General Stormwater Training
General training for stormwater system maintenance usually addresses the conventional elements of drainage systems, and includes discussion of grey infrastructure maintenance, with less discussion of the newer elements of green infrastructure. As the use of green infrastructure becomes more widespread across the state, a workforce that is adept in the long-term maintenance of both green and grey infrastructure, and how they work together, will become necessary.
A structured training program for green and grey infrastructure conveys a general understanding of stormwater best management practices (BMPs), including:
- How BMPs function
- What BMPs look like
- The basic requirements to ensure BMPs work correctly
- Inspection and maintenance of stormwater BMPs, including the elements of maintenance and the tools to assure the maintenance is properly performed
- Using checklists to inspect stormwater facilities
- Common maintenance issues
General training programs often fall under the categories of Low Impact Development (LID) design and maintenance of such designs. According to the State of Washington’s Department of Ecology:
Low Impact Development (LID) is a stormwater and land-use management strategy that seeks to mimic natural hydrologic conditions by emphasizing the following techniques: conservation; use of on-site natural features; site planning; and distributed stormwater best management practices (BMPs) integrated into project design. LID best management practices emphasize pre-disturbance hydrologic processes of infiltration, filtration, storage, evaporation, and transpiration.
Training Programs
Training programs that offer coursework on general stormwater infrastructure, and that include both gray and green infrastructure and LID design aspects, are web-based and offered online.
Online programs offer the convenience of allowing the user to engage in training at any time, and at their own pace. In addition, online courses are more cost effective and do not require travel. Online training options are offered at various costs.
Attention!
All stormwater management activities, stormwater operations and maintenance and training, and stormwater utility implementation efforts must be consistent with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) guidance and regulations regarding stormwater management, and should be vetted with applicable DEP rules, permits, and requirements. Viewers are advised some recommendations below may contain content that does not wholly align with DEP standards and approved practices.
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Stormwater Management Maintenance Training Videos
These online training videos are intended to give an overview of stormwater best management practice (BMP) functions and the maintenance requirements for green and gray infrastructure within the Stormwater Management rules and the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits in NJ.
View NJDEP Stormwater Management Maintenance Training Videos
Chesapeake Stormwater Network Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) Maintenance Video Series
This 3-part instructional video series covers Low Impact Development construction, installation and maintenance, topics relevant to green stormwater infrastructure.
Watch the Stormwater Best Management Practices Maintenance Video Series
Learn more about Stormwater Best Management Practices Maintenance
Texas Stormwater Low Impact Development and the Basics of Bioretention Webinar
This webinar discusses the basics of land development and stormwater management. It also discusses the concept of Low Impact Development and how it can be achieved through the implementation of green stormwater management techniques that mimic predevelopment hydrologic conditions by addressing stormwater runoff at the source. The bioretention system, a commonly used best management practice is also introduced. This webinar will introduce the basics of bioretention systems, how they work, why they work and how they can save on project costs.
Learn more about the Low Impact Development and the Basics of Bioretention Webinar
Learn about other Texas Stormwater training
Washington Stormwater Center Low Impact Development Certificate Program
The Washington Stormwater Center Certificate Program focuses on O&M of green infrastructure; it also offers a design module. The training has been primarily used by communities within Washington state. The training programs have been conducted in-person in the past, and Washington began offering a large portion of its training online in 2018. In 2019, the program will offer its training completely online, with the in-person component indefinitely postponed.
Visit the Washington Stormwater Center Certificate Program website
Zack Academy Introduction to Low Impact Development (LID) Online Course
This online course presents sustainable, eco-friendly approaches to stormwater management and development practices. Specifically, this course covers planning, installation and maintenance of green stormwater infrastructure that focuses on integrating existing natural systems.
Learn more about the Introduction to Low Impact Development (LID) Online Course
Zack Academy Managing a Successful Stormwater Planned Maintenance Program (SPMP) Online Course
This online course teaches concepts behind implementing and maintaining a SPMP for multiple sites. Specifically, this course covers green and gray stormwater infrastructure program maintenance details such as site plans, program inventory, and stormwater system assessment.
Learn more about the Managing a Successful SPMP Online Course
Disclaimer
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) does not in any way represent or endorse the programs listed, and is not advocating, soliciting or endorsing business for these programs. The training programs listed are intended to be a general guide for organizations interested in stormwater maintenance training and to highlight training options and opportunities so that organizations can make more informed decisions. Training opportunities presented here are representative and should not be considered an exhaustive list.
The Stormwater Maintenance Jobs Training Opportunities Tool (“the Tool”) was created to help direct you to relevant stormwater maintenance training options and training types, as listed on this website, based on your reported stormwater maintenance organization and operation and training needs. Please note that the Tool is limited in its ability to identify your exact stormwater maintenance training options and needs. It is recommended that you or a representative of your stormwater maintenance operation conduct further research as needed to determine whether a given training type is a good fit.