Maine DEP announces robust fall training schedule

September 11, 2014

Contact: Contact: Jessamine Logan, Maine DEP Communications Director, jessamine.logan@maine.gov or (207) 287-5842

-Trainings include Erosion and Sediment Control, Salt Management, LakeSmart Principles and Regulatory updates from the Office of the Commissioner-

AUGUSTA- This fall the Maine Department of Environmental Protection is offering a number of training opportunities across the state for a wide range of the regulated community.

DEP Commissioner Patricia Aho created an Office of Innovation and Assistance to provide assistance and outreach to the regulated community. The variety of topics and how they are presented are based on feedback the department has received from its customers. Educational opportunities through the Office are offered through an Environmental Professional Education Series and the Nonpoint Source Training Center.

?I?m pleased that my Administration listens to the people impacted by DEP programs and incorporates what it has learned into its trainings,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?These are excellent opportunities to help businesses, municipalities, engineers, geologists and others understand the laws that protect the environment and prevent detrimental impacts to natural resources. I encourage the regulated community to sign up for these classes and take a proactive approach to enhancing our environment.?

The successful DEP Nonpoint Source Training Center trained over 760 contractors, engineers, consultants and municipal officials in the 2014 winter/spring season. This fall the center is building on its previous classes and offering some in-person, online or through webinar. The courses include:

In Fairfield a half-day program in September for the evaluation of the Proper Installation of Erosion and Sediment Control BMPs will be offered. Code Enforcement Officers will qualify for continuing education credits in the land use area.

For contractors who are looking to obtain DEP certification in erosion control practices, seven programs in Basic and Advanced Erosion and Sediment Control Practices will be offered throughout the state. Currently, there are over 2,632 certified erosion-control contractors with over 200 certified in the last eight months. Contractors who are not certified are encouraged to sign up because opportunities to attend a training class may be diminishing due to lack of demand.

DEP is now offering recertification in erosion and sediment control practices online. The course is available at https://stateofmaine.adobeconnect.com/a827390218/npscert2014/. This is an easy and convenient way to obtain re-certification credits without having to attend a course in-person.

For those business owners, snowplow contractors and property managers who are interested in increasing performance and saving money when applying winter salt, the center is again offering three half-day programs on salt management. These will be held in the Portland, Lewiston and Brewer areas.

For landscapers interested in augmenting their knowledge of the LakeSmart landscaping and management program, the center has partnered with the Maine Lake Society and the Maine Landscape and Nurseryman Association to present a day-long program on LakeSmart Principles. This will be offered in November in the Portland area and qualifies attendees to become certified as LakeSmart Landscapers.

The Center has partnered with the Associated General Contractors of Maine and the Maine Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors to hold three sessions on Permitting Requirements. The half-day course, entitled "Permitting 101," is designed to provide information on what activities require permits under various environmental laws, such as the Natural Resources Protection Act, (NRPA) the Stormwater Law, the Site Location of Development Law and others.

?I consider it one of the single most important responsibilities of a regulatory agency to ensure that the regulated community understands the rules and regulations that we administer,? said Maine DEP Commissioner Patricia Aho. ?The robust training schedule from DEP?s Office of Innovation and Assistance will help the regulated community and others who interact with the department better comprehend the rules and regulations that they fall under. The department makes the trainings convenient and accessible so many people can take advantage of these opportunities and become better stewards of our environment and natural resources.?

The Office of Innovation and Assistance is also offering an Environmental Professional Education Series for the practicing professional. The programs will broadcast from DEP?s Augusta office to the department?s Presque Isle, Bangor and Portland offices. Engineers and lawyers will receive continuing education credits for attending.

Commissioner Aho will present on practicing before a regulatory agency and Deputy Commissioner Heather Parent will present a DEP Rulemaking Update at separate sessions in October. Also in October, VRAP and Brownfields Coordinator Nick Hodgkins will give a VRAP update.

To learn more about any of the trainings or register for one visit www.maine.gov/dep/training.

-end-