Overview
Safe, reliable collection, treatment and discharge of wastewater is, and should be, expected in the United States. The people responsible for consistently providing these services are the operators of wastewater collection systems and wastewater treatment plants. Wastewater treatment plant operators must be licensed by their state, which tests operators for competence and verifies their work experience prior to licensing them to operate wastewater treatment facilities. Educating prospective wastewater treatment plant operators and providing continuing education for experienced operators is a critically important responsibility to help assure public health and environmental protection and is the purpose of this program.Program Purpose
The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to competently work in the wastewater treatment industry and the technical, scientific, and application background to obtain licensure. Specific objectives of the proposed certificate program are to provide students with the skills and knowledge to: - effectively and safely operate and maintain wastewater treatment plants
- protect public health and the natural environment by producing high quality, clean, safe treated water for discharge to the environment or for reuse
- effectively and safely operate facilities to process wastewater residuals for reuse and to recover energy from the residuals
- prevent public health hazards from water-borne pathogens
- manage receiving water watershed environmental quality
- effectively monitor wastewater treatment processes using sampling and laboratory techniques
Intended Audience
The program targets prospective wastewater treatment plant operators seeking to begin a career in the wastewater treatment industry and experienced operators who want to advance in their careers to levels with higher responsibilities and rewards. Program Structure
The program requires completion of three required courses for a total of 18 academic credits and can be completed in one year. All courses are offered exclusively using a distance learning format, which provides optimum flexibility for working adult students. Courses are offered continuously and students can enroll and begin a course at any time. Courses are self-paced and exams are submitted by mail for grading. The final exam is administered via the internet. Certificate Courses and Prerequisites
The certificate program is composed of three courses: - CE 38A Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants I (6 Academic credits)
- CE 38B Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants II (6 Academic credits)
- CE 39 Advanced Waste Treatment (6 Academic credits)
There are no prerequisite courses. Students may take the courses in any desired order; however, it is recommended that students complete the courses in the following order: CE 38A, CE 38B, CE 39. Fees
The cost for each course is $690 and includes University enrollment, exam materials, grading, administration of a final exam (via the Internet) and six units of academic credit. The textbook fee for each course is $49 and is not included in the course fee. Textbooks are purchased through the Office of Water Programs. Course Descriptions CE 38A Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants I
This introductory course provides an overview of the need for wastewater treatment, the importance of wastewater treatment for protecting public health and the environment, and the theory and operation of wastewater treatment plant processes. Emphasis will be placed on developing knowledge and skills needed by an operator working in a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Unit processes covered in this course include preliminary treatment, sedimentation and floatation, biological treatment processes, and disinfection. CE 38B Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants II
This secondary course builds on the knowledge base developed in the introductory course and introduces advanced information on the theory and operation of municipal wastewater treatment plant processes. In addition, units on residuals processing, effluent discharge, and plant safety and maintenance are presented. Emphasis will be placed on developing advanced knowledge and skills needed by an operator working in a municipal wastewater treatment plant, including computer applications, safety, laboratory procedures, and treatment plant administration. CE 39 Advanced Waste Treatment
This course is designed to train operators in advanced wastewater treatment processes. Treatment processes covered in include nitrogen and phosphorus removal, enhanced biological nutrient removal, wastewater reclamation and reuse, and instrumentation and control systems. Additionally, high purity oxygen plant operation and maintenance, odor control, and residual solids management are covered in this advanced course. Registration
To register, please contact the College of Continuing Education at (916) 278-6984 and reference the appropriate course code (CE 38A, CE 38B or CE 39).
For more information about the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation Specialist program, please contact the Office of Water Programs at www.owp.csus.edu or (916) 278-6142. To register, please call the College of Continuing Education at (916) 278-6984.
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