Pond Patrol: Ensuring Water Quality with Inspection

Date: 23 January 2024 | USA
Time: 1:00PM Mountain Time 

Presented by: Rachel Henderson, Stormwater Technician &  Alexandra O'Connor, Stormwater Coordinator | City of San Marcos
Level: Intermediate
Duration: 1 hour
Type of Course: Webinar - Live

Structural Controls are implemented to manage flooding and maintain water quality within urban watersheds, however they require routine inspections and maintenance to function as designed. The City of San Marcos implemented a successful inspection/maintenance program on a shoe- string budget, and our program has inspired other cities in Texas to start their own. In 2016, the San Marcos City Council passed an ordinance which included Section 86.531- Maintenance and Repair of Structural Controls, laying the groundwork for what would become our Post Construction Structural Control Inspection Program. The ordinance reinforced our city’s requirement for all existing and new Stormwater Management Structural Controls on private and city owned property to be inspected annually by a pre-qualified engineer. In 2020, the ordinance was updated from annual to triennial (once every three years) inspections.

The decision to have a ‘hybrid’ style inspection program was based on the procedures of larger city’s but with concessions made for our existing personnel and budget constraints. Our experiences in developing and launching this program without a clear playbook has been challenging and ever evolving. However, after seven years of administering this program our department has learned several lessons that could be helpful for other municipalities of comparable size to tackle this type of project. By sharing our challenges and solutions, we hope to help other cities with alternatives for these type of inspection programs that can better fit a smaller city’s budget.

Learning Objective: 

1. Attendees will learn how to develop a structural control (water quality and detention) inspection program.
2. This inspection program was designed to be implemented with municipal budgets and limited resources.
3. A city-wide structural control inspection program must gain support from the community and municipal decision makers. Attendees will learn how to promote a structural control inspection program by focusing on public and environmental health and safety. 

This event is worth one (1) Professional Development Hours.

IECA is committed to fostering an environment of continuous learning and professional growth. Through a process of peer review and content selection standards, we ensure that our content is robust, relevant, and aligned with industry standards.  We respect the authority of certification organizations to evaluate and accept professional development activities according to their criteria, acceptance of professional development credits is at the discretion of your certifying organization.

* EnviroCert International has listed this webinar as acceptable professional development. 

Let’s Talk Floc New Zealand

aPAM Flocculant Solutions for Water Treatment and Erosion & Sediment Control

Presented by: Kyla Iwinski-Wood, PhD, VP R&D, Applied Polymer Systems, and Blair Gray, Principal Environmental Consultant / Director EnviroCo Ltd

Level: Intermediate
Duration: 1 hour
Type of Course: Webinar - On demand

Flocculants are powerful tools that have been used globally for decades to preserve and restore our water resources. Commonly used in mining and mineral processing, municipal and wastewater treatment, and agriculture, flocculants have also become a staple for construction and stormwater treatment. Today, flocculant treatments are regularly used for erosion control, soil stabilization and the removal of harmful stormwater contaminants such as sediment, nutrients, and metals. Although there are many types of flocculant and coagulant treatments available, anionic polyacrylamide (aPAM) is the most widely used and accepted due to its safety to aquatic organisms, efficacy in reducing turbidity, and versatility in treatment applications. aPAM technologies have the ability to achieve low TSS/NTU levels that conventional best management practices cannot. Over 70 years of research and use of aPAM technologies has shown turbidity reduction up to 95 percent. Due to the numerous benefits of aPAM usage, New Zealand has recently adopted aPAM technologies as an approved practice to protect soil and water during and after earth moving activities. This webinar will discuss the history, use and benefits of aPAM technologies, regulations, and examples of aPAM technologies recently used in New Zealand. It will discuss current projects and uses that have been completed or are ongoing within the region and future usage.

Learning outcomes:

1. Recognize what aPAM is and how it can be used to treat water, stabilize soil and enhance BMPs
2. Understand the safety and efficacy of aPAM flocculants as well as other chemical treatments
3. Identify the current role and implementation of aPAM technologies in New Zealand and how they may be used in the future to protect and restore New Zealand's natural resources 

This event is worth one (1) Professional Development Hour. 

