NC Rules and Requirements Certified Inspectors of Subsurface

NC Rules and Requirements: Certified Inspectors of Subsurface Systems NC Certified Inspector Training School

House Bill 688 • Passed on June 29, 2006 • Effective January 1, 2008 – Onsite wastewater contractors and inspectors must be certified 2

House Bill 688 • • • Definitions Certification requirements Renewal of certification Continuing Education Complaint investigation Remedies 3

Definitions "Inspector" means a person who conducts an inspection in accordance with rules adopted by the Board. 4

Definitions "Inspection" means an examination of an on-site wastewater system permitted under the provisions of Article 11 of Chapter 130 A of the General Statutes that satisfies all of the following criteria: a. Is requested by a lending institution, realtor, prospective homebuyer, or other impacted party as a condition of sale, refinancing, or transfer of title. b. Meets the minimum requirements established by the Board. 5

Inspector certification requirements At least 18 years of age Properly completed application to the Board Submit fees Complete education program approved by the Board • Pass an examination • • – More about this later 6

Certification Renewal • Submit an application for renewal • Meet the continuing education requirements prescribed by the Board • Pay the certification renewal fee • Late fee 7

Complaints • A person may refer charges of fraud, deceit, negligence, incompetence, or misconduct against any certified contractor or inspector to the Board. – Mail notarized letter: NCOWCICB - P. O. Box 132 Lawsonville, N. C. 27022. www. ncowcicb. info 8

Remedies • Denial, suspension or revocation of certificate • Arbitration • Injunction 9

Denial, Suspension, and Revocation of Certification due to: • A violation of a Rule of this Board, • The use of fraud or deceit in obtaining or renewing a certificate, including falsification of information on the Application, • Any gross negligence, incompetence, or misconduct in the construction, installation, repair, or inspection of an onsite wastewater system. 10

Arbitration or Injunction • Arbitration – Voluntary procedure to address complaints • Injunction – Court proceedings 11

Class 2 misdemeanor • Engages in or offers to engage in the construction, installation, repair, or inspection of an on‑site wastewater system without the appropriate certificate for the grade level of on‑site wastewater system • Gives false or forged evidence of any kind in obtaining a certificate • Falsely impersonates a certified contractor or inspector 12

Written or oral examination to demonstrate proficiency in • Principles of public and environmental health associated with onsite wastewater systems • Principles of construction and safety • Technical and practical knowledge • Laws and rules related to inspection of specified systems 13

Inspector Certification Exam • • 3 hours allowed per exam 50 multiple choice questions Passing score = 70% of available points Administered – Minimum 3 times / yr – Minimum of 3 locations in NC 14

Principles of public and environmental health associated with onsite wastewater systems • Types of Wastewater – Domestic • Homes, schools, restaurants – Industrial • Risk associated with improper wastewater treatment – Disease and toxic effects – Surface and groundwater pollution 15

Principles of construction and safety • Knowledge of components and systems – Recognize proper construction and installation • Knowledge of safe practices – It is critical to work safely during inspections 16

Technical and practical knowledge • Wastewater characteristics • Components and systems – Typical systems used in NC – Treatment trains – Proper component function • What constitutes a concern? 17

Laws and Rules Related to System Inspection • G. S. 90 A Article 5 • 21 NCAC 39 – Contractor / Inspector Rules – Inspector Standards of Practice – Contractor/Inspector Code of Ethics • 15 A NCAC 18 A. 1900 – Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems • 15 A NCAC 2 L – Groundwater Classification and Standards 18

On-Site Wastewater Rules • 15 A NCAC 18 A. 1900 a. k. a. “On-site Wastewater Rules” – Systems designed to use soil for the subsurface treatment and dispersal of sewage effluent 19

On-Site Wastewater Rules • Regulatory authority – Commission for Health Services – NC Department of Environment & Natural Resources • Division of Environmental Health – On-Site Water Protection Section (OWPS) – Local Health Departments 20

On-Site Wastewater Rules • Component and system specification • System classification>>ORC requirements 21

Manufacturer assistance • Product manufacturers are willing to help – Answer questions – Provide guidance • Inspections of systems that include – Systems with proprietary advanced wastewater treatment components (Rule. 1970) – Drip Distribution and Dispersal 22

Groundwater Rules • Regulatory authority – Commission for Health Services – NC Department of Environment & Natural Resources • Division of Water Quality – Groundwater Section 23

Groundwater Rules • Monitoring wells – Where required – Construction specifications 24

“Installer and Inspector” Rules • 15 A NCAC ? ? ? North Carolina On‑Site Wastewater Contractors and Inspectors Certification Board (NCOWCIC) Rules – Requirements for and responsibilities of system contractors and inspectors – UNDER DEVELOPMENT 25

“Installer and Inspector” Rules • Additional detail on – Certification renewal requirements – Inspector responsibilities: inspection protocol – Continuing education – Disciplinary powers & procedures 26

Enforcement • Consequences – Notice of violation - via the NCOWCICB – Injunctive relief - via a court order – Criminal penalties - via a court ruling 27

Disciplinary Actions • Possible outcomes – No action – Reprimand – Suspension – Revocation • Appeal process • Request for recertification 28

Disciplinary Actions n Civil and criminal penalties 29

Protect Your Certificate(s)! • • Be familiar with rules Keep accurate records Document everything – CYA! Seek assistance when needed 30

Questions? 31