1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to environment; requiring amendment of rules for certifying operators for 
1.3 	wastewater treatment plants.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. REQUIRING RULEMAKING.
 1.6 	In response to requests by small municipalities reporting difficulty in recruiting 
1.7 	wastewater treatment plant operators, the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency 
1.8 	must amend rules for certifying wastewater treatment plant operators using the expedited 
1.9 	rulemaking process in Minnesota Statutes, section 14.389. The rule amendments must create 
1.10 	new paths to certification for Class C and Class D operators. For Class C operators, the rule 
1.11 	amendment must allow certification for completing a postsecondary program in water or 
1.12 	wastewater technology approved by the commissioner and at least one year of experience 
1.13 	in operating a wastewater facility or similar industrial facility. For Class D operators, the 
1.14 	rule amendment must reduce the experience requirement for applicants with bachelor's 
1.15 	degrees from one year to six months.