37-42-304. Application for operator's certificate -- fee. A person desiring to engage in the operation of a water treatment plant, water distribution system, or wastewater treatment plant shall first file an application with the department for a proper certificate. The department shall charge a fee of the same amount as the license cost, except that the department shall reduce the fee by the amount that the cost of processing the application is offset by federal funds received. The department may not act on an application until the fee has been paid.