Pennsylvania DEP Offers Storm Water Courses

The Department of Environmental Protection will be conducting five, two-day training sessions on the new Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) Manual, a technical reference guide of planning concepts and design standards that satisfy Pennsylvania's storm water management requirements when properly tailored and applied locally.

The training sessions will highlight key concepts in the manual, including performance guidelines and standards, an inventory of proven BMPs, and a process for planning and applying them to construction sites.

"This initiative will arm storm water professionals with the tools they need to evaluate water quality impacts from uncontrolled volume and velocity, factors not usually included in past design considerations," said Cathy Curran Myers, deputy secretary of DEP's Office of Water Management. "Storm water should be managed as an environmental resource to be protected, rather than as a waste to be discharged quickly and moved downstream."

Local and state government entities, planners, land developers, contractors, consultants and others involved with planning, designing, reviewing, approving and constructing land development projects are encouraged to attend. Training sessions are being offered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on these dates around the state:

• Jan. 9-10 at the Quality Inn and Conference Center, Franklin, Venango County. (Snow dates: Feb. 27-28.)
• Jan. 11-12 at the Mountain View Inn, Greensburg, Westmoreland County. (Snow dates: March 1-2.)
• Feb. 6-7 at the Genetti Hotel, Williamsport, Lycoming County. (Snow dates: Feb. 8-9.)
• Feb. 13-14 at Holiday Inn, Grantville, Lebanon County. (Snow dates to be determined.)
• Feb. 22-23 at Valley Forge Convention Plaza, King of Prussia, Montgomery County. (Snow dates to be determined.)
• March 6-7 at Villanova University, Villanova, Delaware County. (Snow dates to be determined.)

Registration information for each training session is available from the conservation district in the county where the training is being held. Registration information for the February sessions will not be available until Dec. 29. Registration fees vary by region.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection