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Construction Site Erosion Control and Stormwater Permit Compliance Training

April 9-10, 2024
7:30 am-4:30 pm

Best Western Eau Claire Conference Center
3340 Mondovi Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701

Sponsored by:

  • Rain to Rivers of Western Wisconsin, with funding support from Xcel Energy through the Natural Resource Fund (NRF)
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension

Overview of Event

Every year, construction sites contribute tons of sediment into Wisconsin’s stormwater systems. As a result, environmental integrity is diminished. It’s important that contractors understand how to stay in compliance to avoid job shut-downs and penalties. Proper selection and installation of BMPs can save thousands of dollars in fines and re-installation costs.

NASECA-WI, a leader in erosion control and stormwater education, established a training program in 2010 to set baseline knowledge criteria for site workers who install and inspect erosion control practices on construction sites. Unlike most national training programs which provide just the basic principles of erosion control, this training program is Wisconsin-based and covers the principles of erosion and sediment control, as well as WisDNR, WisDOT, and DSPS rules, regulations, and standards.

This course and its exam are approved by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) as a Soil Erosion Inspector Training Course, which is one of the only approved courses available in the State to offer qualifying exams for certification as an Erosion Control Inspector of 1- and 2- family dwellings in Wisconsin.

Who should attend?

Since 2010, over 400 erosion control practitioners have improved their skills by successfully completing this training.

  • Personnel representing the owner or a department and acting as project managers, project supervisors, and job site inspectors on projects requiring WPDES construction storm water permits.
  • Personnel working for contractors and in charge of grading, utility installation, excavating, bridge construction and other activities disturbing soil. Also turf establishment or erosion control contractors and contractors doing site restoration work.
  • Project personnel assigned to conduct weekly site inspections and fill out the WPDES inspection log.
  • Personnel assigned to monitor or inspect sites for permit compliance.

How can I attend?

NASECA-WI intends to offer the Erosion Control Compliance Training in November/December. NASECA-WI does not have a sunset provision for those that have taken and passed the exam, although we recommend that you retake the class at least every three years to stay current with changing regulations and practices. However, your employer or the state agency with which you hold credentials may require continuing education/training to maintain those credentials. Check those requirements in order to maintain your credentials without any lapse. The training location varies, but be sure to check our website or sign up to our mailing list to get the latest information.

Please contact us at education@nasecawi.org if your company or organization would like to hold private or on-site Erosion Control Compliance Training.

Course Description

The two day course is designed for those who perform site management duties, supervise or direct construction activities, install best management practices, and/or inspect sites for compliance relating to erosion/sediment control and stormwater management. This course will cover:

  • Permit requirements
  • Roles and responsibilities
  • Construction site erosion control plans
  • Best management practices to reduce or control erosion and offsite sedimentation
  • Proper installation of devices
  • Establishing protective vegetation
  • Grading practices to reduce erosion
  • Timing of installations
  • Completing Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) site inspections
  • Completing required documentation

Did You Know?

  • The NASECA-WI Training Course is one of the only approved courses available in the State to offer qualifying exams for certification as a Soil Erosion Inspector
  • The content included meets required training requirements set forth by many municipalities
  • Becoming NASECA-WI Trained by successfully completing the NASECA-WI exam with 70% or higher is an important addition for your resume

DSPS Credentials

Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services has approved this program for 12 hours of continuing education credit for Commercial Building Inspector (CBI), Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (DCQ), Master Plumber-Restricted Service (MPRS), UDC Construction Inspector (UCI), Utility Contractor (UC).

Soil Erosion Inspector Qualifier

This is an approved course for the DSPS Soil Erosion Inspector qualifier. It involves a qualifier exam that must be passed with a minimum of 70%. Upon completion of the course and passing the qualifier exam you will receive a certificate that can be submitted with the application from DSPS and the appropriate fee to obtain your Soil Erosion Inspector credential.

Certificate of Completion

Within two weeks of successfully completing the course:

  • Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance indicating that they have received 12 professional development hours/continuing education credits
  • Attendees who attend and successfully complete the NASECA-WI exam with a score of at least 70% will receive a certificate of completion and be listed on our website
  • Attendees who attend and successfully complete the NASECA-WI exam and DSPS Soil Erosion Inspector qualifying exam with a score of at least 70% will receive two certificates of completion (NASECA-WI and DSPS) and be listed on our website

Please note that this is not a certification program.

DSPS Soil Erosion Inspector Credential Information

Have you successfully completed your NASECA-WI and DSPS qualifying exams to become a Soil Erosion Inspector? Wondering what to do next? Not sure of the advantages of being NASECA-WI Trained  and/or a certified Erosion Control Inspector?

Below, you will find step-by-step instructions and the important information you need to get you on your way to becoming a certified Erosion Control Inspector.

What can a Soil Erosion Inspector do?

