Small municipalities in Oregon are advocating for significant changes to the certification process for Lagoon wastewater treatment system operators, as discussed in a recent meeting of the House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment. House Bill 3,655 aims to create a more equitable examination process tailored to the unique needs of these rural communities.

City Manager Ginger Allen of SIO, representing the Small Municipality Advocacy Coalition, highlighted the challenges faced by small cities in retaining trained operators. She noted that many operators leave for larger cities offering better pay and benefits after receiving training, which is often misaligned with their actual work environment. The current certification tests include questions that do not pertain to Lagoon systems, leading to low passage rates and frustration among candidates.

Allen proposed that the bill be amended to require only one year of experience instead of the current 1,800 hours, arguing that operators need to experience all four seasons to effectively manage Lagoon systems. She emphasized that small city operators often juggle multiple responsibilities, making it impractical to dedicate all their time to wastewater management.

The meeting also addressed the broader issue of workforce retention in the field, as many experienced operators are retiring. Allen expressed concern that the existing certification process could exacerbate the problem by discouraging potential candidates from pursuing careers in this essential area.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is reportedly working on improving the certification process, but there are no plans for a Lagoon-specific test, which advocates believe is necessary. The discussions at the meeting underscore the urgent need for reforms that not only support the certification of operators but also help retain skilled workers in Oregon's rural communities.

As the committee continues to deliberate on this bill, the implications for small municipalities and their wastewater management capabilities remain a critical focus. The outcome could significantly impact the operational efficiency and sustainability of these essential services in rural Oregon.