IECA is committed to fostering an environment of continuous learning and professional growth. Through a process of peer review and content selection standards, we ensure that our content is robust, relevant, and aligns with industry standards.  We respect the authority of certification organizations to evaluate and accept professional development activities according to their criteria, acceptance of professional development credits is at the discretion of your certifying organization.

* EnviroCert International has listed this webinar as acceptable professional development. 

The Stream Diversion and the Landfill

Presented by: Stephanie Kirk, CPESC, CESSWI

Level: Intermediate
Duration: 1 hour
Type of Course: Webinar - Live

On the Takitimu North Link Project there is a complex set of stream diversion and culvert installation works being undertaken which have provided numerous erosion and sediment control challenges. A new stream channel is being diverted adjacent to an existing closed out landfill. However, it was discovered that there was a large volume of rubbish outside the footprint of the leachate line which turned a straight forward stream diversion into a complex contaminated land remediation exercise whilst working beneath the water table and within large volumes of leachate runoff. Along with removal of the contaminated land, the new section of stream channel has been designed with a special liner to prevent leachate entering the waterway from the landfill. It has been a tricky, technical and rewarding erosion and sediment control and contaminated land crossover. This presentation seeks to highlight how often, there are crossovers between erosion sediment control and other technical disciplines and how to manage this. 

This event is worth one (1) Professional Development Hour. 

IECA is committed to fostering an environment of continuous learning and professional growth. Through a process of peer review and content selection standards, we ensure that our content is robust, relevant, and aligns with industry standards.  We respect the authority of certification organizations to evaluate and accept professional development activities according to their criteria, acceptance of professional development credits is at the discretion of your certifying organization.

* EnviroCert International has listed this webinar as acceptable professional development. 

Understanding RUSLE Analysis

Presented by: Ken Kristoffersen, CDSEC, CISEC, CPESC, QSP/QSD/ToR | President - CAL-Storm Compliance, Inc.
Level: Intermediate
Duration: 1 hour
Type of Course: On-Demand

The objective of this class is to review and gain an understanding of the RUSLE calculation (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation, and its impact on sediment and erosion control in the construction industry. Although most designers understand the basic mechanics of RUSLE, I find that they often lack an understanding of the practical implications of the application results. Much of what is taught does an adequate job of describing the process and mechanics of populating RKLSCP, without actually grasping the potential impact on cost and effectiveness.

Learning Objectives: 

1. To review and understand the value as well as the limits of the RUSLE equation.
2. To explore the impact of equation modification using alternative factors.
3. To understand the strengths and weaknesses of RUSLE2 as an alternative approach.

This event supported by Ecopliant. If you are a current CISEC or CDSEC please contact examination@ecopliant.org to receive a complimentary registration code. 

This event is worth one (1) Professional Development Hours.

IECA is committed to fostering an environment of continuous learning and professional growth. Through a process of peer review and content selection standards, we ensure that our content is robust, relevant, and aligned with industry standards.  We respect the authority of certification organizations to evaluate and accept professional development activities according to their criteria, acceptance of professional development credits is at the discretion of your certifying organization.

Closing Existing Post-Construction BMP Design and Construction Knowledge Gaps | Two Part Series

PART ONE

Presented by: Steve Polk, P.E., Founder & Managing Principal, Stormwater STL LLC
Level: Intermediate
Duration: 1 hour
Type of Course: On-Demand

In Session One, Steve Polk, P.E., EMBA will provide an overview of stormwater management and green infrastructure regulations, from the adoption of the Clean Water Act of 1972 to the present day, explaining the role of regulations and their impact on capital and maintenance budgets for property owners and land developers. Attendees will also be introduced to the difference between structural and non-structural best management practices (BMPs), the building blocks for capturing and treating stormwater runoff. Attendees will also learn the roles and responsibilities of the Environmental Protection Agency and the EPA’s interaction with state and local authorities in the implementation and enforcement of stormwater quality regulations. By providing successful examples of BMP performance and highlighting factors that contribute to their effectiveness and efficiency, attendees will develop a better understanding of the importance of thoughtful and well-informed BMP design, construction, and maintenance techniques and will help attendees understand how integrating maintenance into the design and construction phases improves functionality and longevity of BMPs.  Session One concludes with a preview of Session Two, which focuses on bioretention basin soil, the most complex and most often used BMP.   

