The Importance of Erosion and Sediment Control Training

NYSDEC’s 4-hour Erosion and Sediment Control Training

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) hosts four-hour erosion and sediment control trainings in partnership with county soil and water conservation districts. Certain professionals must complete this training once every three years.

In December of 2024, four of Walden’s staff attended the training in Nassau County, NY. Our team learned about stormwater construction permit regulations and requirements, contractor responsibilities, construction site inspections, erosion and sediment control, stormwater management practices, and winter site operations. All of these topics have expanded Walden’s capacity to assist clients with their various project needs.

How the Training Is Implemented

Erosion and sediment control is a huge factor when it comes to having a successful project. If the correct stormwater management measures are not put in place, construction sites are at risk of becoming subject to pay fees for site cleanup, lost work days, and materials and equipment replacement costs, as well as potential fines from DEC.

These project delays can be avoided through the development of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) that addresses all possible environmental impacts that can stem from construction work. Walden helps clients remain compliant while work is being done on their construction sites through methods that include protecting natural resources during construction, diverting flows from off-site sources to keep the work area dry, implementing and maintaining erosion and sediment controls, and managing stormwater runoff.

Walden’s erosion and sediment control-trained staff can review your SWPPP to ensure that the proper stormwater management practices are being implemented – so that you and your team can rest assured knowing that the work being done is within the regulations set forth by NYSDEC and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We also assist our clients with their New York State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) program permits and reporting. Under the SPDES program, construction sites may have to comply with this year’s revised stormwater general permit requirements.

Contractors whose work involves any of the following require permit coverage:

• Disturbing one acre or more of land
• Located in a protected watershed or sensitive area
• Grading
• Excavating
• Filling
• Stockpiling
• Demolition
• Clear-cutting
• Clearing and grubbing
• Tree cutting and skidding
• Brush root removal
• Stump removal

How Walden Can Help

Having a plan for how to implement and maintain erosion and sediment control on site is an important part of keeping environmental harm at a minimum. This also ensures that you remain compliant with permits and standards set forth by DEC. Walden offers a variety of services to assist you at your construction site. We can:

• Prepare erosion and sediment control plans (ESCPs)
• Prepare and review SWPPPs
• Develop and implement stormwater management practices
• Review SPDES permits
• Recommend erosion control methods
• Perform erosion and sediment control inspections with our NYSDEC-certified inspectors

Our staff of erosion and sediment control experts are here to help and have experience working on busy sites, as well as a complete understanding of site safety protocol. Contact us at 516-614-4595 to discuss your project today, and download our stormwater management guide if you’re interested in learning more!