Tag: stormwater

CPESC Certification Requirements

Posted on by Dan Osborn

Envirocert (ECI), one of INDOT’s approved environmental certification providers, has recently decided that individuals holding a Certified Professional in Erosion & Sediment Control (CPESC) certification are now required to obtain a Certified Erosion, Sediment and Storm Water Inspector (CESSWI) certification if they perform storm water, erosion and sediment control inspections.

Anyone performing inspections holding a CPESC certification shall obtain a CESSWI certification on or after July 1, 2023.

CPESC certification holders wishing to obtain CESSWI certification should visit the following link for instructions.
https://envirocert.org/cpesc-field-inspection-authority/

ECI also published a FAQ notice accessed via the following link.
https://envirocert.org/cpesc-field-inspection-authority-faq/

Contact Dan Osborn (317) 634-7547 with any questions regarding certification.

Stormwater Master General Permit in Final Stages

Posted on by Dan Osborn

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is in the late stages of a process transitioning from a permit by rule to a Master General Permit (MGP) for the three stormwater programs currently administered through Indiana Administrative Code (Rules). The three programs effected are Construction Stormwater (“Rule 5”) (327 IAC 15-5), Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (“MS4s”) (327 IAC 15-13), and Industrial Stormwater (327 IAC 15-6). The change was spurred in 2016 via urging of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA).

IDEM developed draft language and engaged an advisory group in 2017. The advisory group, including representation from ICI, ACEC, INDOT and several other local and statewide stakeholder groups, met with IDEM leadership in multiple sessions throughout 2017 and 2018 to review and discuss draft language, current practices, and improvements. Brian Wolff, IDEM surface water and operations branch chief recently sent a notice to advisory group members thanking them for their participation.

“The draft language presented to the advisory group was vastly different from the output representing compromises for stakeholders and significant collaboration,” said Wolff, when asked about successes of this effort.

As an advisory member, ICI’s Director of Government Relations Dan Osborn appreciated IDEMs openness and active listening to considering stakeholder input throughout the process.

After finalizing the language in 2018, IDEM submitted the document to US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for review. After two years of review, public comment sessions, and revisions, IDEM received a notice of “non-objection” from the EPA. Wolff explained that the permits have been submitted to the Indiana Governor’s office for signature consideration. After 15 days, the permit will be submitted to the Indiana Secretary of State’s office for further processing. The permits become effective after a 30-day wait period post publishing of the final language. Wolff noted that owners or permittees of current permits will need to file for an “amendment-continue of coverage” under the new MGP within 90 days of the MGP effective date. IDEM cannot continue coverage under 327 IAC 15-5 for projects that will continue to operate once 327 IAC 15-5 is repealed.

IDEM has posted a copy of the MGPs and associated public comments/questions and has scheduled two public information sessions. Please see information and links below.

The information session on the Construction Stormwater General Permit will take place on November 16th at 10:00 AM
Zoom Link : https://zoom.us/j/94985414355?pwd=ak9kRXlHakZBOGtRdldkVHRPU1Q0Zz09&from=addon
Telephone: 301-715-8592 or 312-626-6799 or 646-876-9923 or 346-248-7799 or 408-638-0968 or 669-900-6833 or 253-215-8782
Meeting ID: 949 8541 4355
Passcode: 841374
Question Form: https://forms.office.com/g/1rXLXQyX8v

The information session for the MS4 General permit will take place on November 30th at 10:00 AM
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/92346799028?pwd=bWR1YksveGgvckZJVmFlNm1SdExTZz09&from=addon
Telephone: 312-626-6799 or 646-876-9923 or 301-715-8592 or 253-215-8782 or 346-248-7799 or 408-638-0968 or 669-900-6833
Meeting ID: 923 4679 9028
Passcode: 710924
Question form: https://forms.office.com/g/GAS7dWxbBB

National Stormwater Quality Certification

Posted on by Dan Osborn

Envirocert and CISEC storm water quality certifications are offering on-line training and exam solutions to comply with CDC, state, and local restrictions. Envirocert’s CESSWI and CPESC and the CISEC certifications are options to fulfill INDOT’s national certification requirement found in the Standard Specification section 205.03 (b) (2) Level 2 Stormwater Quality Manager.

See the following information provided by both certifying organizations about modifications to their programs.

ENVIROCERT (CESSWI & CPESC)

At Home/Office Online Exam with Remote Proctoring

In an effort to provide applicants with an immediate option to take exams, ECI is in the process of developing a “computer proctoring approach” which will allow applicants to take exams at their home or office. Exams will be administered online, utilizing a remote proctor that will monitor their computers via webcam. Strict security measures will be implemented to ensure exam security.

ECI has gone to great lengths to implement this technology to allow individuals to continue to work towards their Professional Certifications. Exams have been reduced to three (3) hours (full exam) to assist during these times. In order to facilitate a successful event, the vendor(s) will ensure that the examinee’s personal computer equipment and internet connectivity meets the necessary system requirements. Examinees will be able to choose between two (2) vendors who offer the ECI Certification Exams: learn.net or Prometrics. Both will administer exams online, utilizing remote proctoring and offer a bundle option for the General Principles Review and the certification exam as well as the Part A (when applicable).

