About

The Protect Our Water Conference is an annual construction storm water training event put on by the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT). Whether you are HDOT personnel, a contractor, or a consultant, this event is an opportunity for our industry to come together and engage, share, and learn about storm water best management practices. This year, the Protect Our Water Conference will be a one-day event held entirely online. The virtual event will feature presentations from storm water professionals with years of experience. The exhibit floor will feature interactive opportunities to meet with vendors to network and explore new products and solutions. We hope you can join us!

Agenda

Session A
Session B
7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Welcome Video and Vendor Interaction
8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
The BMP Scorecard – A Look at BMP Deficiencies Found on HDOT Construction Projects in 2021

Claudia Akroyd, CHST, CISEC

Bowers + Kubota

This is a look at some of the more frequently deficient BMPʻs cited, in 2021, on HDOT construction projects during third party inspections. This presentation explores the common issues found on construction sites and how to make them right.

Moderator: Logan Hicks

The Five Pillars of Construction Stormwater Management

Barry Fagan, PE/PLS, ENV SP, CPMSM, CPESC, CESSWI

Green Infrastructure | Volkert, Inc

The unique character of the transportation environment often presents challenges associated with managing construction storm water runoff and protecting receiving waters. In this presentation, Barry Fagan will present the five pillars of construction storm water management. The five pillars represent a holistic and fundamental approach to managing construction storm water in a transportation environment. Using the five pillars during any stage of project development and delivery will enhance effectiveness, reduce risk, and promote regulatory compliance.

Moderator: John Hart

8:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Break
9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Improving Stormwater Quality with Compost Filter Socks

Britt Faucette, Ph.D., CPESC, LEED AP

Filtrexx International

Compost-based best management practices (BMPs) used for erosion and sediment control (E&SC) have become widely accepted over the past 15-20 years. Currently, nearly every state department of transportation or environmental protection agency has approved specifications for compost-based BMPs.  Additionally, the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), US Army Corp of Engineers ( US ACE), and the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO), have all published specifications and guidance documents for the use and application of these practices. Adoption has been spurred by the interest in utilizing practices made from natural, sustainable and locally available materials, and recent published scientific research indicating the high performance of these BMPs.  Building on concepts of biomimicry, attendees will learn how compost-based biofiltration practices use natural processes to achieve high performance results in sediment control and storm water treatment applications, the science behind these practices, and the sustainability driving their adoption. 

Moderator: Kanani Kea

The Good, Bad, and Ugly in Controlling Sediment Discharges

Jerald Fifield, Ph.D., CISEC

HydroDynamics Incorporated

When developing sediment and erosion control (S&EC) plans, designers and reviewers must always develop, review, and approve documents that professionally address non-point pollution in a cost-effective and practical manner. Yet, few realize only one best management practice (BMP) can be effective in capturing suspended particles out of sediment-laden discharge waters. Nearly all of the other construction site sediment control BMPs are ineffective during significant runoff events. This presentation reviews a variety of sediment control issues that exist including HAR 11-55 requirements, assessing qualifications, describing methods, and identifying BMP limitations

Moderator: Alena Huffine

9:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Break
10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
United States Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Division - Regulatory 101

Shane McCoy

United States Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Division, Honolulu

This presentation will provide an overview of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Division’s jurisdictional authorities and a brief introduction to activities that would be regulated under those authorities.

Moderator: Logan Hicks

Communication – The Best Management Practice

Barry Fagan, PE/PLS, ENV SP, CPMSM, CPESC, CESSWI

Green Infrastructure | Volkert, Inc

Whether at the program or project level, trust is at the heart of every successful stormwater management effort. Trust influences technical outcomes; trust informs leadership; trust fosters understanding and grace during the inevitable and uncontrollable storm. Trust requires relationship; relationship requires connection; connection requires effective communication. In this presentation, Barry Fagan will present the connection between successful stormwater management outcomes and effective communication efforts. He will characterize communication as being THE best management practice and demonstrate practical applications for ensuring your success through trust, relationship, connection, and effective communication.

