The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

This four hour online course introduces the reader to the NPDES construction general permit (CGP). This course is intended for practicing engineers, contractors, developers, regulators, and all other personnel involved with construction sites.

Environmental Effects of Construction
Construction inevitably causes some degree of disturbance and compaction of the soil, the loss of vegetation density, and the creation of impervious surfaces. Water quality can be dramatically impacted by inadequate construction site erosion and sediment control measures. For these reasons the Environmental Protection Agency regulates even relatively small construction sites under the Phase II NPDES regulations.

Who is regulated?
“Any construction activity that will, or is part of a 'common plan' of development or sale that will, disturb one or more acres and has the potential to have a discharge of storm water to a water of the United States must either have a permit OR have qualified for a waiver. If all of the storm water from the construction activity is captured on-site and allowed to evaporate, soak into the ground on-site, or is used for irrigation, you do not need coverage under this permit. Under the Clean Water Act, it is illegal to have a point source discharge of pollutants to a water of the United States that is not authorized by a permit. If there is a potential for a discharge, you need to apply for coverage under this permit. “ (EPA Factsheet, 2005

The NPDES regulations apply to nearly every construction site development. Understanding the regulations, requirements, and coverage provided under the CGP is essential to staying in compliance with the law. Following the requirements under the CGP will also reduce the impacts of construction on the environment.

The student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of twenty (20) questions at the end of this course to obtain PDH credits.

State Board Acceptance

This course can be used by professional engineers to fulfill PDH requirements mandated by state and provincial licensing boards. Decatur Professional Development is an approved provider of continuing education in all states that pre-approve course providers. In all other states that mandate continuing education for engineers, it is the individual engineer's responsibility to determine the suitability of activities for PDH credit. The state boards typically accept online* courses that cover technical, managerial** or ethical content and which are relevant to the practice of engineering. The course must have a clear purpose or objective with a content that will maintain, improve or expand the skills and knowledge of the licensee's field of practice. For questions about your mandatory PDH requirements, visit the website of your state licensing board.

*Online courses are accepted by all state licensing boards that mandate continuing education. Other than New York (which limits online courses to 18 PDH) and Iowa (which limits online courses to 6 PDH), there are no limits placed by other states on the number of hours that can be earned through online continuing education. Consult with your state licensing board if you have any questions about the acceptability of online courses.

**The New York State Board of Engineers does not accept general office management courses, but will accept project management courses that are offered by an approved provider and that are technical in nature and contribute to the engineer's professional practice.

Please Note: Continuing Education credits for this course are awarded as PDH (Professional Development Hour Credits).