Wednesday, February 3, 2010

SWPPP Employee Training - Stormwater Training Requirements FAQ

Stormwater regulations and most State and EPA NPDES stormwater discharge permits require some form of EMPLOYEE SWPPP TRAINING. Below are some common questions, or FAQ, Caltha receives regarding industrial stormwater pollution prevention training.



1. What Kind of Training is Required?
The answer will depend on the State your facility is located in – different States will have different training requirements. However, Caltha generally sees three categories for training:
a) SWPPP Awareness Training. This is “high-level” training which may be given to all employees, and covers basics of stormwater program and facility controls that would apply to any employee.
b) Stormwater Training. This training would be addressing employees whose day-to-day work activities relate to the specific controls and procedures the facility has established in its SWPPP, such as dock workers who might be involved with spills.
c) Stormwater Permit Compliance Training. Employees who have been assigned specific compliance tasks, such as conducting inspections, collecting stormwater samples, need to be trained to conduct their tasks.

2. Can I Use Generic Training Materials?
Many good training resources are available, including video training and “on-line” courses. Caltha often recommends these resources as a element of a facility’s training program. Whether or not these types of “off-the-shelf” training resources meet the training requirements will depend on the specific requirements for your State. In many cases, training needs to include information on the facility SWPPP, and therefore the “off-the shelf” resources need to be augmented with facility-specific training.

3. Does Every Employee Need to be Trained?
Possibly. However, as described in #1 above, not all employees need to have the same level of training. In addition, other factors, such as ISO 14001 registration, may require that you consider training contractors working at your facility.

4. How Often Does Training Need to be Presented?
Many States require annual refresher training; however, some training might only be presented once, such as Permit Compliance Training.

5. Does Stormwater Training Need to be Documented?
Yes, because training is a requirement of an NPDES discharge permit, records need to be maintained to demonstrate that all affected employees received the appropriate training.

6. Do Our Trainers Need Special Training?
This is not addressed in most States; however, effective trainers need to understand their subject matter. Caltha offers a number of “train-the-trainer” options.


Click here for more information on Caltha's Employee Stormwater and SWPPP Training Services



Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address Stormwater Permitting & Regulatory Support, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP), Stormwater Monitoring and Stormwater Training.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at
info@calthacompany.com
or
Caltha LLP Website


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Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Minnesota Stormwater Permitting and Storm Water Management Seminar

MINNESOTA STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Thursday, February 18, 2010 — Eagan, MN

This seminar is a practical, one-day program for engineers, architects, landscape architects and contractors to 1) Review federal and Minnesota laws and regulations regarding stormwater management, 2) Analyze stormwater management strategies using wet and dry detention facilities, 3) Examine green stormwater practices, and 4) Learn about maintaining wet and dry detention ponds


Seminar Agenda

Understanding Federal and State Rules on Stormwater Management
◗ Federal and state statutes and regulations
• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency stormwater management requirements
◗ Local requirements and procedures
◗ Permits and permitting process
◗ Special waters and impaired waters

Stormwater Management Using Wet and Dry Detention Facilities
◗ Detention/retention pond overview
◗ Advantages and disadvantages
◗ Design considerations
• Hydrology • Permitting
• Site selection • Water quality
• Pond sizing
• Safety considerations
• Outlet structures
• Good design practices
• Pond routing theory
• Interconnected ponds
◗ Steps for detention design

Green Stormwater Practices
◗ Bioretention basics
◗ Bioretention cells
◗ Cisterns
◗ Runnels
◗ Permeable pavers/pervious concrete
◗ Disconnecting impervious area/vegetated swales
◗ Soil amendments
◗ Sustainable landscaping
◗ Rainwater harvesting
◗ Green roofs

Maintaining Wet and Dry Detention Ponds
◗ Evaluating erosion
• Techniques for preventing and repairing erosion
◗ Evaluating water quality
• Managing sedimentation
• Managing turbidity and algae bloom
• Identifying and managing pollutants
◗ Maintaining outlets and trash racks
◗ Reviewing case studies



For more information or to register for this seminar, go to:
Minnesota Stormwater Seminar

Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address Stormwater Permitting & Regulatory Support, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP), Stormwater Monitoring and Stormwater Training.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at
info@calthacompany.com
or
Caltha LLP Website


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Sunday, February 15, 2009

Stormwater Monitoring – Storm Water Sampling Services

An increasing number of States require routine sampling of stormwater discharges to demonstrate compliance with NPDES discharge permits. Whether samples are needed for visual monitoring, chemical monitoring, or benchmark monitoring, one of the more challenging tasks a permitted facility must address is how to collect valid stormwater samples.


