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Certified Erosion Prevention & Sediment Control Inspector Program

Program Information

Construction and land disturbing activities have significant potential to adversely impact water quality. In 2004, Clemson University initiated the development and implementation of a program designed to inform individuals about important construction-related best management practices. The purpose of the Certified Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Inspector Program is to educate field personnel on the proper installation, maintenance, and inspection of erosion prevention and sediment control measures.

The series of one-day classes teaches attendees the latest techniques for erosion prevention and sediment control. It also introduces a variety of erosion control practices including the most environmentally effective techniques for different terrain. Instructors demonstrate how to review grading and drainage plans, as well as BMP details. Each participant is provided an opportunity to meet others involved in land disturbing activities and taught how to conduct a field inspection of erosion prevention and sediment control practices.

Over 10,000 people have participated in these classes with over 4,000 currently certified by passing the corresponding exam or recertifying. CEPSCI was developed through the cooperative effort of the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service, SC Department of Transportation (SCDOT), Greenville County Soil and Water Conservation District, SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), SC DHEC – Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, the SC Sea Grant Extension Program and Woolpert, Inc.

Certified Inspectors

Meet The Team

John C. Hayes, Ph.D., P.E.

Hayes HeadshotDr. Hayes has over forty (40) years of experience in research, teaching and consulting involving hydrology, erosion prevention, water quality and sedimentology analysis.  Throughout this period, his primary emphasis has been the impact of changing land use on the environment.  He has focused on providing technical training to contractors, engineers, surveyors, landscape architects involved in urban development. Co-author of the text, Hydrology and Sedimentology of Small Catchments.  Dr. Hayes led the technical development of South Carolina’s Certified Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Inspector (CEPSCI) program.  Since joining Clemson University in 1985, he has been an associate professor, professor, department chair, associate dean for environmental conservation and is now emeritus faculty of BioAg Engineering.  In addition to the CEPSCI program, Dr. Hayes also led the development and implementation of the Certified Stormwater Plan Reviewer (CSPR) program for South Carolina.  Results from his research and outreach activities are used in the design, installation and inspection of almost all regulated construction sites in South Carolina.  He has also presented numerous workshops and invited papers across the country dealing with design or inspection of erosion and sediment controls and other environmental issues.

Calvin Sawyer, Ph.D.

Calvin Sawyer, Ph.D.Cal Sawyer is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural Sciences at Clemson University and the Associate Director of Clemson’s Center for Watershed Excellence.  He coordinates development and implementation of numerous Extension projects, including South Carolina's Certified Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Inspector program.  Sawyer routinely provides water quality and stormwater-related information to various clientele groups, including homeowners, community and government officials, public works and planning staffs, engineers, landscape architects, developers, contractors and other professional decision-makers.  He has taught or co-taught nine (9) undergraduate and graduate courses at Clemson, including Soil and Water Conservation, Nonpoint Source Management in Engineered Ecosystems, Vegetative Succession in Restored Ecosystems and Special Problems in Agricultural Mechanization and Business.  His applied research interests include sediment-bacteria dynamics, turbidity reduction, low impact development and watershed management.

Jeremy Pike

Jeremy PikeJeremy Pike is an Extension Associate in the Department of Agricultural Sciences at Clemson University.  He has numerous years of construction and construction management experience as well as over 20 years of research experience at Clemson.  His research has focused on water quality and aquatic community responses in relationship with landscape stressors, the majority of which have been related to sedimentation.  He has instructed numerous undergraduate and graduate courses including Stream Ecology, Wetland Ecology, Watershed Management and Techniques in Natural Resources.  Additionally, he has presented at national, state, and local meetings on topics including stream restoration, water quality and wetland management.  Pike joined the CEPSCI team in 2014, where he instructs and serves as program manager.

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