Erosion/Sediment Control and Management Certification Program

Bruce Wilson, Professor
Kevin Janni, Professor and Head
Udai Singh, Research Fellow
Leo Holm, Minnesota Department of Transportation
Dwayne Stenlund, Minnesota Department of Transportation
Lori Betz, Minnesota Department of Transportation

Objective

The goal of this program is to provide contractors and agency personnel the information they need to prepare and implement erosion and sediment control plans.

Need or Impact

Erosion from construction activities drives costs up by lengthening the time required to finish projects, and can also result in large fines for both contractors and agencies. Sediment leaving the site is subject to National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations. These regulations are being revised to affect all construction sites with one acre or more of disturbance. The Minnesota Department of Transporation is now requiring erosion certification training to ensure compliance with erosion and sediment control provisions on Mn/DOT projects. Certified installers, managers, and designers will have the tools they need to prevent erosion in the first place.

Status

Three levels of certification (Inspector/Installer, Site Management, and Design of Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans) were offered in 2003 and almost 1600 individuals received a three-year certification in one or more levels. The program continues in 2004.