Construction often starts with the clearing of land in preparation for new homes and buildings. This almost always results in the removal of trees and grass, and their roots, that hold precious soils together. The result is often that dirt and rocks can be carried away by storm waters via runoff. The Idaho Panhandle has an educational program, known as SEEP (Stormwater & Erosion Education Program), to certify any person working near Idaho’s lakes, streams, and receiving waters. It is designed to educate all people on the effects of erosion both on the land and in the water.
Stormwater and soil erosion can complicate life for everyone. If left unmanaged, it threatens water quality, public health and safety, and the economy. Pollutants carried by eroded soils and water can:
- Contaminate drinking and surface water resources
- Destroy fish habitat
- Leave recreational surface waters undesirable
- Destroy homes and endanger lives
The Mission of SEEP
Panhandle SEEP (Stormwater & Erosion control Education Program) is an educational program committed to training individuals, including those in the construction and development industry, and agency personnel in the fundamentals of erosion prevention and sediment control planning and practices. It is also intended to provide a forum allowing the participants to share experiences and exchange ideas on methods, applications and effectiveness of best management practices, broadening their perspectives through discussion. Everyone is welcome to attend; certification is optional.
The Origin of SEEP
Panhandle SEEP was founded in 2005 by agency and industry representatives living and working in the five northern counties of Idaho. Contractors and design professionals enlisted the assistance of agencies after recognizing the adverse impact that construction site erosion was having on local resources. Physical destruction of local water resources followed by costly enforcement actions seemed a rather circular argument when the tools exist to prevent both. SEEP is one step in many needed to protect some of our most valuable resources in north Idaho: water.Stormwater and soil erosion can complicate life for everyone. If left unmanaged, it threatens water quality, public health and safety, and the economy. Pollutants carried by eroded soils and water can contaminate drinking and surface water. It can destroy fish habitat and leave recreational waters undesirable. Erosion can destroy homes and endanger lives.
Code of Conduct
The Panhandle SEEP Code of Conduct is in place to ensure those who pursue the certification find value in their effort. Certification is a privilege granted to qualified individuals meeting the requirements. Certification also carries with it the responsibility of maintaining the value and integrity of the program.
- I will work to keep myself current and informed of new concepts in stormwater and erosion-sediment control and abreast of changing regulations
- I will conduct my activities with honesty and integrity
- I will be diligent in my efforts to educate my clients on the benefits of stormwater, erosion and sediment controls
- I will endeavor to assist others in my profession by relaying accurate and true information
- I will engage in acts that will minimize the impacts to protect our water resources
- I will represent my SEEP certification accurately as a voluntary educational accomplishment and commitment to continued learning in the field of stormwater, erosion and sediment control.
The SEEP class is offered locally and I have successfully completed the Panhandle SEEP certification criteria. I am committed to protecting Idaho’s receiving water resources through continued education in stormwater, sediment, and erosion control. I would encourage anyone who works near Idaho’s receiving waters complete a SEEP course. You can get more information if you Click here for University of Idaho SEEP Program website