January 25, 2006

Public-Private Partnership Develops Erosion Control Training and Certification Program

Private contractor / development firms and public agencies from throughout North Idaho are partnering together to educate and certify industry related workers / professionals in stormwater and erosion control.

The issue of erosion control is getting increased attention after heavy rains caused a significant mudslide at a construction site on Hayden Lake in January.

The public-private partnership is developing a voluntary education and certification and training program for contractors, regulators, excavators, developers and others who engage in developing North Idaho.

The goal of the program is to increase awareness, knowledge, competency and consistency with regard to stormwater and erosion-sediment control practices throughout the development community, including regulatory, design, contractor, and landscaping entities.

The program is being modeled after the Loggers Education to Advance Professionalism (LEAP) program. The LEAP program was initiated by the logging industry to provide education, including best management practices, resulting in better forest management.

Developed with input from industry focus groups and surveys, the Panhandle Stormwater and Erosion Education Program is designed to:

• Ensure compliance with the federal Clean Water Act and assist in mitigating impacts to impaired bodies of water.
• Develop a meaningful standard within the development/construction community.
• Bring agencies and industry together to facilitate consistent knowledge and communication.
• Increase levels of awareness and understanding among professionals.
• Protect the resources of ground and surface water, soils, and aquatic life through proper application of Best Management Practices.
• Promote erosion control, emphasizing prevention versus mitigation.

Benefits to those who are certified in the program include:

• Increased understanding between the design and development/construction community and regulatory agencies about plan requirements.
• Increased credibility through completing the course and obtaining certification.
• Maintenance of consistency in design and development in the community.
• Reduced fines or lost work time.
• Increased reliance by public and professionals on certified designers and developers/contractors.

The curriculum is expected to include sections on ecology, regulatory components, best management practices, planning and site design, field practice, and continuous updates on innovative or new technologies.

Grant funding is being sought, with assistance from the Panhandle Area Council, for program development.

Members of the program steering committee include CDF Landscape, Grossglauser Construction, HAWKEFA Land Development Co., Image Homes, Lakes Construction, Landmark Landscape Architects, North Idaho Building Contractors Association, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Idaho Department of Lands, Hayden Lake Stormwater Management, Kootenai-Shoshone and Benewah Soil and Water Conservation District, Planning Representatives from Shoshone, Kootenai, Bonner and Boundary Counties, Panhandle Area Council, Panhandle Lakes RC&D, University of Idaho Extension Service, and Panhandle Health District.