From: Susan Hansen
Sent: Fri Apr 03 16:58:59 2015
To: YELTON-BRAM Tiffany
Cc: DECONCINI Nina; HAMMOND Joni
Subject: RE: Response to your public Records Request
Importance: Normal
Thanks Tiffany, I'll fill out the PIR as I am very interested to see how this was classified. Susan
> -----Original Message-----
> From: yelton-bram.tiffany@deq.state.or.us
> Sent: Fri, 3 Apr 2015 23:48:00 +0000
> To: foxglovefarm@inbox.com
> Subject: RE: Response to your public Records Request
>
> Hello Susan
> When we renew a permit we decide whether we need to update a wastewater
> treatment system classification work sheet. The work sheet walks the
> permit writer through an assignment of points for specific aspects of
> treatment and collection system.
> If you would like to see a copy of the current classification work sheet,
> please fill out a public records request and we will provide a copy.
> Tiffany
>
>
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Susan Hansen
> Date:04/03/2015 4:12 PM (GMT-08:00)
> To: Susan Hansen ,YELTON-BRAM Tiffany
> Cc: DECONCINI Nina ,HAMMOND Joni
> Subject: RE: Response to your public Records Request
>
> Dear Tiffany,
>
> Could you please answer my below question about where Molalla currently
> stands on the point system? How often are these points added up and is
> there a master sheet on the current number of points Molalla has? Thanks,
> Susan
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: foxglovefarm@inbox.com
> Sent: Thu, 2 Apr 2015 14:56:25 -0800
> To: foxglovefarm@inbox.com, yelton-bram.tiffany@deq.state.or.us
> Subject: RE: Response to your public Records Request
>
> Hi, I just saw the point system but obviously can't do those numbers
> myself. Is there a link to how Molalla's points come out to designate
> what level their system is currently posted at? Susan
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: foxglovefarm@inbox.com
> Sent: Thu, 2 Apr 2015 14:50:39 -0800
> To: yelton-bram.tiffany@deq.state.or.us
> Subject: RE: Response to your public Records Request
>
> Thanks Tiffany,
>
> Could you remind me of what rules kick in to make a plant like Molalla's
> reach a new level of compliance? Is it gauged by number of users
> (residents, businesses) or volume of sewage that needs to be processed?
> Thanks, Susan
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: yelton-bram.tiffany@deq.state.or.us
> Sent: Thu, 2 Apr 2015 21:46:10 +0000
> To: foxglovefarm@inbox.com
> Subject: Response to your public Records Request
>
>
> Hello Susan
>
> Attached is the current Designation of Supervising System Operator form.
> This form is filled out by the owner or authorized representative of the
> owner to inform DEQ of the operator that is the Supervisor, to show
> compliance with OAR 340-046-0015 (5) (see link below to the rules).
>
>
>
> http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/pages/rules/oars_300/oar_340/340_049.html
>
>
>
> From Molalla’s NPDES permit, in the front page, we know that the
> collection system was rated a II (roman numerals) and the treatment
> systems a III. The attached form shows that the city have operators
> certified at these levels.
>
>
>
> A quick note on our classification system: our classifications go from I
> up to IV; IV being the most complex wastewater treatment collection and
> treatment systems. An operator certified at level III for treatment
> plants can operate a plant classified as a level III.
>
>
>
> Tiffany Yelton Bram
>
> WQ Source Control Manager
>
> Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
>
> 2020 SW 4th Ave., Suite 150
>
> Portland OR 97201
>
>
>
> Desk 503 229 5219
>
> Mobile 503 975 0046
>
>
>
> This spring, DEQ's Northwest Region Office will be moving to a new
> location - the 700 Lloyd Building at 700 NE Multnomah St., Suite #600,
> Portland, OR 97232. The target date for operating at the new location is
> May 26th, 2015.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> From: Susan Hansen [mailto:foxglovefarm@inbox.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2015 3:39 PM
> To: YELTON-BRAM Tiffany
> Subject: RE: Rule on wastewater plant operators
>
>
>
> I thought it has to be level 11?
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From:
> yelton-bram.tiffany@deq.state.or.us<mailto:yelton-bram.tiffany@deq.state.or.us>
> Sent: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 22:35:12 +0000
> To: foxglovefarm@inbox.com<mailto:foxglovefarm@inbox.com>
> Subject: RE: Rule on wastewater plant operators
>
> Molalla has a new wastewater treatment plant operator certified at level
> III.