PART TWO

Presented by: Ted Hartsig, MS, CPSS, Senior Soil Scientist/Natural Resources Restoration, Olsson
Level: Intermediate
Duration: 1 hour 20 min
Type of Course: On-Demand

In this session, we will take a deep dive into the most important component of the most widely utilized post-construction stormwater BMP, the bioretention basin (aka rain garden). Soil - including controlled, engineered soils as designed for stormwater BMPs - are living entities that demand attention to detail critical to their success. Soil structure, chemistry, and biology must be a functioning part of the environment which surrounds it to provide successful stormwater services. Stormwater management represents an unbalanced environment in which soils that are designed to receive and treat increased stormwater runoff must be balanced to meet the performance objectives for stormwater control and management. We will provide details of soil physical, chemical, and biological properties necessary for successful bioretention and explore the role and function of the soil media in bioretention basins. We will also discuss the key characteristics and properties of the soil media, such as infiltration rate, porosity, organic matter, pH, and nutrient content, and how they can be measured and modified to optimize the performance of bioretention basins. Additionally, we will examine the challenges and opportunities for soil media selection, installation, and maintenance, and provide practical guidance and tips for achieving successful bioretention projects.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand the Why, When, and Where of post-construction stormwater quality regulations. 
2. Recognize the importance of balancing soil physical structure with the chemical and biological activity that's essential for BMP performance and sustainability. 
3. Learn about details of stormwater BMPs/SCMs that must be reconsidered and why "the way it's always been done" is no longer an appropriate or effective way to address a performance problem. HINT - it's the soil! 

This event is worth two (2) Professional Development Hours. One (1) hour per session in this two-part series. 

IECA is committed to fostering an environment of continuous learning and professional growth. Through a process of peer review and content selection standards, we ensure that our content is robust, relevant, and aligned with industry standards.  We respect the authority of certification organizations to evaluate and accept professional development activities according to their criteria, acceptance of professional development credits is at the discretion of your certifying organization.

* EnviroCert International has listed this webinar as acceptable professional development. 

Valuing Groundcover and Vegetation as a Tool from Start to Finish

THIS ON-DEMAND EDUCATION COURSE IS FREE FOR ALL TO ATTEND! 

Presented by: Aaron Harper and Donald Pearson
Level: Intermediate
Duration: 1 hour
Type of Course: On-Demand

In partnership with Stormwater Solutions, this webinar will help audiences understand the significance of ground cover and vegetation as a BMP in linear construction. This event is hosted on the Stormwater Solution platform - click the registration option to register for this event. 

Effective management of construction stormwater and soil erosion is a critical aspect of land development projects. Best Management Practices (BMPs) are essential for mitigating the risks associated with these activities. A systematic approach that routes runoff to specific conveyances where energy-reducing BMPs can capture and treat sediment-laden water is a predominant approach adopted by many developers and contractors. Among the various BMPs, groundcover stands out as a highly effective method for reducing erosion and sedimentation, thereby improving the quality of runoff before it is discharged.

Groundcover comes in a variety of options, some when combined with seeding, can significantly reduce erosion and enhance soil stability. The North Carolina Department of Transportation recognizes the importance of groundcover and phased vegetation establishment in managing erosion risks.  Contract language, financial incentives, vegetation management plan guidance, seed species selection, and inspection emphasis are all combined to provide contractors the opportunity to be successful.  This comprehensive strategy provides contractors with the tools they need to effectively manage soil erosion during construction. Join Aaron Harper and Donald Pearson as they share four decades of experience highlighting the significance of groundcover and vegetation in linear construction, particularly from the Piedmont to the Coast of North Carolina. Their insights underscore the value of groundcover and vegetation as a practical BMP that can reduce erosion and create opportunities to improve stormwater runoff from active construction projects.

