(1) Certificates may be revoked for a period of one or more years, when the department finds:

(a) Fraud or deceit in obtaining the certificate.

(b) Gross negligence in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant.

(c) Violation of the requirements of this chapter, the statute it implements, or any lawful rule, regulation, or order of the department. This includes, but is not limited to, violations of a permit and false statements.

(2) No revocation will be made under this section unless the operator has been notified that revocation is proposed, been advised of the reason, and been given an opportunity to appear before the director and be heard on the matter.

(3) If an operator's certificate is revoked:

(a) The operator will not be eligible to apply for a new certification as described in WAC 173-230-230 until the revocation period has ended.

(b) The operator must take an exam per WAC 173-230-270 for a new certification.

(c) An operator holding a certificate issued before or during a revocation period is not eligible for reciprocity. For a new certification through reciprocity, the operator must meet (a) and (b) of this subsection after their revocation period has ended.