess
monetary penalties on permittees and operators for violations of
Texas Water Code. |
| Permits |
Requirements of the TCEQ’s system for waste discharge
permits and self-reporting. |
Know more detailed provisions of domestic waste discharge
permits such as the “75-90 Rule.” |
| Design Criteria |
TCEQ “Design Criteria for Sewerage Systems” (
(30 TAC Chapter 317) |
Know more complex Design Criteria Requirements relating to
wastewater collection, pumping, and treatment. |
| Safety |
Safety practices for wastewater collection and treatment
personnel. |
Be able to develop safety training programs for wastewater
collection and treatment personnel. |
| Laboratory |
Wastewater monitoring, sampling, testing, analysis,
instrumentation, equipment and techniques. |
Know limitations of various laboratory analyses, and possible
distortion of laboratory results by faulty sampling techniques,
faulty testing procedures, stale reagents, etc. |
| Management |
Management theory and techniques as applied in the wastewater
utility discipline. |
Know management techniques, and be prepared to serve in
position of upper management in a city or other utility. |
| General Knowlege |
General characteristics of wastewater and its effects on public
health and the environment. |
Know methods of reducing infiltration and inflow. Be able to
devise and implement industrial pretreatment plans. |
| Collection |
Wastewater collection system facility components, materials of
construction, construction practices, operation, and
maintenance. |
Understand basic concepts of gravity- and pressure-flow design.
Be able to use various graphs, nomographs, and charts that predict
gravity- and pressure-flow phenomena in circular conduits. |
| Pumping |
Wastewater pumps and motors, pumping installations, operation
and maintenance. |
Be able to use centrifugal pump curves in combination with
system head curves to calculate pump discharge capacity for both
single- and multiple-pump installations. |
| Preliminary Treatment |
Wastewater preliminary treatment facilities, operation, and
maintenance. |
Diagnose operational problems, and recommend solutions by
modification of treatment regime or facilities. |
| Primary Treatment |
Characteristics, operation, and maintenance of primary
treatment processes and equipment. (Includes Imhoff tanks.) |
Diagnose operational problems, and recommend solutions by
modification of treatment regime or facilities. |
| Ponds |
Characteristics, biology, operation and maintenance of various
types of wastewater lagoons and treatment ponds. |
Diagnose operational problems, and recommend solutions by
modification of treatment regime or facilities. |
| Trickling Filters |
Characteristics, operation and maintenance of various types of
trickling filters and RBC units. |
Diagnose operational problems, and recommend solutions by
modification of treatment regime or facilities. |
| Activated Sludge |
Characteristics, operation and maintenance of various modes of
activated sludge treatment processes. |
Diagnose operational problems, and recommend solutions by
modification of treatment regime or facilities. |
| Process Control |
Process control of various modes of wastewater treatment. |
Know recommended minimum operational control tests for large
(> 10 MGD) wastewater treatment facilities. Know
operational capabilities to prepare various treatment processes to
absorb either hydraulic or organic “shock loads” through
proper management of biomass. |
| Disinfection |
Characteristics of chlorination and dechlorination processes
and equipment, and alternative methods of disinfection. |
Know details of various alternative methods of disinfection and
dechlorination. |
| Sludge Digestion |
Characteristics, operation and maintenance of aerobic and
anaerobic sludge-digestion processes. |
Know relative merits of both aerobic and anaerobic digestion
processes and equipment. |
| Biosolids Disposal |
Methods of thickening, dewatering, and stabilization of
wastewater sludges. Characteristics of digested biosolids, and
methods of disposal or alternative use. Sampling and analysis
requirements and procedures for sludges, biosolids, and soil
samples. |
Know relative merits of various sludge treatment and disposal
methods and equipment. Know various alternative methods of disposal
or reuse of biosolids. |
| Effluent Disposal |
Characteristics of treated wastewater effluents from secondary
processes, methods of disposal or reuse, sampling and testing
requirements and procedures for disposal by irrigation or to
surface waters of the state. Includes an introduction to advanced
wastewater treatment (tertiary treatment) of secondary
effluents. |
Know relative merits of various treated effluent disposal or
reuse methods and equipment. Know sampling and testing requirements
for both soils and receiving stream analysis. |
| Math Problems |
Geometric and algebraic math calculations related to wastewater
flow, collection, pumping, and treatment. |
Exhibit ability to solve both geometric and algebraic problems
with extraneous data in problem statement in applications to
wastewater flow, pumping, and treatment situations. |
Return to top.
