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Wastewater and stormwater operator certification

Lab equipment
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Wastewater and stormwater operator certification

Municipal and industrial wastewater systems are vital for public health and environmental protection, with certified operators ensuring proper treatment and compliance. Municipal wastewater, from residential and commercial sources, requires effective treatment before discharge, while industrial wastewater often contains more complex contaminants needing specialized processes, including stormwater coverage. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) certifies operators to ensure they have the necessary expertise to manage these systems, prevent pollution, and meet regulatory standards, contributing to cleaner water and healthier communities.

The Water Resources Division (WRD), through its Licensing and Technology Support Unit (LATS), administers certification programs for municipal and industrial wastewater, industrial stormwater, construction stormwater, and soil erosion and sedimentation control plan review and design.

The unit is also responsible for exam scheduling and reviews, certification renewals, reciprocity, operator outreach and correspondence, facilitating application payment, Board coordination, and oversight of activities related to the Part 41, Sewerage Systems,  statute and Part 41 Administrative Rules; Part 31, Water Resources Protection, statute and Part 10 Administrative Rules; and Part 91, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control statute, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended. 

Certified operator lists

  • Industrial wastewater operators

  • Municipal wastewater operators

  • Construction stormwater operators

  • Industrial stormwater operators

  • SESC & plan review and design operators

Certification information

Individuals interested in becoming certified wastewater and/or stormwater operators may obtain certification by completing EGLE-approved training and passing the required examination. An operator may hold multiple wastewater and stormwater certifications (a municipal certification, industrial certification, industrial stormwater certification, construction stormwater certification, and/or a soil erosion and sedimentation control plan review and design certification). Operators holding multiple wastewater and/or stormwater certification are required to fulfill all requirements of each certification types.

All certifications are issued to and owned by the individual operator, not the employing company. Certifications are maintained under the individual operator’s name and shall remain with the operator upon separation from employment, transfer, or change of employer, regardless of whether the employer funded or reimbursed the cost of training or certification. 

The certification number is uniquely assigned to the certified individual and is the sole responsibility of that individual. The operator is responsible for maintaining the certification in good standing, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, and providing valid documentation when required. 

Under the Part 41 Sewerage System Administrative Rules for municipal wastewater treatment plant operators, the owner of a treatment facility may replace the superintendent with another properly certified operator at any time, and shall notify the department in writing within 10 days after the replacement.  

Under the Part 10 Treatment Plant Operators Administrative Rules for industrial/commercial wastewater and stormwater operators, the owner of a waste treatment facility may replace the designated operator with another properly certified operator at any time and shall notify the commission within 10 days after the replacement. 

For all certification programs, it is the operator's responsibility to contact the Department with any employment or contact information changes.  

 

Contact us

For questions on topics not listed below, please reach out to EGLE-WRD-OpCert@Michigan.gov with a clear description of your question.

Municipal and industrial wastewater exam applications

EGLE-WRD-OpCert@Michigan.gov

Reciprocity

Alyssa Sarver
SarverA@Michigan.gov
517-881-1371

Certificate copies

EGLE-WRD-OpCert@Michigan.gov

Credit card and check payments

EGLE-WRD-OpCert@Michigan.gov

Renewals - all programs

Sarah Marshall
MarshallS15@Michigan.gov
517-388-6679

Facility classification/permit/ compliance

A-1a and A-1h applications

Marian Maier
MaierM3@Michigan.gov
517-582-4848

Stormwater Certifications – all programs

Marian Maier
MaierM3@Michigan.gov
517-582-4848

CEC applications and renewals

Sarah Marshall
MarshallS15@Michigan.gov
517-388-6679