IECA Australasia Chapter's Environmental Excellence Award Winners for 2023

Date: Friday 15 December 2023
Time: 9:00 AM AEST, 10:00 AM AEDT, 12:00 PM NZDT
Duration: 1 Hour
PDH Credits: 1

Bruce Highway, Cairns Southern Access Corridor (Stage 3) - Edmonton to Gordonvale Project (E2G)

Presented by: Andrew Kindness

The Bruce Highway, Cairns Southern Access Corridor (Stage 3) - Edmonton to Gordonvale Project (E2G) is located south of Cairns in Far North Queensland.

It marks a significant advancement in infrastructure, focusing on the duplication of a 10.5 kilometre stretch of the Bruce Highway and realignment and upgrade of 4.7 kilometres of the Queensland Rail North Coast Line. Accompanying these primary objectives is the construction of new local roads, pedestrian and rail bridges.

Situated in a floodplain region, E2G contended with a unique set of environmental challenges - from constructing multiple bridges and managing tropical soils to grappling with unpredictable weather.

E2G's unique approach to implementing innovative solutions for environmental management, while weathering three tropical wet seasons and two tropical cyclones, without diminishing their commitment to erosion and sediment control performance will be discussed in this presentation.  Hear how they adopted innovative technologies, utilising drones for site mapping and erosion and sediment control evaluations, initiated trials for new erosion and sediment control products, and championed strategies that intertwined sustainability goals with erosion and sediment control planning.

NIWA Weather Forecasting – A New Zealand First in the Construction Industry

Presented by: Stephanie Kirk

Everything we do in the erosion and sediment control space is driven by the weather. Is it going to rain today, will that cyclone really end up hitting our site, do we need to install additional measures to help prepare? We focus on continually improving erosion and sediment control device design, investing in the latest water quality technology, applying chemical flocculants, and many more. When the weather governs so much of our world, why are most contractors not going above and beyond to invest in quality weather forecasting software?

This presentation will compare the accuracy of publicly available weather forecasting sites when compared with a top-tier weather forecasting provider and how investing in quality forecasting software can help your site save time and money and help you prepare more accurately for weather events.

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Restoration of Streams in the Midwest

Date: Wednesday 13 December 2023
Time: 12:00 PM Mountain Time
Duration: 1 Hour

Presented by: Jonathan Koepke, CPESC

Streambank and bed erosion is a significant issue, especially in urban and urbanizing areas where property, infrastructure, and habitat can be lost. These issues require specialized knowledge and techniques to effectively solve in a sustainable manner. This presentation will review the various types of erosion that occur in urban streams and the different practices and products utilized to address them, including why certain practices fail where others succeed. The importance of site evaluation, geomorphic processes, knowledge of hydraulic forces, and limitations of various technologies and practices will be a focus of the presentation. 

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Getting the Most From Your IDDE Program

On-Demand

Presented by: Heather Buck, CPSWQ, CPMSM, CESSWI, CISEC

Many regulated communities struggle with how to accomplish the requirements of the illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE) minimum control measure (MCM).  There are numerous approaches, methods, and uses for the information created and collected for this portion of the overall stormwater program.  Further, some communities wonder how to best utilize the information in other areas of the program.  The federal IDDE program requirements will serve as the basis for discussion, while examples of requirements from several states will also be given.  This webinar will cover the basics for those who may need it, and enhancements or additions for those looking to grow their programs. Following participation in the webinar, attendees should have a better knowledge of the basic IDDE components, the methods for assessing their IDDE program, and the various ways to use IDDE program data to enhance and drive other stormwater actions.

IECA Young Professionals Webinar Series 

Five Pillars of Construction Stormwater Management

ON-DEMAND

Part One: The Five Pillars of Construction Stormwater Management Overview and Introduction

The Five Pillars of Stormwater Management is a fundamental approach to managing construction stormwater that includes managing communication, managing work, managing water, managing erosion, and managing sediment. The Five Pillars concept categorizes and prioritizes application of control measures and practices in order of effectiveness and economy. In the first of this two-part series, stormwater and sustainability professional, Barry Fagan will provide an overview of the Five Pillars and will describe application and implementation of the first three pillars. 

Presented By: Barry Fagan, PE/PLS, ENV SP, CPESC, CPMSM 

Part Two: Pillars Four & Five - Managing Erosion and Sediment

Managing Erosion - Understanding the Players in the Game

Think of erosion and sediment management like a game of soccer or football (depending on where you’re from!). Sediment controls are the goalie. They are the last line of defense and can save you from losing the game. They are always required no matter how good your team is. Erosion controls are the players on the field. A strong focus on keeping soil where it is in the first place (erosion control) – that’s how you win the game!

