Construction Site Erosion and Pollution Control (CESCL)
With the successful completion of this course you will satisfy the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) training course requirement. According to the Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington a CESCL is to be available on certain types of construction projects.
Upon completion of course, you will receive a certificate and a wallet-sized card indicating you have met CESCL training requirements.
For more information about the Washington State Department of Ecology requirements, please refer to the Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington, Volume 2, Chapter 4, BMP C160.
View the manual »8:30 am-5:00 pm
January 14-15, 2009
Bellevue, Washington
March 11-12, 2009
Shoreline, Washington
Poorly controlled construction sites can harm not only aquatic environments, but adjacent properties, public roadways and drainage systems as well. These problems stem not only from soil erosion, but also from materials and practices commonly used in construction activities. Construction site erosion and pollution control efforts are now emphasizing the most appropriate set of practices for a specific site, as well as correctly installing and maintaining the selected practices to ensure their effectiveness.
Unit 1 in this course will cover erosion and pollution control problems and planning beginning with legal and regulatory requirements and the reasons for them. You will review methods for analyzing construction sites to define potential erosion and pollution control problems, and for identifying the best course of action for avoiding or minimizing these problems. The instructor will then discuss and demonstrate how to use this information to assemble erosion and pollution control plans. You will review sample erosion and pollution control plans and practice analyzing construction sites and specifying best management practices (BMPs).
The second unit concentrates on the details of the BMPs for construction sites and methods for achieving maximum benefits in their application. You will learn about proper design, installation and maintenance for all of the practices commonly used in the Pacific Northwest to prevent or minimize erosion, trap sediments, and control water pollution.
The course will illustrate these construction site erosion and pollution control practices through the use of a video tape, slides, and examples of erosion and sediment control products. In the full-day field trip on Day 2 you will observe a variety of construction site situations and erosion control and pollution control applications first hand.
Special field trip on day two: "The Good, the Bad and the Innovative"
Bring suitable wet weather clothing for the field trip
Field Trip
Observe effective as well as less successful examples of erosion and sediment control (ESC) management practices at a wide variety of construction sites, including residential, commercial, and transportation sites. At each site you will observe actual ESC BMPs in the field and talk with site personnel about real-life problems and solutions. We will visit sites using conventional and innovative ESC BMP techniques. We will also see a demonstration of basic erosion and sediment control BMPs installed on a slope. Application of a large quantity of "rain" will allow participants to observe actual performance of the BMPs under stress, and evaluate differences relating to product type, installation technique, soils, and rainfall.
Course Topics
- Unit 1: Construction Site Erosion and Pollution Control Problems and Planning
- Legal and regulatory requirements
- Potential impacts of sediments and other construction site pollutants
- Analyses of the principal factors affecting erosion: soils and geology, meteorology and hydrology, topography, and vegetation
- Prediction of soil loss
- Developing erosion and pollution control plans
- Assessment of sample control plans
- Erosion and pollution control planning exercises
- Unit 2: Construction Site Erosion and Pollution Control Practices
- Overview of current erosion and pollution control practices
- Practices designed to avoid or minimize erosion
- Flow control practices and their role in reducing erosion
- Sediment trapping practices
- Practices to control pollution from materials and waste handling on construction sites
- Field trip
What is Included
Fee includes a CD ROM with extensive reference materials for you to use a valuable on-the-job resource. Course notes, refreshment breaks, lunch, and field trip transportation are also included.
Faculty
Michael Hrachovec, P. E., is an environmental engineer with key technical strengths in hydraulics, water quality and erosion control. He focuses on design and construction techniques that incorporate natural materials which mimic both the functional and aesthetic components of natural systems. With experience in government, consulting and non-profit organizations, he has managed the design and/or construction of public works projects totaling over $2 million, including the development of detailed designs. He has worked extensively with non-profit groups and citizen groups, and regularly delivers field and classroom courses for the University of Washington on erosion control, ESA and stormwater management.
Carl Menconi is a trainer, stream consultant, and restoration contractor specializing in low impact construction in sensitive and inaccessible areas. Through the Associated General Contractors Education Foundation and the University of Washington he teaches a variety of erosion control courses providing certifications from the Washington Departments of Transportation and Ecology. His Erosion Best Management Practices Field Course has been presented to over 1500 inspectors, contractors, and highway maintenance workers statewide.
Continuing Education Units
Course participants will earn 1.4 CEUs upon successful completion of this course. The CEU is a nationally recognized measure of participation in a noncredit continuing education program that meets established criteria for increasing knowledge and competency.