Services - EOCP

Environmental Operators Certification Program For Small Water Systems
 

What is a Small System?

Typically, small water distribution, water treatment, wastewater collection, or wastewater treatment facilities have operators who are not required for full-time daily attention. The systems are relatively simple, serve only a small population, and/or are operating for only a portion of any given year.

Most operators of such facilities are not able to meet the minimum requirements for Level 1 to 4 certification; in particular, achieving the
operating experience (2,000 hours) required to write a Level I exam in a reasonable period of time. Small System Classification and
Operator Certification is intended to insure the competency of operators who work on systems that may not normally fit within the
regular certification process.

The criteria for Small System Classification and Operator Certification have been developed in conjunction with other jurisdictions in Canada and the United States, and follow the guidelines as identified with the Association of Boards of Certification.
 

Why Certification for Small Water System (SWS) Operators

The Ministry of Health in British Columbia and the Yukon Department of Health and Social Services recognized that the provision of safe water to all consumers is a public health priority. One of the means to achieve this is by raising the level of knowledge of operators and by testing their level of competency to operate their system at the level it is classified.

Certified operators who have an understanding of the health and safety aspects of their operation will reduce the risk of a water borne disease outbreak and will increase consumer confidence on the water they drink.

Similarly, small wastewater systems must be operated by competent individuals if the environment and public health are to be protected.

Legislation – Small Water Systems

The BC Drinking Water Protection Regulation, Section 12(3)(a) from 2003 established that small water systems would be required to have the operator certified according to the EOCP standards by January 1, 2005. However, this was amended in December 2004 with the compliance date extended to January 1, 2006. The BC Ministry of Health has indicated there may be further changes to the regulatory framework for small water systems but that operator certification requirements will likely remain for all but the smallest of systems.

The Yukon Department of Health and Social Services has prepared draft legislation that is expected to be implemented in the very near
future that will require all persons working as a water system operator, including Bulk Water Delivery Operators, be certified by the EOCP.
 

Contract Services Expected for EDS Pump & Plumbing Ltd.

• Insurance quotes for small water systems.
• 24-hour emergency service.
• Priority service to your water system.
• EOCP certified service technicians; certified Pump Technicians; certified Water specialists for all service.
• Scheduled maintenance program.
• Liaison to the Health Authority.
• Formulation and development of the emergency plan or updated emergency plan.
• Completion of the small water systems application.
• Notification to Health Authority that E.D.S. Pumps & Plumbing Ltd. will perform all of your service and maintenance.
• Completion of a detailed Assessment
• report that includes a detailed description of your water system; detailed electrical testing; contact information; equipment manuals; schematics & blueprints; site maps, water analysis results; well logs; previous flow tests; well pump report; other necessary documentation.
• Installation of a well tag.
• Uncertified esthetics testing of the water.
• A 15% discount on parts.
• (n) All the above service does not include labor.