A Vision for the Future

As an erosion control contractor and consultant, it is interesting to observe what is happening on construction projects as well as at a private residence. The question is: Are we, as erosion control professionals, in tune with what is actually impacting our world? It may depend on your particular expertise in this extremely diverse profession.

Regulators are accused of not understanding what is happening in the private sector, the private sector is accused of not understanding or caring about compliance, and some question why certain industries have to meet compliance while others do not. With nationwide post-construction compliance regulations in the near future, how will these regulations be implemented? Who should ultimately be liable? They are all legitimate concerns, but too often there may not be a definitive solution.

We’ve reached a time of thirsting for additional professional certifications. This means that inside and outside of IECA there is a vast number of people who are professionals in their respective fields and who want to be certified accordingly.

Though the lessons from the past have been fairly remarkable, we are facing times where curriculum changes are being demanded. This shows the incredible diversity we have in IECA. If you are part of the IECA listserve, this will become very apparent. Professionals are reaching out to other professionals for solutions. I was taught at a very young age that everyone is extremely good at something but no one is good at everything. That is why we have particular areas of expertise.

Many believe that the science of our profession is easily understood and implemented. I once had a developer client inform me that anyone with an 8th-grade education should be able to design, install, maintain, inspect, and implement erosion and sediment control on a construction site. This was after the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System’s Phase II was implemented in 2003. Is anyone reading this article offended by this statement? I know I was! This is a fairly common mindset, which indicates as erosion control professionals we have a long road ahead. (By the way, this same developer soon realized his design professional failed at keeping him in stormwater pollution prevention plan compliance.)

Just imagine a time when we as professionals are educating those who feel the science of what we do is so easily understood. Or imagine a time when regulation is not unfairly targeted to select industries. No doubt you have read to this point wondering how in the world we could possibly achieve such lofty goals. It will take time, commitment, and passion. Without this drive, we can count on the past being the future.

In 1971, when hydroseeding and tree service contractor George Harrison conceived the idea of our association, it’s doubtful he perceived the baby steps that would have to be taken to reach an ultimate destination. We baby boomers identify well with the times of Mr. Harrison, which, just as now, were times of changing ideas and an attempt to structure a very different future. Can we do that now? I strongly believe we can, and we can do it within IECA.