Storm Water Thoughts...so far 2013 is turning into another good year so far. Despite Washingtons 's inability to do the real work of the people, projects are slowly getting underway.
A couple of interesting trends are noted on the CGP compliance requirements. First there are several companies and individuals that are choosing to flout the law and are not using qualified inspectors, and there appears to currently not being enforced
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Thursday, April 4, 2013
State of the California Construction General Permit (CGP)
State of the California Construction General Permit (CGP)
OK, it's been a couple of years since the new permit (CGP) kicked in and slowly we are seeing some improvements with regards to people understanding the impact of compliance on their daily operations. The problem now is that inforcement has been somewhat lacks either because of a lack of State Inspector resources or as some speculate, maybe they are just turning a blind eye to non-compliance because of the sluggish economy. Regardless of the reason, I have noticed that some contractors are now wondering what all the fuss was about. It's regretible because we have made significant headway in certifying QSPs and QSDs, as well as educating contractors in general and City and County inspectors on basic storm water compliance. I heard from one inspector that the gloves are coming off this fall (2013) regarding site compliance and that citations for non-compliance will become the norm, including penalties for violations of the law.
Apparently the feeling at the Board is that 3 years have past since the permit became law, and there is no excuse at this point for non-compliance with the States Clean Water Regulations (CGP).
Annual Reports The reporting year for all active WDID Numbers runs from July 1st to June 30th. All projects which were active for 3 months (in actuality 60 plus days) within the reporting year are required to file an Annual Report by September 1st, 2013.
Caltrans Projects require their Annual Reporting to be submitted to them by July 15th, so that they can be sure to file with the state on time. Last year they started chasing Annual Report violators by mid-October, I am guessing they will now start using those manaditory minimum penalties for failure to file on time...or maybe not.
Remember if your project is active for 3 consecutive months (60 plus days) you must file an Annual Report before you can file your NOT.
QSP / QSD Training We have been running QSP / QSD Training for the past 18 months and have seen some great candidates go through the program and become successful inspectors. The big issue now is making sure that everyone is getting a sufficient number of continueing education units CEUs to meet the requirements of their underlying certifications (CISEC / CESSWI). These certifications require a total of 20 hours every two years.
As a result we are now providing these classes to meet this demand with 2 hour courses that not only meet the requirement, but were developed to meet real deficits in the original training that can be applied directly to the field.
BMP Implementation...
Here is a great example of high quality Silt Fence installed correctly, and I mean high quality, they used hardwood stakes.
"The Good"
"The Bad"
and "The Ugly..."
Apparently the feeling at the Board is that 3 years have past since the permit became law, and there is no excuse at this point for non-compliance with the States Clean Water Regulations (CGP).
Annual Reports The reporting year for all active WDID Numbers runs from July 1st to June 30th. All projects which were active for 3 months (in actuality 60 plus days) within the reporting year are required to file an Annual Report by September 1st, 2013.
Caltrans Projects require their Annual Reporting to be submitted to them by July 15th, so that they can be sure to file with the state on time. Last year they started chasing Annual Report violators by mid-October, I am guessing they will now start using those manaditory minimum penalties for failure to file on time...or maybe not.
Remember if your project is active for 3 consecutive months (60 plus days) you must file an Annual Report before you can file your NOT.
QSP / QSD Training We have been running QSP / QSD Training for the past 18 months and have seen some great candidates go through the program and become successful inspectors. The big issue now is making sure that everyone is getting a sufficient number of continueing education units CEUs to meet the requirements of their underlying certifications (CISEC / CESSWI). These certifications require a total of 20 hours every two years.
As a result we are now providing these classes to meet this demand with 2 hour courses that not only meet the requirement, but were developed to meet real deficits in the original training that can be applied directly to the field.
BMP Implementation...
Here is a great example of high quality Silt Fence installed correctly, and I mean high quality, they used hardwood stakes.
"The Good"
"The Bad"
and "The Ugly..."
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
QSP / QSD Training in California
We are now down to less than 30 days until you will be required to be a QSP to inspect your projects. Even with the partisan dysfunctional behavior of Washington and Sacramento everything appears to be on track.
