Part VI. Standards of Practice and Conduct
18VAC160-30-290. Grounds for disciplinary action.
The board may place a licensee on probation; impose a monetary penalty in accordance with § 54.1-202 A of the Code of Virginia; or revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew any license when the licensee has been found to have violated or cooperated with others in violating any provision of the regulations of the board or Chapter 23 (§ 54.1-2300 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2301 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2017.
18VAC160-30-300. Maintenance of license.
A. No license issued by the board shall be assigned or otherwise transferred.
B. A licensee shall report, in writing, all changes of address and name to the board within 30 days of the change and shall return the license to the board. In addition to the address of record, a physical address is required for each license. If the licensee holds more than one license, the licensee shall inform the board of all licenses, certificates, and registrations affected by the address change. The board shall not be responsible for the licensee's failure to receive notices or correspondence due to the licensee's failure to report a change of address.
C. Any change in any of the requirements and qualifications for licensure found in Part II (18VAC160-30-20 et seq.) or Part III (18VAC160-30-150 et seq.) of this chapter shall be reported to the board within 30 days of the change.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2301 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2017.
18VAC160-30-310. Notice of adverse action.
A. Licensees shall notify the board of the following actions against the licensee:
1. Any disciplinary action taken by any jurisdiction, board, or administrative body of competent jurisdiction, including any reprimand, license or certificate revocation, suspension or denial, monetary penalty, requirement for remedial education, or other corrective action.
2. Any voluntary surrendering of a related license, certificate, or registration done in connection with a disciplinary action in another jurisdiction.
3. Any conviction, finding of guilt, or plea of guilty, regardless of adjudication or deferred adjudication, in any jurisdiction of the United States of any (i) misdemeanor involving lying, cheating, stealing, sexual offense, non-marijuana drug distribution, or physical injury, or relating to the practice of the profession, or (ii) felony, there being no appeal pending therefrom or the time for appeal having lapsed. Review of convictions shall be subject to the requirements of § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia. Any plea of nolo contendere shall be considered a conviction for the purpose of this section.
B. The notice must be made to the board in writing within 30 days of the action. A copy of the order or other supporting documentation must accompany the notice. The record of conviction, finding, or case decision shall be considered prima facie evidence of a conviction or finding of guilt.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2301 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 38, Issue 6, eff. December 8, 2021.
18VAC160-30-320. Prohibited acts.
The following acts are prohibited and any violation may result in disciplinary action by the board:
1. Violating, inducing another to violate, cooperating with another to violate, or combining or conspiring with or acting as agent, partner, or associate for another to violate any of the provisions of Chapter 1 (§ 54.1-100 et seq.), 2 (§ 54.1-200 et seq.), or 23 (§ 54.1-2300 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia, or any of the regulations of the board.
2. Allowing a license issued by the board to be used by another.
3. Obtaining or attempting to obtain a license by false or fraudulent representation, or maintaining or renewing a license by false or fraudulent representation.
4. A licensee having been convicted, found guilty, or disciplined in any jurisdiction of any offense or violation enumerated in 18VAC160-30-310. Review of convictions shall be subject to the requirements of § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia.
5. Failing to inform the board in writing within 30 days that the licensee was convicted, found guilty, or disciplined in any jurisdiction of any offense or violation enumerated in 18VAC160-30-310.
6. Not demonstrating reasonable care, judgment, or application of the required knowledge, skill, and ability in the performance of the licensee's duties.
7. Having undertaken to perform or performed a professional assignment that the licensee is not qualified to perform by education, experience, training, or any combination thereof.
8. Failing to report a change as required by 18VAC160-30-300.
9. Negligence, misconduct, or incompetence in the practice of the profession.
10. Making any misrepresentation or engaging in acts of fraud or deceit in providing professional services.
11. Failing to adequately supervise and review work performed by licensed or unlicensed employees under direct supervision of the licensee.
12. Submitting or recording or assisting another in the submission or recording of false or misleading operational information relating to the performance and monitoring requirements of a waterworks or wastewater works.
13. Failing to act in providing waterworks and wastewater works operator services in a manner that safeguards the interests of the public.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2301 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2017.
18VAC160-30-330. Conflicts of interest.
The licensee shall:
1. Promptly and fully inform an employer or client of any business association, interest, or circumstance that may influence the licensee's judgment or the quality of service.
2. Not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one party for services on or pertaining to the same project, unless the circumstances are fully disclosed to and agreed to by all interested parties in writing.
3. Neither solicit nor accept financial or other valuable consideration from material or equipment suppliers for specifying their products or services.
