Wastewater Operator Certification Program
Process Leading to Disciplinary Action
A full-scale investigation of the allegation involves the review and analysis of all information that can be obtained concerning the allegation. The investigator may engage
the aid of Regional Water Quality Control Board or the Division of Drinking Water Regional Office personnel and records, interview witnesses, obtain search warrants, as well as
use other investigative techniques to obtain necessary information. The investigation could take several months and a summary of the evidence is compiled. If the investigation
concludes that, based on the evidence, disciplinary action and/or the imposition of administrative civil liability is warranted, the Office of Enforcement will issue a
proposed disciplinary action letter to the alleged violator.
The proposed disciplinary action letter is final and conclusive unless the alleged violator submits a request for reconsideration within 45 days of the date of the proposed
disciplinary action letter. The Director of the Office of Enforcement will review the evidence and make a Final Office of Enforcement Decision within 90 days of receiving the
request for reconsideration, affirming, rejecting, or modifying the proposed discipline.
The Final Office of Enforcement Decision is final and conclusive unless the alleged violator petitions the State Water Board for review of the Final Office of Enforcement
Decision within 30 days of the date of the Final Office of Enforcement Decision. The alleged violator may request that the State Water Board conduct a testimony, other evidence,
and argument. Any decision made by the State Water Board to affirm, reject, or modify the proposed discipline is final.
