Shasta College Hosts International Erosion Control BMP Summit

Shasta College will host its third Erosion Control BMP Summit on May 3 and 4, 2016 from 8am to 5pm at the Shasta College Erosion Control Training Facility (ECTF) and Farm. The ECTF is becoming world famous because the 5-acre site mimics an actual construction site and is also the training ground for the Heavy Equipment Operations classes.

This international workshop is gaining participation of our industry partners from France and the Marianas Islands! This workshop is a partnership with Shasta College, the Doing What Matters for Jobs and the Economy framework, Sacramento Watershed Action Group (SWAG), Western Chapter International Erosion Control Association (WC-IECA), and the North Far North Consortia.

Instructor John McCullah (SWAG and Shasta College instructor) with help from staff and students will present and demonstrate the most effective Best Management Practices (BMPs) you can use for Construction Stormwater Protection. Special guest presenter will be Eric Berntsen, formerly with the State Water Board. Eric has extraordinary experience with MS4 regulations and in the area of hydromodification.

The two-day workshop is designed for people of beginning, intermediate or advanced erosion control experience. It will be extremely beneficial for stormwater prevention pollution plan (SWPPP) developers, reviewers, engineers, construction personnel, site inspectors, landscape contractors, and other water-quality professionals.

BMPs are the “tools of compliance.” How can stormwater plans truly become cost-effective without an in-depth understanding of the BMPs and BMP selection, including how and where they should be applied, how to install and how to repair? This training is focused on the practical, in-the-field, implementation and inspection of BMPs. Attendees will spend time both in the classroom and out in the field, spraying on hydromulch or helping to anchor Turf Reinforcement Mats (TRMs) or rolled erosion control products. Speaking of products, there will be a huge product exhibition, with manufacturers, developers, and distributers of erosion and sediment control products from around the nation. Many products will be demonstrated in the field and exhibit hall.

Attendees will have ample opportunity to mingle, not only with product distributors but also with other professionals working in this ever-growing field. Shasta College students who are actively receiving this training in their curriculum will be on hand. Contractors and installers will be given tips to save money and still install BMPs they can be proud of. Learn how to construct a simple sediment pond that drains by skimming cleaner water from the top. Shasta College has constructed drainage ways where you’ll learn everything you need about TRMs. Learn the state-of-the-art site grading and soil surface preparation BMPs that are most effective.

John McCullah, on behalf of SWAG, will also be hosting our partners from French ONEMA (French National Agency for Water and Aquatic Environments) as they not only attend our workshop, but tour local sites for one-on-one hands-on training with John throughout the remainder of the week. There will also be attendees from the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality from the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands.

This is sure to be an event that you don’t want to miss out on!! Registration is $300.00 person, with group rates available. Discounts of 30% will be given to State, Federal and Local agencies with groups of 5 or more and early registration. Scholarships are also available to small businesses involved in Erosion Control. Registration includes breakfast and lunch for both days. Register now at www.watchyourdirt.com or call 530-247-1600.