July's QSP/QSD class went well with 28 people attending, a good group of people with a lot of field experience and great interaction. The next class (QSP Only) is scheduled for August 12th and 13th and as of today, is more than half filled. As a result, I have had to schedule a 2nd class (QSP/QSD) this month for August 25th, 26th and 27th. I will also be teaching a CISEC class August 30th and 31st in Gardena. Despite all the bickering of our representatives, business continues to be looking up, and appears to be moving along in fits and starts. Currently we have around 8 SWPPPs on the books for the month, and the month is just starting, as well as a new series of QSP inspection contracts. Several new QSP's will start working for CAL-Storm next month. As to the various clients out there, well it's a mixed bag of private, public, state and local, as well as a smattering of federal. If there is one comment to make, it is that we have now reached a state where the consultants are consulting the consultants, with all the inherent issues of self justification that this process requires, specifically SWPPP reviewers with various levels of competency making comments in order to justify their positions with the agencies. Personally I like the challenge, and view it as peer review that allows me to see other perspectives, even when they appear to be inconsistent, and at times pedantic. If there is one thing that professional life has shown me, that is that we all operate with our own personal bias, and that although it is at times challenging to understand an others perspective, there is always a new opportunity to learn and improve the final deliverable.
On another note, I am still coming across GC's that do not have a clue, can you spell BMP? It amazes me to see organizations that have either because of ignorance, or arrogance, chosen to be oblivious to the changes around us. Knowledge and understanding of the regulations, documentation, BMPs, implementation and inspection requirements are the keys to controlling the cost of compliance. It's not a difficult concept, if you understand how the pieces fit together, you can develop the processes to minimize the impact to your bottom line.
To get people to understand the motivation, and neccessity behind these standards I use the analogy of air pollution in Southern California. Imagine what the air quality would look like had we not taken steps to reformulate the gasoline, combined with new emission controls 40 years ago. Given the amount of growth in this area the air quality of Mexico City would look like paradise compared to LA. But as a direct result we seldom have smog alerts warning people to not venture out or schools closed because of air quality issues. The other example I use is OSHA and safety in general. Many of us long for the good old days, when we weren't constantly scrutinized by these agencies, forgetting as an example, the time when old Charlie the factory worker, lost his arm in the machine and had the gaul to survive, he got sent home with no pension, no disability or other recourse, except a half days pay and a hearty "have a good life", next...(and so it went on with no improvements to safe working conditions.
According to the EPA, 40% of the waters of the US are unswimmable, unfishable, or undrinkable. You may have heard about how the Soviets managed it with centralized planning and how they in there "socialist" ways destroyed the pristine wilderness that was Siberia...we in our free market democracy should be able to do better, I do expect more...(Gulf Oil Spill, Yellowstone Pipeline, Exon Valdez)
What's wrong with this picture?
July's QSP/QSD class went well with 28 people attending, a good group of people with a lot of field experience and great interaction. The next class (QSP Only) is scheduled for August 12th and 13th and as of today, is more than half filled. As a result, I have had to schedule a 2nd class (QSP/QSD) this month for August 25th, 26th and 27th. I will also be teaching a CISEC class August 30th and 31st in Gardena. Despite all the bickering of our representatives, business continues to be looking up, and appears to be moving along in fits and starts. Currently we have around 8 SWPPPs on the books for the month, and the month is just starting, as well as a new series of QSP inspection contracts. Several new QSP's will start working for CAL-Storm next month. As to the various clients out there, well it's a mixed bag of private, public, state and local, as well as a smattering of federal. If there is one comment to make, it is that we have now reached a state where the consultants are consulting the consultants, with all the inherent issues of self justification that this process requires, specifically SWPPP reviewers with various levels of competency making comments in order to justify their positions with the agencies. Personally I like the challenge, and view it as peer review that allows me to see other perspectives, even when they appear to be inconsistent, and at times pedantic. If there is one thing that professional life has shown me, that is that we all operate with our own personal bias, and that although it is at times challenging to understand an others perspective, there is always a new opportunity to learn and improve the final deliverable.
