Wastewater Operator Licensing Program

The Enforcement Branch administers the Wastewater Operator Licensing Program pursuant to Arkansas Code Annotated § 8-5-201 et seq. and in accordance with Arkansas Pollution and Ecology Commission 8 CAR § 22-101 (Prev. Rule 3).

All wastewater treatment plants must have a properly licensed operator. Licensing requirements are set forth in with Arkansas Pollution and Ecology Commission 8 CAR § 22-101 (Prev. Rule 3). See also Arkansas Code Annotated § 8-5-201 et seq.

Pursuant to Arkansas Code Annotated § 8-5-203, it shall be unlawful for any person to perform the duties of an operator of a wastewater treatment plant without being duly licensed under Arkansas Code Annotated § 8-5-201 et seq. and with Arkansas Pollution and Ecology Commission 8 CAR § 22-101 (Prev. Rule 3).

The Wastewater Operator Licensing Program is managed through the SEEK, located at https://seek.ee.arkansas.gov/. The SEEK Quick Start Instructions for Operators provides step-by-step instructions for creating an account and setting up your electronic signature. Each operator must create for a SEEK account.

Wastewater Operator Licenses

A wastewater operator license may be obtained by completing DEQ-approved training and passing the required examination. Course content and formula sheets for the municipal and industrial licenses are available. DEQ maintains a searchable database of licensed wastewater operators (currently under redesign and has not been updated since 05/2025).

An operator may hold multiple wastewater licenses (a municipal license and an industrial license). Operators holding multiple wastewater licenses are required to fulfill all requirements of both license types. Operators holding multiple licenses may use the same training renewal hours for more than one wastewater license type, but a renewal fee must be paid for each wastewater license type held by the operator.

Wastewater Operator Licensure Information

The Wastewater Operator License Examination Application is accessible in your SEEK account.

The Wastewater Operator License Exam Schedule is accessible in the Exam Application.

All wastewater operator license examination applications, excluding Municipal Class IV, and fees must be received and processed by DEQ at least five (5) business days prior to the selected examination date. Wastewater operator license examination applications for the Municipal Class IV and fees must be received and processed by DEQ at least thirty (30) days prior to the selected examination date. Examination fees are nonrefundable.

Wastewater Operator License Training Information

Wastewater operators are required to take DEQ-approved training courses, workshops, seminars, or other events from DEQ-approved sources only. Individuals interested in training must contact the training facilities directly for course information, registration, and any additional training fees.

Training Providers:

• Arkansas Environmental Training Academy (AETA)
• Arkansas Rural Water Association (ARWA)

DEQ is neither supporting nor endorsing the above-named training providers through reference on this webpage.

Wastewater Licensing Committee

The Wastewater Licensing Committee is composed of five members:

• Two members, appointed by the APC&E Commission, who are active wastewater treatment plant operators in Arkansas and duly licensed pursuant to Arkansas Code Annotated § 8-5-201 et seq. and APC&EC Rule 3.
• One member, appointed by the APC&E Commission, who is employed by a private corporation or industry in Arkansas and duly licensed pursuant to Arkansas Code Annotated § 8-5-201 et seq. and APC&EC Rule 3.
• One member, appointed by the APC&E Commission, who is an employee of a municipality operating a wastewater treatment plant who holds the position of chief administrative officer, city engineer, director of public utilities, or other equivalent position.
• One member who is the Director of the Division of Environmental Quality or a qualified member of his or her staff to act as the executive secretary of the licensing committee.

Wastewater Licensing Committee Members

* Chairman

** Vice Chairman

Wastewater Licensing Committee Meeting Schedule

The Wastewater Licensing Committee meets at least three times a year: virtually in January; in person at the AWW&WEA conference in Hot Springs; and in person at the ARWA conference in Hot Springs. All meetings are open to the public. To attend a meeting, please contact the Wastewater Licensing Coordinator at Sarah.Pierce@arkansas.gov.

Next Scheduled Arkansas Wastewater Licensing Committee Meetings

Wastewater Licensing Committee Meeting Minutes