Need-to-Know Criteria for
Class III Wastewater Collection System Operators
| Subject Category |
Scope of Category |
In Addition to Thorough Knowledge of All Need-to-Know Criteria
for Lower Levels,
the Class III Operator Should: |
| Statutes and Rules |
Statutes and rules relating to the TCEQ authority to control
wastewater discharges to the waters of the state. |
Know TCEQ Rules regarding categorization of wastewater
collection and treatment systems, who must be licensed, and
staffing requirements for various categories of collection and
treatment systems. |
| Design Criteria |
TCEQ “Design Criteria for Sewerage Systems” (
(30 TAC Chapter 317) |
Know alternative materials and construction methods which must
be used when minimum clearances cannot be maintained between
potable water and wastewater lines. Know minimum and recommended
flow velocities for wastewater collection systems. |
| Wastewater Characteristics |
Source, volume, physical and chemical characteristics of
domestic wastewater. |
Know how to estimate wastewater volumes for both dry-weather
and wet-weather flows. |
| Wastewater Treatment |
Identification and general function of various domestic
wastewater treatment facilities. |
Know methods, facilities, and procedures used to control
quantity and quality of wastewater at the wastewater treatment
facility. |
| Safety |
Safety practices for wastewater collection and treatment system
personnel. |
Be able to design and conduct safety training programs for
personnel engaged in maintenance and/or operation of wastewater
collection, pumping, and treatment systems. |
| Traffic Control Devices |
Identification, function and proper use of various traffic
control devices. |
Know preparation of safe traffic control plans for job sites
including proper setup procedures and recommended spacing of
traffic-control devices. |
| Collection System Facilities |
Identification and function of various wastewater collection
system facility components. |
Know purpose and function of more advanced wastewater
collection components such as inverted siphons, interceptor
tunnels, force mains, flow equalization controls, and SCADA
systems. |
| System Construction |
Materials of construction, and construction, repair, and
rehabilitation practices for wastewater collection system facility
components. |
Be able to budget and/or estimate materials, equipment, and
personnel needed for construction, repair, and rehabilitation of
wastewater collection system facilities. |
| System Inspection |
Inspection equipment and practices for both new and existing
wastewater collection system facility components. |
Be able to budget and/or estimate materials, equipment and
personnel needed to inspect both existing and new collection system
facilities. |
| System Operation |
Operation and maintenance equipment and practices for
wastewater collection system facilities. |
Be able to budget and/or estimate various equipment, chemicals
and procedures to determine most appropriate method of cleaning and
maintenance of collection system facilities. |
| Pumping |
Wastewater pumps, motors, and pumping installations. |
Be able to use various pump curves, flow nomographs, head-loss
tables and graphs to determine expected flow from an individual
pump or multiple pumps in series or parallel. |
| Equipment Maintenance |
Maintenance of wastewater collection system equipment including
pumps, motors, construction, inspection, and cleaning
equipment. |
Be able to design and implement preventive-maintenance
programs. |
| Management |
Management theory and techniques as applied to the wastewater
utility discipline. |
Be able to implement management techniques under direction of a
city manager or director of public works. |
| General Information |
General effects of untreated or partially treated wastewater on
human health, safety and the environment. |
Be able to design and conduct long-term stream monitoring
surveys to determine effects of WWTP effluent discharge. |
| Math Problems |
Geometric and algebraic problems relating to wastewater flow,
transport, pumping, system construction, operation and
maintenance. |
Be able to apply various formulas and conversion factors to the
solution of two or more step sample math problems relating to
wastewater system construction and operation. |
Return to top.
Need-to-Know Criteria for
Class II Wastewater Collection System Operators
| Subject Category |
Scope of Category |
In Addition to Thorough Knowledge of All Need-to-Know Criteria
for Lower Levels,
the Class II Operator Should: |
| Statutes and Rules |
Statutes and rules relating to the TCEQ authority to control
wastewater discharges to the waters of the state. |
Know TCEQ Rules regarding categorization of wastewater
collection systems, who must be licensed, and staffing requirements
for various categories of collection systems. |
| Design Criteria |
TCEQ “Design Criteria for Sewerage Systems” (
(30 TAC Chapter 317) |
Know the minimum clearances that should be maintained between
potable water and wastewater lines. Know recommended minimum pipe
sizes and pressure classifications of materials of
construction. |
| Wastewater Characteristics |
Source, volume, physical and chemical characteristics of
domestic wastewater. |
Know causes of septic wastewater and potential hazards to both
personnel and facilities. Know methods to prevent or correct septic
conditions in collection system when they occur. |
| Wastewater Treatment |
Identification and general function of various domestic
wastewater treatment facilities. |
Know how both the quantity and quality of wastewater can effect
treatment processes at the wastewater treatment facility. |
| Safety |
Safety practices for wastewater collection and treatment system
personnel. |
Be able to conduct safety training programs for personnel
engaged in maintenance and/or operation of wastewater collection
and pumping systems. |
| Traffic Control Devices |
Identification, function and proper use of various
traffic-control devices. |
Interpret and implement traffic control plans for job sites
including proper setup procedures and recommended spacing of
traffic control devices. |
| Collection System Facilities |
Identification and function of various wastewater collection
system facility components. |
Know purpose and function of more advanced wastewater
collection components such as inverted siphons, interceptor