On another note, I am still coming across GC's that do not have a clue, can you spell BMP? It amazes me to see organizations that have either because of ignorance, or arrogance, chosen to be oblivious to the changes around us. Knowledge and understanding of the regulations, documentation, BMPs, implementation and inspection requirements are the keys to controlling the cost of compliance. It's not a difficult concept, if you understand how the pieces fit together, you can develop the processes to minimize the impact to your bottom line.
To get people to understand the motivation, and neccessity behind these standards I use the analogy of air pollution in Southern California. Imagine what the air quality would look like had we not taken steps to reformulate the gasoline, combined with new emission controls 40 years ago. Given the amount of growth in this area the air quality of Mexico City would look like paradise compared to LA. But as a direct result we seldom have smog alerts warning people to not venture out or schools closed because of air quality issues. The other example I use is OSHA and safety in general. Many of us long for the good old days, when we weren't constantly scrutinized by these agencies, forgetting as an example, the time when old Charlie the factory worker, lost his arm in the machine and had the gaul to survive, he got sent home with no pension, no disability or other recourse, except a half days pay and a hearty "have a good life", next...(and so it went on with no improvements to safe working conditions.
According to the EPA, 40% of the waters of the US are unswimmable, unfishable, or undrinkable. You may have heard about how the Soviets managed it with centralized planning and how they in there "socialist" ways destroyed the pristine wilderness that was Siberia...we in our free market democracy should be able to do better, I do expect more...(Gulf Oil Spill, Yellowstone Pipeline, Exon Valdez)
What's wrong with this picture?
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Storm Water Thoughts June 1st 2011
3 months and counting. September 2nd is fast approaching to meet the State QSP Certification requirement. To recap earlier posts, every active construction site that is subject to the CGP must have a QSP assigned to perform weekly inspections, as well pre-rain, post rain and others. Other requirements for QSPs include, REAPs, Rain Event Action Plans,and testing and sampling of storm water for turbidity and pH on Risk Level 2 and 3 sites. The training requirements for a QSP are: field experience, formal training, application and acceptance into either the CISEC, Certified Inspector in Sediment & Erosion Control, or CESSWI, Certified Erosion, Sediment & Storm Water Inspector Programs (2 days / $350 +/-). You must be preapproved to sit for the exam on the second day for either program. (Check out CISEC or CESSWI website for application requirements) The second requirement is to complete the QSP class from a registered Trainer of Record (2 days / $400 +/-)(Check out CASQA website for ToR Schedule). Once you have your QSP class scheduled, then schedule your QSP class through the State Training Academy link on the CASQA website. There is no charge for testing. The test is open book, i.e. the Construction General Permit, and it is absolutely essential to read the permit as well as taking the class. You must present your offical CA ID and Letter of Completion from the ToR to sit for this exam. Each organization or company is making decisions on the number of QSPs needed to meet the requirements. Issues to consider are: number of projects, geographic spread of projects, risk level of projects etc. Each of these factors will go into the decision as to how many QSPs are needed, e.g. a couple projects in close proximity to each other could be legitimately handled by a single QSP.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
QSP / QSD 6 Months and Counting
It appears that there is still a great deal of confusion over the certification requirements of California's New Construction General Permit. In a nutshell, you must possess the pre-requisite certifications of a QSD, Qualified SWPPP Developer, to develop a SWPPP (after July 1st, 2010). These pre-requisite certifications consist of: CA-PE, CA-Architect, CPESC or CPSWQ. Anyone preparing a SWPPP without these qualifications is basically committing fraud with their clients. By September 1st 2011, individuals preparing a SWPPP will also need to have successfully completed a QSD class (24hrs typically) and passed the California State QSD Exam.
