The New York State Stormwater Regional Training Centers 

featuring John Dunkle PE, CPESC, CMS4

Lead Instructor and Curriculum Coordinator

~Northeastern New York~

The New York Stormwater Regional Training Centers (SW RTC) are a Statewide Partnership between Saratoga and Orange County Cornell Cooperative Extensions, the Central New York Regional Planning & Development Board, and the Stormwater Coalition of Monroe County & Monroe County SWCD. Our goal is to provide the best technical training to all stormwater professionals working in New York State.

The Regional Training Centers are dedicated to providing stormwater professionals with the best possible Information, Education, and Training to help better manage stormwater runoff and keep all of our waters clean.

For more information about the Northeastern NY SW RTC:

Email: brn5@cornell.edu

or visit us on the web anytime at:

www.saratogastormwater.org

Course Descriptions

1. SWPPP Preparation and Review; 02-25-2026 ~ 4.0 PDH available for this course.

Preparing, reviewing and implementing a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is essential to stormwater management for both the public and private sectors. The SWPPP is a key component of the Construction General Permit, this class will review all of the required elements of Basic and Full SWPPPs, including site planning, erosion and sediment control, hydrology, good housekeeping, post construction management and maintenance. SWPPP review techniques for MS4’s and other municipalities will be addressed as well.

2. Design and Inspection of Erosion and Sediment Controls; 03-18-2026 ~ 4.0 PDH available for this course.

An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan is a required element of all construction projects needing stormwater permit coverage in New York. Following the guidance provided in New York State’s 2016 “Blue Book”, this class will review the various techniques for planning, runoff management, soil stabilization, and sedimentation control that serve to minimize erosion, sediment transport and sediment deposition from exposed soils. Proper site-specific practice selection, design, placement, construction, site inspections, and maintenance of these Erosion and Sediment Control practices will also be covered.

3. Design, Inspection and Maintenance of Stormwater Ponds, Infiltration Basins and Bioretention SMPs; 04-08-2026 ~ 4.0 PDH available for this course. 

Three of the most frequently used stormwater management practices are wet ponds, infiltration basins, and bio-retention areas. Many of these practices have experienced failures due to improper selection, design, construction and/or maintenance. This class will review the characteristics and performance of each of these practices, and will provide an overview of the many considerations that must be made to select and design the most appropriate practice and details for site specific needs. Design examples, practice sizing, plantings, construction, inspection and maintenance of each practice will also be covered. 

4. Stormwater Design for Linear Projects; 04-29-2026 ~ 4.0 PDH available for this course. 

Linear projects, such as highways and utilities, present unique challenges for managing stormwater due to their length and space restrictions for installing BMPs. This class will review the stormwater management techniques and practices that are most suitable for application in these conditions, as outlined in the “Blue Book” and  the Design Manual. Topics will include preparation of Erosion & Sediment Control Plans, plans, hydrology analysis, and the design of post-construction practices on various linear project types, including streetscape retrofits.  Applicability of the construction general permit requirements for linear projects will also be reviewed.

5.SWMP and SWPPP Preparation for MS4s; 05-20-2026~ 4.0 PDH available for this course.

The current MS4 permit requires designated municipalities to prepare and annually update a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) Plan to comply with the permit’s many requirements. Also, soon to be required is the preparation of facility-specific Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) for High Priority MS4 municipal facilities. This class will review the crucial elements of these documents and will provide techniques and examples for preparing and updating.

All courses are held via Zoom webinar and are scheduled from 8:30AM to 1PM.

PLEASE NOTE that it is the policy of the Northeastern NY SW RTC not to refund “no show” registrants.  Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the course date.  Substitutions and transfers are acceptable up to the day of any course.