Per Wis. Admin. Code § 305.63, a person may conduct the inspection of one- or two-family dwellings for the purpose of administering and enforcing Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 321.125, if the person holds a certification issued by the Department as a certified Soil Erosion Inspector.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Become a DSPS Soil Erosion Inspector
  1. Complete an approved training course on soil erosion control standards. The approved NASECA-WI course is a two-day training, at the end of which, attendees must complete the NASECA-WI exam and DSPS Qualifier Exam for Soil Erosion Inspector with a score of 70% or higher on both. (Note: attendees may opt out of exams to earn 12 hours of continuing education only or may register for and successfully complete the NASECA-WI exam with a score of 70% or higher to become NASECA-WI Trained.)
  2. Create or log in to your eSLA account and click New Application and select the Type > Credential.
  3. Select each of the options as follows by clicking here.
  4. Follow the application instructions by providing your contact information.
  5. Attach the PDFs of the successful certificates of completion that you received by email shortly after the NASECA-WI training course. If you didn’t receive this email, please send a message to education@nasecawi.org. Continue to follow the application process.
  6. Once your application has been reviewed and submitted, provide payment.
DSPS Application/Fee

The fee consists of a $15 application fee and a $40 prorated credential fee, based on a 4-year term from June 30th.

Qualifications

Anyone over the age of 18 is qualified to become a Soil Erosion Inspector upon completing an approved course, submitting an application, and paying the application fee.

A person who inspects one- or two-family dwellings as a certified Soil Erosion Inspector shall:
  • Maintain a record of the inspections made including the dates and the findings of the inspections;
  • Provide a copy of the inspection report to the property owner or his or her agent;
  • Make available to the Department upon request his or her inspection records.

Who are our trainers?

The training course is taught by a team of experienced professionals who work in private industry as well as state and local government. Trainers are subject to change based on course location.

Leo Holm is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, Department of Bio-systems and Agricultural Engineering, specializing in Soil and Water Conservation Engineering. Leo worked for 37 years at the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

He has written several articles which have been published in Land and Water magazine. His most recent article is titled “What’s With All The Contractor SWPPP Inspection Reports?” He has received several awards over his career including: Outstanding Contributions to Environmental Protection Award by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Outstanding Contributions to Education and Research In Erosion Control by the University of Minnesota, and Outstanding Contribution to the Stormwater and Erosion Control Industry of Wisconsin 2013 by the North American Stormwater and Erosion Control Association.

Gil Layton is proprietor of Layton Environmental, specializing in erosion control and stormwater management. He has 38 years of experience with WisDOT as a project manager in both design and construction for major transportation projects, and most recently served as the department’s erosion control and stormwater support person. As the Chairperson for the WisDOT Erosion Control and Storm Water (ECSW) team, he helped lead WisDOT through major changes in erosion control standards, new product selection, new specifications, and training. He also is a founding member of North American Stormwater and Erosion Control Association (NASECA).

Paul McGinley is a Professor of Water Resources in the College of Natural Resources at UW-Stevens Point and a University of Wisconsin-Extension water quality specialist. His teaching and research focus on hydrology and water quality, particularly the relationship between land use change and changes in water quality. Current research projects include phosphorus in groundwater, wetland hydraulics, and nutrient concentrations in lakes and streams.

Eric Rortvedt, PE is a Water Resources Engineer with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Eric obtained a B.S. degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is a registered Professional Engineer. He has worked for the DNR in WPDES permitting since 1992 and for the last 20 years in the stormwater program as an engineer and program coordinator. Eric reviews erosion control and stormwater management plans, helped in drafting chs. NR 151 and 216, Wis. Adm. Code, and construction site, industrial and municipal stormwater discharge permits.

Pete Wood, PE is a Water Resources Engineer with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.  Pete obtained a B.S. degree in Forest Engineering from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) and is a registered Professional Engineer in Wisconsin.   He has worked for the DNR since 1991 and has been with the storm water program since 1998.   Currently, Pete reviews erosion control and stormwater management plans for projects in southeast Wisconsin.

Hans Hallanger, PE has over 30 years of public and private Civil Engineering experience in drainage systems, stormwater management, land development and highway construction.  He is currently the Statewide Stormwater Quality Engineer for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.  He graduated from UW-Platteville with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and has completed many graduate level credits from Marquette University.

Jeremy Ashauer, PE is the Statewide Erosion and Sediment Control Engineer for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Jeremy joined the Environmental Services Section of WisDOT in November 2020 with over 20 years of experience in the design, construction, and project management of transportation projects. He is responsible for leading statewide efforts on policies, codes, and guidance related to erosion and sediment control practices. Jeremy received a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and is a registered Professional Engineer in Wisconsin.

Michell Asher, is a Stormwater Specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.  She attended the University of Wisconsin River Falls and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Conservation.  She has worked for the DNR since 2011, first as a member of an inland Fisheries team conducting stream and lake surveys throughout western Wisconsin and currently as a  Stormwater Specialist where she regulates stormwater discharges from construction sites, industrial facilities and municipalities throughout six counties in DNR’s West Central Region.

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