Legislation requires that all operators of municipal water and wastewater treatment plants be certified. This program will give students the necessary knowledge and training to prepare them for the Class I Certification examinations in water and wastewater plant operations.

In the second semester of this two-year, co-op diploma program, students will write the Operator-In-Training (OIT) examination required by all entry-level plant operators. Over the remaining four semesters, they will continue to learn about water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection, and wastewater treatment, and through their co-op experience, acquire the necessary hours in preparation for Class I Operator licensing. During their last co-op placement (Semester 6), students may choose to write the Class I Certification examination, and if successful, obtain their Class I License. Courses in solid waste management round out the curriculum and enhance their employability.

Note:
Co-op placements may be located anywhere in Ontario and prospective students must be willing to relocate to complete their co-op semesters. Students who enroll in the non co-op option (NORT-T091 – KL) are not required to write either the OIT or the Class I examinations.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates find work in municipal water and wastewater facilities, the environmental departments of mines and other industrial operations, solid waste management facilities, and government.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Grade 12 English (C, M, U)
Grade 12 Math (C, M, U) (MCT4C preferred; MAP4C is accepted with a minimum GPA of 60%)

Or equivalent.

Or mature student status (an applicant who does not have a high school diploma or equivalent, and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program). Mature students must undergo academic testing prior to admission into a program. Call the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 for more details.

Note: Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading. Refer to the Post-Secondary Preparation section in this calendar for more details.

Notes:
A valid Class “G” driver’s license is required by many co-op employers. Employment as a water or wastewater operator entails a physical component including some lifting. Students who are concerned about their ability to meet the physical requirements of their intended career are strongly urged to discuss the matter with the College’s Admissions Office before registering in the program.

NOTE:
Starting September 2009, this program will have intakes in every academic semester. That is, students can join the program in Semester I, II, and V.

Program of Studies

Semester I
CM1903-A Communications I
EV1003 Environmental Mathematics I
EV1013 Chemistry and Physics
GN1082 College Success
GN2013 Co-op Study
GN2133 Law and Ethics
IN1013 Computer Applications I
WM1003 Water Monitoring and Sampling
WM1013 Waste Facility Design
WM2013 Site Surveying Techniques
WM3003 Hydrogeology

Semester II
GN1033 Health and Safety
EV1001 Plant Design
EV1011 Plant Operations I
EV2002 Drinking Water Operations
EV2003 Environmental Mathematics II
EV2013 Soil and Air Monitoring and Sampling
EV2023 Millwright
EV4001 Water Quality Analyst
EV4011 Laboratory Analysis
WM3033 Waste Facility Operations
WM4003 Environmental Regulations and Legislation
WM3002 Heavy Duty Equipment

Semester III (Co-op term)

Semester IV (Co-op term)

Semester V
BU2003 Human Resource Management I
CM2903 Communications II
EV1023 Instrumentation
EV2004 Plant Operations II
EV4002 Chlorine Maintenance
EV4003 Environmental Mathematics III
EV4004 Pumps and Motors
EV4014 Process Control
IN2013 Computer Applications II
WM4002 Waste Characteristics

Semester VI (Co-op term)

For program information:
Richard Kallio
Program Coordinator
705-567-9291 ext. 705
kallior@northern.on.ca