COURSE SUMMARIES:

Introduction to the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

The Introduction to the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Permitting Program course will educate individuals of the permitting process and compliance standards of Clean Water Act's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.

 The state of Texas assumed the authority to administer the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program in Texas on Sept. 14, 1998. NPDES is a federal regulatory program to control discharges of pollutants to surface waters of the United States. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) program now has federal regulatory authority over discharges of pollutants to Texas surface water.  A construction general permit (TXR150000) is for construction activities disturbing at least 1 but less than 5 acres or is part of a common plan of development disturbing at least 1 but less than 5 acres.

 At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Identify the parameters of coverage and compliance for stormwater and non-stormwater discharges under the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) General Permit.
• Identify procedures for permit application and requirements by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
• Define the terms and describe conditions required in the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) General Permit including the Notice of Intent (NOI), Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3), and the Notice of Termination (NOT).
• Implement the mandated management and reporting deadline requirements under the coverage of the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) General Permit.
• Explain the history of the Clean Water Act and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) origin.

Erosion Control (Condensed)

Erosion is the process by which soil particles are dislodged by water or wind.

This condensed course covers erosion in [[state]], and the state-specific course information as to how it occurs; impacts of erosion on the environment and the economy; the factors that affect erosion; information on vegetation establishment; topsoil and fertilizers; mulch and compost; rolled erosion control devices; and surface roughening.

For construction professionals in [[state]] seeking to reduce and prevent pollution from stormwater, this course is for you as part of our [[info.official_name]] program.

Sediment Control (Condensed)

Sediment controls are devices or products which slow or pond the overland flow to dissipate water energy so that sediment will fall or settle out. This condensed course covers proper installation and placement of silt fence; check dams; wattles; inlet protection; pond types; outlet structures; flocculants; dewatering; and turbidity barriers.



Pollution Prevention (Condensed)

This condensed course covers good housekeeping the proper installation and maintenance requirements of BMPs, management of solid waste, sanitary waste, and hazardous waste; concrete washout; dust control; and construction exits.



On-Site Construction Inspections (Condensed)

This condensed course covers inspection rules and protocol; reviewing the [[plan_acronym]] for compliance to [[state]] state guidelines; forms in the [[plan_acronym]]; updating the [[plan_acronym]]; site inspections of best management practices (BMPs): proper installation and maintenance of devices; and documentation of inspections.

Preparation of a Construction [[state.plan_name]]

This course covers the proper life cycle of a construction [[plan_name]] ([[plan_acronym]]); gathering the information needed; how to prepare the Construction General Permit application notice of intent (NOI); documents and forms; site maps and details; and proper design procedures.