As part of ongoing efforts to prevent soil erosion and runoff, the Division of Environmental Quality hosted a free training-aimed at improving real-world application of erosion and sediment control practices-for CNMI contractors.
Throughout the workshop, which ended with a certification exam, participants learned how to apply these practices to meet CNMI regulations. The practices included hydroseeding, erosion control blankets, inlet protection, check dams, stilt dikes, silt soxx, and silt fences.
Contractors learned about the practices, how to apply them, how to read site plans and how to maintain and close projects. The field portion, which was designed to improve on-the-ground success, gave participants a chance to see and try their hand at installing E&SC practices.
More than 60 people attended the free training, which was provided through grant funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A full-color, durable E&SC field guide for contractors was also developed as part of the project. DEQ plans to have printed copies available for purchase by non-workshop participants soon.
Results from the certification and training, which took place in May 27 and 28, 2009, have recently been processed. Of those private contractors and government employees who took the certification exam following the training, 36 were certified. Their names will be posted on the Division of Environmental Quality Web site (www.deq.gov.mp/). DEQ's goal is to eventually amend its regulations to require at least one certified contractor on every active construction site.
Due to the overwhelming response to the workshop, DEQ plans to hold another one in the future. The time and date have yet to be determined.
The Division hosted the workshop, with consulting from Horsley Witten Group Inc. Supplies were generously donated by Hawaiian Rock Products, Tropical Gardens, ECTC, Filtrexx, and Geotechnical Supply/Belton Industries. (DEQ)
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