Caltha LLP provides expert technical support to permitted facilities and/or their consultants and engineers to develop stormwater monitoring programs developed to meet the requirements of individual States. Storm water programs are provided to meeting the needs of both Industrial and Municipal (MS4) stormwater dischargers.

[Read more about selecting the right stormwater monitoring approach]
[Read more about stormwater benchmark monitoring]


Caltha LLP provides a range of stormwater monitoring services, from development of a written Stormwater Monitoring Plan, to conducting stormwater monitoring training, to supplying equipment and sampling personnel to collect samples.
[Read more about Stormwater Monitoring Services]


Caltha provides State-specific stormwater training for the following States:
[Click on a State to request more information]

Alabama Stormwater Monitoring
Arizona Stormwater Monitoring
Arkansas Stormwater Monitoring
California Stormwater Monitoring
Connecticut Stormwater Monitoring
Florida Stormwater Monitoring
Georgia Stormwater Monitoring
Illinois Stormwater Monitoring
Indiana Stormwater Monitoring
Iowa Stormwater Monitoring
Kansas Stormwater Monitoring
Kentucky Stormwater Monitoring
Louisiana Stormwater Monitoring
Massachusetts Stormwater Monitoring
Michigan Stormwater Monitoring
Minnesota Stormwater Monitoring
Mississippi Stormwater Monitoring
Nebraska Stormwater Monitoring
Nevada Stormwater Monitoring
New Jersey Stormwater Monitoring
New York Stormwater Monitoring
North Carolina Stormwater Monitoring
North Dakota Stormwater Monitoring
Ohio Stormwater Monitoring
Oklahoma Stormwater Monitoring
Oregon Stormwater Monitoring
Pennsylvania Stormwater Monitoring
South Carolina Stormwater Monitoring
South Dakota Stormwater Monitoring
Tennessee Stormwater Monitoring
Texas Stormwater Monitoring
Utah Stormwater Monitoring
Virginia Stormwater Monitoring
Washington Stormwater Monitoring
Wisconsin Stormwater Monitoring

For further information contact Caltha LLP at
info@calthacompany.com
or
Caltha LLP Website

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Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Stormwater Training - Stormwater Pollution Prevention Training

Caltha LLP provides Stormwater Training courses developed to meet the requirements of individual States. Separate stormwater training programs are provided to meeting the needs of Industrial, Municipal (MS4) and Construction stormwater dischargers.

Training is offered in a number of flexible formats, ranging from traditional classroom training presented periodically in different locations, to facility-level training conducted at individual sites to meet employee and/or contractor training needs. Caltha offers cost-effective web-based and remote training options. Caltha also creates facility-specific training materials and conducts “train-the-trainer” sessions for facility training staff.

Caltha offers several training options especially suited to meet the needs of small organizations.

Caltha provides State-specific stormwater training for the following States:
[Click on a State to request information on upcoming stormwater training programs and training options]

[See a map showing States where Caltha LLP worked in 2008]

Alabama Stormwater Training
Arizona Stormwater Training
Arkansas Stormwater Training
California Stormwater Training
Connecticut Stormwater Training
Florida Stormwater Training
Georgia Stormwater Training
Illinois Stormwater Training
Indiana Stormwater Training
Iowa Stormwater Training
Kansas Stormwater Training
Kentucky Stormwater Training
Louisiana Stormwater Training
Massachusetts Stormwater Training
Michigan Stormwater Training
Minnesota Stormwater Training
Mississippi Stormwater Training
Nebraska Stormwater Training
Nevada Stormwater Training
New Jersey Stormwater Training
New York Stormwater Training
North Carolina Stormwater Training
North Dakota Stormwater Training
Ohio Stormwater Training
Oklahoma Stormwater Training
Oregon Stormwater Training
Pennsylvania Stormwater Training
South Carolina Stormwater Training
South Dakota Stormwater Training
Tennessee Stormwater Training
Texas Stormwater Training
Utah Stormwater Training
Virginia Stormwater Training
Washington Stormwater Training
Wisconsin Stormwater Training



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Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Cost for Stormwater Monitoring - Managing Costs By Selecting Optimum Sampling Stategy

Many States now require dischargers to collect stormwater samples to demonstrate that their stormwater pollution prevention measures are effective. Samples are either visually examined on-site, or sent to a laboratory for chemical analysis. Either way – samples need to be collected.

Because in most States samples need to be collected within the first 30 minutes of discharge, stormwater monitoring presents some special challenges. To further complicate this requirement, rain events may also need meet specific requirements (i.e., 0.25 inch total rain fall, dry for previous 3 days, etc.). There are three basic options available to dischargers:

  1. Train Facility Staff to Collect Samples. In this case, a few staff are trained on how to collect and handle samples.
  2. Contract Third-party Sampler. Here, you would need to contract with a vendor who is located close enough to be at the site and ready to sample within 30 minutes of the start of a rain fall event.
  3. Buy or Lease Automated Sampling Equipment. In this case, equipment is installed at each outfall and samples are collected automatically when water begins to flow. In most cases, equipment would need to be installed by trained personnel.

Each of these options has its unique benefits and drawbacks. Using a third-party sampler has some logistically problems, as most facilities find it difficult to have someone on-site within 30 minutes, especially considering that the vendor may also be providing this service to others. Using automatic equipment eliminates this logistical problem; however, automated equipment tends to be more costly, and often needs to be reset after small rain events or if any other water gets inadvertently discharged to the storm sewer. Therefore many dischargers opt to train their own staff to collect samples, as it is the least expensive and most reliable method.

Caltha LLP assists companies in addressing their requirements under State and Federal stormwater rules, including Development of Stormwater Monitoring Plans and Training Facility Staff to Collect Stormwater Samples. Click here to request further information on Stormwater and SWPPP Services.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at
info@calthacompany.com
or
Caltha LLP Website

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Saturday, January 10, 2009

SWPPP Training – Stormwater Training

Caltha LLP offers a wide variety of SWPPP Training courses developed to meet the requirements of individual States. Separate stormwater training programs are provided to Industrial, Municipal (MS4) and Construction stormwater dischargers.

Training is offered in a number of flexible formats, ranging from traditional classroom training presented periodically in different locations, to facility-level training conducted at individual sites to meet employee and/or contractor training needs. Caltha offers web-based and remote training options. Caltha also creates facility-specific training materials and conducts “train-the-trainer” sessions for facility training staff.

Caltha also offers stormwater training options especially designed for small groups or small organizations.

Caltha provides State-specific SWPPP training for the following States:
[Click on a State to request information on upcoming stormwater training programs and training options]

[See a map showing States where Caltha LLP worked in 2008]

Alabama
Arkansas
California
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Nebraska
Nevada
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin


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Monday, January 5, 2009

SWPPP Training - What Stormwater Training Is Needed?

The answer will depend on the State your facility is located in – different States will have different training requirements. However, Caltha generally sees three categories for training:

a) SWPPP Awareness Training. This is “high-level” training which may be given to all employees, and covers basics of stormwater program and facility controls that would apply to any employee. In some States, this level of training is all that is required to comply with the discharge permit.
b) Stormwater Training. This training would be addressing employees whose day-to-day work activities relate to the specific controls and procedures the facility has established in its SWPPP, such as dock workers who might be involved with spills.
c) Stormwater Permit Compliance Training. Employees who have been assigned specific compliance tasks, such as conducting inspections, collecting stormwater samples, need to be trained to conduct their tasks.


Other types of training may be required, such as SPCC training or emergency response training, and permitted facilities may also need to consider training for contractors [read more about contractor training] Click here for Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Stormwater Training.



Caltha LLP presents stormwater training programs, prepares site-specific training materials, and offers "train-the-trainer" programs to facilities subject to stormwater permitting requirements.

Click here for more information on State-specific SWPPP - Stormwater Training Resources.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at
info@calthacompany.com
or
Caltha LLP Website

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Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Knowledge Based SWPPP Training – Texas (TCEQ) Construction Permit Example

Stormwater training requirements in most general permits are prescriptive and require specific documentation to demonstrate compliance. If documentation can be produced that shows an employee received appropriate training, the permit requirement is considered to be met. Most often, training rooster sign-in sheets are used as documentation.

An alternate requirement for SWPPP training is “knowledge-based”, meaning that compliance or noncompliance is determined by what the employee knows and not what training courses the employee has attended.

An example of knowledge-based training requirements is found in the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) general permit for construction stormwater discharge (Permit # TXR150000). In this permit, “training” is only required for personnel responsible to conduct site inspections. No specific training needs to be documented. However, inspectors must be “knowledgeable of [requirements of the] general permit, familiar with the construction site, and knowledgeable of the SWPPP for the site”. Regardless of any specific training inspectors can show, if they can not meet these performance criteria, they may not be considered qualified to conduct inspections.

