Qualified Inspectors and State-specific CGPs: Pathways to Creating a Qualified Inspection Workforce

After graduation from North Carolina State Universities Biological and Agricultural Department in 1990, Donald began a 30-year career with the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Roadside Environmental Unit that ended with his retirement in May of 2021. Donald started a second career with Summit Design and Engineering Services in late June 2021. Donald’s responsibilities with NCDOT’s Roadside Environmental Unit included oversite of numerous infrastructure projects within the Piedmont area of the State to ensure environmental compliance with the North Carolina Sedimentation and Pollution Control Act, State and Federal Water Quality requirements, and NPDES permit expectations. Donald obtained his Certification as an Engineering Intern in 1999, his Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control Certification (CPESC) in 2004, and his Certified Erosion, Sediment and Stormwater Inspector Certification (CESSWI) in 2023. He has his Remote Pilot Certificate for operating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) and utilizes that skill to assist in a variety of operations on Highway Construction Sites within North Carolina.

Donald co-instructs the Level 1 and 2 Erosion and Sediment/Stormwater Control Certification Classes, through NC State University’s Crop and Soil Science Department, for individuals planning to work on NCDOT projects. He is currently serving his second three-year term on the NC Sedimentation Commission’s Technical Advisory Committee which offers support and guidance for the State’s Land Resources group staffed under the NC Department of Environmental Quality. He also serves on the IECA Educational Track Erosion and Sediment Control Subcommittee.

Greg started work for EPA’s Office of Water in 2003. His focus at EPA during that time has been almost entirely on the NPDES stormwater permitting program. In that role, Greg has worked on the 2003, 2012, 2017, and 2022 CGPs, and the 2005 MSGP, and led the effort to revise the MS4 permitting regulations in 2015 and 2023. Prior to EPA, Greg worked at the National Association of Clean Water Agencies and the State of Maryland’s Natural Resources Department. 

Rebecca is an Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Minnesota’s Erosion and Stormwater Management Certification Program.  Prior to joining the Program staff, she spent more than 12 years as an environmental consultant specializing in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) construction and industrial Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) design and inspection and in due diligence and environmental compliance investigation and reporting. She is passionate about protecting aquatic systems and is equally passionate about understanding the best methods to help non-traditional students learn. Rebecca is the recipient of the 2022 Innovation Award from the Minnesota Erosion Control Association for her work developing the Erosion Program’s online courses.

Alex Zimmerman CPESC, CISEC, CESSWI, AK-BC-NT-WA-CESCL, QSP Alex Zimmerman brings over 20 years of large scale construction and reclamation experience to Erosion and Sediment Control and stormwater training. From large disturbance, linear, and single-family construction to restoration and emergency landslide repair, his experiences add to informative trainings on real world issues for construction site and facility operators, inspectors, and designers. Alex has been helping project teams succeed by planning for the productive and compliant completion of varied construction and restoration projects. Alex has been recognized by various associations and agencies for his professional course preparation and delivery. Developing custom trainings for audiences as varied as Alaska Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska Department of Transportation, South Dakota Solid Waste Management Association, Building Industry Association of Washington, North Dakota Solid Waste & Recycling Association, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Northwest Territories Department of Transportation, and the British Columbia Erosion and Sediment Control Association. Alex stays up to date and informed on the latest regulations and compliance challenges. He was a past recipient of the Educational Achievement award by the International Erosion Control Association.