1. Discussion Items • Classification of First Nation drinking water and wastewater systems • Status update • Outstanding issues • Certification of First Nation operators • Requirements for certification • Grade 12 or equivalent • Renewal of certifications • Drinking water • Wastewater

2. Life Cycle of a Drinking Water Operator Obtain Operator-in-Training Certificate High School Graduate; Pass OIT exam 1. Complete Entry-level Training* Within 16 months of obtaining certificate (Available Aug 1, 2005) 2. Facility Classification Relative ranking (Class 1-4) which corresponds to operational complexity of the system • Highest class of certificate an operator can obtain • Hours of annual training required Obtain Class 1 Certificate Pass exam; Verify 1 year experience 6. 3. Upgrade Certificate Renew Certificate Verify recent experience; Complete mandatory training Complete Annual Training 30-50 hours per year including MOE approved Certificate Renewal Course every 3 years ( Available 1, 2005) 5. 4. *May complete training prior to obtaining OIT

3. Classification • “Notional classification” of facilities • See attached sheet for stats • Outstanding issues: • Submission of remaining systems • Engineering assessments or P.Eng. sign off or other verification

4. Certification of Operators - Criteria

5. Grade 12 Equivalent • Currently: • Completion of grade 12 from a recognized institution • GED (Grade 12 Equivalency Diploma) • College or university degree or diploma • Successful completion of 1 year of college diploma or university degree in a related subject area (e.g. environmental technician; engineering) • Licensed apprentice (licensed electrician, plumber etc.) • If operator applied for certification prior to August 1, 2004: • All of the above + experience as an operator could be substituted for grade 12 (for each year of experience obtained prior to August 1, 2004 = 1 year of high school or 2 years of primary school)

6. Current Status • Since the introduction of the new operator certification regulation in August 1, 2004, the use of “Conditional” certificates has been limited and has not been used as a long term instrument to certify operators without Grade 12 or equivalent

7. Certificate Renewals • As certificates expire, not all are being renewed, resulting in a decrease of certified First Nation certificates • Wastewater: • Fee • Verification of experience • Drinking Water: • Fee • Verification of experience • Preventing Waterborne Illnesses course • Other On-the-job and Director Approved Continuing Education

8. Appendix A: Types of Training (Drinking Water) Complete if Upgrading to Class 3 or 4 Certificate Complete Every Three Years Required for all New Operators