On the other hand anyone with the assigned responsibility and minimal training can perform the tasks of a QSP, Qualified SWPPP Practitioner until September 1st 2011, unless contractually specified otherwise. These tasks typically consist of performing the required weekly inspections, both written and visual, (all Risk Levels), as well as REAP, Rain Event Action Plans, and Turbidity and pH testing for Risk Level 2 and 3 sites. The QSP certification process consists of 4 basic steps; the first is general storm water, BMP, SWPPP training and experience, the 2nd step is the pre-qualification certifications of CISEC, (Certified Inspector, Sediment & Erosion Control-16hrs) or CESSWI (Certified Erosion Sediment & Storm Water Inspector-16hrs, (you must be pre-approved by these organizations to sit for the exam), the 3rd step is to take the QSP class (typically 16hrs) from a state certified Trainer of Record, and the final step is take the state exam at a state approved site, typically a RWQCB office or University.
It does not matter if you take the QSP class first or the CISEC/CESSWI programs first. The focus is different, yet complimentary for each step. The CISEC/CESSWI programs focus on understanding the responsibilities of a storm water inspector and both of these programs have a national (not just California) perspective. On the other hand the QSP class focuses specifically on the New California Construction General Permit, and your ability to navigate through it quickly and efficiently. The QSP exam is multiple choice and a copy of the permit is provided with all of the attachments, i.e. an open book test, but it's a big book. You must provide a letter from your Trainer of Record and CA-ID to sit for the exam. The exam is free, but closely monitored. The exams are currently booked solid until the summer as of this post.
As you can see California is trying to get people to realize that Storm Water is not a token issue assigned to the project intern. This effort is designed to get California compliant with national standards, apparently we have been lacking, and non-compliance potentially impacts our ability to get federal funding for new projects (jobs).
Compliance may seem dificult at first, but understanding and a little knowledge will ensure cost effective compliance...think OSHA or Smog Devices on Cars in California, and the improvements to our overall quality of life.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Storm Water Thoughts...Inspector Impersonators
In the past two weeks I have heard disturbing news that there are individuals out there representing themselves as "Regional Water Quality Inspectors". If someone enters your office or building site, make sure that people claiming to be a RWQCB Inspectors, actually are, and not someone trying to sell you product or services. It's an old scam used occasionally throughout the country. An individual impersonates an official inspector of a given Agency, e.g. OSHA, EPA, RWQCB, etc. The goal is to make you afraid that you are in gross violation, and then either extort money from you to keep quiet, or sell you product that you may or may not need. These people have an agenda, and its not necessarily in your interest, they will say anything to get you to part with your money.
California Help Impersonating a police officer?
b) Any person who falsely represents himself or herself to be a public officer, investigator, or
(1) Arrests, detains, or threatens to arrest or detain any person.
(2) Otherwise intimidates any person.
(3) Searches any person, building, or other property of any person.
(4) Obtains money, property, or other thing of value
Oakland police arrest man in bogus inspector case
Associated Press
11/25/09 7:20 PM PST
OAKLAND, CALIF. — Oakland police have arrested a man they say was shaking down business owners by pretending to be a labor inspector.
Police say Michael Bolanos was taken into custody after reports that a man with a badge was walking into small businesses, pretending to be a state or federal inspector and claiming to have found violations that would result in expensive fines.
Bolanos would then allegedly take payments of $350 to $800 from the business owner.
Investigators say since arresting Bolanos on Nov. 4, they have found 19 business owners who were victimized.
Oakland police Officer Dave Wong says Bolanos has been charged with multiple felony counts of theft and extortion and misdemeanor counts of impersonating a state officer.
Bolanos has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Suspect apprehended after posing as Cal/OSHA inspectorSACRAMENTO --A paroled felon who allegedly victimized several minority-owned small businesses in the Los Angeles County area by posing as a Cal/OSHA inspector was recently arrested in a joint Cal/OSHA sting operation conducted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Major Crimes Unit.
The suspect, Mark Dwayne Jackson, threatened to impose severe monetary fines and penalties for non-existent safety violations unless the owners agreed to a cash settlement. In return Jackson promised not to issue citations against them.
Jackson presented false OSHA identification cards bearing the name of one of the inspectors with the Cal/OSHA Anaheim High Hazard Unit.
Jackson was apprehended after a business owner agreed to be wired and pass marked money to the suspect. The suspect was arrested at the scene of the owner's business.
