Wastewater treatment facility operator certification ensures that only qualified individuals will operate the state's municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities. In total there are nineteen major wastewater treatment facilities in Rhode Island that cumulatively treat over 120 million gallons of residential, commercial, and industrial sewage each day before discharging the purified water back to the state's rivers and bays. The licensing process is directed by the seven-member Board of Certification of Operators of Wastewater Treatment Facilities, which was established by Rhode Island General Law § 42-17.4 by the General Assembly in 1979. Board members act on behalf of their respective appointing organization to provide guidance and expertise. Regular monthly meetings are generally held the first Wednesday of the month at 9:30 AM at the offices of the Department of Environmental Management.
