A legal maintenance company for a surface application OSSF system using proprietary aerobic plant must have an employee who is which of the following?

The correct answer emphasizes the requirement for a legal maintenance company to employ personnel who have the appropriate licensing to ensure the safe and effective operation of surface application OSSF systems. Specifically, having a licensed maintenance provider indicates that the individual has met the necessary educational and competency standards required by regulatory bodies. This credentialing is crucial because it assures clients that the maintenance practices employed will be compliant with state regulations and best practices for environmental health and safety.

Being a licensed maintenance provider means the employee possesses knowledge of system operation, maintenance techniques, and regulatory compliance that are necessary for effectively managing an aerobic treatment unit. This expertise helps in identifying potential issues, conducting repairs, and performing routine maintenance to prolong the life of the system and protect public health and the surrounding environment.

In contrast, while the other roles, such as registered maintenance technician and registered installer, may involve aspects of system maintenance, they do not fully encapsulate the licensing requirement that confirms a professional's authority to perform maintenance on these specific systems. Registered installers, for instance, primarily focus on system installation rather than ongoing maintenance, and a class D wastewater operator might have a different scope of practice altogether. Therefore, having a licensed maintenance provider ensures that the maintenance company complies with quality standards specific to surface application OSSF systems.