Mission of Erosion & Sediment Control Education Program
To educate the regulated community and the general public about erosion and sediment control in accordance with the Sediment Pollution Control Act of 1973.
Brochures
Single Family Home Construction Site
Three Reasons to Control Erosion on your Construction Site
Why is it important to prevent erosion and sedimentation?
Erosion is the detachment and movement of soil particles by water, wind, and ice. Sedimentation is the process by which eroded soil is deposited into water bodies or onto land surfaces. Natural erosion occurs primarily on a geologic time scale, but when human activities alter the landscape, the erosion process can be greatly accelerated.
Each year, thousands of acres of land in NC are exposed during the course of construction and development. Without protective practices, the land is left vulnerable to the ravages of wind and rain. The four types of soil erosion on exposed terrain are: splash, sheet, rill/gully, and stream/channel erosion that strip the land of the nutrient-rich topsoil. This causes soil degradation such as decreased soil productivity and increased loss of soil structure.
Sediment that erodes from these exposed areas accumulates in lakes, natural watercourses, and on adjoining properties. When sediment travels off-site with runoff into water bodies, it can accumulate on the bottom, harm aquatic life, increase turbidity, and restrict the amount of sunlight reaching aquatic plants. Sediment can also decrease the storage volume of water bodies and clog sewer storm drains which can increase the potential of flooding. Sediment in our water also increases the costs of power production and of treating municipal drinking water.
Best Management Practices (BMPs) can be used to control erosion and prevent off-site sedimentation, thus reducing water pollution due to sedimentation.
For a brief history in erosion and sedimentation control as it relates to construction review the Sediments Newsletter articles “A Long History of Erosion” Part 1 & Part 2 by Dr. Rich McLaughlin.
Educational Materials for Students and Teachers
Educational packets and activities for students and teachers are available as free downloads on the Packets and Activities for Students and Teachers page. To order printed copies, use the order form on the DEMLR Publications page.
We are available to come to your classroom or non-formal education center, with or without the Enviroscape, to teach about erosion, sedimentation, and water pollution. Just email us to inquire!
If you'd like us to work with you to customize/create an activity, present/answer student questions in a virtual session or during your erosion & sedimentation school module, etc. Just email us to inquire!
Educational Materials for Professionals
Educational packets, videos, and modules for professionals are available as free downloads on the Packets and Modules for Professionals page. To order printed copies, use the order form on the DEMLR Publications page.
Workshops
Local Program Workshop
The Local Program Workshop is an annual event presented by NC DEQ – Land Quality Section to educate and train local erosion and sediment control programs’ staff. The workshop also provides an opportunity for Local Programs to connect, learn from each other, and share challenges, strategies and successes of managing erosion and sediment throughout the state. For information on past and upcoming workshops refer to the Local Government Programs page.
NC Erosion and Sediment Control Workshop
Formerly known as the NC Erosion and Sediment Control Design Workshop. This workshop is meant to educate and familiarize design professionals, contractors, and developers with new erosion and sediment control requirements and practices, and also fulfills professional development hours. Currently, this workshop is presented by NC DEQ – Land Quality Section in partnership with the Southeast Chapter of the International Erosion Control Association (SE-IECA) and NCSU Department of Crop & Soil Sciences.
Registration and agenda information will be posted to the workshop's event page as it becomes available.
Past NC Erosion and Sediment Control Workshops
2023 NC Erosion and Sediment Control Workshop - Materials & Presentations
2022 NC Erosion and Sediment Control Workshop - Materials & Presentations
2021 NC Erosion and Sediment Control Workshop - Materials & Presentations
2020 NC Erosion and Sediment Control Design Workshop Webinar Series - Materials & Presentations
2019 Raleigh - NC Erosion and Sediment Control Design Workshop Agenda and Presentations
2019 Hickory - NC Erosion and Sediment Control Design Workshop Agenda and Presentations
2018 Innovative Erosion and Sediment Control Design Workshop Agenda and Presentations
2017 Innovative Erosion and Sediment Control Design Workshop Agenda
Past NC Erosion & Sediment Control Workshops
December 5, 2024
Full-day in-person option: 8 am - 4 pm
Half-day virtual option: 8 am - 12 pm
Presented by: N.C. DEQ – Land Quality Section
In partnership with: Southeast Chapter – International Erosion Control Association (SE-IECA) and NCSU Department of Crop & Soil Science.
Upcoming workshops will be posted to NCSU's website.
Webinar Presentations and Materials
Please note that PDHs are not being awarded for watching the recording; they are only being awarded to registrants who attend the live in-person or virtual session.
Morning Presenters:
Rebecca Coppa, NCDEQ-DEMLR
Presenting: Welcome & Overview
Rebecca has a B.S. in Environmental Engineering and minor in Environmental Science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts and has been with NCDEQ’s Erosion Program for over six years now. Rebecca is also a Co-State Coordinator for Project WET or Water Education Today.
Julie Coco, PE, State Sediment Specialist, DEQ-DEMLR
Presenting: DEQ E&SC Program Updates (PDF Presentation)
Julie Coco is the State Sedimentation Program Engineer for the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources. She holds a B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering from Louisiana Tech University and a Graduate Certificate from NCSU in Geographical Information Systems. Her experience includes work in private practice and previous work in state government involving flood control, stormwater, erosion control, and permitting.
