Industrial Technology
Water & Wastewater
"It has been estimated that almost 50% of today's water and wastewater operators will retire within the next five to seven years. They'll need to be replaced." - The American Water Works Association
Water and Wastewater operators serve their neighbors by protecting public health. They are the first line of defense against waterborne diseases, and our guardians of water quality. SUNY Ulster’s training programs satisfy the necessary requirements dictated by the NYS Department of Health for Grades A, B, C, and D Water Treatment Plant Operators, as well as the education needed to work in a Wastewater Treatment facility as an approved training provider by the Department of Environmental Conservation. SUNY Ulster also provides continuing education training for certified Water/Wastewater operators. Water courses are approved by the NY State Department of Health for pre-certification training. Under Part 5 of the NY Sanitary Code, all NY State Grades A, B, C, and D Water Treatment Plant Operators are required to complete an approved training program as a prerequisite to becoming certified.
Course Offerings
Grade A Water Operator
Topics in this course include operator qualifications and responsibilities, water quality control, coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, pH and alkalinity adjustment, iron and manganese removal, water softening and chlorination, bacteriological laboratory techniques, emergency planning, safety, hydraulics and pumps, process calculations and distribution system operation and maintenance.
Textbook is included with this class.
PSP 1500 CRN 90482 M/W 9/25-12/20 6-9:15pm Remote $1745
No class on 11/22
Grade B Water Operator
This course is designed for operators of plants providing treatment for disinfection by chlorination, iron and manganese removal, corrosion control, emergency planning, safety, hydraulics and pumps, and process calculations are covered.
Textbook is included with this class.
PSP 1504 CRN 90492 M/W 9/25-12/20 6-9:15pm Remote $1345
No classes November 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29
Grade C Water Operator
This course is designed to provide the student with a basic background in the principles and practices of water treatment.
Textbook is included with this class.
PSP 1507 CRN 90491 T/R 8/22-10/3 6-9:15pm Remote $975
Grade D Water Operator
This course of study is designed for operators of distribution systems serving greater than 1,000 people. Topics include pressure zones, booster stations, storage tanks, fire protection and disinfection.
PSP 1508 Expected January 2024 - Email us at cereg@sunyulster.edu to be added to the waitlist.
Grade 3 Technical Module
This course meets NYS Department of Environmental Conservation requirements for those persons desiring Grade 3 or higher certification that have previously completed NYSDEC approved Supervision course. It is designed to help operators improve technical skills. Technical module topics include Odor Control and Nutrient Removal, Toxics, and multi-media.
PSP1512 TBA - Email us at cereg@sunyulster.edu to be added to the waitlist.
Grade 3 Supervision and Technical Operations
This 30 hour course meets NYS Department of Environmental Conservation requirements for those persons desiring Grade 3 or higher certification. The course is designed to help operators improve supervision skills and management skills. This course includes problem solving and decision making skills, communication and training skills, planning and organizational skills as well as health and safety issues and requirements.
This course includes the textbook, Manage for Success.
PSP 1006 TBA - Email us at cereg@sunyulster.edu to be added to the waitlist.
3A Exam Review
This course will prepare operators for the 3A certification exam. The review will include practice questions with detailed explanations that will help the student apply concepts to test questions.
PSP 1007 CRN 90526 M/W 10/23-11/1 6-8pm Remote $175
Grade 4 Management
To prepare Operators seeking their Grade 4A License to manage capital projects from concept to completion including grant writing, energy efficiency, adherence to regulations, community relations, budgets and contract management.
Manage for Success textbook (ISBN 978-1-59371-002-6) is required and must be purchased by the student.
PSP1005 CRN 90490 T/R 10/10-10/26 6-9:15pm Remote $499
Basic Wastewater Operations
Designed to train operators in the practical aspects of operating and maintaining wastewater treatment plants, emphasizing the use of safe practices and procedures. Information presented includes the role and responsibilities of a treatment plant operator, an explanation of why wastes must be treated, and detailed descriptions of the equipment and processes used in a wastewater treatment plant.
PSP 1502 Expected January 2024 - Email us at cereg@sunyulster.edu to be added to the waitlist.
Basic Wastewater Operations Lab
Designed to give students an introduction to wastewater laboratory including chemical nomenclature; laboratory safety; description of glassware, chemicals, lab equipment, and instrumentation; quality assurance, flow measurement and sampling.
PSP 1501 Spring 2024 - Email us at cereg@sunyulster.edu to be added to the waitlist.
Activated Sludge
Required for candidates applying for certification for an activated sludge or “A” facility. Developed to instruct how to efficiently operate the activated sludge portion of a wastewater treatment plant. Control strategies and application of laboratory data are presented. Safety and regulatory recordkeeping are emphasized.
PSP 1503 Spring 2024 - Email us at cereg@sunyulster.edu to be added to the waitlist.
