An individual desiring to be a Registered Evaluator in Barry and Eaton counties will be required to fill out the Application to become a Registered Evaluator (form under development) that identifies their training, credentials, education and relevant experience. The process to become registered is a two step process that first begins with establishing competency and is known as "certification". Ratings for each area of qualification will be awarded toward certification. Once an individual meets the minimum requirements set by the department, they will be eligible to take the certification exam. Upon successfully passing both the water and the sewage portions of the certification exam, an individual will be allowed to enter the second step of the process or the registration process.
The registration process will consist of a one-time orientation class that will train the individual on the specifics of the BEDHD Evaluation & Maintenance Regulation, the minimum inspection standards and the web-based software. Registered Evaluators will be required to use the web-based software to report the findings of a transfer evaluation (a.k.a. time of sale or property transfer inspection). Upon successful completion of the registration orientation class and passing a registration exam, Registered Evaluators will be issued an user identification and password to access the web based software (in development). BEDHD registration fees will be required prior to the orientation class. Proof of general liability insurance must be submitted to BEDHD prior to becoming a registered evaluator.
On-site sewage training is available at the Michigan State University’s Tollgate Center. Go to www.mowra.org and click on the MSU Tollgate Center Schedule button. The next class at the Tollgate Center is named the Existing Systems Evaluator Training will be offered on October 3 and 4, 2007 (2 day course). In addition, the Pumped Systems Evaluator Training is offered at the Tollgate Center on August 23, 2007. Lastly, the Tollgate Center offers an On-site Wastewater Systems Maintenance course on September 26 and 27, 2007. Whether or not you have relevant experience with on-site sewage systems, we highly recommend that you sign up for all of these classes.
The Michigan Groundwater Association (MGWA) will be holding a Well Inspectors Training Course on September 14, 2007. The course will be held in Charlotte at the USDA Service Center, 551 Courthouse Drive, Charlotte, MI (next to the Health Department). Pre-registration with the MGWA is required by September 7, 2007. Visit www.bedhd.org to obtain pre-registration form or call to obtain one.
Additionally, BEDHD will be offering training courses in on-site water systems and on-site sewage systems to help an individual meet the minimum standards. The dates of these courses have not yet been scheduled but will be offered in late September to early October.
Other outside training opportunities are being researched and will be posted on our web site as they are available.
Reciprocal certification is being investigated with several other local county health departments. Reciprocal certification would waive the certification process for those individuals that are already certified in those local health departments. However, the certification exam would still be required and the applicant must pass the exam. The registration and registration orientation process at BEDHD will still be required for those individuals that are certified by other health departments.
The certification exam is free. Any outside agencies or entities’ training fees are set by those agencies or entities. An 8-hour certification course in water supply and septic systems will be offered by BEDHD at $400.00. A 4-hour course offered by BEDHD in wells only or septic systems only is $225.00 each. The one time registration orientation class and initial registration by BEDHD is $250.00. After the initial registration the evaluators will be required to obtain annual CEU's to maintain their registration (specifics under development). A $100.00 annual registration fee to BEDHD is required.
Stay tuned. Please visit this web-site for updates. The above information represents the state of the program at this time. As more information is developed it will be posted on our web site. The program should evolve rapidly so check back at least weekly.
Additionally, those individuals interested in becoming Registered Evaluators are urged to contact the BEDHD at 517-541-2615 to be added to our mailing and email list. Be prepared to provide your name, business name, mailing address, phone number, fax number, and email address. That information may also be provided via fax to BEDHD in written form along with a request for information regarding becoming a Registered Evaluator.