tunnels, force mains, and flow-equalization controls. |
| System Construction |
Materials of construction, and construction, repair and
rehabilitation practices for wastewater collection system facility
components. |
Be able to compare materials of construction, different
construction equipment and methods to determine the most
appropriate method of construction, repair, and rehabilitation of
wastewater collection system facilities. |
| System Inspection |
Inspection equipment and practices for both new and existing
wastewater collection system facility components. |
Be able to compare various methods and equipment, and select
the most appropriate method to inspect both existing and new
collection system facilities. |
| System Operation |
Operation and maintenance equipment and practices for
wastewater collection system facilities. |
Be able to compare various kinds of equipment, chemicals, and
procedures to determine the most appropriate method of cleaning and
maintenance of collection system facilities. |
| Pumping |
Wastewater pumps, motors, and pumping installations. |
Be able to use various pump curves, flow nomographs, head-loss
tables and graphs to determine expected flow from an individual
pump. |
| Equipment Maintenance |
Maintenance of wastewater collection system equipment,
including pumps, motors, construction, inspection, and cleaning
equipment. |
Be able to diagnose causes of various maintenance problems and
recommend corrective actions. |
| Management |
Management theory and techniques as applied to the wastewater
utility discipline. |
Recognize duties and responsibilities of various members of
management team. |
| General Information |
General effects of untreated or partially treated wastewater on
human health, safety, and the environment. |
Know effects of untreated or partially treated wastewater
discharges on public health and the environment. |
| Math Problems |
Geometric and algebraic problems relating to wastewater flow,
transport, pumping, system construction, operation, and
maintenance. |
Be able to apply various formulas and conversion factors to the
solution of sample math problems with two or more steps relating to
wastewater system construction and operation. |
Return to top.
Need-to-Know Criteria for
Class I Wastewater Collection System Operators
| Subject Category |
Scope of Category |
the Class I Operator Should: |
| Statutes and Rules |
Statutes and rules relating to the TCEQ authority to control
wastewater discharges to the waters of the state. |
Know the basic laws and rules that grant authority to the TCEQ
to protect waters of the state by issuing waste discharge permits
and licensing wastewater operators. |
| Design Criteria |
TCEQ “Design Criteria for Sewerage Systems” (
(30 TAC Chapter 317) |
Be aware that there are criteria for sewerage systems in Texas
which set minimum standards for design and construction of
wastewater collection, pumping, treatment, and disposal
systems. |
| Wastewater Characteristics |
Source, volume, physical and chemical characteristics of
domestic wastewater. |
Know definition, sources, estimated quantity, physical and
chemical characteristics of wastewater. |
| Wastewater Treatment |
Identification and general function of various domestic
wastewater treatment facilities. |
Know basic reasons for collection and treatment of wastewater.
Know basic principles of various wastewater treatment processes
such as ponds, trickling filters, and activated sludge
systems. |
| Safety |
Safety practices for wastewater collection and treatment system
personnel. |
Recognize physical, chemical and biological hazards for
personnel engaged in maintenance and/or operation of wastewater
collection and pumping systems. Know safe procedures for collection
and maintenance system personnel. |
| Traffic Control Devices |
Identification, function, and proper use of various
traffic-control devices. |
Know various traffic control devices and their correct use in
controlling both pedestrian and vehicular traffic around
construction sites. |
| Collection System Facilities |
Identification and function of various wastewater collection
system facility components. |
Know purpose and function of various components of typical
gravity wastewater collection system. |
| System Construction |
Materials of construction, and construction, repair and
rehabilitation practices for wastewater collection system facility
components. |
Know materials of construction, equipment used, and standard
practices utilized during construction, repair, and rehabilitation
of wastewater collection system facility components. |
| System Inspection |
Inspection equipment and practices for both new and existing
wastewater collection system facility components. |
Know various methods and equipment used to inspect both
existing and new collection system facilities. |
| System Operation |
Operation and maintenance equipment and practices for
wastewater collection system facilities. |
Know various equipment, chemicals, and procedures used during
cleaning and maintenance of collection system components. |
| Pumping |
Wastewater pumps, motors, and pumping installations. |
Know characteristics of various wastewater pumps and pumping
installations including lift stations. |
| Equipment Maintenance |
Maintenance of wastewater collection system equipment including
pumps, motors, construction, inspection, and cleaning
equipment. |
Know tools, lubricants, techniques, and procedures used for
maintenance and repair of wastewater collection equipment. |
| Management |
Management theory and techniques as applied to the wastewater
utility discipline. |
Recognize need for management skills in the wastewater utility
field. Recognize appropriate management decisions when presented in
typical work situations. |
| General Information |
General effects of untreated or partially treated wastewater on
human health, safety and the environment. |
Know effects of untreated or partially treated wastewater
discharges on public health and the environment. |
| Math Problems |
Geometric and algebraic problems relating to wastewater flow,
transport, pumping, system construction, operation and
maintenance. |
Be able to apply various formulas and conversion factors to the
solution of one or two step sample math problems relating to
wastewater system construction and operation. |
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