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!
Distance Learning Resources
The Department of Environmental Quality is dedicated to increasing environmental literacy in the state. DEQ’s environmental educators are here to support your distance learning needs during this challenging time. Teachers can access free online resources specifically designed for distance learning focused on several topics including geology, sedimentation, air quality, and water quality. Learn more at https://deq.nc.gov/outreach-education/distance-learning.
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
2015 Erosion and Sediment Control Planning and Design Workshop Presentations
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