After a search warrant was obtained, investigation of Jackson's home and vehicle turned up evidence of OSHA paraphernalia and false OSHA identification cards bearing a colored photograph of the suspect and the name of a Cal/OSHA inspector. Also discovered were names and addresses of other potential business victims.
The suspect will be charged with penal code violation 146a(b)(2), impersonating a state officer.
"We hope business owners take heed of this case in Los Angeles to avoid a similar experience," said John Howard, Cal/OSHA chief. "Impersonation of a Cal/OSHA inspector undermines the real work of Cal/OSHA which is to protect workplace safety and health."
Beware: Fake Inspector 'Forgives' Fines for Cash
The California Department of Industrial Relations' Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is investigating several incidents involving a man impersonating a Cal/OSHA inspector and suspected of defrauding restaurant owners. According to Cal/OSHA, several similar incidents have occurred across the southern part of the state, in the costal region near Santa Barbara and in Roseville.
Cal/OSHA reports that after producing what appears to be a valid identification, the suspect inspects the worksite finding alleged safety violations that, according to him, add up to thousands of dollars in fines. The suspect then informs the business owner that he will not issue citations if they give him cash immediately.
"It is important for all employers to know that a Cal/OSHA inspector will never request payment on-site, under any circumstance. Moreover, an inspector will never request payment in lieu of citations," said Acting Division Chief Len Welsh. "We encourage all employers to ask for a state identification card and a business card. If the employer has suspicions that the individual is not a true Cal/OSHA representative, additional verification may be obtained by calling Cal/OSHA's local office to ask about the individual."
Business owners should know that Cal/OSHA citations are payable only after issuance of a citation, and the preferred method is through the mail to the California Department of Industrial Relations' Accounting Unit. All payment details are clearly spelled out on the citation itself when it is issued. If an inspector ever requests payment on-site for any reason, employers are urged to call Cal/OSHA headquarters immediately at 510-286-7000. Cal/OSHA will then contact local law enforcement officials.
Worksite health and safety inspections are typically conducted with no prior notice, and Cal/OSHA representatives identify themselves to the employer by showing their State of California Photo Identification Card and Division of Occupational Safety and Health business card prior to conducting an inspection.
The Roseville Police Department has issued a warrant for the arrest of a man who they believe was part of two recent incidents involving impersonating a Cal/OSHA inspector
Beware these people are out there.
California Help Impersonating a police officer?
b) Any person who falsely represents himself or herself to be a public officer, investigator, or
inspectorin any state department and who, in that assumed character, does any of the following shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, by a fine not exceeding two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500), or by both that fine and imprisonment, or by imprisonment in the state prison:
(1) Arrests, detains, or threatens to arrest or detain any person.
(2) Otherwise intimidates any person.
(3) Searches any person, building, or other property of any person.
(4) Obtains money, property, or other thing of value
Oakland police arrest man in bogus inspector case
Associated Press
11/25/09 7:20 PM PST
OAKLAND, CALIF. — Oakland police have arrested a man they say was shaking down business owners by pretending to be a labor inspector.
Police say Michael Bolanos was taken into custody after reports that a man with a badge was walking into small businesses, pretending to be a state or federal inspector and claiming to have found violations that would result in expensive fines.
Bolanos would then allegedly take payments of $350 to $800 from the business owner.
Investigators say since arresting Bolanos on Nov. 4, they have found 19 business owners who were victimized.
Oakland police Officer Dave Wong says Bolanos has been charged with multiple felony counts of theft and extortion and misdemeanor counts of impersonating a state officer.
Bolanos has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Suspect apprehended after posing as Cal/OSHA inspectorSACRAMENTO --A paroled felon who allegedly victimized several minority-owned small businesses in the Los Angeles County area by posing as a Cal/OSHA inspector was recently arrested in a joint Cal/OSHA sting operation conducted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Major Crimes Unit.
The suspect, Mark Dwayne Jackson, threatened to impose severe monetary fines and penalties for non-existent safety violations unless the owners agreed to a cash settlement. In return Jackson promised not to issue citations against them.
