One of the main program responsibilities of the Tennessee Water Resources Research Center is the transfer of information through professional training and education. A major part of this program is the training of individuals involved in land disturbing activities. Sediment is a major contributor to the pollution of streams in Tennessee and construction activities are a major source of sediment and stream siltation.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has adopted a general permit to aid in the erosion prevention and sediment control at construction sites. An integral part of improving water quality in Tennessee’s streams is the training of those requesting coverage under the May 2011 TDEC Construction General Permit (CGP) Notice of Intent (NOI). To meet this need, the Center has developed three training workshops for developers, contractors, engineers and other professionals, inspection personnel, and enforcement officials responsible for all aspects of preparation and implementation of Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) for preventing erosion and controlling sediment at construction sites one (1) acre or more in size. Workshop participants will receive resource notebooks and materials used by the instructors in presenting the courses. Handout materials include the Tennessee Erosion & Sediment Control Handbook of recommended Best Management Practices (BMPs), TDEC Construction General Permit requirements, and SWPPP example; manual of Design Principles for Erosion Prevention & Sediment Control for Construction Sites; all workshop presentation slides; and a CD containing several other public domain design and analysis software and reference materials.