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WSDOT crew examing wetland area |
WSDOT delivers environmental training to provide tools and information to assist staff in ensuring that WSDOT projects stay in compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Environmental training is available to the following staff:
Environmental training is also provided through other organizations.
This is a partial list of organizations that offer a variety of environmental training. For more information, email Pat McQueary at mcqueap@wsdot.wa.gov.
Environmental Training Courses
Environmental Practioners
Construction Staff
Design Staff
Maintenance and Operations Staff
Course Descriptions
Advanced Biological Assessments
Provides detailed guidance to biologists for preparing biological assessments.Contact: Erin Brittion at BrittoE@wsdot.wa.gov
Construction Site Erosion and Sediment Control Certification (BPW) This course is designed to educate WSDOT staff so that they can design & implement effective erosion control plans. The class is geared specifically to those who must prepare or implement erosion control plans, or any maintenance staff that may perform soil exposing work that could be affected by erosion. Course includes: overview of laws & regulations associated with water quality; erosion impacts on WSDOT; factors that influence the potential for erosion & risk assessment; selection criteria for Best Management Practices (BMPs); temporary erosion control plan. Visit the Erosion Control website or Contact: Scott Carey at careys@wsdot.wa.gov
Cultural Resources (Sec. 106)
For more information or technical assistance visit the Cultural Resources site or Contact: Craig Holstine at holstinec@wsdot.wa.gov
Environmental Compliance for Project Inspectors (CR5)
The Environmental Compliance for Construction Inspectors course is intended to assist construction inspectors in identifying: Contact: Pat McQueary at mcqueap@wsdot.wa.gov
- Potential environmental issues associated with construction projects
- Contractors and WSDOT responsibilities associated with environmental conditions (commitments)
- Examples of best management practices (BMPs)
- An understanding of permit terminology and plan sheet interpretation
- Appropriate contacts when questions or problems arise (notification procedures)
- Environmental contract provisional requirements (permit conditions identified) and
- Standard specifications associated with environmental conditions
ESA and Project Delivery (CR6)
This course provides a basic introduction to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and how it correlates with WSDOT project delivery. Upon completion of the course, Project Office staff will have an understanding of the ESA consultation process and how WSDOT manages this process. The course will also identify how Biologists and Project Office staff work together to ensure sound environmental stewardship. Contact: Pat McQueary at mcqueap@wsdot.wa.gov or Erin Brittion at BrittoE@wsdot.wa.gov
Highway Runoff Manual Training Series
This training series is currently under development. For more information or technical assistance visit the Water Quality webpage or Contact: Larry Schaffner at SchaffL@wsdot.wa.gov
Integrated Streambank Protection Guidelines
The Integrated Streambank Protection Guidelines (ISPG) 2003 contains information on topics such as mechanisms and causes of streambank failure, project and environmental risk, mitigation, and site and reach based assessments. ISPG provides guidance in selecting suitable solutions for streambank protection. These guidelines can also be viewed on Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's website. Contact: WDFW Habitat Program at 360.902.2545
Aquatic Habitat Guidelines
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife – Habitat Program
600 Capitol Way North
Olympia, WA 98501-1091
Migrating from Environmental GIS Workbench to the GIS Workbench (CML)
This course provides instruction on using the new GIS Workbench extension within ArcGIS 8.3. The GIS Workbench will aid the user in accessing data available with the WSDOT corporate GIS library. The GIS Workbench includes a suite of tools to help the user map locations, create buffer areas, print maps, and access metadata. Contact: Mark Bruskiewicz at BruskiM@wsdot.wa.gov
Model for Environmental Justice (CMT)
Majority of 4 hours will be spent walking through revised EPM Step by Step and Checklist in the context of creating an EJ discipline report . Participants will discuss various methods for creating a defensible EJ strategy. Although there is no single template that can be applied to all projects, tools and examples will be given that should lessen the anxiety around this subject. Visit the Environmental Justice webpage or Contact: Kathleen McKinney at mckinnk@wsdot.wa.gov
NEPA and Transportation Decision Making -NHI 142005A (A61)
This National Highway Institute course considers FHWA's policies and procedures for applying the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to the project development and decision making processes related to transportation facilities. The course examines the evolution of environmental policy and the integration of social, environmental and economic factors into the framework of laws, regulations, policies, and guidance, which assist in achieving a decision on a transportation project that is in the best overall public interest. The course emphasizes utilization of: the Council on Environmental Quality's and FHWA's regulations and guidance for implementing NEPA and Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act; and initiatives for interagency coordination and streamlining the project development process including those provisions contained in TEA-21. Also emphasized are: public involvement; Title VI/Environmental Justice; FHWA's policy for mitigation and enhancement; and the role of transportation in achieving sustainable development. Contact: Pat McQueary at mcqueap@wsdot.wa.gov
New Western Washington Rating System
This is a 1-day workshop to study the new Western Washington Rating System for wetlands. Contact: Bob Thomas at ThomasBo@wsdot.wa.gov
Overview of Environmental Permits for Environmental Practitioners (CKI)
An overview of the environmental permits that WSDOT staff applies for in order to build & maintain the state's transportation system. A representative of the region environmental office will discuss: how the environmental permit process is integrated into the WSDOT project delivery process, an overview of the environmental permits needed for many transportation projects & activities, communication along the project delivery process. Representatives from WA Dept. Ecology, WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, and US Army Corps of Engineers will give an overview of their agencies permit review processes. Contact: Pat McQueary at mcqueap@wsdot.wa.gov
Programmatic Permit Training
For more information on training or technical assistance visit the Programmatic Permit webpage or Contact: Gregor Myhr at MyhrG@wsdot.wa.gov
Roadway & Bridge Construction Terms, Methods, & Constraints (BZY) This class is for environmental professionals and other staff who may not have a construction background. Topics covered include bridge types, equipment types, site preparation, erosion control, bridge construction, contracts & inspection authority. An emphasis is placed on group discussion. Note: If a group is interested in this training it can be customized.
