The Department of Environmental Protection's Nonpoint Source Training and Resource Center is offering a robust schedule of classes for the winter and spring of 2014. The department will again provide training in erosion and sediment control practices to ensure that the remaining excavation contractors in the state who did not get DEP certification by January 1, 2013, have a final opportunity to attend training and obtain needed certification. Classes in Basic and Advanced Erosion and Sediment Control Practices will be held in nine locations covering Aroostook, Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec, Lincoln, Piscataquis and York counties. These sessions are sponsored by private organizations, municipalities and local soil & water conservation districts.

“Maine is known for its pristine and healthy water. By using best practices for erosion and sediment control, certified contractors go a long way in protecting our water,” said Bill Laflamme of the Nonpoint Source Training and Resource Center.

Legislation passed in 2008, requires that as of January 1, 2013, a person certified by the DEP in erosion control best practices must be on-site of any activity that disturbs more than one cubic yard of soil –including earth moving and  landscaping operations– in the shoreland zone until work is complete and the site stabilized. The shoreland zone is an area defined as within 250 feet of rivers, wetlands, lakes and the ocean and 75 feet of certain streams.

For companies with several sites being operated simultaneously, this means multiple employees –one for each job site–need to be certified.

Other benefits to those who obtain certification include being exempt from the 14-day waiting period for stream crossing projects under DEP’s Permit-by-Rule program; being able to advertise –including for free on DEP’s website – as a certified contractor; free publications from DEP’s resource library; and receiving discounts at several suppliers of erosion control products in the state.

In addition to courses for contractors, two new programs have been developed by the Center to provide information to engineers, consultants and others on erosion and sediment control and stormwater practices. The first class, Design of Erosion Control Practices for Engineers and Consultants, was developed to provide guidance to these groups on recommended practices  used by the State's excavation contractors.  Three sessions of this program will be held throughout the state.  The second new class being introduced is the Inspection of Stormwater and Erosion Control Best Management Practices. This program is designed to provide guidance on proper inspection procedures to ensure compliance.  The class is completed in two separate sessions and participants can attend one or both of the sessions depending on their interests.

Finally, for contractors interested in instruction and certification in the installation of septic systems, the Center in conjunction with staff from the Departments of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, will hold four classes on Septic System Installation. The day-long sessions will take place in Androscoggin, Aroostook, Hancock and Penobscot counties and will qualify contractors to be certified in septic system installation by DHHS.

To view the full schedule, please click here.  Contractors interested in more information or registering for classes are encouraged to contact Bill Laflamme at 207-215-9237 or  William.N.Laflamme@maine.gov.