By Robert Kendall, Urban Conservationist
The qualification for inspecting Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSGP) sites is to become a certified trained individual(or Qualified Person). Trained individuals are educated on the implementation and inspection process of Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) ,which all CSGP sites are required to have. These individuals can choose any program to become certified as long as it covers the following within Part 6.3.b of the EPA’s CGP :
1) Principles and practices of erosion and sediment control and pollution prevention practices at construction sites;
2) Proper installation and maintenance of erosion and sediment controls and pollution prevention practices used at construction sites; and
3) Performance of inspections, including the proper completion of required reports and documentation, consistent with the requirements of Part 4 of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) Construction General Permit (CGP) for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities.
To get started on the certification or continuing education process, I recommend looking into the following programs.
For Certification:
EPA Construction General Permit Inspector Training
More Information HERE
“The training is provided at no cost. If an individual completes the EPA course and passes the exam, that person will be considered qualified to conduct inspections under Part 4 of the 2022 CGP, and will be provided with documentation showing their successful completion of the EPA course. The course is provided in English and Spanish.”
Trained Individual Contractor Certification
More Information HERE
“The White River Alliance Regional Stormwater MS4 Program will offer two training opportunities for contractors working in and around our member communities.
Option 1 is an online program. This certification process is made up of a combination of 1) the EPA’s free, online course, 2) a small set of Local Issues modules developed in partnership with our member communities, and 3) limited continuing education requirements in subsequent years. One is considered a certified Trained Individual once all components are completed.
Option 2 consists of a “watch party” of the same material offered in Option 1. Instead of completing the training online, the WRA and its member communities will host those seeking certification in-person at a future date to be announced.”
NPDES Training Institute
More information HERE
“This course is developed and designed specifically for MS4 compliance and enforcement personnel; field inspectors, stormwater managers and consultants, with a focus on MS4 stormwater permit compliance and enforcement responsibilities.
The MS4CECI course was designed by federal, state, and local regulatory personnel, as well as stormwater consultants with over 100 years of combined experience in educating municipal storm sewer system (MS4) stormwater personnel to manage and perform stormwater inspections of municipal, commercial, industrial, and construction site activities. The seminar teaches federal and state stormwater laws and guidance documents and ordinances for the purpose of implementing the 6 minimum control measures (MCMs). Instruction is also provided for the purpose of performing outfall reconnaissance and illicit discharge detection elimination (IDDE) inspections for industrial facilities, construction sites and hot spots, and highly visible pollutant sources (HVPS)”
Continuing Education:
Purdue University’s Local Technical Assistance Program
More Information HERE
Purdue University’s Local Technical Assistance Program offers training through their Learning Management System. They offer a free MS4 Program course that goes over 3 of the 6 Minimum Control Measures.
Hendricks County Contractors’ Workshop for Stormwater Protection
More Information HERE
“This is a free workshop on 02/04/2026 in Hendricks County that provides contractors, builders, developers, and engineers with essential knowledge on stormwater pollution prevention and erosion and sediment control on construction sites. Participants will learn about current stormwater regulations, permittee responsibilities, and stormwater management practices
tailored to various trades. The training includes information on implementing a
“living” stormwater pollution prevention plan, developing an effective
self-monitoring program, and how to properly terminate project permit coverage.
The workshop will conclude with an interactive activity to reinforce knowledge
of stormwater and erosion control practices.”
Indiana MS4 Partnership
More Information HERE
Hosts annual MS4 meetings with various stormwater-related topics. 2026’s them will be “What’s in Your Watershed?” The meeting will be held on 05/12/26.
