Drinking water and wastewater utility operators take two exams per session on average, and can complete those two exams in one, 2-hour session.
The average drinking water and wastewater utility operator, who takes two exams at the current cost of $50 ($25/exam), will pay a third party organization $70 for those two exams when completed in one 2-hour session. At an average of 1200 exam takers per year, the cumulative increased cost to utilities statewide is approximately $24,000 annually.
Small business operators, e.g., septage haulers, pump installers and well drillers, typically take one exam per session. The impact to small businesses would generally be an increase to their exam fees from $25 to $70 and perhaps even a decrease for some. The majority of these business operators typically take one exam during their career. The previous year (2019) there were 368 exams taken by small business operators statewide, for a cumulative increase of $16,560 if those exams were to be provided online.
There will likely be a one-time startup cost incurred by the state of approximately $15,000 to move 34 exam types into a third party on-line system.
A yearly maintenance fee of approximately $1,800 will also be incurred by the state. The rule may have an economic impact on small businesses, as defined in s. 227.114 (1), Wis. Stats. The anticipated total economic impact of this rule includes the estimated small business impact. DNR estimates that on average 368 exam takers per year (23% of all exam takers) are attributable to small businesses. The cumulative small business impact of this rule will be an approximately $16,560 annual increase. The department will engage small business and business affiliated associations during the development of the economic impact analysis of this rule. 9. Anticipated number, month and locations of public hearings:
The department anticipates holding a public hearing for the emergency rule in October 2021, or earlier if possible. The hearing will be conducted in Madison with opportunities for stakeholders around the state to connect to the Madison hearing via teleconference or video conference, and will allow for hearing comments to be submitted in writing.
The department anticipates holding a public hearing for the permanent rule in November 2021. The hearing will be conducted in Madison with opportunities for stakeholders around the state to connect to the Madison hearing via teleconference or video conference, and will allow for hearing comments to be submitted in writing.
Contact Person(s):
For Operator Certification Program:
Steve Geis, Certification Services Section Chief, Bureau of Environmental Analysis & Sustainability; 101 S. Webster Street, Madison, WI 53705; Phone (Work Cell): 608-572-2752; E-mail: Steven.Geis@wisconsin.gov For Waterworks and Water Systems:
Cathy Wunderlich, P.E., Public Engineering Section Chief, Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater; 101 S. Webster Street, Madison, WI 53705; Phone (Work Cell): 608-886-0864;
E-mail: Cathrine.Wunderlich@wisconsin.gov For Wastewater and Septage Systems:
Wade Strickland, Permits Section Chief, Bureau of Water Quality; 101 S. Webster Street, Madison, WI 53705; Phone (Work Cell): 608-669-0171;
E-mail: Wade.Strickland@wisconsin.gov For Landfill Systems:
Kate Strom Hiorns, Solid Waste Section Chief, Bureau of Water Quality; 101 S. Webster Street, Madison, WI 53705; Phone (Work Cell): 608-294-8663
Preston D. Cole, Secretary
Date Submitted