4. Not solicit or accept gratuities, directly or indirectly, from contractors or their agents or other parties dealing with a client or employer in connection with work for which the licensee is responsible.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2301 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2017.
18VAC160-30-340. Licensee responsiblity.
A. The primary obligation of the licensee is to the public. If the licensee's judgment is overruled and not adhered to when advising appropriate parties of circumstances of a substantial threat to the public health, safety, or welfare, the licensee shall inform the employer or client, as applicable, of the possible consequences and notify appropriate authorities.
B. The licensee shall not knowingly associate in a business venture with, or permit the use of the licensee's name by, any person where there is reason to believe that person is engaging in activity of a fraudulent or dishonest nature or is violating any law or regulation of the board.
C. A licensee who has direct knowledge that another individual may be violating any of the provisions of this chapter or the provisions of Chapter 23 (§ 54.1-2300 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia shall immediately inform the board in writing and shall cooperate in furnishing any further information or assistance that may be required.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2301 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2017.
18VAC160-30-350. Response to inquiry and provision of records.
A. A licensee must respond within 10 days to a request by the board or any of its agents regarding any complaint filed with the department.
B. Unless otherwise specified by the board, a licensee of the board shall produce to the board or any of its agents within 10 days of the request any document, book, or record concerning any transaction pertaining to a complaint filed in which the licensee was involved, or for which the licensee is required to maintain records. The board may extend such timeframe upon a showing of extenuating circumstances prohibiting delivery within such 10-day period.
C. A licensee shall not provide a false, misleading, or incomplete response to the board or any of its agents seeking information in the investigation of a complaint filed with the board.
D. With the exception of the requirements of subsections A and B of this section, a licensee must respond to an inquiry by the board or its agent within 21 days.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2301 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2017.
18VAC160-30-360. Wastewater works.
A. A Class 4 wastewater works licensee may operate any wastewater works as follows:
1. A wastewater works employing biological mechanical methods (i.e., mechanical treatment process defined as those containing aerated and mixed flows using electrical or outside energy sources) with a design hydraulic capacity greater than 1,000 gallons per day but equal to or less than 0.04 MGD;
2. A wastewater works employing natural treatment methods (referenced in 9VAC25-790-870 as land treatment utilizing a secondary process for pretreatment followed by irrigation, overland flow infiltration-percolation, or combination thereof or aquatic ponds or constructed wetlands) with a design hydraulic capacity greater than 1,000 gallons per day but equal to or less than 1.0 MGD; or
3. Any other wastewater works classified by DEQ or VDH as a Class 4 wastewater works.
B. A Class 3 wastewater works licensee may operate any wastewater works as follows:
1. A wastewater works using biological treatment methods consisting of but not limited to (i) suspended growth reactors, (ii) aerated lagoons, (iii) constructed wetlands, (iv) filters or other attached growth contactors, (v) processes utilizing biological nutrient control, or (vi) processes utilizing land treatment having a design hydraulic capacity greater than 0.04 MGD, but equal to or less than 0.5 MGD;
2. A wastewater works using natural treatment methods (referenced in 9VAC25-790-870 as land treatment utilizing a secondary process for pretreatment followed by irrigation, overland flow infiltration-percolation, or combination thereof or aquatic ponds or constructed wetlands) with a design hydraulic capacity greater than 1.0 MGD;
3. A wastewater works using advanced waste treatment methods consisting of but not limited to (i) ammonia stripping, (ii) breakpoint chlorination, (iii) carbon adsorption, (iv) chemical coagulation, (v) flocculation, (vi) precipitation, (vii) filtration, or (viii) demineralization (i.e., ion exchange, reverse osmosis, or electrodialysis) having a design hydraulic capacity greater than 1,000 gallons per day but equal to or less than 0.1 MGD; or
4. A wastewater works classified by DEQ or VDH as a Class 3 or Class 4 wastewater works facility.
C. A Class 2 wastewater works licensee may operate any wastewater works as follows:
1. A wastewater works using biological treatment methods consisting of but not limited to (i) suspended growth reactors, (ii) aerated lagoons or constructed wetlands, (iii) filters or other attached growth contactors, (iv) processes utilizing biological nutrient control, or (v) processes utilizing land application having a design hydraulic capacity greater than 0.5 MGD but equal to or less than 5.0 MGD;
2. A wastewater works using advanced waste treatment methods consisting of but not limited to (i) ammonia stripping, (ii) breakpoint chlorination, (iii) carbon adsorption, (iv) chemical coagulation, (v) flocculation, (vi) precipitation, (vii) filtration, (viii) demineralization (i.e., ion exchange, reverse osmosis, or electrodialysis) and having a hydraulic capacity greater than 0.1 MGD but equal to or less than 2.5 MGD; or