Presented By: Kel Sanson, CPESC

Effective Sediment Management is Universal 

Sediment management is the last line of defense in keeping pollutants from leaving a project area. Using the right tools for the job is crucial in effectively containing and managing any potential discharges. There are numerous tools to choose from when approaching a difficult sediment control problem, and having a thorough knowledge of your site and BMPs will help decide which tool is right for the job. This section of the presentation will also highlight some complications and examples of BMP failures and successes.

Presented By: Matt Klaser, CESSWI, CPESC

This webinar contains two parts, each worth (1) Professional Development Hour. 

Qualified Inspectors and State-specific CGPs

Pathways to Creating a Qualified Inspection Workforce

On-Demand

Moderators: Kristi Anspach, CPESC and Donald Pearson, EI, CPESC
Panelists: Rebecca Forman, David Harris, Kendra Henderson and Greg Schaner

This webinar is put together by the IECA Erosion and Sediment Control education track committee. In the 2022 Federal CGP, the term ‘qualified inspector’ was defined to include a required minimum certification level for all sites operating under the federal CGP. To support this, the EPA has created a national certification program, and has approved other certifications that also meet this standard. Currently, some states have state-focused certifications that have been approved as meeting the new EPA standards, which allows state-based (delegated authority states) inspectors to gain greater knowledge of the NPDES permit, practices, BMPs and requirements that affect the projects they are inspecting. The panel will discuss how states have launched certification program and discuss how successful the current programs are. The group will dive into lessons learned on creating a program, and how the program should develop over time.

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Presented by: 

    

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

IECA members have the opportunity to earn one (1) Professional Development Hour per Environmental Connection Magazine (4 per year) by completing the quarterly Environmental Connection Magazine Quiz. You're already reading Environmental Connection, so why not get the extra credits? For a digital copy of the current issue, please visit: http://www.ieca.org/archives 

This quiz is for the 4th Quarter 2023 edition. Once you have read the entire magazine, complete the quiz with 70% or better to receive your credit.

At the completion of this quiz you will receive 1 Professional Development Hour of credit. For any questions on continuing education credit, please contact IECA Education at education@ieca.org

Sustainability Through Innovation in the Industry 

On-Demand

Back by popular demand, this online education series is part of IECA's mission to help grow the industry by promoting innovative research, products and technology that meet industry needs through more sustainable approaches. Join us as we explore the hydrologic changes that take place when an 80-acre sub-basin of a 1.6 sq. mi. rural watershed is developed with conventional detention vs automated control and effective continuous TSS measurements. In part two of the series, we will dive into a low salt design future and using recycled materials to prevent stormwater pollution.

Part One: Sustainability Through Innovation in the Industry

• Stormwater Detention - How Effective is it? 



• We will explore the hydrologic changes that take place when an 80-acre sub-basin of a 1.6 sq. mi. rural watershed is developed with conventional detention vs automated control.  Most often the industry standard and regulatory standard requires us to match pre-post peak flows at the property extents of the new development.  In doing so, what are the impacts of the larger watershed?  We will focus on the fact that the timing of the peak flow is just as critical as the peak flow itself.
  Presented By: Jon Rasmussen, PE - Food-Con

• Effective Continuous TSS Measurement

• Real-time dust and particulate concentrations in air have been reliably and accurately measured in mass/volume (g/m^3) for the last 20-years.  We are applying the same nephelometric techniques developed for air quality particulate monitoring to continuously measure total suspended solids (TSS) in waterways upstream and downstream of project sites. Data from the instruments is telemetered and can be simultaneously shared, in near real time, with all parties (regulators, contractors and stakeholders) as it remains ‘qualitative’ while ‘quantitative' physical samples are required for enforcement to take effect.   In sustainability terms, this combination of services provides a better relationship dynamic between concerned parties, gives transparency and subsequently produces a better environmental outcome through enhanced management and risk minimization of non-compliant/dirty discharges.
  Presented by: Brian Mills - Mote Measurement Networks

Part Two: Sustainability Through Innovation in the Industry

• Designing a Low Salt Future

• Heavy salt use of our winter pavements has sterilized our soils and has challenged us to establish roadside vegetation. Salt is a forever water pollutant and a threat to the life of our infrastructure. To get to the core of the salt problem, Bolton & Menk has developed infrastructure design considerations for better winter performance of our "saltable" surfaces. By using these relatively simple strategies, we can improve winter performance, increase safety, and reduce the need for salt. 
  Presented By: Connie Fortin & Teresa Burgess - Bolton & Menk, Inc

• Using Recycled Materials to Prevent Stormwater Pollution

• How can old clothing, bedding and furniture be recycled to protect our oceans? This presentation will look at the GuardDog filter, a drain protection solution that prevents sediment and hydrocarbons from entering stormwater systems. Attendees will learn how this product helps to maintain filtration efficiency, see laboratory filtration testing, performance outcomes and adoption across industries. 
  Presented by: Martin Brown - Stratex & Troy Beaver - HalenHardy, LLC

This webinar contains two parts, each worth (1) Professional Development Hour. 

