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

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

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

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

5. Definitions "Inspection" means an examination of an on-site wastewater system permitted under the provisions of Article 11 of Chapter 130A 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

6. 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

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

8. 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

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

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

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

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

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

20. 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

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

22. 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

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

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

25. “Installer and Inspector” Rules 15A 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

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

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

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

29. 29 Disciplinary Actions Civil and criminal penalties Civil and criminal penalties

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

31. Questions? 31