Moderator: John Hart

10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Break
11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

One Step Closer to Addressing the 800 Pound Gorilla: Introducing Hawaii's First Nonpoint Source Rules

 

Matthew Kurano

Department of Health - Clean Water Branch

While point source pollution such as wastewater treatment plants, construction sites, and municipal storm drain systems have major impacts on water quality, many have begun asking, “What about the loss of our streams and wetlands?  How about storm water pollution from sources such as large State lands and forests?”  At the DOH, we’ve been thinking a lot about these things too, and have been working on a system to address them.  In June 2021, Governor Ige signed into law Hawaii’s first administrative rules authorizing the regulation of nonpoint sources of pollution.  This short presentation will go over some nonpoint source basics and give an introduction into Hawaii’s first rules developed to prevent and control pollution from sources not covered by the Clean Water Act’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System regulatory program.

Moderator: Chelsea Iannaccio

Implementation of DOTA’s New Asset Management System (VEOCI) For Construction BMP Inspections

Brian Lum, CISEC

EnviroServices & Training Center, LLC.

Jenna Stone, CISEC

EnviroServices & Training Center, LLC.

Learn the new procedures and requirements for DOTA’s Independent BMP Inspections using the new DOTA’s Asset Management System (VEOCI). Topics include introduction of new forms and reports; inspection types and schedules (Pre-construction, Routine, and Post-construction); and submittal procedures of corrective action photos. This presentation is recommended for DOTA State Project Managers, DOTA Construction Management Consultants, and DOTA Contractors.

Moderator: Kanani Kea

11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Break
1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
DOTA Post-Construction Best Management Practice Manual Updates and Implementation

Vijaya Tummala, P.E., CFM, CPESC, CISEC

EnviroServices & Training Center, LLC.

Airports Division has updated its Post-Construction BMP Manual to streamline the selection of appropriate PBMPs at DOTA airports. The revised manual ensures that post-construction management practices are prioritized to promote LID PBMPs while also considering the mission of DOTA, to ensure aircraft and public safety per FAA regulations which prohibit building habitats for wildlife.
The presentation will discuss the revisions to the Post-Construction BMP Manual including: criteria to provide variance for PBMP implementation due to FAA safety zones; feasibility screening criteria for LID PBMPs; Design Fact Sheets that include PBMP sizing criteria; O&M Fact Sheets detailing the O&M for individual PBMP; and, the use of DOTA’s AMS for the review the PBMP design and tracking PBMP inspections and maintenance.

Moderator: John Hart

DOT-HWYS Storm Water Post-Construction BMP Manual Revisions for HWY-O and HWY-M

Karen Chun, P.E.

The State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation, Highways Division, Design Branch

Jason Lau, P.E.

The Limtiaco Consulting Group

Jon Lowry, P.E.

EnviroServices & Training Center, LLC.

In October of 2021 DOT-HWYS completed a significant revision of the Storm Water Post-Construction Best Management Practices (BMPs) Manual, which provides the criteria and design standards for requiring the inclusion of post-Construction BMPs in DOT-HWYS public projects and private projects that discharge storm water to DOT-HWYS MS4 and/or ROW. In contrast to construction BMPs, post-construction BMPs are permanent features or structures that remain in place and provide storm water treatment after construction is complete.

Key components of the Storm Water Post-Construction BMP Manual revision include:

  • General organizational changes to the structure of the manual to increase clarity and improve usability.
  • Separate post-construction BMP criteria for areas covered under an MS4 NPDES Permit and more rural areas that are not covered under a permit.
  • Revised criteria for MS4 NPDES Permit areas with a more stringent trigger for the requirement for post-construction BMPs, prioritizing LID BMPs.
  • Clarification regarding the post-construction BMP requirements for public and private construction projects. 
  • Revised evaluation process to determine whether a project qualifies for a variance from LID BMP requirements or an exemption from post-construction BMPs. 
  • An Alternative Compliance process for projects in which the full required treatment area cannot be addressed by post-construction BMPs.

Moderator: Alena Huffine

1:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Break
2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Inspection 101 – Pre-inspection Checks

Claudia Akroyd, CHST, CISEC

Bowers + Kubota

How inspections are conducted from pre-inspection checks of the SWPPP, permits and related documents to actual conduct of the inspection. Tips on what needs to be in the SWPPP and why to how to relate to the inspector and have a good inspection.

