Permanent Rules (proposed) to Improve the Certification Process for Water System Operators
The Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division (OHA) is proposing to permanently amend Oregon Administrative Rules 333-061-0228, 0235, 0245 and 0265 related to the certification of water system operators. The amendments are intended to clarify and correct some rule text and allow OHA greater flexibility accepting qualifying education in place of work experience and charging prorated fees for partial periods of certification.
Specifically, the amendments would repeal the option to pass a written examination to earn small water system certification because only training is required; allow education to be substituted for all the required work experience for Level 1 certification; allow OHA to recognize operators in training when individuals do not meet the experience requirements for Level 1 certification; and allow OHA to prorate initial certification fees.
Specific amendments and proposed rule language are identified in the documents available below, which include:
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Hearing, The Statement of Need and Fiscal Impact and full text of the proposed rules
Full text of the proposed rules formatted to be more accessible
Public Hearing & Comment Period
If you wish to comment on these proposed rule revisions, you may submit written comments or provide oral testimony as follows:
- You may submit written comments before 5:00 p.m. on December 28, 2018
to:
- OHA, Public Health Division
Brittany Hall, Administrative Rules Coordinator
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 930 Portland, OR 97232
- By email to: publichealth.rules@state.or.us, or
- By facsimile to (971) 673-1299.
- You can present oral testimony at the following public hearing:
- Portland State Office Building, 800 NE Oregon St, Room, Portland, OR 97232 in Room 1C on December 18 at 10:00 a.m.
If you have any questions or would like to request a paper copy of these documents, please contact Julie Wray at 971-673-0405.
Permanent Rules for Cyanotoxin Monitoring at Public Water Systems
The Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division is adopting Oregon Administrative Rules OAR 333-061-0510 through 333-061-0580 to require monitoring for cyanotoxins at public water systems where drinking water is derived from susceptible surface water sources. Water suppliers would also be required to issue public notification if concentrations of cyanotoxins exceed advisory levels. These permanent administrative rules replace temporary administrative rules adopted for cyanotoxin monitoring and testing that were effective July 1, 2018 through December 27, 2018.
Public Hearing & Comment Period
- A public hearing was held on November 27, 2018 and written comments were received until November 30, 2018. See document above "Response to public comments - hearings officer report" for details.
Reducing Lead in School Drinking Water
The Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division is adopting Oregon Administrative Rule 333-061-0400 for testing school drinking water taps for eliminating or reducing lead content of faucets and/or plumbing if high levels are found.
For additional information about lead in school drinking water please visit the Healthy School Facilities page.
Public Hearing and Comment Period
- A public hearing was held on October 24, 2018 and written comments were received until October 26, 2018. See document above "Response to comments" for details.