Blogs

Message from the Editor Welcome to SPRINT , IECA’S quarterly newsletter designed to help you grow your business. SPRINT is a quick-hitting communication tool providing our business partners with information regarding opportunities to engage with IECA that supports your marketing efforts and goals. As an IECA partner, this is your newsletter – and we would love to hear from you. Our intent is not to add clutter to your inbox, but to provide timely information that you need for budgeting, staffing, and other planning. Follow this link to let us know the type of information you need and what you value most about your work with IECA. ...

I am thrilled to share my latest article in the July edition of Environmental Connection magazine , titled "Rebuilding On-site Soil for Effective Erosion Control." In our industry, the battle against erosion demands innovative solutions that tap into the power of nature itself. We are tasked with reshaping landscapes and fostering healthier ecosystems by effectively rebuilding on-site soil and strategically repurposing on-site materials. In the article, I discuss various techniques such as composting, mulching, bioengineering, and mycorrhizal inoculation, as well as the importance of repurposing on-site materials like rock, stone, and woody debris. These ...

We are honored to extend a cordial invitation to the IV Ibero-American Congress of Sediments and Ecology (CISE) and the First Ibero-American Conference on Erosion and Sedimentation (JIES) . This prestigious event will be held jointly from August 5 to 9, 2024, at the Atlantic headquarters of the University of Costa Rica in the city of Turrialba. This event is organized by the University of Costa Rica, the International Sediment Initiative (ISI-LAC) of the PHI UNESCO, the International Association for Erosion and Sediment Control Ibero-American Chapter (IECA) IA, the Costa Rican Association of Soil Science (ACCS), the Mexican Institute of Water Technology (IMTA), ...

Craig Benson recognized for his excellence in the field with the IECA Presenter of the Year award, will share his expertise in an upcoming webinar. This event is a fantastic opportunity for professionals to gain insight into developing and implementing Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for sediment and turbidity. With his extensive experience and over 40 years in practice ( with over 400 projects under his belt). Benson's guidance is invaluable for those looking to enhance their understanding of environmental compliance and watershed management. More details and registration - https://www.wcieca.org/events/TMDLwebinar .

COLLABORATE TODAY. SUSTAIN TOMORROW. Addressing the Stormwater Management Professional Shortage: An Urgent Call to Action Submitted by Cody Obropta, P.E. Environmental Engineer with Maine Department of Environmental Protection The stormwater management sector is facing a critical shortage of professionals, a concern that has significant implications for our environment and infrastructure. The demand for reviewers, regulators, inspectors, compliance professionals, designers, and engineers far outstrips the supply, leaving a gap that must be addressed promptly. Failure to close this gap could lead to numerous adverse consequences. One of the most ...

COLLABORATE TODAY. SUSTAIN TOMORROW. Spring Project Spotlight: Merrimack Riverwalk Manchester, NH How a cellular confinement system can be used for slope stabilization Submitted by Mark Lavallee, IECA Northeast Chapter MA State Representative Problem: Severe eroding at bank of the river due to stormwater discharges from adjacent sites and upland areas. These areas included sheet flow from asphalt parking, pipe discharges, and natural dirt/grassed swales. Solution: Re-grade and install high density polyethylene cellular confinement system on eroding slope. The cells confine infill material creating a stable, permeable ...

Remembering his vision, leadership, and impact Obituary Bennett “Ben” Earl Northcutt, 72, passed away on May 29, 2024, after battling pancreatic cancer for nearly four years. He was lovingly surrounded by family and friends and remained positive until the very end. Ben was born on May 23, 1952, to Robert Northcutt and Mary Rimington in Peoria, Illinois. Ben earned a Bachelor of Science in Botany and a Masters in Plant Ecology, both from the University of Colorado Boulder. Ben married Kathy Northcutt in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 1986 and they had their daughter Kelly. Ben also helped raise Kathy’s two children Sarah and Ben Coleman. Ben married ...

Dear IECA members, As we navigate the challenges and opportunities in our field, I write to extend an invitation to not only enrich your professional journey but also contribute significantly to the advancement of our industry. The International Erosion Control Association (IECA) stands as a beacon of excellence and collaboration within our community. Its mission to provide education, resources, and networking opportunities for professionals involved in erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, and related disciplines is crucial in fostering innovation and best practices. As we look to the future of our field, the role of the IECA Board becomes ...

Safety is paramount in erosion, sediment control, and stormwater management, particularly for our dedicated professionals who brave the field daily. As we navigate various environments, the importance of implementing robust safety protocols cannot be overstated. I recently came across an excellent blog post shared by our Mid-Atlantic Chapter that delves into essential BMPs, especially in the face of thunderstorms—a common and potentially hazardous occurrence. I strongly encourage each of you to take a moment to read this insightful piece. It provides valuable information on effectively managing storm-related risks in our work environments. After reading, I ...

Attention planners, developers, sediment and erosion control professionals, If you have dry-season BMPs, attend this webinar emphasizing the summer-related issues you should know about. The objective of this class is to review common BMPs that are required year-round , with a specific emphasis on unique summer (dry season)-related issues. • Using a modified SWOT analysis model, each BMP will be discussed in terms of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities (alternatives), and threats specific to summer (dry season)-related issues, e.g., heat, solar degradation, wind, and increased dry season earth disturbance activity. • The 2022 Construction ...