Moderator: Logan Hicks

DOT-HAR Construction Training

Ying “Joy” Zhang

The State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation, Harbors Division, Oahu District

The Harbors Construction Site Runoff Control Program is one of six essential elements of Stormwater Management Program at State of Hawaii Department of Transportation, Harbors Division. Our Construction Site Runoff Control Program seeks to limit the impact of construction activities on the stormwater conveyance system and receiving water bodies. This training video is tailored to provide general guidance and outreach to Harbors personnel, designers, contractors, tenants, and developers (tasked with respective responsibilities) to ensure that construction projects having potential discharge(s) into Harbors small MS4 comply with Harbors program requirements in order to protect Hawaii’s precious ocean water resource from pollution.

Moderator: Chelsea Iannaccio

2:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Break
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Talk Story Session

Meet the Speakers


Ying “Joy” Zhang

State of Hawaii Department of Transportation, Harbors Division

Environmental Engineer

Read Bio

Joy Zhang is the Environmental Engineer at HDOT Harbors Division Engineering Branch Environmental Section. She is primarily responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive environmental compliance programs to satisfy the Division's requirements for compliance with State and Federal laws and department policies.

Claudia Akroyd

CISEC; Bowers + Kubota

HDOT Construction Independent Inspector

Read Bio

Claudia Akroyd is a Construction Inspector with Bowers and Kubota Consulting. Claudia is the Department of Transportation’s Highways Division’s independent inspector for contract construction projects and has worked in the Storm Water Program for DOT Highways for over 13 years. She will be discussing several categories of common mistakes found during a construction BMP inspection.

Barry Fagan

PE/PLS, ENV SP, CPMSM, CPESC, CESSWI; Green Infrastructure at Volkert Inc.

Vice President

Read Bio

Barry Fagan guides clients at the intersection of natural and built environments. He has done so for the last 30 years. Barry currently leads an Environment & Infrastructure Group for Alabama-based Volkert, where he fulfills part of his personal mission of helping good people get better at managing stormwater. Barry loves dirt, loves water, and enjoys the challenge of keeping the two separated.

Jerald Fifield

Ph.D., CISEC; HydroDynamics Incorporated

President and Principal Hydrologist

Read Bio

Dr. Jerald Fifield started HydroDynamics Incorporated in 1982 and he has been actively involved in drainage, sediment and erosion control, water rights, and nonpoint pollution control. Through his company, he develops sediment and erosion control plans, completes drainage analysis, provides inspection services, and teaches about controlling sediment and erosion on construction sites. Dr. Fifield founded the worldwide Certified Inspector of Sediment and Erosion Control (CISEC) program that educates and certifies qualified construction site inspectors of sediment and erosion control. In addition, Dr. Fifield has authored numerous professional papers, researched sediment and erosion control products, and written sediment and erosion control manuals for designers and reviewers along with field manuals for inspectors and contractors.

Shane McCoy

United States Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Division, Honolulu District

Acting Regulatory Branch Chief

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Shane has 14 years of regulatory experience with the Corps as a Project Manager, Section Chief in two branches of the Alaska District, the Program Manager in the Alaska District, and Branch Chief in Honolulu for four temporary details between 2016 and present.

Dr. Britt Faucette

Ph.D., is an Ecosystem Scientist, Certified Professional of Erosion & Sediment Control (CPESC), and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

Read Bio

Dr. Faucette currently directs research, technical services, and regulatory approval programs for Filtrexx International and the organics recycling and storm water management industries. He earned his Ph.D. from the Odom School of Ecology at the University of Georgia where he researched soil-water-plant performances of various BMPs used in soil erosion and storm water management applications; served as a state specialist in storm water management, organics recycling, and pollution prevention programs in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering; and is an adjunct professor in the School of Environmental Design. Britt serves on multiple technical committees with the American Society of Test Methods (ASTM), and the Board of Trustees for the US Composting Council’s Research &; Education Foundation (CCREF). In 2008, he was the recipient of the Annual Clean Water Award presented by the US Composting Council. He has authored over 20 peer-reviewed scientific publications, over 100 popular press articles, developed federal (7) and state (nearly 50) specifications on organic materials used in erosion and sediment control and storm water management, worked with foreign governments, taught graduate students, consulted on organic materials management and storm water related projects in 15 countries, has been awarded approximately $500,000 in state and federal research grants, has conducted seminars and trainings at over 100 national and regional conferences, and has published three books on research and design elements of organic materials used in erosion control and storm water management.

