Training

Make sure your staff have the proper training necessary to carry out the requirements of the industrial stormwater permit. Tie industrial stormwater training with other routine training requirements, such as emergency planning, hazardous waste, tanks requirements, air permitting, etc.

Training of staff to be knowledgeable in stormwater permit requirements is one of THE most important parts of industrial stormwater permit requirements!

Implement annual employee training

Employee training should be a major component of any SWPPP. Employee training is also an integral part of other control measures. In order for the SWPPP to be effective, employees should be informed about stormwater treatment and control measures at the facility. They should understand their role in stormwater pollution prevention at the facility. Employee training for stormwater issues may be done in conjunction with other training programs.

The purpose of a training program is to teach staff at all levels of responsibility the components of the SWPPP. When properly trained, staff are more capable of preventing spills, responding safely and effectively to an accident, and recognizing situations that could lead to accidents. Employee training as a control measure is an ongoing process, which may take some time to implement. All new employees should be trained as soon as possible. The complexity of the BMPs, the turn-around time of the employees, and the effectiveness of the training will affect how often training sessions will need to be scheduled.

Document employee training

Be sure to document within the SWPPP a training schedule and the planned training frequency. Include a record of the trainer and the trainer’s organization (internal or external), as well as the names of trained individual(s) and dates that the individual(s) received training. This documentation can be either in the SWPPP or in a separate record.

The following individuals should be trained at least annually:

• Employee(s) overseeing implementation of, revising, and amending the SWPPP;
• Employee(s) performing installation, inspection, maintenance and repair of BMPs;
• Employee(s) who work in areas of industrial activity subject to the permit; and
• Employee(s) who conduct stormwater discharge monitoring

Training should cover the components and goals of the SWPPP and include:

• Spill response procedures
• Good housekeeping
• Material management practices
• Stormwater discharge monitoring procedures
• BMP operation and maintenance

Consider these training suggestions

• Frequently conduct proper training of employees in good housekeeping techniques and proper safety methods to reduce the potential that materials or equipment will be mishandled. It also reduces the chance of injury, loss of materials, and release of contaminants.
• Incorporate information sessions on good housekeeping practices into employee training programs.
• Discuss good housekeeping at employee meetings.
• Promote pollution prevention concepts through posters, brochures, newsletters, etc.
• Post bulletin boards with updated good housekeeping procedure tips and reminders.
• For more information, check out these training requirements: PDF icon Industrial Stormwater: Annual employee training requirements

Consider attending a University of Minnesota Training Opportunity

The MPCA has joined with the University of Minnesota to offer a variety of training opportunities. For class options and locations, visit the University of Minnesota Erosion and Sediment Control Certification Program or contact the U of M at: Phone: (612) 625-9733 or (800) 646-2282 or via email.

Guidance materials and resources:

• Industrial Stormwater: Annual employee training requirements
• Michigan Industrial Stormwater Certified Operator Training Manual
• Michigan Department of Environment Quality Industrial Stormwater Training Video