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to: 1. Improve communication between environmental & construction professionals. 2. Gain a better understanding of how the construction professional's activities impact the natural resources. Contact: Pat McQueary at mcqueap@wsdot.wa.gov
SAC Guidelines
This training is for groups that are currently working through the Signatory Agency Committee process. Visit the SAC Agreement webpage, or contact Barb Aberle at aberleb@wsdot.wa.gov
Section 4f Training
This FHWA Sponsored course consists of an interactive presentation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Section 4(f) process, issues, and requirements when proposing to impact public park land or historic sites with a transportation structure or project, utilizing a Federal nexus of funding, permits, or properties. Visit the (4f) Guidance website or Contact: Steve Yach at yachs@wsdot.wa.gov
Wetlands and Project Delivery - currently called Wetlands: Recognition, Regulation, & Resource (BKS)
This course is currently being updated to include means and methods for working in wetlands as well as guidance on recognition of wetlands. Class participants will gain an understanding of the value of wetlands as a resource, their regulation by local, state, and federal agencies, and methods of identification. Mitigation and wetland policy will be discussed, as well as, how these environmental issues affect the WSDOT processes for project development. Contact: Bob Thomas at ThomasBo@wsdot.wa.gov
Wetland Delineation (CFI)
This is a 3-day refresher for professionals who perform wetland delineations & for those who do not. The class will serve as an introduction to the complexities of the discipline. Upon completion of this course participants will be able to: 1. Identify & classify a wetland using the 3 parameter (vegetation, soils & hydrology) approach. 2. Ascertain the effort it requires to delineate some wetlands. Contact: Bob Thomas at ThomasBo@wsdot.wa.gov
Construction Site Erosion and Sediment Control Certification (BPW) This course is designed to educate WSDOT staff so that they can design & implement effective erosion control plans. The class is geared specifically to those who must prepare or implement erosion control plans, or any maintenance staff that may perform soil exposing work that could be affected by erosion. Course includes: overview of laws & regulations associated with water quality; erosion impacts on WSDOT; factors that influence the potential for erosion & risk assessment; selection criteria for Best Management Practices (BMPs); temporary erosion control plan.
Drainage Inspection (ACF)
This training is part of the construction inspection-training program.
Environmental Compliance for Project Inspectors (CR5)
The Environmental Compliance for Construction Inspectors course is intended to assist construction inspectors in identifying:
- Potential environmental issues associated with construction projects
- Contractors and WSDOT responsibilities associated with environmental conditions (commitments)
- Examples of best management practices (BMPs)
- An understanding of permit terminology and plan sheet interpretation
- Appropriate contacts when questions or problems arise (notification procedures)
- Environmental contract provisional requirements (permit conditions identified) and
- Standard specifications associated with environmental conditions
Contact: Pat McQueary mcqueap@wsdot.wa.gov
ESA and Project Delivery (CR6)
This course provides a basic introduction to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and how it correlates with WSDOT project delivery. Upon completion of the course, Project Office staff will have an understanding of the ESA consultation process and how WSDOT manages this process. The course will also identify how Biologists and Project Office staff work together to ensure sound environmental stewardship.
Excavation and Embankment Inspection (AC3)
This training is part of the construction inspection training program.
Just-in-Time Training
Contact WSDOT Region Environmental Offices, for environmental training or technical assistance needs that are not covered by existing training opportunities.
