SAU TECH ACADEMICS
ARKANSAS ENVIRONMENTAL ACADEMY

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On January 30, 2008 the Arkansas Drinking Water Licensing Committee approved the Arkansas Environmental Academy’s Backflow Classes for OPCERT Reimbursement. Under the OPCERT Program qualifying water system employees are eligible to attend these courses at NO charge. Below are the eligible courses and a brief description of each.

Backflow Assembly Tester Certification

Registration Fee (On-Campus - $ 300) (Off Campus - $350 (Paid for by OPCERT for qualifying system employees)

This is a comprehensive 40- hour course designed to train the student in the fundamentals necessary to field test the various types of backflow prevention assemblies (Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly, Double Check valve Assembly, Pressure Vacuum Breaker Assembly). The Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certification course is comprised of a series of lectures and hands-on training. Topics covered in this course include an introduction to backflow prevention, fundamentals of backflow, hazards of cross-connections, basic hydraulics, methods and mechanisms for preventing backflow, Cross-Connection Control Programs, responsibilities and liabilities of the water purveyor, plumbing inspectors, testers, and the general public, laws and regulations (Local, State, and Federal), and a minimum of 12-16 hours of hands-on testing in a controlled laboratory setting. This class counts for 40 hours of INDIRECT Training towards Water Operator License renewal.

Cross-Connection Control Program Specialist

Registration Fee $ 125 ((Paid for by OPCERT for qualifying system employees)
This course is designed for those individuals who are involved in administering the Cross-Connection Control Program. The course is comprised of a series of lectures consisting of policies and procedures, recordkeeping, public relations, proper installation of approved backflow prevention assemblies, determining the appropriate Degree of Hazard, conducting a site survey.  This class counts for 16 hours of DIRECT Training towards Water Operator License renewal.

Please contact Letitia Rusch or Patricia Lewis for more information or to register for a course. Class sizes are limited so register early!!!