INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — GEI Works Inc. is now offering a course designed to increase education and awareness of the significant impact that un-managed construction-site stormwater runoff can have on the local environment.
The course uses Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) curriculum to introduce best management practices for the mitigation of stormwater and the potential impact of water contaminants such as solids, turbidity, and nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorous). Lastly, the course instructs attendees in proper application of specific stormwater management solutions, and how to evaluate if the installation is successful.
“Managing stormwater, especially the prevention of construction site runoff, is critical to regaining and maintaining the health of our lagoon and waterways” said Karen Allan, GEI Works Project Manager. “An unnatural level of sedimentation in the water contributes significantly to the aquatic environmental changes we’re seeing. It affects the entire food chain by changing the natural temperature of the water, reducing aquatic plant growth, affecting food sources for aquatic life, contributing to what’s commonly known as ‘muck’ on the water column floor, and can clog the gills of fish. The good news is that there are many products available that can prevent site runoff and provide successful stormwater mitigation, when properly utilized.”
As Benjamin Franklin said: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
The FDEP course, Florida Stormwater, Erosion, and Sedimentation Control Inspector Training and Certification Program, has produced more than 35,000 inspectors throughout Florida.
While normally attended by those in municipalities and construction industries, registration is available for public citizens also. GEI Works is offering the next class (an accelerated 1-day class) on June 25 in Fellsmere, but can also offer private group classes on request.
For more information about the course: http://www.erosionpollution.com/Inspector-Training.html, or call (772) 646-0597.
