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Small Water/Wastewater System Operator Reimbursement Program
The Operator Certification Program has funds available to reimburse water and wastewater operators of eligible water and wastewater systems for costs associated with continuing education. Eligible water systems are community, non-transient non-community, or non-community surface water systems serving less than 10,000 persons and requiring a certified operator. Eligible wastewater systems are those wastewater systems servings less than 10,000 persons and requiring a certified operator. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to receive reimbursement for training!
Program duration: July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012
Links/Forms:
Eligible water systems
Eligible wastewater systems
Approved course list for certified water operators
Approved course list for non-certified water operators
Approved course list for certified wastewater operators
Approved course list for non-certified wastewater operators
Pre-approval form- City
Pre-approval form- Operator
Reimbursement form
Taxpayer ID# form
Who is eligible for reimbursement?
- Non-Certified Water Operators of eligible water systems: Verification of employment as a water operator at an eligible water system is required. Click here to view the list of eligible water systems. Reimbursement is only available for courses that make the operator eligible to take the certification exam.
- Non-Certified Wastewater operators of eligible wastewater systems: Verification of employment as a wastewater operator at an eligible wastewater system is required. Click here to view the list of eligible wastewater systems. Reimbursement is only available for courses that make the operator eligible to take the certification exam.
What training courses are eligible?
How much is available for reimbursement?
An eligible operator can be reimbursed up to $1,500. If an operator is approved under the program as a drinking water operator, only drinking water courses can be take for reimbursement. If an operator is approved under the program as both a water and wastewater operator, both types of courses can be taken. An eligible operator cannot be reimbursed more than $1,500 for any combination of courses.
What costs are eligible for reimbursement?
Course fees, commercial travel costs (airfare, ferry) to and from courses, and hotel costs while attending courses are eligible for reimbursement. Course fees for out-of-state courses are reimbursable. Travel costs associated with out-of-state courses are not reimbursable.
What are some examples of costs not eligible for reimbursement?
Application fees, exam fees, renewal fees, reciprocity review fees, out-of-state travel costs, car rental, taxi fare, personal vehicle use, gas, meals, per diem, and parking fees are not reimbursable.
What if the system I operate is not on the list of eligible water/ wastewater systems?
If you operate an Alaska Class A water system that is not on the list of eligible water system contact the Operator Certification Program at (907) 465-1139. Our records may show that your system serves more than 10,000 people. Your water/ wastewater system isn't eligible if that's the case. Also, water/ wastewater systems occasionally change in classification, which affects eligibility. The Operator Certification Program will be able to assist in either case. If your wastewater system is not on the list of eligible wastewater systems, then your system does not meet the criteria.
What if the course I want to take is not on the approved course list?
Operators can contact the Operator Certification Program to seek approval of a course that is not on the approved course list. Check the list of approved courses often as courses will be added as additional approvals take place.
How do I proceed?
Operator:
Follow these steps to get started with the reimbursement:
- Complete and submit the Operator Pre-Approval form. If approved, you will be notified and will be eligible to be reimbursed up to $1,500. (For your convenience the Pre-Approval form has been provided here: Operator Pre-Approval Form)
- Complete an approved course. Be sure to keep all course and travel receipts (if travel is required).
- Complete the Reimbursement form and Taxpayer ID# form. The Reimbursement form will ask you to list the approved course you attended and travel costs. The Taxpayer ID# form is required by the State of Alaska in order to issue you a reimbursement check and requires that you provide a social security number. Reimbursement for training is not taxable income. Submit forms, course and travel receipts, and a certificate of completion to the Operator Certification Program.
- If all paperwork is complete, you will receive a reimbursement check from the State of Alaska.
City/Utility/Employer:
Follow these steps to get started with the reimbursement:
- Complete and submit the City/Utility/Employer Pre-Approval Form. Please include all the operators the city/utility/employer will be seeking reimbursement for and their certification status. If approved, the city/utility/employer will be notified and each operator will be eligible to be reimbursed up to $1,500. The $1,500 reimbursement amount is not transferable between operators. i.e. an operator is approved for no more than $1,500 in reimbursement for training costs. (For your convenience the Pre-Approval form has been provided here: City Pre-Approval Form)
- An operator completes an approval course. Be sure to keep all course and travel receipts (if travel is required).
- Complete the Reimbursement Form. Ensure that the operator's name is on the Reimbursement form. The Reimbursement form will ask you to list the approved course the operator attended and travel costs. Submit forms, course and travel receipts, and a certificate of completion to the Operator Certification Program. If we do not have a Pay Vendor Number (PVN) for the city/utility/employer, the city/utility/employer will be required to complete the business section of the Taxpayer ID# form. Please contact the Operator Training and Certification Program to get a copy of the form.
- If all paperwork is complete, the city/utility/employer will receive a reimbursement check from the State of Alaska.
What are the deadlines?
All Reimbursement Forms, Taxpayer ID forms, course completion certificates, and receipts must be submitted (postmarked) by June 30, 2012. Requests for reimbursement postmarked after June 30, 2012 will not be honored.
How can I contact the Operator Certification Program?
We can be reached at :
| Mailing address: |
Alaska Dept. of Environmental Conservation
Operator Training and Certification Program
410 Willoughby Ave., Suite 303
P.O. Box 111800
Juneau, AK 99811-1800 |
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| Email address: |
dec.water.fco.opcert@alaska.gov |
| Phone number: |
(907) 465-1139 |
| Fax number: |
(907) 465-5177 |
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