Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District and Maine DEP are co-sponsoring a four-hour online training in Advanced Training in Sediment and Erosion Control for Certified Contractors: Winter Best Management Practices Certification Course on Dec. 15 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Wiscasset Parks and Recreation located at 242 Gardiner Road, Wiscasset.

John Maclaine of Maine DEP and Louisa Crane of Knox-Lincoln County Soil and Water Conservation District will focus on the Best Management Practices. Soil erosion, which is not just a concern on large construction sites but can also be an issue on established residential properties. In this class, participants will be exposed to important concepts for controlling erosion on residential sites, be exposed to 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.

This course is intended as a refresher for basic erosion and sedimentation control (ESC) techniques for DEP-certified individuals seeking re-certification credits, but also serves as an introduction to basic and advanced DEP-approved practices in ESC. In this 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 ESC Best Management Practices (BMPs), regulations requiring ESC, and have a chance to discuss ESC applications in in real life situations. Participants are provided with information on the proper selection, installation and maintenance of ESC practices using Maine DEPs Erosion and Sediment Control Practices Field Guide for Contractors.

This class qualifies for four hours of Continuing Education Hours (CEH) for individuals Certified in Erosion Control Practices by Maine DEP. This class is approved for 2 Credits for Certified Tank Installers. Presented by John Maclaine Non-Point Source Training Center Coordinator.

The registration fee for the course is $95 by Dec. 9 and includes educational materials. Attendees may register via online or download a registration form from the Knox-Lincoln SWCD website at https://www.knox-lincoln.org/advanced-erosion-control-winter-bmps. For more information, contact Knox-Lincoln SWCD office at 596-2040, julie@knox-lincoln.org.