The commission may develop standards for the training, educational and experience requirements for operating personnel necessary to the proper operation of sewage and other waste treatment plants.   [PL 1969, c. 166, §4 (NEW).]

The commission may administer programs of training and certification for such personnel, and may make classifications thereof. Any certificate issued by the commission must be accepted by this State and all agencies and subdivisions of the State as conclusive evidence that the holder has the training, education and experience necessary for certification for the class of position or responsibility described in the certificate. The Commissioner of Environmental Protection may administer any other requirements for certification within any applicable provisions of law, but the commissioner may not reexamine or reinvestigate the applicant for a certificate with respect to the applicant's training, education or experience qualifications.   [PL 2017, c. 137, Pt. A, §12 (AMD).]

The commission shall keep a record of all certificates issued by it, and in response to any inquiry concerning such a certificate, the commission shall inform the inquirer concerning its issuance and validity. The commission shall annul any certificate issued by it, if the commission finds that the certificate was obtained by misrepresentation of any material fact relating to the education, training or experience of the applicant. Such annulment shall be pursuant to rules and regulations of the commission which shall afford due notice to the certificate holder and an opportunity to present relevant evidence for consideration by the commission.   [PL 1969, c. 166, §4 (NEW).]

Nothing contained in this section shall limit or abridge the authority of the commission to revise its standards and to issue new or additional certificates. In any such case, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection may require an applicant for a certificate to present a certificate or certificates which evidence training, education and experience meeting the current standards of the commission.   [PL 1989, c. 890, Pt. A, §40 (AFF); PL 1989, c. 890, Pt. B, §104 (AMD).]

Certificates issued by the commission shall be recognized and given in connection with personnel employed in or having responsibilities for plants discharging into any waters of this State.   [PL 1969, c. 166, §4 (NEW).]

Nothing in this section shall be construed to require any person to have a certificate in order to be employed in the operation of a sewage or other waste treatment plant. Such requirements, if any, shall be as set forth in or pursuant to other laws of this State: Provided that in any case where a certificate is required, an appropriate certificate issued by the commission shall be accepted in lieu of any certificate otherwise required.   [PL 1969, c. 166, §4 (NEW).]

To the extent that the authority conferred upon the commission by this section is not otherwise exercisable by the commission under the compact, the commission shall not require the financial or other support of the program or programs authorized hereby by any state not having enacted legislation substantially similar to this section.   [PL 1969, c. 166, §4 (NEW).]