Stormwater pollution prevention education effectiveness

National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Phase II construction and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems permits have resulted in the need for education programs. These education programs have many challenges in regards to content, reaching adult audiences, and effectiveness. This paper presents the different ways the University of Minnesota Erosion and Sediment Control Certification Program is evaluating the effectiveness of its storm water pollution prevention education program. Included in this paper are general descriptions of the course structure, audiences, and use of partnerships with other agencies and organizations. Evaluating the effectiveness of reaching the correct audience, getting the information to the class attendees, helping the class attendees retain the information, and increasing compliance with stormwater pollution regulations are all key components of an educational program. Each of these aspects is measured through different means and requires different degrees of effort. The University of Minnesota Erosion and Sediment Control program has attempted to evaluate these components through surveys, testing, and comparisons to compliance records. The attendee surveys, pre-testing, and post-testing have provided helpful information for improving the program and classes. Evaluation of compliance inspections and comparison to training records of construction personnel has possibly provided some insight to the effectiveness of training on regulatory compliance. Of more importance is the understanding of how inspection data collection could be adjusted to provide additional value and more insight to the effectiveness of training on regulatory compliance.