MS4 fact sheet - erosion and sediment control training
Contents
Erosion & Sediment Control Training
Developing erosion and sediment control training programs
Erosion and sedimentation is the natural process in which soil and rock material is weathered and carried away by wind, water or ice. Construction activities can increase erosion by removing vegetation, disturbing soil and exposing sediment to the elements. Eroded soil quickly becomes a sedimentation problem when wind and rain carry the soil off the construction site and sediment is deposited in surface waters.
Erosion and sediment control BMPs are necessary at all construction sites to keep soil onsite and prevent unnecessary water pollution. Training individuals responsible for installing, constructing, repairing, maintaining and/or inspecting erosion and sediment control measures and post-construction stormwater management practices at construction sites will result in properly designed, installed and maintained BMPs, improved compliance with permit regulations, and protecting water quality. This fact sheet provides guidance on developing erosion and sediment control training programs.
Benefits / Pollution Reduction
The NPDES/SDS permit for construction stormwater requires that sediment and erosion control BMPs be used on any construction site that disturbs one acre or more of land, however, these BMPs should be installed and utilized on every construction site to prevent erosion and decrease the amount of sediment leaving the site. Sedimentation build-up decreases water levels, negatively impacts water clarity, and destroys aquatic vegetation and habitat resulting in poor water quality.
In addition, the NPDES/SDS permit requires training for any individual performing the following tasks:
- Preparing the stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP)
- Overseeing implementation of, revising, and amending the SWPPP and performing inspections as required in Part IV.E. of the permit
- Performing or supervising the installation, maintenance and repair of erosion and sediment control best management practices
Program Development & Implementation
Training construction and landscaping staff, contractors, and all other persons responsible for BMPs on the importance of using proper design, installation and maintenance techniques improves the chances that BMPs are performing optimally as well as ensures that construction sites are in compliance with state regulations.
Erosion and Sediment Control Training Programs
Many training programs, workshops, and seminars are offered throughout the state of Minnesota. These programs may be advertised and promoted by MS4s to encourage attendance by staff as well as local contractors, project managers, engineers, and construction workers.
The MPCA partners with the University of Minnesota to offer various certification courses to meet the training requirements of the NPDES/SDS permit for construction stormwater. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) requires all individuals working on MnDOT projects to be certified in the courses and to repeat the courses every three years. Information about the certification courses can be found at http://www.erosion.umn.edu/.