Matthew Kurano

Department of Health - Clean Water Branch

Read Bio

Matt Kurano is the Head of Enforcement for the Hawaii Department of Health, Clean Water Branch.

Jason Lau

P.E.; The Limtiaco Consulting Group

Principal

Read Bio

Jason Lau is a Principal at The Limtiaco Consulting Group where he has been working for the last 22 years. His experience includes civil site design, sewer, water, and drainage systems, and temporary and permanent BMPs.

Jon Lowry

P.E.; EnviroServices & Training Center, LLC.

Water Resources Engineer

Read Bio

Jon Lowry is a Water Resources Engineer at EnviroServices & Training Center, LLC. Since 2013, Jon has provided support to the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation, Highways Division, Oahu District in implementing their Storm Water Management Program Plan, including the Post-Construction Storm Water Management in New Development and Redevelopment Program.

Brian Lum

CISEC; EnviroServices & Training Center, LLC.

Senior Civil Engineer

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Brian Lum is a Senior Civil Engineer at EnviroServices & Training Center, LLC with over 37 years of construction management experience. He conducts monthly inspections of best management practice measures and devices on various Department of Transportation Airports Division construction projects to ensure compliance with the DOTA’s Storm Water Management Program Plan and MS4 permit. He also provides design reviews to ensure that the projects meet the DOTA’s erosion and sediment control requirements and permanent BMP requirements.

Jenna Stone

CISEC; EnviroServices & Training Center, LLC.

Environmental Engineer

Read Bio

As a graduate of Civil Engineering, Jenna ensures compliance with the Department of Transportation Airports Division’s Environmental Program for construction projects at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and the Kahului Airport. She continuously reviews and updates the DOTA’s Environmental Program for compliance with DOH/EPA’s regulations and requirements, reviews the design of construction projects for environmental elements, and conducts BMP inspections at active construction projects.

Vijaya Tummala

P.E., CFM, CPESC, CISEC; EnviroServices & Training Center, LLC.

Senior Project Manager

Read Bio

Vijaya Tummala is a Senior Project Manager at EnviroServices & Training Center, LLC. With over 17 years of experience in the civil, environmental, and water resources engineering fields, she is a subject matter expert in post-construction best management practice (BMP) design, inspection, and maintenance, including low impact development measures. She has managed numerous MS4 planning, design, construction, and compliance projects and programs for the State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation, Airports Division. Ms. Tummala is a licensed professional civil engineer, Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) and Certified Inspector of Sediment and Erosion Control (CISEC).

Event Highlights

Virtual Experience

Participate in our annual conference from your home, office, car, or project site.

Live and Semi-Live Sessions

Learn from knowledgeable storm water practitioners.

Leaderboard

Earn points for engaging with vendors and speakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you will need to register for this online event. Complete the required fields in the registration form, submit your information, and you will receive an email confirming your registration for the event.
DOT-HWYS, DOT-AIR, and DOT-HAR staff with construction storm water responsibilities, including construction engineers, construction and maintenance inspectors, and plan reviewers.
Your login details will be emailed to you once you have registered for the event. Use the provided login information to access the online event 30 mins or so before the event’s first session, to allow yourself sometime to explore and get familiar with the platform. If you are unable to login to the event, please email info@stormwaterhawaii.com for assistance.
This event is 100% online. You can participate from anywhere with Internet access. The event is accessible from desktop, mobile, and tablet devices.
Yes. Attendees can submit questions during each session by typing in the chat window. At each exhibition booth attendees can Live Chat with a representative from that company.
Yes. Similar to a “cart”, you will be able to add documents to your “Swag Bag” and then email them to yourself.
A swag bag is a virtual briefcase where you can save documents from a booth. You can access files in your Swag Bag for 2 weeks after the event and email them to yourself or others.
No. You do not need to download or install any software to participate. You only need to have access to the Internet.
No. A webcam is not required to attend sessions, although attendees to have the ability to video chat vendors and other conference attendees.
Yes. Concluding the live event, presentations will be available on-demand for 1 month on the conference platform. Sessions will be posted on-demand within 1-2 days after the live event. After December 17, 2021, sessions will be posted on the Stormwaterhawaii YouTube channel indefinitely and presentation slides can be found at www.stormwaterhawaii.com.
Yes, conference attendees can download their certificate of completion at the State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation - Highways Division, Oahu District vendor booth at the end of the conference.