Charles Brown, Town of Cary
Co-presenting: BMPs to SCMs: Cary’s Adaptive Approach to Post-Construction (PDF Presentation)
Charles Brown is the Stormwater Field Services Administer for the Town of Cary’s Stormwater Division. He holds a BS Degree in Biology from USC Coastal Carolina College. He has worked in the water quality field for over 30 years. His experience includes work on NPDES stormwater permitting, erosion and sediment control plan review and inspections, stormwater industrial permitting and inspections, and floodplain management.
Emily Cochran Town of Cary
Co-presenting: BMPs to SCMs: Cary’s Adaptive Approach to Post-Construction (PDF Presentation)
Emily Cochran is the Stormwater Program Analyst for the Town of Cary’s Stormwater Division. She holds a BS and MS in Environmental Science from Drexel University and has worked in water quality in the public sector for the past 8 years.
Dr. Erin Rivers, NCSU
Presenting: NCSU Research Results: Management, Disposal, and Beneficial Reuse of Diamond Grinding Slurries (PDF Presentations)
Dr. Erin Rivers is an Assistant Professor and Extension Water Quality Protection Specialist at NCSU and has replaced the now retired Dr. Rich McLaughlin. Her research and Extension program focuses on the impacts of nonpoint source runoff on water quality and the use of best management practices to mitigate nutrient and sediment loss.
Joe Greco, BEG Group LLC.
Co-Presenting: USDA Biobased Label & ESC (PDF Presentation, Combined PDF Presentation)
Joe Greco is the President of the BEG Group LLC. and manufacturer of USDA nationally certified biobased erosion/filtration products.
Derek Jones, USDA
Co-Presenting: USDA Biobased Label & ESC (PDF Presentation, Combined PDF Presentation)
Derek Jones is the Branch Chief of the Public Private Partnerships Branch within the Rural Business – Cooperative Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Robby Deans, NCDEQ DEMLR LQS WSRO
Presenting: Vegetative Stabilization: An Inspector’s Guide (PDF Presentation)
Robby Deans is an Environmental Specialist with the Winston-Salem Regional Office. He got his Bachelor’s and Master’s in Biology at East Carolina University and a PhD in Ecology at The University of Texas at Austin. He is an avid naturalist and he enjoys the hiking and plant identification involved in erosion control inspections.
Gregg Bodnar, NCDEQ DCM, Major Permits Coordinator
Presenting: CAMA Major and Minor Permits (PDF Presentation)
Gregg Bodnar is the Major Permits Coordinator for NCDEQ’s Division of Coastal Management and is located at DCM’s headquarters in Morehead City.
Afternoon Field Presenters:
Adam Howard
Adam works in Research, Teaching, and Extension at NC State University, focusing on erosion control, soil fertility, soil physics, and soil physical properties. He’s been at NCSU since 2007.
Dr. Christina Kranz
Dr. Christina Kranz is a postdoctoral researcher at NC State University in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. Her research focuses on stormwater management and sediment and erosion control.
Dr. Rich McLaughlin
Dr. Rich McLaughlin has been a professor at NC State University since 1993, focusing on managing stormwater on construction sites to reduce the impacts on water quality. Dr. McLaughlin recently retired.
Rob Austin
Rob is a Research and Extension Specialist at NC State University in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences specializing in Geographic Information Systems.
Vendors/Sponsors:
Faircloth Skimmer
Contact: mbrewer@fairclothskimmer.com
BEG Group
Contact: joe@greco.tc
Green Resource
Contact: johnharrell@green-resource.com
Applied Polymer Systems
Contact: seva@apsfloc.com
Rymar Waterworks
Contact: lynn@rymarwaterworks.com
Ertec Systems
Contact: lrousey@ertecsystems.com
Additional Training Opportunities
The NCDOT Erosion and Sediment Control/Stormwater Certificate (E&SC/SW) program educates, trains, and certifies individuals who manage stormwater on NCDOT construction projects. The E&SC/SW program Level I, II and III certificates are good for three years before recertification is needed. These programs are valuable training for all individuals involved in E&SC, but are only required for those workers involved in E&SC on NCDOT projects.
NCSU Crop and Soil Science - Erosion, Sediment and, Turbidity Control - Training, Workshops, and Field Days
Level I and II Certifications are administered and managed by the NCSU Crop and Soil and Sciences Department. The Department also offers E&SC Field Days and Workshops, which are good resources to keep abreast on current E&SC regulations, practices and research.
NCSU BAE – Level III Certification Workshop
Level III Certification is managed by the NCSU Biological and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) Department.
EnviroCert International, Inc. Certification Program-CPESC
The Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) program is administered by EnviroCert International, Inc. Recertification is required on a yearly basis.
Note: Reciprocity is no longer recognized by NCDOT for this certification.
EnviroCert International, Inc. Certification Program-CESSWI
The Certified Erosion, Sediment, and Stormwater Inspector (CESSWI) is administered by EnviroCert. Recertification is required on a yearly basis.
Note: Reciprocity is no longer recognized by NCDOT for this certification.
WRRI: Water Resources Research Institute of the UNC System
WRRI provides various training opportunities, conferences, water-related learning activities, student training and support in the form of research grants.
Additional Educational Resources
US EPA - Polluted Runoff: Nonpoint Source Pollution
IECA Student and Teacher K-12 Resources
Soil Science Society of America – Teacher Resources
NC Environmental Education Department - Resources
NCDA&CS Division of Soil & Water Conservation - Education Programs
NC Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts
NC Clean Water Education Partnership (CWEP)
NCSU State Extension – Grow for It Program & Soil Curriculums