Learning Objectives:

• Prioritizing groundcover and vegetation throughout construction phases and not viewing as a regulatory hurdle to overcome in order to complete the project.
• Groundcover and Vegetation disrupts energy of rainfall and allows for reduced energy of overland flow to create potential for infiltration and reduced stormwater runoff.
• Recognize how planning and execution of a groundcover and vegetation management plan can help achieve expectations, meet requirements of the general construction permit, and satisfy inspection requirements. 
•  Identifying and addressing the challenges of poor soil fertility, low pH, soil compaction, and other factors in the pursuit of releasing improved stormwater quality.

IECA is committed to fostering an environment of continuous learning and professional growth. Through a process of peer review and content selection standards, we ensure that our content is robust, relevant, and aligns with industry standards.  We respect the authority of certification organizations to evaluate and accept professional development activities according to their criteria, acceptance of professional development credits is at the discretion of your certifying organization.

* EnviroCert International has listed this webinar as acceptable professional development. 

Collaboratively Building Ecological Fitness and Stacked Offsets in the Ross River Dam

Converting Weeds into Healthy Soils to Filter, Delay, Store and Heal one of the Largest Dams in Queensland

Presented by: Jason Lange
Level: Intermediate
Duration: 1 hour
Type of Course: On-Demand

Regenerative Ecological Fitness embodies an ongoing journey, embracing nature, adaptability, and Indigenous wisdom to nurture landscapes. It leverages weeds as resources, utilizing their potential to establish cover, control water velocity, and foster ecological complexity for large-scale restoration. This approach, rooted in Indigenous knowledge, fosters resilience, acknowledging the value of the journey itself rather than a fixed destination.  Join our webinar exploring Regenerative Ecological Fitness in erosion control. Discover how Indigenous wisdom and weed utilization can establish vital cover, mitigate water velocity, and foster ecosystem complexity for large-scale restoration. Learn how these transferable techniques can benefit councils and landowners across Australia, offering scalable practices rooted in Indigenous knowledge and adaptable to diverse landscapes. The webinar showcases practical applications and case studies, emphasizing the potential of these approaches to drive impactful change, fostering resilience, managing erosion, and promoting ecological restoration across broad territories.

This event is worth one (1) Professional Development Hour. 

IECA is committed to fostering an environment of continuous learning and professional growth. Through a process of peer review and content selection standards, we ensure that our content is robust, relevant, and aligns with industry standards.  We respect the authority of certification organizations to evaluate and accept professional development activities according to their criteria, acceptance of professional development credits is at the discretion of your certifying organization.

* EnviroCert International has listed this webinar as acceptable professional development. 

Using Composite Particle Technology: Practical Applications and Relevant Project Examples

Presented by: Allen Bullock
Level: Intermediate
Duration: 1 hour
Type of Course: On-Demand

