The Environmental Resources Training Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville: Its History and Future in Operator Certification

The Environmental Resources Training Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville began in 1975. The Center specializes in providing college-level technical training in wastewater and drinking water operations. Housed in the Center is a unique 30,000 gallon per day training-scale wastewater and drinking water treatment plant, which is used by the students in the year-long Water Quality Control Operations Program. The graduates have the opportunity to test for operator certifications in Illinois and Missouri. Continuing education is also provided for operators throughout Illinois. Collaboration with community colleges and other institutions and agencies is being used and developed as a way to train operators throughout America and in developing countries.