As part of the Department of Environmental Quality’s continuing effort to protect and enhance Virginia’s environment, the Wastewater Operator Training program, independently and in co-operation with other organizations, develops and conducts specialized operator training programs for presentation throughout the State. The course locations, topics and frequency of presentation are determined based on the identified need and the availability of suitable training facilities and necessary resources.

Course Announcements and Registration

Course announcements and schedules are normally published each quarter (Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall). If you are interested in receiving these updates and other pertinent information from the program, please sign up using this announcement link.

The operator training program uses the DEQ Environmental Learning Management System (ELMS) to register for all wastewater operator training workshops. All participants must create an account in ELMS before registering for workshops. Payment by credit card is the only accepted payment option. Users can create and manage their own student records to track participation and print certificates.

Training Workshops

The Operator Training program offers workshops on a variety of topics. Program fees vary depending on course length and complexity. Workshops include lectures, hands-on activities such as simulations, laboratory exercises and site visits. Every effort is made to provide participants with valuable hands-on experience. The program also offers virtual web-based workshops that can be offered at most times of the year and provide some flexibility for attendance.

Process Control Training

Process control training is available for many of the more widely used treatment processes. Workshops generally range from 1- 2 days in length and focus on information the operator “needs to know” to effectively operate the treatment process.
 
Workshops include, but are not limited to, the following process control topics:  

  • Introduction to Wastewater Treatment 
  • Introduction to Biological Nutrient Removal
  • Activated Sludge Process Control,
    • Part I - Observations and Process Control Tests
    • Part 2 - Process Control Calculations
    • Part 3 - Microscopic Examination 
    • Part 4 - Biological Nutrient Removal
  • Wastewater Testing: Small Plant Testing
  • Wastewater Math Review

Contact program staff for additional information on the topic areas.

Course Locations

Training workshops are typically presented using the facilities of the Department’s Regional Offices.  Some programs are also scheduled for presentation at other locations (i.e. local treatment plants or municipal offices) when sufficient interest is identified, and appropriate facilities can be found. If you have suggestions for a location or would like to volunteer your treatment plant to host an Operator Training workshop, please contact program staff to explore the possibilities.

Course Approvals

Unless otherwise noted, all workshops offered by the Operator Training and Assistance program are approved by the State Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals and can be used as substitution for required operational experience where regulations permit. All courses also offer continuing professional education (CPE) contact hours based on the length of the program.

Wastewater Works Operators License Examination Review

The DEQ 100 Wastewater Works Operators Licensure Review program provides the exam candidates with an opportunity to learn about technologies that are not present in the plant they work in and “polish” skills (laboratory testing or process control calculations) that may not have been part of their current job responsibilities. The program is a co-operative effort between the Department and various treatment facilities throughout the commonwealth. The program consists of lectures and class exercises and are typically 3.5 days in length. 

Virginia Tech Wastewater Operator Short School

The Annual Wastewater Operator Short School is presented each summer at the Skelton Conference Center on the Virginia Tech Campus in Blacksburg, Virginia. The program is a cooperative effort involving the Virginia Tech Department of Continuing Education and Civil Engineering and the DEQ Operator Training and Assistance Program. The short school is normally conducted in early August and offers participants four (4) levels of training ranging from introductory to advanced management topic areas. The programs are instructed by experienced members of the profession recruited from the DEQ and from treatment systems throughout the state. The programs consist of lectures, exercises, and demonstrations. For dates, costs, or additional information contact the Virginia Tech Continuing Education Department. 

Special Interest Workshops

The DEQ Operator Training and Assistance program develops and presents special interest workshops and seminars on topics of current interest to the plant operators and facility managers. These programs are normally short term (one day or less) and focus on a specific problem, new technology or a change in regulatory requirements. Recent programs include wastewater energy reduction and nutrient optimization, wastewater utility management and the Chesapeake Bay General Nutrient permit required recordkeeping and reporting class.

Partnering to Expand Training Availability

The Operator Training and Assistance Program is interested in partnering with other organizations and/or treatment facilities to develop and present wastewater treatment operator training workshops throughout the state. If you are interested in exploring the possibilities for working together on development or presentation of training, please contact the following program staff:

Jason Spicer

Email: Jason.Spicer@DEQ.Virginia.gov

Phone: (804) 659-2658

 

Wayne Staples

Email: Wayne.Staples@DEQ.Virginia.gov

Phone: (804) 698-4106