The Mission of the SEEP.

The Panhandle SEEP is an educational program committed to training individuals, including those in the construction and development industry, and agency personnel, in the fundamentals of erosion 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.  Certification is available for those participants who choose to pursue it through testing and continuing education.  Everyone is welcome to attend; certification is a choice.

The Origin of the SEEP.

Panhandle SEEP was founded 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 double 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, economy and human.

Who Operates the SEEP?

The SEEP Steering Committee is comprised of construction, development and agency representatives.  This group provides SEEP with a balance of ideals and a more proactive committee.  Panhandle Area Council carries out the administrative duties as directed by the steering committee.

What Does it Mean to be SEEP Certified?

Initially, the certification confirms the participant has completed the full training session and has demonstrated knowledge of the principles of erosion-sediment control by passing an examination.  The certification also carries with it the professional obligation of adhering to a Code of Conduct and a commitment to continued learning in the field of stormwater and erosion control.  Participants successfully meeting the certification criteria will have their names placed on a distribution list to be made available to the public.

Is the SEEP a Regulatory Program?

The SEEP was organized as a non-regulatory program with the sole purpose of providing an educational opportunity for the construction and development community in the five northern counties in Idaho.  SEEP will, however, provide the tools to better comply with current and future regulations.

Obtaining SEEP Certification.

1. Complete the application, pay class registration fees and attend the full classroom and field session.
    

2. Successfully complete the examination with a passing score of at least 70%.
    

3. Subscribe to the Code of Conduct.

Applicants successfully meeting the certification criteria will have their names placed on a distribution list to be made available to the public.

3 Year Renewal Requirement and Continuing Education.

The certificate must be renewed every three years.  Re-testing is not required if the certificate holder complies with the following:

1. Register, pay class registration fees and attend a SEEP class every 3 years.
    

2. Accumulate 10 continuing education points during the three-year period.  Evidence of points shall be submitted to the SEEP Steering Committee at least one week prior to attending the renewal class (See ways to acquire continuing education points).
    

3. Abide by the Code of Conduct.

Revocation of Certification.

The right to revoke a certification is vested in the SEEP Steering Committee.  Revocation of a certificate may occur under the following circumstances:

1. The SEEP Steering Committee is notified by a regulatory agency of a completed enforcement action against the certificate holder.  Upon notification, the SEEP Steering Committee will conduct an evaluation process to determine if the infraction is in violation of the Code of Conduct.  The certificate holder under review will have the opportunity to address the steering committee.

Revocation of the certificate will result in removal from the distribution list.  Under this infraction, the SEEP Steering Committee may consider reinstatement of the certificate after a period of two years.  Full class work testing must be completed prior to consideration of reinstatement.

2. Failing to meet the renewal requirements will result in the certificate lapsing and removal from the distribution list.  In this case registering, paying class registration fees, attending a SEEP class and successfully passing the examination will accomplish certification renewal.