Education and Certification
On May 14, 2007, Governor Sonny Perdue signed HB 463 into law, which amended the Georgia Erosion and Sediment Control Act of 1975. This current legislation outlines the following changes:
- Clarifies that LIA projects are subject to the same BMPs as private projects.
- Requires SWCD and GSWCC to conduct semi-annual reviews of LIAs and requires EPD to revoke LIA status after a 90-day compliance period.
- Requires that primary, secondary and tertiary permittees have certified persons onsite during land disturbing and the certification is required for persons on sites 1 acre and larger or those located within a common development.
- Requires individuals working in a subcontractor capacity under a primary, secondary or tertiary permittee attend an “Awareness Seminar".* The "Subcontractor Awareness Seminar” will be 2 hours in length with no examination. Those attending the seminar will be required to register and attend the seminar and complete an application. Upon successful completion, those individuals will be issued a “Certified Subcontractor” card.
- Those working in a subcontractor capacity will need to become “Subcontractor Certified” by December 31, 2007. The "Subcontractor Awareness Seminar” is currently being developed with a tentative rollout date of July 2007.
- Certification Exams – Approved Instructors may now administer exams for the courses they instruct.
Rules and Regulations for Education and Training Certification Requirements for Persons Involved with Land Disturbing Activities ( Ammended: July 24, 2007; eff Aug 13, 2007)
The passage of House Bill 285 brings with it a new Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program and charges the Commission with managing and administering the new education and certification process. Other State agencies and private organizations will be consulted ensure that the program remains up to date and is responsive to State needs by establishing a Stakeholder Advisory Board. Other public and private entities will be authorized to deliver educational, testing, or certification components of the program only upon written approval and agreement by the Commission. Anyone involved in land development, design, review, permitting, construction, monitoring, inspection, or any land-disturbing activity in Georgia must meet these new education requirements and be certified by the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission. It is estimated that 26,000 people will have to be certified by December 31, 2006.
The Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission in consultation with Georgia Environmental Protection Division and the Stakeholder Advisory Board are currently developing course materials for this new program.
Upcoming Course Dates
Associated Document(s):
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Education and Certification Policies and Procedures.pdf |
| Education and Certification Policies and Procedures |
Education and Certification Fact Sheet (Revised July 2007)
Level 1A Fundamentals Seminar
For builders, contractors, developers, site superintendents, grading and utility contractors, and monitoring consultants
Level IB Advanced Fundamentals
Regulatory and non-regulatory inspectors
Level II Introduction to Design
Plan designers and plan reviewers
Nivel IA en Espanol
Level IA in Spanish
Re-certification Requirements
For all certified individuals involved in land disturbing activities.
Stakeholder Advisory Board Meeting Information
Subcontractor Awareness Seminar
Trainer Information
Trainer I and Trainer II Information