Launch A

(End of April 2020)

QSM | Part A | CESSWI

Launch B

(May 2020)

CPESC | CESSWI-SI | CPESC-SI

If you have additional questions or would like any additional information, please contact ECI at info@envirocert.org or call 828-655-1600.

CISEC

CISEC, Inc. is adhering to CDC, State and local restrictions associated with the COVID-19 situation  that is impacting the nation. Since attendance in an in-person CISEC program is not feasible at this time, CISEC is ready to assist you in enrolling into its online training modules and finding a proctor to administer your CISEC certification examination. Of course, should you want to you want to wait until they are once again available, there will not be any problem transferring your registration to a future in-person program.  

Accessing the CISEC On-Line Training Modules

Your enrollment in the CISEC Online Training modules will be covered by your already paid in-person training fees.  Instructions for access are:

  • Download your free CISEC training manual and drawings by clicking on the link MANUAL.
  • Enter into the CISEC online training modules available through IECA at ehub.ieca.org by clicking on the link ONLINE.
  • Contact the IECA team with any difficulties in accessing training modules (Joanna – joanna@ieca.org or Jack – jack@ieca.org).

Unless advised differently, beginning at 11:00 a.m. (MDT) on May 15, CISEC, Inc. will conduct a “Fireside Chat” webinar to provide answers and/or discuss various topics of concern.  

Administering CISEC Certification Examinations

If you have been approved by CISEC, Inc. to sit for one of the CISEC certification examinations, CISEC will coordinate with you to find a proctor. This process requires you to complete and submit a proctor registration form to contactus@cisecinc.org. 

Additional information about proctoring your test can be found by clicking on PROCTOR.   

Once CISEC gets your proctor form, it will develop a contract with the proctor of your choice specifying a date and time for administration of your examination.

You have 24 months after completing the training modules to sit for the 3.5-hour CISEC Full examination. If you want to wait until CISEC once again hosts “In-Person” training programs, you can sit in the afternoon of Day 2 (see attached brochure), and CISEC will waive the proctor fee.  

Public Hearing Scheduled for “Rule 5” General Permit Revisions

Posted on by Dan Osborn

On Wednesday, May 13 at 1:30 p.m., at the Indiana Government Center South, 10 North Senate Avenue, Conference Center Room A, Indianapolis, Indiana, the Environmental Rules Board will hold a public hearing on amendments to 327 IAC 5 and 327 IAC 15 concerning National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System general permits (NPDES). The purpose of this hearing is to receive comments from the public prior to consideration of final adoption of these rules by the board. All interested persons are invited and will be given reasonable opportunity to express their views concerning the proposed amendments. Oral statements will be heard, but, for the accuracy of the record, all comments should be submitted in writing. Additional information regarding this action may be obtained from MaryAnn Stevens, Rules Development Branch, Office of Legal Counsel, (317) 232-8635 or (800) 451-6027 (in Indiana).

INDOT Storm Water Management Training

Posted on by Dan Osborn

INDOT will conduct two Construction Storm Water Management Trainings on  from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 and Wednesday,  January 24, 2018 at the Traffic Management Center 8620 E. 21st St in Indianapolis. After attending the class, participants will have 30 days to enter into the INDOT University E-Learning site to finish the training and take an exam. Participants must attain 40 out of 50 correct on the exam to complete this training. Training is valid for 3 years from the class date and can be renewed online.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are enrolling individuals for your company, make sure to include the participant’s valid email address as it will be used for the online portion of the class.

Submit Comments for IDEM Proposed General Permit for Storm Water Run-Off

Posted on by Dan Osborn

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has invited ICI to participate in an advisory group to review and comment on a draft General Permit for Construction Site Run-Off (storm water run-off). This General Permit would take the place of Indiana’s Rule 5, Storm Water Run-Off Associated with Construction Activity. The advisory group consists of industry and special interest group representatives such as American Council of Engineering Companies of Indiana, Indiana Builders Association, White River Alliance, Indiana Association of Floodplain and Storm Water Management and INDOT.

ICI is working with the other advisory groups during the review and comment period and will submit comments to IDEM by Monday, August 21 in preparation for our next advisory group meeting on Thursday, August 31.

  1. Some key proposed changes from the current Rule 5 (327 IAC 15-5) include:
  2. New document format.
  3. Permit coverage includes post-construction run-off measure implementation.
  4. Minimum 50 ft. natural buffer if land disturbance occurs adjacent to waters of the state unless infeasible.
  5. Timeline requirements for inspection after rain events and storm water best practice implementation.
  6.  Inspection threshold trigger – .25-inch rain event if discharging into impaired waters of the state.
  7. SWAPP (Storm Water Assessment Performance Program) – Includes criteria about regular and post rain event site evaluation.
  8. Project Management Log to include, but not limited to, a list of responsible individuals, information about off-site borrow / disposal sites, SWAPP reports, rainfall events greater than .5 or .25 inches in where applicable and all construction plan modifications.
  9. Street cleaning by the end of the work day.
  10. Covering of waste receptacles.

Another important aspect will be implementation timing. ICI will advocate an implementation plan that will minimize administrative burden on existing projects and current projects in the later phases of development.

ICI will continue to publish updates concerning this General Permit throughout the review and comment period. Contact Dan Osborn (317) 634-7547 to review and comment on the proposed General Permit.