Although knowledge-based training requirements have the advantage that no specific training documentation is needed, they also require a higher standard for actual knowledge. Employers need to assure that their employees know what they need to know.


Caltha LLP has several training programs created to help Texas contractors meet the performance standards of the TCEQ construction site discharge permit, including several customized programs to meet the requirements of small and medium size contractors in all States.


For further information contact Caltha LLP at
info@calthacompany.com
or
Caltha LLP Website

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Monday, December 22, 2008

Stormwater Training – Do I Need To Train Contractors?

The question is often asked – does a permitted facility need to provide Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Training (“SWPPP training”) to contractors working on-site?

The answer is in the form of another question – Can the contractor’s actions result in violation of permit conditions and/or non-conformance with the stormwater pollution prevention plan? If yes, then providing some level of training to contractors will be in the facility’s best interest. This training may not necessarily be the same SWPPP Training given to employees. [Read more about contractors and maintaining compliance] [What kind of SWPPP Training is required?]


Requirements for training in State general permits typically refer to employee training only and do not expressly address contractors. However, as the permit holder, the facility has the ultimate responsibility to meet requirements of the permit. Whether violations are caused by the facility employees or by contractors working on site, the result may be the same and the facility could ultimately be held responsible.

Some form of contractor training is likely already occurring. Other regulatory programs, such as the OSHA hazard communication standard, require some level of contractor training. Facilities with an environmental management system (EMS) conforming to the ISO 14001 standard are required to provide training to contractors. Therefore, incorporating SWPPP Training into existing contractor training procedures can be done with very little additional effort.

Caltha LLP provides technical support to develop all required SWPPP Training programs, as well as other environmental training and contractor training programs.


Click here for more information on State-specific SWPPP - Stormwater Training Resources.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at
info@calthacompany.com
or
Caltha LLP Website

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Wednesday, November 26, 2008

SWPPP Training Videos and Stormwater On-line Training - Do These Resources Meet Requirements?

Many good training resources are available, including video training and “on-line” courses. Caltha often recommends these resources as an element of a facility’s training program.

Whether or not these types of “off-the-shelf” training resources meet the training requirements will depend on the specific requirements for your State. In many cases, training needs to include information on the facility SWPPP, and therefore the “off-the shelf” resources need to be augmented with facility-specific training.

For example, here is an excerpt from a State permit that specifies training requirements:

Texas (TCEQ) General Permit:
Employee Training Program and Employee Education: A section within the SWP3 shall be
developed to establish a training program. Training shall be provided to all employees who are
responsible for implementing or maintaining activities identified in the SWP3. Employee training
shall include, at a minimum:
(1) proper material management and handling practices for specific chemicals, fluids, and other materials used or commonly encountered at the facility;
(2) spill prevention methods;
(3) the location of materials and equipment necessary for spill clean up;
(4) spill clean up techniques;
(5) proper spill reporting procedures; and
(6) familiarization with good housekeeping measures, BMPs, and goals of the SWP3.

...Education must be provided to those employees at the facility who are not directly responsible for implementing or maintaining activities identified in the SWP3, and who do not participate in the employee training program. At a minimum, these employees must be informed of the basic goals of the SWP3 and how to contact the facility’s storm water Pollution Prevention Team regarding storm water issues.

This this case, generic training materials would need to be supplemented with site-specific information on the facility's stormwater pollution prevention plan and site specific controls and procedures. Even the basic "awareness" training required for all employees needs to be site-specific.

Click here for more information on State-specific SWPPP - Stormwater Training Resources.


For further information contact Caltha LLP at
info@calthacompany.com
or
Caltha LLP Website

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Wednesday, November 5, 2008

What Kind of Stormwater Training Is Required?

The answer will depend on the State your facility is located in – different States will have different training requirements. However, Caltha generally sees three categories for training:

a) SWPPP Awareness Training. This is “high-level” training which may be given to all employees, and covers basics of stormwater program and facility controls that would apply to any employee.
b) Stormwater Training. This training would be addressing employees whose day-to-day work activities relate to the specific controls and procedures the facility has established in its SWPPP, such as dock workers who might be involved with spills.
c) Stormwater Permit Compliance Training. Employees who have been assigned specific compliance tasks, such as conducting inspections, collecting stormwater samples, need to be trained to conduct their tasks.


For further information contact Caltha LLP at
info@calthacompany.com
or
Caltha LLP Website

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Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Stormwater Permit and SWPPP Requirements - Summary Trends and Changes