Before and After the Storm: What You Need to Know for Industrial Stormwater Management

Part One: Before the Storm: Permitting Your Industrial Site for Stormwater Discharges

On Demand   
Duration: 1 Hour

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to your role, the nuances of permitting for industrial stormwater programs can be complex and ever-shifting. This webinar—the first of a two-part industrial stormwater webinar series—will discuss the applicability of the multi-sector general permit (MSGP) for authorizing the discharge of stormwater associated with industrial activity. Julie will review which industrial operations require stormwater permit coverage, the types of discharges that can be authorized, and the process for developing a SWPPP and obtaining permit coverage.

Presented By: Julie Morelli, P.G., REM, CPESC, CESSWI

Part Two: After the Permit: Monitoring Your Industrial Stormwater Program for Compliance

On-Demand
Duration: 1 Hour

So, you have your industrial stormwater general permit authorization and SWPPP in hand. Now what? This webinar—the second in a two-part series–will discuss the necessary steps to follow after your industrial facility has received coverage under an industrial stormwater general permit. Nathan will present an overview of essential recordkeeping, inspection, monitoring and reporting requirements commonly found within industrial stormwater general permits.

Presented By: Nathan Collier, CPESC, CESSWI

This webinar contains two parts, each worth (1) Professional Development Hour. 

Common BMPs: A Practical Approach, Bridging Theory and Practice

On-Demand

Presented by Ken Kristoffersen, CAL-Storm Compliance, Inc. President, MBA/QSP/QSD/ToR/CPESC/CISEC

Developing your eye as an inspector. A review of common BMPs, specific strengths/weaknesses, product quality considerations, proper installation, inspection, and maintenance. A practitioners perspective including quantity estimating tips 

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* This webinar is presented in partnership with Ecopliant - CISEC. If you are a current CISEC, please contact contactus@ecopliant.org to request the discount code for free access. 

Presented by: 

    

In partnership with: 

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

From Bare Soil to Urbanization: Landcover and Runoff

ON DEMAND
Duration: 1 Hour
Sponsor: CleanWay, Presto, Soil Moist, Stone Strong, & United Storm Water

The relationship between rainfall and runoff is fundamental to managing stormwater runoff from pre-project planning, through construction, and into operation of the permanent stormwater system. This relationship is defined by runoff coefficients that convert rainfall to runoff – runoff coefficients that are too low and underrepresent real world conditions can lead to flooding, while runoff coefficients that are unrealistically high result in unnecessary expenditures on oversized infrastructure.

This webinar will present recent work to update runoff coefficients in the metropolitan Denver area within the Mile High Flood District. Many of the runoff coefficients included in local, regional, and national guidance documents were developed decades ago and do not necessarily represent current types and densities of development. This work involved analysis of recent developments to compare measured imperviousness with guidance on imperviousness that is used to calculate runoff coefficients to assess current density of developments relative to imperviousness assumptions in current criteria. We also searched the literature and performed analysis to develop criteria for runoff coefficients for different types of waterwise land cover from western desert rock mulch landscaping to landscaping with native grasses. In addition, we performed modeling analysis to evaluate the effects of disconnected impervious area and panel orientation on runoff coefficients for solar installations.

This webinar will also discuss construction phase runoff and how the lessons learned from updating runoff coefficients for post-construction land uses provide insight on how to effectively reduce runoff coefficients during construction through implementation of erosion control measures including mulching, temporary revegetation, and other similar practices.

Attendees will come away from this webinar with a new appreciation for the subtleties of runoff coefficients and an understanding of how criteria for these important hydrologic parameters are derived for use in stormwater manuals.

Presented By: Andrew Earles & Victoria Hennon

Speakers

Andrew Earles
Vice President of Water Resources
Wright Water Engineers

Dr. Andrew Earles is the Vice President of Water Resources with Wright Water Engineers in Denver, Colorado. Andrew specializes in hydrology, hydraulics, and stormwater management and has worked across the United States on projects related to rainfall, runoff, and land cover. Andrew is a Professional Engineer, Professional Hydrologist, CPESC, and member of the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers.

Victoria Hennon
Water Resources Engineer
Wright Water Engineers

Victoria Hennon, EIT, is a Water Resources Engineer at Wright Water Engineers. She has a master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering from Colorado School of Mines and works on projects involving drainage criteria, hydrologic/hydraulic modeling, and watershed analyses.

Sponsored by:

This webinar is worth One (1) Professional Development Hour.