Jackson presented false OSHA identification cards bearing the name of one of the inspectors with the Cal/OSHA Anaheim High Hazard Unit.
Jackson was apprehended after a business owner agreed to be wired and pass marked money to the suspect. The suspect was arrested at the scene of the owner's business.
After a search warrant was obtained, investigation of Jackson's home and vehicle turned up evidence of OSHA paraphernalia and false OSHA identification cards bearing a colored photograph of the suspect and the name of a Cal/OSHA inspector. Also discovered were names and addresses of other potential business victims.
The suspect will be charged with penal code violation 146a(b)(2), impersonating a state officer.
"We hope business owners take heed of this case in Los Angeles to avoid a similar experience," said John Howard, Cal/OSHA chief. "Impersonation of a Cal/OSHA inspector undermines the real work of Cal/OSHA which is to protect workplace safety and health."
Beware: Fake Inspector 'Forgives' Fines for Cash
The California Department of Industrial Relations' Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is investigating several incidents involving a man impersonating a Cal/OSHA inspector and suspected of defrauding restaurant owners. According to Cal/OSHA, several similar incidents have occurred across the southern part of the state, in the costal region near Santa Barbara and in Roseville.
Cal/OSHA reports that after producing what appears to be a valid identification, the suspect inspects the worksite finding alleged safety violations that, according to him, add up to thousands of dollars in fines. The suspect then informs the business owner that he will not issue citations if they give him cash immediately.
"It is important for all employers to know that a Cal/OSHA inspector will never request payment on-site, under any circumstance. Moreover, an inspector will never request payment in lieu of citations," said Acting Division Chief Len Welsh. "We encourage all employers to ask for a state identification card and a business card. If the employer has suspicions that the individual is not a true Cal/OSHA representative, additional verification may be obtained by calling Cal/OSHA's local office to ask about the individual."
Business owners should know that Cal/OSHA citations are payable only after issuance of a citation, and the preferred method is through the mail to the California Department of Industrial Relations' Accounting Unit. All payment details are clearly spelled out on the citation itself when it is issued. If an inspector ever requests payment on-site for any reason, employers are urged to call Cal/OSHA headquarters immediately at 510-286-7000. Cal/OSHA will then contact local law enforcement officials.
Worksite health and safety inspections are typically conducted with no prior notice, and Cal/OSHA representatives identify themselves to the employer by showing their State of California Photo Identification Card and Division of Occupational Safety and Health business card prior to conducting an inspection.
The Roseville Police Department has issued a warrant for the arrest of a man who they believe was part of two recent incidents involving impersonating a Cal/OSHA inspector
Beware these people are out there.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Storm Water Thoughts...Credentials
It's been a while since I last wrote on this site. I've been very busy making a living, writing SWPPPs, doing Site Inspections, speaking at conferences and providing NPDES Training to numerous companies. I just heard the other day that there are people in California passing themselves off as QSPs, Qualified SWPPP Practitioners, and QSDs, Qualified SWPPP Developers. I've written about this before, but apparently there is still some misunderstanding. Per the new California Construction General Permit (CGP) or NPDES Permit, individuals developing SWPPPs must by July 1st of 2010, be precertified (per Section VII of CGP Permit, or Table 9 of the Fact Sheet)see table below.
On the other hand a QSP must be certified by September 2nd 2011. So what does this all mean. In the case of the QSD, as mentioned, you must have successfully completed the pre-requirements (see table above) to develop a SWPPP after July 1st of 2010 and complete a QSP/QSD class (provided by a State Registered Trainer of Record, CASQA)and RWQCB Exam prior to September 2nd 2011 to continue on as a QSD after September 2 2011. The QSP on the other hand needs to complete the pre-requirements (see table above) and then take a QSP class(provided by a State Registered Trainer of Record, CASQA)and RWQCB exam prior to September 2 2011. Unless stipulated by contract requirement, the QSP is not neccessary until September 2, 2011. The QSP/QSD class takes 3 days (24hrs) and covers the Construction General Permit. The first 2 days meet the QSP requirements, the 3rd day meets the QSD requirements. If you are checking to see if your SWPPP preparer (QSD) meets the pre-requirements and you know they are not a California PE, check out the following website: http://www.cpesc.org/ , if you want to see if your Inspector / BMP Installer (QSP)meets the pre-requirements check out the following websites: http://www.cesswi.org/ci-default.asp , or http://cisecinc.org/
Although the QSP requirement doesn't go into force until September 2nd of 2011, I am seeing contracts daily that have built the requirement into the specifications already.