Spill Plan Reviewer Training (BYZ)
This class provides the participants with the information necessary to review the completeness of Spill Prevention Control, and Counter-measures Plans (SPCC) submitted by contractor's per WSDOT' Standard Specification #1-07.15(1). The content of the course focuses on the overall basics of WSDOT's spill prevention program & reviewing SPCC Plans to insure contractor's compliance with the minimum requirements of the Standard Specification and Department of Ecology's Stormwater Management Manual. The participants will be familiar with the tools and techniques that are most effective in a SPCC Plan. Students will participate in a hands-on exercise using the Reviewer's Protocol to evaluate previously submitted SPCC plans.
Wetlands and Project Delivery -currently called Wetlands: Recognition, Regulation, & Resource (BKS)
This course is currently being updated to include means and methods for working in wetlands as well as guidance on recognition of wetlands.
Annual Design Academy
Contact: Blane Long at LongB@wsdot.wa.gov
Annual Region Design Conferences
Contact: Blane Long at LongB@wsdot.wa.gov
Construction Site Erosion and Sediment Control for Design - This course is currently being revised. (CAY)
This 2-hours class is for design engineers who prepare Temporary Erosion & Sediment Control Plans. The course covers: 1) plan requirements 2) data collection sources & risk assessment tools 3) BMP selection guidance 4) plan preparation guidelines including a template with instructions 5) scoping and budgeting tools 6) contracting strategies A planning practice exercise is included to summarize course materials & evaluate planning skills. Visit the Erosion Control website or Contact: Scott Carey at careys@wsdot.wa.gov
Context Sensitive Solutions (CL8)
This course provides transportation professionals with the knowledge & skills to collaboratively develop transportation projects accounting for the needs of a broad range of users/interested parties. Participants will learn to identify critical issues, involve stakeholders, evaluate alternatives & minimize tort liability when developing solutions to transportation issues that are specific to individual sites. Contact: Blane Long at LongB@wsdot.wa.gov
Design of Road Culverts for Fish Passage
Design of Road Culverts for Fish Passage, provides information on new culvert construction, retrofitting or replacing existing culverts, habitat issues at road crossings, measuring channel width, adjustments to channel profile and sample plans. The training introduces these concepts but does not constitute a complete course in culvert design. Contact: WDFW Habitat Program at 360.902.2545 or Tim Hilliard at HilliaT@wsdot.wa.gov
Environmental Permit Overview For Design Engineers (CKE)
This course provides an overview of the environmental permits that WSDOT receives for transportation projects and activities. A representative of the region environmental office will discuss: how the environmental process follows the project delivery process, an overview of the environmental permits needed for many transportation projects and activities, design requirements for environmental permits. Participants will receive region specific materials with examples of permit applications, timelines and designs from previous projects as a class and working tool. Contact: Pat McQueary at
mcqueap@wsdot.wa.gov
ESA and Project Delivery (CR6)
This course provides a basic introduction to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and how it correlates with WSDOT project delivery. Upon completion of the course, Project Office staff will have an understanding of the ESA consultation process and how WSDOT manages this process. The course will also identify how Biologists and Project Office staff work together to ensure sound environmental stewardship. Contact: Pat McQueary at mcqueap@wsdot.wa.gov or Erin Brittion at BrittoE@wsdot.wa.gov
Highway Runoff Manual Training Series
This training series is currently under development. For more information or technical assistance visit the Water Quality webpage or Contact: Larry Schaffner at SchaffL@wsdot.wa.gov.
Hydraulics and Hydrology (AGH)
For more information visit the WSDOT Hydraulics Trainingwebpage.
Integrated Streambank Protection Guidelines
The Integrated Streambank Protection Guidelines (ISPG) 2003 contains information on topics such as mechanisms and causes of streambank failure, project and environmental risk, mitigation, and site and reach based assessments. ISPG provides guidance in selecting suitable solutions for streambank protection. These guidelines can be viewed on Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's website. Contact: WDFW Habitat Program at 360.902.2545 or Tim Hilliard at HilliaT@wsdot.wa.gov
Aquatic Habitat Guidelines
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife – Habitat Program
600 Capitol Way North
Olympia, WA 98501-1091
Migrating from Environmental GIS Workbench to the GIS Workbench (CML)
This course provides instruction on using the new GIS Workbench extension within ArcGIS 8.3. The GIS Workbench will aid the user in accessing data available with the WSDOT corporate GIS library. The GIS Workbench includes a suite of tools to help the user map locations, create buffer areas, print maps, and access metadata. Contact: Mark Bruskiewicz at BruskiM@wsdot.wa.gov
River Mechanics
For more information contact Fred Atkinson.
