Section 604.1510  Cross-Connection Control Device Inspectors

a)         Except as provided in subsection (c), cross-connection control devices must be inspected at least annually by a person approved by the Agency or its designee as a cross-connection control device inspector (CCCDI).  The inspection of mechanical devices must include physical testing in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

1)         Records of the annual inspection must be submitted to the community water supply.

2)         Each device inspected must have a tag attached listing the date of the most recent test, name of CCCDI, and type and date of repairs.

3)         A maintenance log must be maintained at the site of installation and must include:

A)        make, model, and serial number of the backflow preventer, and its location at the site;

B)        date of each test;

C)        name and approval number of the person performing the test;

D)        type of test kit used and date of its most recent calibration;

E)        test results and a brief statement indicating whether the results pass or fail the test;

F)         repairs or servicing required;

G)        repairs and date completed; and

H)        servicing performed and date completed.

b)         Requirements for Cross-Connection Control Device Inspector Approval

1)         Each applicant for CCCDI Approval must:

A)        be a person authorized to perform plumbing as described in the Illinois Plumbing License Law [225 ILCS 320/3(1)].

B)        complete a training course offered by the Environmental Resources Training Center (see 110 ILCS 530 and https://www.siue.edu/ertc) or the Agency's delegate on cross-connection control devices that includes hands-on practice testing of different types of backflow devices and proper maintenance and repair. 

C)        apply for CCCDI Approval.

D)        successfully complete both written and performance examinations demonstrating competency in the following: the principles of backflow and back-siphonage; the hazard presented to a potable water system; locations that require installation of cross-connection control devices; identifying, locating, inspecting, testing, maintaining and repairing cross-connection control methods and devices in-line, as located throughout each system that connects to a community public water supply.  The applicant must successfully complete:

i)          the written examination with a minimum score of 75%; and

ii)         a performance-based examination by demonstrating competency in testing device procedures on all types of devices at the examination center.

2)         CCCDIs must renew the CCCDI Approval each year between May 1 and June 30.  An application for CCCDI renewal will be sent by the Agency or its designee, and must be completed and returned by June 30 of the renewal year.  CCCDIs must complete an eight-hour recertification course every three years from the date of the original issuance of the CCCDI license.  The course must be offered by the Environmental Resources Training Center or the Agency's delegate and include a written and practical exam demonstrating competency in backflow prevention testing.

3)         A CCCDI Approval or admission to an examination for CCCDI Approval must be suspended, revoked, or not issued by the Agency for any one or more of the following causes:

A)        Practice of any fraud or deceit in obtaining or attempting to obtain a CCCDI Approval, including misrepresentation of approval;

B)        Any repeated, flagrant, or willful negligence or misconduct in the inspection, testing, or maintenance of cross-connection control devices;

C)        Falsification of reports required by this Part;

D)        Willful violation of the Environmental Protection Act or any rules adopted under it.

4)         Suspension and Revocation Procedures

A)        Any person may file with the Agency a written complaint regarding the conduct of a CCCDI approved under this Part.  The complaint must state the name and address of the complainant, the name of the CCCDI, and all information that supports the complaint.

B)        The Agency may initiate the suspension or revocation procedure based on any written complaint or on its own motion.  The Agency's decision to institute suspension or revocation proceedings will be based on the seriousness of the violation and its potential deleterious impact on public health and safety. 

C)        When the suspension or revocation procedure is initiated, the Agency must notify the CCCDI by certified mail that suspension or revocation is being sought.  The notice must specify the cause upon which suspension or revocation is sought and include the procedures for requesting a hearing before the Agency.  A request for hearing must be made in writing within 14 days after receipt of the Agency's certified notification.  If no hearing is requested, the Agency will suspend or revoke the CCCDI Approval.

D)        If a hearing is requested, the Director must appoint one or more Agency employees to chair the proceedings.  The hearing must be conducted according to the hearing requirements of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 168.

E)        The Director must make a decision within 30 days after receiving the hearing transcript.  The Director must give written notice of that decision and reasons for the decision to the CCCDI by certified mail.

F)         Within 30 days after receiving a notice of suspension or revocation from the Agency, the CCCDI may appeal the suspension or revocation to the Pollution Control Board.  The suspension or revocation of the CCCDI's Approval must be stayed pending a final decision on the appeal by the Board.

c)         Backflow preventers located in the treatment plant, wellhouse, or booster station of a community public water supply facility must be inspected at least annually by either an approved CCCDI or by a certified water supply operator who has completed the qualifications listed in subsections (b)(1)(B) and (D).

1)         When the inspection is conducted by a certified water supply operator who has completed the necessary qualifications, records must be kept as required by subsection (a)(3).

2)         Each device inspected must have a tag attached listing the date of the most recent test, name of the CCCDI, and type and date of repairs.

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 7503, effective May 16, 2023)