TRAINING HELD TO PROTECT FLORIDA’S WATER

Press Release graphic

PRESS RELEASE: May 21, 2015

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

TRAINING HELD TO PROTECT FLORIDA’S WATER

~ DEP hosts free stormwater erosion and sedimentation control inspector's class ~

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KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is partnering with Osceola County and the University of Florida Agricultural Extension Office to host two free Stormwater Erosion and Sedimentation Control Inspector's Classes and one outdoor technology workshop -- the Florida Muddy Water Blues. The goal of the partnership is to protect Florida’s waters by encouraging the proper design, construction and maintenance of erosion and sediment during construction, and to assure the proper long-term operation and maintenance of stormwater systems after construction is completed. The class is primarily to provide training to private and public employees in various construction related fields, however, permit reviewers, public works personnel and engineers will also benefit from this program.

“The sediment and erosion control program is an important public education tool that helps reduce pollution,” said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “Educating personnel on these practices reduces the polluted runoff reaching Florida’s waters.”

The Inspector’s Class will follow curriculum provided in the Florida Stormwater, Erosion, and Sedimentation Control Inspector’s Manual and is offered May 27 and 29. Attendees keep the course manuals and are encouraged to review them regularly as an important reference tool. On May 28, the Muddy Water Blues Outdoor Workshop will feature live demonstrations and presentations from a wide variety of vendors in the erosion and sedimentation control fields.

Implementation of the training began in late 1997. To date, there are over 32,000 certified inspectors throughout the state of Florida. Department-approved instructors voluntarily teach the inspector training class throughout the year.

For information on the Kissimmee classes and workshop, and to register, please visit here.