Spill Plan Reviewer Training (BYZ)
This class provides the participants with the information necessary to review the completeness of Spill Prevention Control, and Counter-measures Plans (SPCC) submitted by contractor's per WSDOT' Standard Specification #1-07.15(1). The content of the course focuses on the overall basics of WSDOT's spill prevention program & reviewing SPCC Plans to insure contractor's compliance with the minimum requirements of the Standard Specification and Department of Ecology's Stormwater Management Manual. The participants will be familiar with the tools and techniques that are most effective in a SPCC Plan. Students will participate in a hands-on exercise using the Reviewer's Protocol to evaluate previously submitted SPCC plans.
StormSHED Beginner (BUY) and Intermediate (BK7)
For more information visit the WSDOT Hydraulics Training webpage.
Wetlands and Project Delivery (currently called Wetlands: Recognition, Regulation, & Resource) (BKS)
This course is currently being updated to include means and methods for working in wetlands as well as guidance on recognition of wetlands.
ESA - Emergency Response 104 (B9G)
Differentiate between Emergency and unscheduled routine road maintenance and the ESA 4(d) Best Management Practices of each.
ESA - Environmental Permits for Maintenance Activities (CPM)
Provide maintenance personnel with an understanding of the various environmental permit requirements when working near water.
ESA - Executive Overview 101 (B9F)
Provides overview of WSDOT Endangered Species Act 4(d) coverage, impact on cost, schedules, regulatory/permitting issues, and training support available to field maintenance crews.
ESA - Field Maintenance Crew Overview 102 (BW2)
Provide an in-depth understanding of the Endangered Species Act 4(d) 7, 9, & 10 with an emphasis on aquatic species, their needs for population recovery, and how maintenance procedures can be accomplished to facilitate this recovery.
ESA - Reporting Requirements 108 (CL3)
Provide in-depth understanding of BMP Field Guide for ESA Section 4(d) Habitat Protection, Including when and where to apply BMPs, how to report implementation of the BMPs and checklist instructors.
ESA - Roadside Landscape Maintenance 106 (B9I)
Provide in-depth understanding of Endangered Species Act 4(d) Best Management Practices of litter pickup, control of noxious weeds, class A or B, and nuisance and obstructive vegetation while minimizing the risk of "Take" and the legal obligations thereof.
ESA - Stormwater Control 107 (B9P)
Provide in-depth understanding of ESA 4(d) BMPs of Stormwater Control.
ESA - 4(d) Bridge and Urban Tunnel Maintenance 110 (B9R)
Provide in-depth understanding of the Endangered Species Act 4(d) Best Management Practices of deck and structural repair, cleaning, miscellaneous maintenance, and movable and floating bridge while minimizing the amount of materials entering waterways and the risk of "Take."
ESA - 4(d) Snow and Ice Control 109 (B9Q)
Provide in-depth understanding of the Endangered Species Act 4(d) Best management Practice for snow and ice control while stressing proper procedure to avoid adverse impact on receiving waters.
Environmental Permit Overview For Design Engineers (CKE)
This course provides an overview of the environmental permits that WSDOT receives for transportation projects and activities. A representative of the region environmental office will discuss: how the environmental process follows the project delivery process, an overview of the environmental permits needed for many transportation projects and activities, design requirements for environmental permits. Participants will receive region specific materials with examples of permit applications, timelines and designs from previous projects as a class and working tool. Contact: Pat McQueary at mcqueap@wsdot.wa.gov
Migrating from Environmental GIS Workbench to the GIS Workbench (CML)
This course provides instruction on using the new GIS Workbench extension within ArcGIS 8.3. The GIS Workbench will aid the user in accessing data available with the WSDOT corporate GIS library. The GIS Workbench includes a suite of tools to help the user map locations, create buffer areas, print maps, and access metadata. Contact: Mark Bruskiewicz at BruskiM@wsdot.wa.gov
Model for Environmental Justice (CMT)
Majority of 4 hours will be spent walking through revised EPM Step by Step and Checklist in the context of creating an EJ discipline report . Participants will discuss various methods for creating a defensible EJ strategy. Although there is no single template that can be applied to all projects, tools and examples will be given that should lessen the anxiety around this subject. Visit the Environmental Justice webpage or Contact Kathleen McKinney at mckinnk@wsdot.wa.gov
NEPA and Transportation Decision Making -NHI 142005A (A61)
This National Highway Institute course considers FHWA's policies and procedures for applying the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to the project development and decision making processes related to transportation facilities. The course examines the evolution of environmental policy and the integration of social, environmental and economic factors into the framework of laws, regulations, policies, and guidance, which assist in achieving a decision on a transportation project that is in the best overall public interest. The course emphasizes utilization of: the Council on Environmental Quality's and FHWA's regulations and guidance for implementing NEPA and Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act; and initiatives for interagency coordination and streamlining the project development process including those provisions contained in TEA-21. Also emphasized are: public involvement; Title VI/Environmental Justice; FHWA's policy for mitigation and enhancement; and the role of transportation in achieving sustainable development.