In collaboration with the National Association of Wetland Managers (NAWM), IRIS Director Dr. Brian Bledsoe and alum Dr. Holly Yaryan Hall recently introduced an online training series for aquatic resources staff on compensatory stream mitigation projects. The training was funded through a cooperative agreement with U.S. EPA Region 4 (Southeast) and reviews practices for CWA Section 404-compliant projects.
The training consists of three modules: Compensatory Stream Mitigation Review, Reviewing Hydrology & Geomorphology and Reviewing Stream Designs. Each modules includes an optional quiz for managers to obtain Continuing Education Credits. NAWM members are able to download a free Certificate of Completion for each module while non-members can pay to take the quizzes and earn CEUs, but anyone can view the training modules.
Some of the training goals include:
- Module 1: Compensatory Stream Mitigation Review
- Develop an understanding of the differences between equilibrium designs and process-based restoration.
- Become familiar with risk assessment tools for planning
- Module 2: Reviewing Hydrology & Geomorphology
- Understand the concepts of flow and floodplain inundation regimes
- Understand basic geomorphologic principles of sediment transport
- Module 3: Reviewing Stream Designs
- Understand how design strategies can be integrated
- Understand resources for monitoring and adaptive management
The target audience for this training is aquatic resources staff and wetland managers whose duties include the review and comment on stream mitigation proposals. The series notes that other interested parties may include water quality professionals at state agencies, local municipalities, NGOs and private consulting companies.
Dr. Brian Bledsoe has over 30 years of experience as a civil and environmental engineer, hydrologist, and environmental scientist in the private and public sectors. Dr. Holly Yaryan Hall, a Bledsoe Lab alum, is a Senior Engineer and the RDE Labs Director at Robinson Design Engineers. Both trainers are experienced in stream hydrology, geomorphology and engineering principles.