On March 12, 2020, Governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency due to COVID-19, and continued the state of emergency order on May 26, 2020. In this emergency order, Amended Executive Order 51 (EO 51), the Governor directed state agencies to prepare for and mitigate the effects of the outbreak. In doing so, he ordered authorization for the heads of executive branch agencies, on behalf of their regulatory boards as appropriate, and with the concurrence of their Cabinet Secretary, to waive any state requirement or regulation.  As a result of this emergency, we currently have several temporary waivers in place.  Those waivers impacting the Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals (WWWOOSSP Board) include:

1.    Extending Validity of Expired Licenses, Certificates, and other credentials

2.    WWWOOSSP-specific:  Additional CPE Hours for Instructors

3.    Extension of Exam Eligibility Deadlines

Please be advised that EO 51 will expire on June 30, 2021, pursuant to § 44-147.17 of the Code of Virginia. With these changes comes the end of the temporary waivers.  The waiver allowing extension of exam eligibility deadlines will expire on June 30.  In addition, the following waivers expire July 31:

· Extending Validity of Expired Licenses, Certificates, and other credentials

·  WWWOOSSP-specific:  Additional CPE Hours for Instructors

For those whose exam eligibility is expiring, the applicant will be required to reapply for exam approval.  The application and related documents can be found at www.dpor.virginia.gov/wwwoossp.  For those who need to renew ($80) or reinstate ($105) their license, the required fee can be paid online at https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Guest_Renewal_Payment or by submitting a check made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia or credit card payment on the appropriate form mailed to:

DPOR

9960 Đường Mayland, Phòng 400

Richmond, VA  23233-1485

Please note that failure to submit the applicable fee so that it is received on or before July 31, 2021, may result in the individual being required to reapply for licensure, which may include taking the appropriate examination.  In addition, by submitting the renewal/reinstatement fee, the licensee is confirming completion of all required CPE during the license period.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact the Board office via email at Waterwasteoper@dpor.virginia.gov or by phone at 804-367-8595.  Please note that the Board’s call center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on regular business days.  However, emails are responded to at all times between 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.  Thank you for your attention to this important matter.