3. A wastewater works classified by DEQ or VDH as a Class 2, Class 3, or Class 4 wastewater works.
D. A Class 1 wastewater works licensee may operate any wastewater works as follows:
1. A wastewater works using biological treatment methods consisting of but not limited to (i) suspended growth reactors, (ii) aerated lagoons or constructed wetlands, (iii) filters or other attached growth contactors, (iv) processes utilizing biological nutrient control, (v) processes utilizing land treatment and having a hydraulic capacity greater than 5.0 MGD;
2. A wastewater works using advanced waste treatment methods consisting of but not limited to (i) ammonia stripping, (ii) breaking chlorination, (iii) carbon adsorption, (iv) chemical coagulation, (v) flocculation, (vi) precipitation, (vii) filtration, (viii) demineralization (i.e., ion exchange, reverse osmosis, or electrodialysis) and having a design capacity greater than 2.5 MGD; or
3. A wastewater works classified by DEQ or VDH as a Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, or Class 4 wastewater works.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2301 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2017; Errata, 33:15 VA.R. 1905 March 20, 2017.
18VAC160-30-370. Waterworks.
A. A Class 6 waterworks licensee may operate any waterworks as follows:
1. A waterworks serving fewer than 400 persons that provides no treatment or employs one or more of the following treatment processes: (i) hypochlorination for disinfection, (ii) corrosion control with calcite or magnesium oxide contactors or solution feed except with caustic, or (iii) sequestration by solution feed; or
2. A waterworks classified by VDH as a Class 6 waterworks.
B. A Class 5 waterworks licensee may operate any waterworks as follows:
1. A waterworks serving 400 or more persons that provides no treatment or employs one or more of the following treatment processes: (i) hypochlorination for disinfection, (ii) corrosion control with calcite or magnesium oxide contactors or solution feed except with caustic, or (iii) sequestration by solution feed; or
2. A waterworks classified by VDH as a Class 5 waterworks.
C. A Class 4 waterworks licensee may operate any waterworks as follows:
1. A waterworks or treatment facility serving fewer than 5,000 persons or having a treatment facility capacity of less than 0.5 MGD and employing one or more of the following: (i) disinfection other than with hypochlorination, (ii) caustic soda feed, (iii) iron and manganese removal, (iv) ion exchange, (v) slow sand filtration, (vi) aeration, (vii) rechlorination other than with hypochlorination, (viii) activated carbon contactors, (ix) membrane or other filtration technologies without chemical coagulation, or (x) fluoridation with a saturator; or
2. A waterworks classified by VDH as a Class 4 waterworks.
D. A Class 3 waterworks licensee may operate any waterworks as follows:
1. A waterworks or treatment facility serving fewer than 5,000 persons or having a treatment facility capacity less than 0.5 MGD, whichever is greater, and employing conventional filtration or chemical coagulation in combination with membrane filtration;
2. A waterworks or treatment facility serving 5,000 or more persons or having a treatment facility capacity of 0.5 MGD or more, whichever is greater, and employing one or more of the following: (i) disinfection other than with hypochlorination, (ii) caustic soda feed, (iii) iron and manganese removal, (iv) ion exchange, (v) slow sand filtration, (vi) aeration, (vii) rechlorination other than with hypochlorination, (viii) activated carbon contactors, (ix) membrane or other filtration technologies without chemical coagulation, or (x) fluoridation with a saturator or acid feed;
3. A waterworks or treatment facility employing fluoridation with other than a saturator not considered a Class 1 or Class 2 waterworks; or
4. A waterworks classified by VDH as a Class 3 waterworks.
E. A Class 2 waterworks licensee may operate any waterworks as follows:
1. A waterworks or treatment facility serving 5,000 or more persons but fewer than 50,000 persons or having a treatment facility capacity of 0.5 MGD or more but less than 5.0 MGD, whichever range applies, and employing rapid rate conventional filtration chemical coagulation in combination with membrane filtration;
2. A waterworks or treatment facility serving fewer than 50,000 persons or having a treatment facility capacity of less than 5.0 MGD employing high rate conventional filtration; or
3. A waterworks classified by the VDH as a Class 2 waterworks.
F. A Class 1 waterworks licensee may operate any waterworks as follows:
1. A waterworks or treatment facility serving 50,000 or more persons or having a treatment facility capacity of 5.0 MGD or more and employing conventional filtration or chemical coagulation in combination with membrane filtration; or
2. A waterworks classified by VDH as a Class 1 waterworks.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2301 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2017.