Numerous challenges are associated with establishment, maintenance, restoration and repair of wetland and stream systems. Some of these include; creation of low-permeable barriers to contain water, repair of leaking dikes or berms (i.e. due to animal damage) and establishment of sub-aquatic vegetation in shall water environment (i.e. for emergent wetland species). Solutions to many of these challenges can be provided through the use of a Composite Bentonite Aggregate (CBA). This is an innovative and unique manufactured product widely applied for sealing civil and geotechnical infrastructure applications to mitigate seepage.  Applications used throughout the country include sealing around pipelines as an anti-seep collar or trench dam and for repair of leaking ponds or dams. Using a composite particle technology approach, CBA utilizes ordinary aggregate coated with a high swelling sodium bentonite clay to create a finished product that is a stable dry particle which can be simply and rapidly placed in both upland and subaqueous environments.   When hydrated in freshwater conditions, the bentonite swells and fills the void space of the aggregate, resulting in a self-compacted impervious mass with hydraulic conductivity of 1x10-7 cm/sec or lower.  The natural components of the CBA resist degradation, and the plastic nature of the hydrated product withstands damage from freeze-thaw cycles and seismic forces.   For wetland submergent restoration applications CBA technology has been adapted to address the challenges of placing seeds in the water.   This technology involves binding select wetland specie seeds within the clay matrix and provides an alternative to traditional means of plant propagation in wetland/aquatic settings that tend to be very costly and labor intensive. With a higher weight and specific gravity, utilizing CBA technology as a deployment platform for seeding is desirable especially when confronted with habitats prone to fluctuating water levels.   Practical applications of CBA will be shown, along with relevant examples of project performance of which erosion controls are effective in preventing sediment runoff, land users across various industries will be better equipped to effectively manage their sites and prevent sediment-laden water entering our waterways. 

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the properties of Composite Bentonite Aggregate (CBA), and its relevance to civil and geotechnical applications.
• Learn about the CBA geotechnical properties for enhanced performance.
• Become familiar with basic geotechnical applications in which CBA can be an ideal solution.
• Explore examples of successful installations of CBA for geotechnical applications.

Shredded Wood Material for Rights of Way Stabilization

A Case Study – Georgia Transmission Corporation

Presented by: Lauren Atteberry
Level: Beginner
Duration: 1 hour
Type of Course: On-Demand

Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC) is an electric transmission cooperative that builds and maintains overhead  high voltage transmission lines and substations.   GTC builds approximately 30 miles of new transmission lines and 10 substations per year.  These numbers are projected to more than double over the next several years. As such, GTC has a robust erosion and sediment control program to  ensure compliance with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Stormwater Construction Permit that is managed by the State of Georgia.  Since 2001, GTC has used “shredded” wood material generated from tree clearing activities to immediately stabilize transmission line rights of way.  An added benefit to this practice is that it complements future ROW vegetation management maintenance programs which are required to prevent electrical outages due to conflicts with canopy tree species.    A case study was conducted in 2012 to document the benefits of using this technique for  both short term and long term stabilization of ROWs.    The practice involves the shredding of wood material generated by project tree clearing that is then applied to areas where construction related land disturbance has occurred.  This practice is only used on 0-33% slopes at a depth of 4-6 inches. Case study results indicate that shredded wood material provides immediate soil stabilization.  The shredded wood material degrades in a mosaic pattern which extends protection from erosion and sedimentation as vegetation re-establishes over the following years.  Other benefits of this practice include that it retains onsite topsoil, encourages re-establishment of vegetation that already naturally occurs in the area, eliminates wood waste from landfills, reduces frequency of ROW inspections and has reduced landowner complaints during construction.

Learning Objectives:

1. Georgia integrated Transmission System & Powerline Construction Overview
2. GTC Clearing Specifications & Operations
3. Case Study discussing benefits of shredded wood material for final stabilization of the ROW

Evaluation of Erosion and Sediment Control Options Under Simulated High Intensity Rainfall 

ON DEMAND

Presented by: Dr Luke Verstraten
Level: Intermediate
Duration: 1 hour
Type of Course: On-Demand

In any effective Erosion and Sediment Control strategy, primary erosion control should be a key focus. Erosion and sediment controls are beneficial for construction sites impacted by increases in high intensity rainfall events to reduce the burden on sediment basins. It is becoming common practice to increase design rainfall intensities to account for climate change making a focus on erosion control even more crucial. Substantial improvements to water quality can be achieved with erosion and sediment controls, with some erosion controls limiting TSS concentrations to well below the requirements of legislation under simulated high-intensity rainfall conditions. Effective erosion control methods help construction site policy makers, designers and erosion control professionals achieve the objectives for site compliance. By gaining an understanding of which erosion controls are effective in preventing sediment runoff, land users across various industries will be better equipped to effectively manage their sites and prevent sediment-laden water entering our waterways.