Obtaining An Operator’s Permit (Rule 32)

01. Experience Requirements. (3-30-23) a. An applicant for an operator’s permit shall submit evidence to establish a minimum of 600 hours of well drilling experience acquired while in the presence of a licensed driller or operator. Evidence may include but is not limited to: payroll information, daily logs signed by a licensed driller or operator, or other documentation approved by the Director. (3-30-23) 02. Application Requirements. An individual desiring an operator’s permit shall file with the Department a completed application on a form provided by the Department accompanied by the following: (3-30-23) a. The fee required by Section 42-238, Idaho Code. (3-30-23) b. Attendance records, completion certificates, or other documents that verify attendance and completion of two (2) continuing education credit hours, approved by the CEC, earned while in training to become an operator. (3-30-23) 03. Written Examination. Applicants for an operator’s permit shall pass an examination pursuant to these rules. (3-30-23) 04. Operator Drills Only for Licensed Driller or Company. An operator shall drill only for the licensed driller or company approved by the director. If an operator changes employment to another licensed driller or company, a new operator’s permit application or transfer form shall be filed as provided in this rule. (3-30-23) 033. PROCESSING APPLICATION FOR A DRILLER’S LICENSE OR OPERATOR’S PERMIT (RULE 33). 01. Incomplete Application. If an application is incomplete, not properly signed, or does not include the information required by these rules, the Department will advise the applicant in writing of the deficiency. If the deficiencies are not satisfied within ninety (90) days of sending the notice of the deficiency, the application will be void. The application fee is not refundable. (3-30-23) 02. Issuance of License. If the director, upon review of the application, determines that an applicant for license is qualified and the driller has subsequently taken and passed an examination, a notice will be sent to the applicant requesting a bond, in an amount determined in accordance with Rule 60, be filed with the Department. Upon receipt of a satisfactory bond, the director will issue a license to the applicant. (3-30-23) 03. Issuance of Operator’s Permits. The Department will mail a notice and operator’s permit card to the principal driller on behalf of the applicant if the application is complete and the applicant meets the qualifications described in these rules. (3-30-23) 04. Driller’s License or Operator's Permit Issued With Conditions or Denial of License or Operator's Permit. The Director may issue a license or operator’s permit with specific conditions or limitations based on the applicant’s experience and compliance history. The Director may refuse to issue or renew a driller’s license permanently or for a designated period if the driller has previously constructed wells improperly or constructed a well without a valid driller’s license. If the Director determines that the applicant is not qualified, the Director will deny the application. Notice of a denied application or a conditioned license or operator’s permit will be given to the applicant in accordance with IDAPA 37.01.01, “Rules of Procedure of the Idaho Department of Water Resources.” (3-30-23)