I have seen a great demand for training for people that need to get into the QSP pipeline so there organizations will be ready when all projects will require a QSP. To understand the QSP process, depending on your experience and training, you may require formal training prior to entering a CISEC or CESSWI program, remember you can sign up for the class anytime, but you cannot take the class exam without pre-approval by these organizations (CISEC or (CESSWI)InviroCert), I have recently heard pre-approval is taking 30 to 45 days. The CISEC or CESSWI review class and exam take 2 days, the primary focus is on Inspection, and is based on a National Model (EPA) with what I would call a municipal perspective. The QSP class, provided by a State registered Trainer of Record, see CASQA site for specifics: http://www.casqa.org/ , including names of companies and a calender of classes from various providers. The QSP Class takes 2 days, and the focus is on learning how to navigate through the California Construction General Permit. Through the CASQA site you can also sign into the State Water Board Training Academy to reserve a seat for testing. You must provide proof of QSP class attendence and ID when you go take your test (approx 3 hrs). If you have questions with regards to best strategy for your organization with regards to QSPs, how many do I need etc., feel free to contact me at (949) 351-1547.
On the other hand a QSP must be certified by September 2nd 2011. So what does this all mean. In the case of the QSD, as mentioned, you must have successfully completed the pre-requirements (see table above) to develop a SWPPP after July 1st of 2010 and complete a QSP/QSD class (provided by a State Registered Trainer of Record, CASQA)and RWQCB Exam prior to September 2nd 2011 to continue on as a QSD after September 2 2011. The QSP on the other hand needs to complete the pre-requirements (see table above) and then take a QSP class(provided by a State Registered Trainer of Record, CASQA)and RWQCB exam prior to September 2 2011. Unless stipulated by contract requirement, the QSP is not neccessary until September 2, 2011. The QSP/QSD class takes 3 days (24hrs) and covers the Construction General Permit. The first 2 days meet the QSP requirements, the 3rd day meets the QSD requirements. If you are checking to see if your SWPPP preparer (QSD) meets the pre-requirements and you know they are not a California PE, check out the following website: http://www.cpesc.org/ , if you want to see if your Inspector / BMP Installer (QSP)meets the pre-requirements check out the following websites: http://www.cesswi.org/ci-default.asp , or http://cisecinc.org/
Although the QSP requirement doesn't go into force until September 2nd of 2011, I am seeing contracts daily that have built the requirement into the specifications already.
I have seen a great demand for training for people that need to get into the QSP pipeline so there organizations will be ready when all projects will require a QSP. To understand the QSP process, depending on your experience and training, you may require formal training prior to entering a CISEC or CESSWI program, remember you can sign up for the class anytime, but you cannot take the class exam without pre-approval by these organizations (CISEC or (CESSWI)InviroCert), I have recently heard pre-approval is taking 30 to 45 days. The CISEC or CESSWI review class and exam take 2 days, the primary focus is on Inspection, and is based on a National Model (EPA) with what I would call a municipal perspective. The QSP class, provided by a State registered Trainer of Record, see CASQA site for specifics: http://www.casqa.org/ , including names of companies and a calender of classes from various providers. The QSP Class takes 2 days, and the focus is on learning how to navigate through the California Construction General Permit. Through the CASQA site you can also sign into the State Water Board Training Academy to reserve a seat for testing. You must provide proof of QSP class attendence and ID when you go take your test (approx 3 hrs). If you have questions with regards to best strategy for your organization with regards to QSPs, how many do I need etc., feel free to contact me at (949) 351-1547.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