>
>
>
> From: Susan Hansen [mailto:foxglovefarm@inbox.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2015 3:30 PM
> To: YELTON-BRAM Tiffany
> Cc: DECONCINI Nina
> Subject: RE: Rule on wastewater plant operators
>
>
>
> Tiffany, I know a waste water plant operator Jon Patrick quit a few
> months ago. Is he the person who has the Class 11 and is he overseeing on
> a part time basis or do they have a full time person running that plant
> with a class 11 license? Susan
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From:
> yelton-bram.tiffany@deq.state.or.us<mailto:yelton-bram.tiffany@deq.state.or.us>
> Sent: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 22:10:15 +0000
> To: foxglovefarm@inbox.com<mailto:foxglovefarm@inbox.com>
> Subject: RE: Rule on wastewater plant operators
>
> Susan--
>
> The front page of the NPDES permit shows the classification of the
> wastewater treatment plant and, separately, the collection system. The
> certification level of the operator has to meet the classification level
> of the treatment plant or collection system. For Molalla, the wastewater
> treatment plant needs at least one certified operator at level III and
> the collection system needs at least one operator at level II.
>
>
>
> The city sends us documentation, called a designated operator form, that
> they have operators that are certified at these levels. They have
> operators that are certified at the appropriate levels currently. Copies
> can be provided if you do a public records request.
>
>
>
> I cannot answer your question about the advertisement. You should ask
> the city.
>
> Tiffany
>
>
>
> From: Susan Hansen [mailto:foxglovefarm@inbox.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2015 2:47 PM
> To: YELTON-BRAM Tiffany
> Cc: DECONCINI Nina
> Subject: RE: Rule on wastewater plant operators
>
>
>
> Thanks Tiffany. What is the status at this moment of Molalla on the waste
> water plant supervision - I just talked to a person who claimed he is in
> charge but has only a Class 111 license. What kind of license does
> Molalla need to supervise its waste water plant operations? The person
> with the Class 111 on the phone claimed this ad is for the drinking water
> plant - is that true and is Class 111 suitable for the wastewater plant.
> Is this ad for the drinking water plant:
>
> Molalla - Water Plant Operator
> Water Plant Operator – City of Molalla, Population 8,800. Salary Range
> $4,083 - $5,008/mo. DOQ plus an excellent benefit package. This position
> will assist the Public Works Director with planning, supervising and
> scheduling the daily activities and operations of the Water Treatment
> Plant for the City of Molalla. State recognized Level II water treatment
> certificate and ability to serves as the DRC for water treatment
> required. A job description and employment application are available in
> person from City Hall at 117 N. Molalla Avenue, Molalla, OR 97038 or via
> the City Website at www.cityofmolalla.com<http://www.cityofmolalla.com>.
> The City of Molalla is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Open until filled.
> **Posted 2/6/15**
> **Reposted 3/10/15**
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From:
> yelton-bram.tiffany@deq.state.or.us<mailto:yelton-bram.tiffany@deq.state.or.us>
> Sent: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 20:47:10 +0000
> To: foxglovefarm@inbox.com<mailto:foxglovefarm@inbox.com>
> Subject: RE: Rule on wastewater plant operators
>
> Hello Susan
>
> Here is a link to our Wastewater Operator Certification page on our
> website, specifically the statute and rules.
> http://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/opcert/opcert.htm#regs
>
> This section of rule below is germane to your questions.
>
> 340-049-0015
>
> General Requirements
>
> (1) Each owner of a wastewater system with an Average Dry Weather Flow
> (ADWF) of 0.075 MGD (75,000 gallons per day) or greater design capacity
> must have its system supervised full-time by one or more operators who
> hold a valid certificate for the type of system, wastewater treatment or
> wastewater collection, and at a grade equal to or greater than the
> wastewater system classification as defined in OAR-340-049-0020 and
> 340-049-0025.
>
> (2) Any wastewater treatment system or wastewater collection system owner
> with a system having more than one daily shift must have its shift
> supervisor, if any, certified at no more than one grade lower than the
> wastewater system classification. The system owner is not required to
> have a shift supervisor if another properly certified operator is
> available to supervise operation of the system.
>
> (3) Each owner of a wastewater system with an ADWF less than 0.075 MGD
> (75,000 gallons per day) design capacity must have its system supervised
> on a part-time or full-time basis by one or more operators who hold a
> valid certificate for the type of system, wastewater treatment or
> wastewater collection, and at a grade equal to or greater than the
> wastewater system classification.
>
> (4) These rules shall not apply to owners of subsurface sewage disposal
> systems as defined under ORS 454.605 and installed or constructed under a
> permit in accordance with 454.655. Based on complexity of the wastewater
> system, the Department may require an owner of a NPDES or WPCF permitted
> wastewater system using subsurface sewage disposal with a ADWF greater
> 0.0025 MGD (2,500 gallons per day) to have its system supervised by one
> or more operators certified in accordance with these rules.
