DATE: 3/9/2005

CONTACT: Cal Sawyer, (864) 656-4072

WRITER: Tom Lollis, (803) 284-3343, ext. 241

Clemson programs are helping keep state’s streams cleaner

Clemson University is playing a major role in protecting the state’s valuable water resources while South Carolina accommodates a growing population.

Two programs designed to train key individuals in techniques to prevent erosion on construction sites and keep sediment out of streams and lakes have reached more than 1,800 individuals in just two years.

Since 2003 S.C. Clear Water Contractor has taught more than 800 persons how to properly install best management practices (BMPs) for erosion prevention and sediment control that help the construction industry and state agencies comply with federal and state regulations dealing with construction site runoff, according to Cal Sawyer, Clemson Extension water quality specialist.

“If sediment is not contained, it can lead to a reduction of water clarity, smother aquatic habitat and carry other potentially harmful pollutants into surface water bodies,” said John Hayes, course instructor and professor of agricultural and biological engineering.

Since last fall more than 1,000 individuals have been trained in a Certified Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Inspector Program (CEPSCI) created at the request of the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. This program certifies inspectors to ensure than erosion prevention and sediment control practices are in effect on construction sites greater than an acre, as required by federal regulations. Clemson University is the only organization in the state providing the training needed for certification.

CEPSCI introduces a variety of erosion and sediment control practices, including the most environmentally effective techniques for different terrain. Instructors use innovative teaching methods such as digital video and slides to demonstrate how to review grading plans and use actual plans to study BMP details, as well as how to conduct thorough and effective field inspections.

“We don’t have the capacity to educate every single person involved with construction in the state,” said Sawyer. “That could be tens of thousands of people. By educating the inspectors, however, Clemson is trying to improve every regulated construction site in the state.”

“This is a perfect example of state agencies working together,” said Dwayne Creel, DHEC’s manager of the Stormwater, Agricultural and Dams and Reservoir Safety Permitting Section.

“Clemson Extension organized the course materials, instruction and written certification exams with the help of DHEC, the office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management and DOT,” he said.

Jason Gillespie, stormwater management director for Greenville County , has seen striking differences in work site erosion control measures due to CWC and CEPSCI training.

“Ignorance of the law is no excuse, but up until these programs, it was a reality on a lot of sites,” he said.

Additional information about these programs can be found at the following web site: http://www.ces.clemson.edu/t3s/cepsci.

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