Nonpoint Source Training Center
2025-2026 In-Person Courses

This course is required to become Certified in Erosion and Sedimentation Control Practices by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). In this eight (8)-hour course, participants learn why erosion control practices are important; be exposed to the principles of erosion and sedimentation; learn how to properly install and maintain Erosion & Sedimentation Control (ESC) Best Management Practices (BMPs); and become familiar with regulations requiring Erosion and Sediment BMPs. Participants are provided with information on the proper selection, installation, and maintenance of ESC practices in accordance with Maine DEP’s Erosion and Sediment Control Practices Field Guide for Contractors.

The course is geared for, and of primary interest to contractors but could also be helpful to municipal code enforcement officers, consultants, engineers, and public works employees. Courses can be tailored to either an audience composed primarily of contractors or for inspectors and municipal officials.

This class qualifies for six (6) Continuing Education Hours (CEH) for individuals Certified in Erosion Control Practices by Maine DEP. Each CEH affords certified individuals one year of recertification. This class is approved for four (4) credits for Certified Tank Installers by the Board of Underground Storage Tank Installers, January 2023.

4 Continuing Education Hours

This course is intended as a refresher for basic erosion and sedimentation control techniques for erosion control certified individuals seeking re-certification credits and for Certified Tank Installers to meet erosion control training requirements. In this four (4)-hour course, participants will learn why erosion control practices are important; be exposed to the principles of erosion and sedimentation; learn how to properly install and maintain Erosion & Sedimentation Control (ESC) Best Management Practices (BMPs; and become familiar with regulations requiring ESC BMPs. Participants are provided with information on the proper selection, installation, and maintenance of ESC practices using Maine DEP’s Erosion and Sediment Control Practices Field Guide for Contractors.

Soil erosion is not only a source of nonpoint source pollution, but it can also threaten structures and other development. Historically, there was a single approach to shoreline erosion: fill the shoreline with rock or riprap without regard to the ecological functions of the shoreline. While this approach has been successful in solving some erosion challenges when done correctly, it creates other problems for waterbodies and wildlife. This training introduces participants to resources and alternative approaches to protecting water quality and habitat to create resilient and stable shorelines. There are many common issues along shorelines that lead to erosion and instability. Sometimes, it takes several techniques to address the compounded problems resulting from poorly-sited development and land use. Criteria for choosing appropriate shoreland BMPs or bioengineering solutions include practices that cause minimal disturbance while providing maximum benefit. A combination of several techniques can often be used to ensure that the best practices chosen are suited to the specific site.

This topic is also available as a shorter, basic introduction to nature-based shoreline stabilization for non-technical audiences upon request.

The proper maintenance of gravel roads in Maine is important for providing residents safe access to their properties and minimizing costly capital repairs to these roads over time; it is also a critically important part of protecting natural resources from degradation. In this training, participants will learn how proper maintenance protects water quality; about gravel road materials; how to evaluate a gravel road for maintenance needs; creating a road maintenance plan; and how to implement gravel road Best Management Practices. The class may include a site-walk on a local gravel road, which provides a real-life scenario for discussion of potential improvements and practices.

This training is intended to provide a resource for gravel road owners, town officials, contractors, and watershed organizations to better understand methods and practices for evaluating and maintaining gravel roads; the Maine DEP Camp Road Maintenance Manual

4 Continuing Education Hours

Soil erosion is not just a concern on large construction sites but can also be an issue on established residential properties. Landscape professionals can help to control erosion and its impacts on natural resources; they also assist landowners to prevent future degradation to Maine’s lakes, ponds, streams, and wetlands with proper site design, plant selection, and other ecological considerations. In this class, participants learn important concepts for controlling erosion on residential sites; gain a fundamental understanding of the regulations and permits required when disturbing soil near natural resources; discuss the importance of selecting and installing appropriate vegetation for the site; and explore other tools available for creating long term resilient residential landscapes.

4 Continuing Education Hours

Maine has approximately 45,000 miles of rivers and streams, many of which intersect with the 30,000 miles of roads throughout the state. The design and proper installation of stream crossings is important for the continued resiliency of the road network and reducing flooding impacts; its also extremely important for the ability of fish and wildlife to access the habitat needed to sustain their populations for generations to come. During this four (4) hour introductory course, participants are exposed to various aspects of stream crossing design such as structure selection and sizing; requirements for aquatic organism passage; regulations related to new and replacement stream crossings; and tools and techniques for the installation of crossings that minimize the impacts of construction activities on the stream to maintain water quality.

This training is intended to be a resource for road managers and association members, town officials, contractors, and watershed organizations as an introduction to proper selection and installation of stream crossings throughout Maine.

Maine’s Construction General Permit (MCGP) is a federally delegated permit that authorizes the direct discharge (point source discharge) of stormwater associated with construction activity to waters of the state. The MCGP, as reauthorized in 2025, applies to construction projects disturbing more than one acre. The new 2025 MCGP includes some changes from the previous authorization. This course provides clarity on the new requirements and responsibilities for contractors, designers, and inspectors.

4 Continuing Education Hours

Determining where certain land use and natural resource regulations apply and what standards need to be followed can be a complicated topic for many contractors, landowners, and government officials alike. This class will explore the individual regulations that those working or disturbing soil in Maine may encounter. including Maine’s Shoreland Zoning Law, Erosion and Sedimentation Control Law, and the Natural Resources Protection Act (NRPA).

The program also includes discussion of jurisdiction and permit requirements for each entity, ways these regulations overlap, and identifying natural resources. Most importantly, it will provide attendees with contacts and resources for technical, permitting, and other assistance.

4 Continuing Education Hours

A Question & Answer/Roundtable format training with DEP Land Bureau Field Services and Licensing Staff. This workshop is intended to allow contractors and homeowners a chance to interact with regional regulatory staff to discuss common compliance issues that can be avoided. This class will include an overview of pertinent regulations that those working or disturbing soil in Maine may encounter, including Maine’s Shoreland Zoning Law, Erosion and Sedimentation Control Law, and the Natural Resources Protection Act (NRPA).

4 Continuing Education Hours

Disturbing soil during winter can make it difficult to prevent erosion and control sediment on construction sites; many of the practices that are most effective during the growing season do not work well during the winter months. Here in Maine, cold weather can hinder adequate erosion and sedimentation control for up to half the year, so knowing appropriate treatments and practices for maintaining water quality can be key to a successful project.

Working in the winter requires extra planning, foresight, inspections, and materials to minimize the impact of these activities on Maine’s natural resources and water quality, while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations. This program will explore the options available for performing soil disturbance in the winter as well as highlighting the regulations that contractors need to comply with when performing winter work.

4 Continuing Education Hours

Proper installation and maintenance of Best Management Practices (BMPs) on construction sites is crucial to a contractor’s ability to protect water quality and the bottom line. In this class, participants will be exposed to Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP), inspections and record keeping requirements, common erosion and sedimentation control BMPs, their installation, maintenance, and ways to ensure compliance. As part of a formal SWPPP, Good Housekeeping Practices should also be employed on construction sites to help protect water quality from other common construction related pollutants.

This training will be of particular interest to construction site managers implementing SWPPPs, municipal officials, code enforcement officers, and inspectors.