Issue #25 | Fall 2019
BATalk - is an electronic newsletter sharing important certification program information with Washington's Backflow Assembly Testers (BAT).
Peggy Barton Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) Professional Growth Award Now Open
The  Peggy Barton BAT Professional Growth Award was established to promote women’s involvement and longevity in the field of Backflow Assembly Testing. The award amount is for $145, covering payment in full for a BAT Professional Growth examination. Two Peggy Barton Backflow Assembly Tester Professional Growth Awards may be awarded each calendar year.

The Peggy Barton BAT Professional Growth Award may be awarded to any woman who:
  • Is currently a certified BAT in Washington State.
  • Has not yet met the professional growth requirement for their current reporting period.

This award is for one  professional growth exam . Washington Certification Services is partnering with  Washington Environmental Training Center  to offer a 3  day  BAT refresher training course  to each award recipient - a $400 value.
 

About Peggy Barton:  Peggy Barton was the Director of Washington Certification Services at Green River College and retired in 2019. She administered the State of Washington Department of Health's professional growth program for certified waterworks operators, and the certification and professional growth program for backflow assembly testers. Peggy was committed to operator certification and training, and protection of public health on a national, regional and state-wide level for over 35 years. She was an active volunteer with the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) for over thirty years, serving as President in 2000. Peggy received ABC's highest award, the Harris F. Seidel Award, in 2005 for her national contributions to establishing and advancing certification programs. As a woman in a male dominated field, Peggy was a strong supporter of women in the industry. The BAT women's awards were implemented under her directorship.

Pay your renewal!
The BAT certification renewal system is now open. You can pay your renewal now. After your renewal is processed by WCS (usually within 10 business days), you can then print your 2020 validation card.
Fred Delvecchio Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) Certification Award
The  Fred Delvecchio BAT Certification Award  supports the Washington Waterworks Operator Certification Program's workforce development initiative promoting women's involvement in the field of Backflow Assembly Testing. The award amount is $200, covering payment in full for the practical portion of the  BAT Certification Exam . Two Fred Delvecchi BAT Certification Awards may be awarded each calendar year. 

The Fred Delvecchio BAT Certification Award may be awarded to any woman who:
  • Is not currently a certified BAT in Washington State
  • Holds a high school diploma or GED
  • Is not currently enrolled in a future BAT certification exam

Award recipients are responsible for payment for the  computer- based (written) portion of the certification exam administered by AMP/ PSI. The written examination fee is $100.

Washington Certification Services is partnering with  Washington Environmental Training Center  to offer an optional 5 day  BAT certification training course  to each award recipient- a $680 value.


About Fred Delvecchio:  Fred Delvecchio was appointed Director of Washington Environmental Training Center at Green River College in 1977 and retired in 2008. From 1974 to 1977, he managed South Carolina's Environmental Training Center through the Environmental Systems Engineering Department at Clemson University. He served on the South Carolina Board of Certification of Environmental Systems Operators and was responsible for development and administration of certification examinations for water supply and wastewater operators. Internationally, Fred designed and administered home study courses for water supply and wastewater operators. Fred was an advocate for bringing new people into the field of water, and supported women's involvement in the water industry.

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Phone: 253-288-3357