Department of environmental management.

Revises references to federal regulations relating to variances from water quality standards. Provides that a variance from a water quality standard issued for a period of more than five years must be reevaluated in accordance with the requirements of the federal rule on variances from water quality standards. Provides that a variance relating to an NPDES permit may be submitted at any time before or after the issuance, renewal, or modification of the NPDES permit. Eliminates the requirement that the department itself, at least once per year, administer a certification examination for operators of water treatment plants, water distribution systems, and wastewater treatment plants. Requires instead the department to ensure that the examination is administered at least once per year, and allows the examination to be administered by independent third parties authorized by the commissioner of the department.