National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
This course covers topics pertaining to erosion and sediment control, including laws and regulations, best management practices, design, and inspection. This course is currently offered in an online format.
Pre-Requisite Requirements
This course is not intended to provide basic training, but rather to serve as a refresher and evaluation. Field inspection or other similar experience is strongly recommended. Prior to attending the course, participants should have a working knowledge of construction practices associated with erosion and sediment control (ES&C), including:
- The SWPPP documents
- Seeding and mulching
- Tracking
- Silt fence
- Ditch checks
- Diversion ditches
- Stream protection
- Basic installation and maintenance procedures
- Inspection documentation
Online study aids may also be beneficial in preparing for the class.
Specifications
The procedures covered are those prescribed by the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) Standard Specifications for Highway Construction, the current NPDES general construction permit as designated by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), and the most recent revision of the ARDOT Erosion and Sediment Control Design and Construction Manual. During the exam, participants will be responsible for the following topics:
- Basic concepts involving erosion and sedimentation
- Basic knowledge of the ADEQ general construction permit
- Requirements for acquiring coverage under the general ADEQ permit
- Components of the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
- Temporary erosion and sediment control measures
- Permanent erosion and sediment control measures
- Appropriate uses for Best Management Practices (BMPs)
- Maintenance of BMPs
Course Modules
The Online NPDES course includes 7 online modules that may be completed at your own pace. The modules are:
- Module 1: Introduction and Background (~25 minutes)
- Module 2: Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (~35 minutes)
- Module 3: Temporary BMPs – Part 1 (~25 minutes)
- Module 4: Temporary BMPs – Part 2 (~50 minutes)
- Module 5: Permanent BMPs (~35 minutes)
- Module 6: Inspections (~30 minutes)
- Module 7: Reading Plans (~15 minutes)
You must complete each NPDES Training Module and Knowledge Check in order to be given access to the Final Exam. A score of 100% is required to successfully complete each knowledge check quiz.
Final Exam
When the 7 modules have been successfully completed, you will be given access to the Final Exam. A minimum score of 80% is required to pass the Final Exam and receive CTTP Certification for NPDES.
If a passing score is not achieved on the first attempt of the Final Exam, the participant will have one additional chance to pass the online course by repeating the online modules, knowledge checks, and Final Exam. If a passing score is not achieved on the 2nd attempt, the participant must re-register for the course (course fees apply).
Certification
Upon successful completion of the written exam, participants will receive a five-year certification in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) from CTTP. Certified individuals will receive a CTTP certificate and pocket card, and will be added to the CTTP website list of Certified Technicians. Expiration dates occur on a semi-annual basis, and will be either June 30 or December 31 after the five-year certification period.
Recertification in NPDES may be achieved by successful completion of the online NPDES course.
Reciprocity requests will not be granted for the CTTP National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) certification
Registration
ARDOT employees may register for this course by contacting Dorothy Rhodes at dorothy.rhodes@ardot.gov . All others should Click Here to Register. Note that an individual email address is required to log in (i.e., technicians may not share email addresses). You will receive further instructions via email for accessing the course in Blackboard. Please allow 1-2 business days to be added to the course.
Applicable fees will be assessed.