STATE BOARD FOR CERTIFICATION OF SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AND WATERWORKS OPERATORS Meetings Concerning Update of Act 322 [28 Pa.B. 6264] The State Board for Certification of Sewage Treatment Plant and Waterworks Operators (Board) would like to again ask for comments on a proposal the Board is developing to update Act 322, the law which created the operator certification program. The Board completed a round of public meetings and a written comment period last December. As a result of the comments received, the Board has completed its second draft of a proposal, which contains substantial changes from the original draft.
The act needs to be revised for the following reasons. (1) Provisions in the existing law restrict the board's capability to implement a program which addresses the needs of the water and wastewater system operators and the public. (2) Federal Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996 require that states must meet minimum standards for certification and recertification of operators of community and nontransient-noncommunity public water systems or the states may lose up to 20% of Federal funds used to construct facilities. The second draft of the Board's proposed amendments includes the requirements of the Federal law.
The Board is beginning a second round of public review and comment. The following schedule of public meetings is provided to offer the opportunity for all interested parties to meet with the Board and receive information on the second draft.
Monday, December 21, 1998, 7--9:30 p.m. at DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 900 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, PA. Regional office is located off Cameron St. Exit of I-81 to first light. Make a left on Elmerton Ave., office is on right.
Tuesday, January 5, 1999, 7--9:30 p.m. at Sheraton Inn Pittsburgh North, 9100 Sheraton Dr., Mars, PA. Sheraton is located off Exit 3, PA Turnpike, South on Rte 19, at first light make left on Freeport Rd, make first right to Sheraton Dr.
Wednesday, January 6, 1999, 7--9:30 p.m. at Days Inn, 18360 Conneaut Lake Rd., Meadville, PA. Days Inn is located off I-79 in downtown Meadville.
Thursday, January 21, 1999, 7--9:30 p.m. at Best Western Hotel and Conference Center, 815 N. Pottstown Pk., Exton, PA. Best Western is located 1/2 mile from PA Turnpike, Exit 23, take Rte. 100 South.
Tuesday, January 26, 1999, 7--9:30 p.m. at Genetti Hotel & Convention Center, 200 West 4th St., Williamsport, PA. Genetti Hotel is located off Rte 15 North, take Williamsport Business District, go two lights, make left on Fourth St., go two lights, make right on William St.
Wednesday, January 27, 1999, 7--9:30 p.m. at Ramada Plaza Hotel, 20 Public Sq., Wilkes-Barre, PA. Ramada is located off Exit 47B of I-81 to Rte. 309, at red light make a left, go through five lights to Market St., make a right and hotel is on right.
For additional information about the public meetings, please call DEP at (717) 783-8059. The Board will accept comments on the second draft until February 10, 1999. Submit written comments to the above address.
To obtain a copy of the draft legislation and the comment response document which compiles all comments received on the board's first draft, call 1-877-PAGREEN (1-877-724-7336), or visit the Internet at http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/waterops/proposed322.htm. People who commented on the first draft will automatically receive a response document and copy of the second draft.
Persons who require accommodation to attend the public meetings, should contact Lynn Rice at (717) 787-5236 or through PA AT&T Relay Services at (800) 654-5984 (TDD).
ROBERT J. SLATICK,
Secretary[Pa.B. Doc. No. 98-2093. Filed for public inspection December 18, 1998, 9:00 a.m.]
