TDEC Training Workshop

Recertification and Continuation Education Requirements for Erosion Prevention & Sediment Control (EPSC)

Since the current General NPDES Permit for Discharges of Storm Water Associated with Construction Activities (TN CGP) became effective in June 2005, TDEC has required all inspectors of land-disturbing activities that fall under the jurisdiction of the TN CGP to have a working knowledge and training of erosion prevention and sediment controls. Effective June 17, 2007, all inspectors must satisfy this requirement by being certified through successful completion of the Level 1 Fundamentals of Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control (EPSC) course and course completion exam offered through the Tennessee's EPSC training program. Because of improving technologies and anticipated changes in future permit conditions, TDEC requires that certification be renewed every 3 years.

Level I Fundamentals of EPSC Certification that expire in 2010 are eligible for the Recertification Course.

Other program courses will not be accepted in lieu of these courses to meet the Certification requirements of the TN Construction General Permit. Failure of an applicant to comply with Recertification deadline requirements will result in loss of Certification and removal of your name from TDEC's EPSC Level I Certification Listing, accessible at this Webpage under Level I EPSC Certification Listing.

Recertification options:

I. Level I Fundamentals of EPSC Certification expired prior to or on December 31, 2009

Because Certification has expired, Recertification must be obtained by retaking and successfully completing the 1-day, Level 1 Fundamentals of Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control (EPSC) Course and Course Completion Exam anytime this year. Some Level I courses will be made available this Spring as shown in the sidebar under LEVEL I Registration Information (see Workshop locations) to those only whose Certifications expired December 31, 2009 and to others who have never been certified. Other locations and dates will continue to be added throughout 2010. Certifications completed in 2010 would expire on December 31, 2013, but an additional refresher or recertification course may be required by TDEC for those who renewed during the first half of 2010 for purposes of reviewing the new Construction General Permit rules. Check-in and refreshments for the Level I course are at 8:00 am and classes begin promptly at 8:30 am. See other course description, registration and agenda details under LEVEL I.

II. Level I Fundamentals of EPSC Certification expires December 31, 2010

If your EPSC Certification expires December 31, 2010, Recertification may be obtained by successfully completing the following before the end of 2010.

Take a half-day (4-hour) Recertification refresher course and Course Completion Exam anytime during the second half of this year (2010) after TDEC issues its new CGP rules expected this June.

Several Recertification courses will be scheduled around the state during the second half of 2010 after the new TDEC Construction General Permit requirements are published in June 2010. Watch for these 2010 Recertification course offerings under Workshop locations. Recertification courses begin in the mornings at 8:00 am after check-in at 7:30 am. The only prerequisite requirement for taking the Recertification course is holding current Certification listing.

You will be provided with a copy of the Level I Recertification Course Handbook: Construction Site Inspection as Required by Tennessee's Construction Stormwater General Permit. All Recertification workshop participants are required to take a course completion exam in order to be awarded PDH credits and a TDEC Certificate of Course Completion listing.

Certification Objectives: Renew and extend EPSC Certification

Workshop locations:

September 23, 2010-Jackson-UT Ag Extension Building-605 Airways Blvd November 3, 2010-Johnson City-Centre at Millenium Place, 2001 Millenium Place November 10, 2010- Cookeville- Leslie Town Center, 1 West First St November 18, 2010- Knoxville-Rothchild's Catering and Convention Center, 8807 Kingston Pike November 30, 2010 - Nashville- Willis Conference Center, 26 Century Blvd. December 14, 2010 - Memphis Area- Bartlett Performing Arts Cntr December 16, 2010 -Knoxville- Rothchild's Catering and Convention Center, 8807 Knogston Pike

Location directions: http://www.mapquest.com/

Cost: $125

Registration: Registration is limited. Early registration and payment are strongly encouraged. You must have your registration in 5 working days prior to the workshop to be assured a space (see registration form for deadlines). To register complete the Recertification form and fax or mail it to the number and address provided on the form. Email registration is possible: please be sure to include all the information requested on the form and send it to Kellie Caughorn (click here). Confirmation of registration will be by email or fax within 5 days. If you have any questions regarding registration or course content, contact the TNEPSC program at (865) 974-2151 or to email click here.

Cancellation Policy: In the event you are unable to attend the workshop you registered for, attendee substitutions are allowed and encouraged. We will issue full refunds for cancellations made five (5) working days prior to the workshop. Due to heavy demand for limited workshop seats, no refunds will be issued thereafter and no-show registrants will not be refunded. Requested transfers may be made to another scheduled workshop for a $25 transfer fee charge.

Certification confirmation: Successful course completion and Certification are achieved after receipt of registration fee, course attendance, and passing the Course Completion Exam. Names of certified participants are normally posted within a week following the course on the EPSC Level I Certification Listing website: www.tnepsc.org. Within a month, all participants are officially notified by letter, regarding their Certification or Recertification status (with Certification cards included for successful participants), along with earned Professional Development Hours: 3 PDH for one-half day Recertification course and 7 PDH for 1-day Certification course.