To the Editor:
In response to the editor’s column in the November 2009 edition of Municipal Sewer & Water (“Are You Certified?”), the Associ-ation of Boards of Certification (ABC) agrees that wastewater collection system operator certification is beneficial to the industry. However, it also ensures the integrity of the profession.
As mentioned in the article, while the U.S. EPA does not require national collections certification, it has used the CMOM (Capacity, Management, Operation and Maintenance) program as a way to get utilities to operate correctly. ABC concurs that certification in collections systems goes a long way for utilities in meeting EPA requirements under CMOM.
ABC is an international, nonprofit association founded in 1972 to facilitate the transfer of certification between certifying authorities to and promote certification as a means of ensuring effective operation. Today, our membership is comprised of nearly 100 certifying authorities, representing more than 40 states, nine Canadian provinces and several international programs.
Almost 30 member programs currently use ABC’s Testing Services to offer collection system certification in their state, province or region. ABC’s national and international voluntary certification program includes the area of wastewater collection. Approximately 3,000 operators take an ABC collection system exam each year.
As an organization dedicated to advancing water quality and integrity through certification, we know the benefits of collection system certification are numerous. Operators certified in collection are often presented with career advancement and higher wage-earning opportunities. Employers can use certification to make informed hiring decisions, help ensure ongoing continuing education for employees, and screen potential new hires.
Growing interest in wastewater collection system operator certification can only strengthen the industry by providing increased professionalism and prestige to the field, and ultimately ensure the protection of public health and the environment.
Robert “Bob” Hoyt
2009 President
Association of Boards of Certification
