State DOT Training Programs Used to Comply with NPDES Stormwater Permit Requirements (2026)
Chapter: Summary
SUMMARY
State DOT Training Programs Used to Comply with NPDES Stormwater Permit Requirements
The Clean Water Act, enacted by Congress, mandates that state departments of transportation (DOTs) follow the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. These regulations stipulate how stormwater is managed during and after construction. Commonly found in permitting requirements is the need to develop and deliver training programs for state DOT personnel involved in the management of construction and post-construction stormwater. Administration of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) NPDES permits is, in most cases, delegated to state environmental protection departments, which has resulted in varying requirements across the country. Likewise, training programs to meet these requirements vary from state to state.
The synthesis objectives were achieved by using a three-step methodology consisting of a literature review, state-of-the-practice survey, and case examples to document current state DOT practices related to developing, delivering, and managing stormwater-related training programs. Findings from this synthesis suggest training requirements and delivery methods vary widely across states. Furthermore, construction stormwater training is the most commonly implemented, primarily driven by regulatory requirements. The literature review revealed an increase in training opportunities but challenges in evaluating effectiveness. State DOTs have leaned on hands-on and in-field training opportunities where possible. Most state DOTs deliver training in-house; however, several state DOTs have formed partnerships with universities and private-sector partners.
This synthesis identifies research gaps including opportunities to improve public engagement methods, the standardization of certification mechanisms, and exploring best practices for collaborative training models with universities and other stakeholders. A complete review of findings is in Chapter 5.