>
> (5) Each wastewater treatment and wastewater collection system owner must
> notify the Department in writing of the name of all operators, including
> shift supervisors, if any, delegated authority by the owner to supervise
> the operation of its system in accordance with these rules. The written
> notice must be filed with the Department's Water Quality Division,
> Operator Certification Program, and include the operator's certificate
> type, grade, and expiration date.
>
> (6) The system supervisor or shift supervisor is not required to be on
> site at all times. The system supervisor must be available to the
> wastewater system owner and to any other operator, and able to
> immediately respond on site. A shift supervisor must be available and
> able to immediately respond on site during an assigned shift.
>
> (7) An operator holding a valid Grade I Provisional wastewater treatment
> or wastewater collection certificate may be designated by a system owner
> to supervise the operation of a Class I wastewater treatment or
> wastewater collection system respectively.
>
> (8) The wastewater system owner may re-designate or replace designated
> operators responsible for supervising system operation with other
> properly certified operators at any time and must notify the Department
> in writing within 30 days of replacement or re-designation of operators.
>
> (9) A wastewater treatment or wastewater collection system may not be
> without an operator as required in Sections (1) or (3) of this rule for
> more than 30 days. During this period, the system owner must ensure an
> operator is certified for the type of system at no more than one grade
> lower than the system classification, and is available to the system
> owner and to any other operator. This operator must also be delegated
> authority by the system owner to supervise the operation of the system.
>
> (10) When compliance with requirements in Sections (1) or (3) of this
> rule is not possible or practicable because the system supervisor is not
> available or the position is vacated unexpectedly, and another certified
> operator is not qualified to assume supervisory responsibility, the
> Director may grant a time extension for compliance with the requirements
> in response to a written request from the system owner. The Director will
> not grant an extension longer than 120 days unless the system owner
> documents the existence of extraordinary circumstances.
>
> (a) The request must justify the need for the time extension and include
> at least the following:
>
> (A) The date the system supervisor position or availability was or will
> be vacated;
>
> (B) A time schedule to recruit, hire, or otherwise make available and
> designate another qualified operator; and
>
> (C) The name of an interim supervisor and the supervisor's certificate
> type, grade and expiration date.
>
> (b) Any time extension granted will be conditioned on a time schedule for
> the system owner to obtain the services of a qualified operator to
> supervise the wastewater system in accordance with these rules, and may
> be revoked if the system is operated in violation of a NPDES or WPCF
> permit limit or ORS 468B.025.
>
> (11) For contract operations as defined in OAR 340-049-0010(5), the
> system owner must have and maintain a written contract on file and, upon
> request by the Department, must provide a copy of contract provisions for
> supervising the operation of its system for Department review. Contracts
> for part-time system supervision allowed under Section 3 of this rule
> must meet all requirements in 340-049-0070.
>
> Stat. Auth.: ORS 448.410, 468.020 & 468B.030
> Stats. Implemented: ORS 448.405 - 448.430, 448.992, 468B.010 - 468B.020,
> 468B.030 & 468B.050
> Hist.: DEQ 4-1988(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 1-29-88; DEQ 23-1988, f. & cert.
> ef. 9-15-88; DEQ 15-2002, f. & cert. ef. 10-16-02; DEQ 2-2013, f.
> 1-28-13, cert. ef. 3-1-13
>
> Let me know if you have further questions.
>
> Tiffany
>
>
>
>
>
> Tiffany Yelton Bram
>
> WQ Source Control Manager
>
> Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
>
> 2020 SW 4th Ave., Suite 150
>
> Portland OR 97201
>
>
>
> Desk 503 229 5219
>
> Mobile 503 975 0046
>
>
>
> This spring, DEQ's Northwest Region Office will be moving to a new
> location - the 700 Lloyd Building at 700 NE Multnomah St., Suite #600,
> Portland, OR 97232. The target date for operating at the new location is
> May 26th, 2015.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> From: Susan Hansen [mailto:foxglovefarm@inbox.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2015 1:28 PM
> To: YELTON-BRAM Tiffany
> Cc: DECONCINI Nina
> Subject: Rule on wastewater plant operators
>
>
>
> Hi Tiffany,
>
> Is there a law/rule about how long a city can go without a wastewater
> plant operator? What ways are permissible for cities to fill in until
> they find a person to hire with the correct credentials? Can you direct
> me to or send the rules about this issue?
>
> Thanks,
> Susan Hansen
> Bear Creek Recovery