March 4, 2003

C.W.P.A.A.

c/o Ray Weaver

Website Coordinator

Re: University of Sacramento Courses – Exchanging of Answers

Dear Ray:

It has come to my attention from DEP staff, CAC and various wastewater operators that recently some applicants applying for the various levels of wastewater exams have been exchanging answers to chapter questions in order to complete the various "Sac" courses in a short period of time without studying the manuals. Based upon the Department's exam experiences, the purpose of requiring a minimum amount of education in the form of CEUs is to help the operator understand the material and pass the wastewater exam the first time. This form of "cheating" described above hurts that operator who does it, is unfair to other operators who don’t and costs a lot money which results in the need for repeat examination because of a lack of understanding the material. The Certification Regulations address cheating on exams and revocation of certificates. The Department’s staff will act on this on a case-by-case basis and will utilize these controls if need be on any individual(s) caught doing this. Please convey my concerns and the concerns of the Department and its’ Certification Advisory Committee (CAC) to the Abatement Association members and please place this letter into your newsletter.

If you have any questions, please contact me at 424-3753.

Sincerely,

William R. Hogan, Engineer of WPCFs

Water Bureau/Water Management

79 Elm Street

Hartford, CT 06106-5127

CC: Ramzi Mahmood, CSUS