Northwest Environmental Training Center (NWETC) training

Water

Waters of the United States Webinar-Recorded

This course is a recording of a live webinar presented in September, 2015. There are three 2-hour sessions. All paid registrants will receive a certificate of completion of 0.6 CEU`s. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a final rule defining the scope of waters protected under the Clean Water Act… The rule will ensure protection for the nation’s public health and aquatic resources, and increase CWA program predictability and consistency by clarifying the scope of ‘‘waters of the United States’’ protected under the Act…This rule is effective on August 28, 2015.

CESCL: Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead Training

CESCL certification is required by the Washington State Department of Ecology, Construction Stormwater General Permit for personnel responsible for monitoring stormwater at construction sites disturbing one or more acres of land, or are part of a larger common plan of development. NWETC’s 2-day CESCL course is a dynamic interaction between traditional classroom style lecture and hands-on field exercises. Interactive dialogue between the attendees and the trainers is also promoted, to encourage a shared learning environment.

CESCL: Erosion and Sediment Control Lead Re-Certification

This exciting course examines the most up-to-date techniques in the management of sediment and construction sites. Students who complete the course will receive a Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) card, good for three years. CESCL certification is required in the state of Washington by the Washington State Department of Ecology for personnel responsible for construction stormwater inspections and sampling at construction sites. Participants will also benefit from a dynamic interaction between traditional lectures and hands-on exercises. The course covers the essentials of being a certified lead and includes information on how new regulations will impact CESCL job functions. Upon completion, students will know how to simply and confidently comply with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements of stormwater management.

Wetlands Permitting

This 1-day course provides participants with a general overview of the development of Federal and State environmental laws and recent agency guidance, as well as recent changes to laws and policies. Attendees will review key terms that will help determine jurisdictional limits or exemptions to permitting, and will be introduced to the various aquatic resource permits that may be used for various site development projects. Time will also be spent covering permit application requirements; such as field studies that may be required, the permit review process and time lines, as well as agency coordination, how to get preliminary feedback on the project, and how to prepare a submittal package for a complex land development or use projects.

The Ecological Significance of High Flows on Alluvial Rivers

This dynamic and hands-on course provides an introduction to the science of flood dynamics and why they are important to stream and river ecology. High flows flush organic matter from the channel, maintain channel geometry by transporting sediment, form new channels by geomorphic processes, and provide essential conditions for fish migration and spawning.

Wetlands Delineation

*This course includes both classroom and field activities. This course focuses on use of the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and updated regional supplements as applied in the field and how to make a wetland call. This course combines 1½ days of classroom lecture with a one-half day field exercise to give attendees the basic knowledge and experience they will need to properly delineate and document wetlands. Recent changes in wetland delineation protocols can have a positive effect on land use and in some cases change the wetland boundary of one delineated using the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual. In the classroom on day 1 and the first part of day 2, attendees will learn how to classify wetlands according to Cowardin and Brinson, identify the key criteria associated with wetlands (hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology), and how these criteria are used to define the wetland boundaries. This course will also cover relevant

NWETC - CESCL: Erosion and Sediment Control Lead Training 2-Day in Oregon

NWETC’s 2-day CESCL course is a dynamic interaction between traditional classroom style and hands-on exercises. Day 1 is spent in the classroom discussing impacts of erosion and sedimentation, regulations, CESCL responsibilities and examining the most up-to-date techniques in the management of sediment and construction sites through BMP descriptions and case studies. In this Oregon course, we will examine BMPs and regulations specific to managing stormwater in Oregon, while also completing the necessary information for WA CESCL certification. We will also discuss details of the Oregon 1200C and 1200CN permits, and how they relate to the CESCL activities on construction sites. Day 2 starts in the classroom with a review of a variety of case studies. Next, attendees will take the certification exam. On the afternoon of day 2, the class will visit field sites and practice inspections and best management practices of choosing mats, blankets, check dams, bonded fiber matrix, straw, and other erosion control techniques for various site locations. Please dress appropriately for the weather.

NWETC - Chemically Contaminated Drinking Water in the U.S.-Recording

Contaminated drinking water has been in the news nationally in recent months. In this 4-hour webinar, attendees will learn basic information about public (and private) water supplies and treatment for contaminants; brief history of contamination of drinking water supplies; key characteristics of lead (Pb) and perfluorinateds (specifically PFOS and PFOA); an overview of socioeconomic aspects of drinking water contamination; and current observations about risk perception and litigation related to contamination of drinking water. Lead (Pb) and PFOS/PFOA will be used throughout the webinar to illustrate key concepts. In addition, flash polls will be scattered throughout the webinar to elicit your input and experience. This webinar is appropriate for a wide range of participants who want to gain perspective on the issue of chemically-contaminated drinking water in the U.S. For example, people working for water supply systems may learn more about chemical contamination; engineers and scientists who investigate sources of contamination or treat contamination in situ or for drinking may gain insights into public health priorities; local, state and federal regulators and public health leaders may learn more about toxicity; and lawyers and news media employees may gain a more complete context for reporting and for pursuing specific cases

NWETC - CESCL: Erosion and Sediment Control Lead Training 2-Day in Oregon

Remediation / Toxicology

Management and Remediation of Contaminated Sediments

This workshop provides attendees with management and remediation solutions to contaminants in both marine and freshwater sediments including the effects of remediation on the benthic environment. All aspects of contaminated sediments will be reviewed, including determination of contaminant sources, site characterization, remedial technology selection, monitoring, and demonstration of the effectiveness of remedial technology. Participants will come away from this course with the skills and knowledge to assess and remediate contaminated sediments with a scientifically valid and legally defensible plan at minimum cost. Attendees will learn about both conventional and emerging technologies for remediating contaminated sediments. Technologies presented will be: removal followed by treatment and disposal; in situ isolation of the sediments from the environment by covering the sediment with neutral materials (i.e., passive capping); active capping technologies that employ chemically active s