As used in this chapter:

(1)  “Assistant superintendent” means the individual who is an operator who is assigned the direct responsibility for the management, operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment facility in the absence of the superintendent and who shall have a certificate equal to the grade or classification of the wastewater treatment facility.

(2)  “Board” means the board of certification established by § 42-17.4-1 to insure the proper management, operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities by certifying an individual to be qualified to be an operator.

(3)  “Certificate” means a certificate of competency issued by the board to an individual to operate one or more specified classes of wastewater treatment facilities.

(4)  “Operator” means an individual who is assigned the responsibility on one or more mechanical treatment units, processes, or other important functions at a wastewater treatment facility.

(5)  “Person” means any individual, partnership, firm, association, joint venture, public or private corporation, trust estate, commission, board, public or private institution, utility, cooperative, municipality or any other political subdivision of this state, any interstate body, or any other legal entity.

(6)  “Superintendent” means the individual who is an operator who is assigned the direct responsibility for the management, operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment facility during all working shifts at the facility and who shall hold a certificate equal to the grade or classification of the wastewater treatment facility. It does not apply to any official who does not work at the wastewater treatment facility as an operator.

(7)  “Wastewater” means used water delivered to a wastewater treatment facility. From the standpoint of source, it may be a combination of the liquid and water-carried wastes from residences, commercial buildings, industrial plants, and institutions, together with any groundwater, surface water, and storm water that may be present.

(8)  “Wastewater treatment facility” means an arrangement of devices and structures excluding septic tanks constructed and installed for the purpose of treatment of wastewater from domestic, commercial or industrial sources or combinations thereof. Privately-owned wastewater treatment facilities which treat predominately industrial wastes shall be excluded from the provisions of this chapter by the board.