Training Videos

IDDE and Spill Training

Section 1 - Missoula Stormwater Introduction (9min)

Summary

  • In 2016, the City of Missoula Stormwater Utility was formed within the Public Works & Mobility Department
  • They are involved in keeping city stormwater clean from impairment and pollution, in turn, this keeps the city’s rivers, streams, and aquifer clean as well
  • Tracy Campbell manages the general permit for the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems, also known as the MS4
  • The stormwater of Missoula does not get treated by a wastewater facility: this has been a big misconception, so it is very integrative with the city’s rivers, streams, and aquifer
  •  The aquifer is the main source of drinking water for the city and is extremey vulnerable due to the 7000 dry wells that have been installed throughout
  • Stormwater is now the number one cause of impairment and pollution in the city’s waterbodies due to the significant cleanup of industrial and wastewater facilities
  • There are several types of impairment and pollution that are caused by human and natural means
  • To prevent illicit discharges (discharges to stormwater system that are not entirely composed of stormwater) the utility has implemented six Minimum Control Measures (MCMs)
  • Geographic information system (GIS) has been significant for the department to prevent illicit discharges, as well as monitoring and collecting data about the infrastructure
  • Education and involvement in the community about stormwater is extremely important, since there are continued misconceptions and it requires everybody’s help to keep Missoula’s water clean

Section 2 - Identifying Illicit Discharge (6min)

Summary

  • Illicit discharges (discharges to stormwater system that are not entirely composed of stormwater) can happen anywhere throughout the city, whether on private property or from municipal operations
  • Four main sources of illicit discharges include: 
    • Vehicle and equipment management
    • Building and log management
    • Business, restaurants, and retail centers
    • Construction, road work, and utilities
  • A few ways to prevent illicit discharges include:
    • Perform car washings with soap and detergents only in a confined, designated area
    • Don’t over spray fertilizers or pesticides and have consistent cleanup of debris along streets and curbs
    • Maintain clean load and unloading areas
    • Cover construction stockpiles when not in use

Section 3 - Identifying Source and Risk (7min)

Summary

  • No matter who you are, you are the eyes and ears of detecting illicit discharges in your community
  • Storm drains are NOT magical portals - we need to be aware of what is going down them
  • Signs of illicit discharges include:
    • Discoloration
    • Oily sheens
    • Trash
    • Increased temperature
  • If you are not sure what to do, say something! Call your supervisor or the Missoula Valley Water Quality District, and most importantly, be safe!

Section 4 - Spill Prevention and Control (10min)

Summary

  • Make the time to have a spill response plan - it will not only make you successful, but it will save you on costs and time
  • If you are not able to handle dangerous spill on your own, communicate with those that can
  • You can always use what is around you at the time to contain the spill and cover nearby drains
  • There are several types of sorbents (materials that are a capable to remove pollutants through different means) and other materials used in spill kits, depending on the type of spill that occurred 
  • If using secondary containment units, abide by the correct sufficient capacity of the containers being used and always have them undercover in a SECURE area

Section 5 - Spill Response (5min)

Summary

  • Different types of materials can be used for different types of spills, and it is important to know all of them in case you are ever involved in a spill clean up
  • Different types of sorbents: those that adsorb, and those that absorb
    • Adsorbents are hydrophobic in which they can skim oil off water, such as gas or diesel
    • Absorbents are hydrophilic in which they can soak up rainwater that is mixed with transmission fluid or antifreeze
    • Granular materials, such as rice husk or diatomaceous earth, are also good materials to use 

Small Works ESC Training

Section 1 - Introduction to Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) (20min)

Summary

  • Erosion and Sedimentation Control (ESC) is extremely important as it is very integral in stormwater management: Stormwater can carry sedimentation that can carry contaminants to nearby waterbodies
  • Construction and maintenance projects require permits through the Montana Department of Environmental Protection and the City of Missoula, depending how much land is being disturbed
  • The goal for these projects is to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) in order to prevent erosion and turbid (cloudy) discharge
  • BMPs include activities, prohibition of practices, and procedures to prevent or reduce the pollution of state waters
  • BMPs are split up into different categories:
    • Project set up and design
    • Operational and managerial
    • Physical by the means of products and features
  • There are many challenges to ESC, such as site, perimeter, process water, and waste management - use teamwork, communication, common sense, and the right equipment and BMPs will come easily to prevent erosion and sedimentation runoff 
  • PLAN instead of REACT! 

Section 2 - Stormwater Infrastructure Protection (10min)

Summary

  • To make sure there is quality ESC, different means of perimeter controls, inlet protection, and protecting green infrastructure should be used
  • Perimeter controls don’t allow anything to come into the project site, and the project site doesn’t allow anything to go out
  • Inlet protection blinds off any sedimentation or other materials to pass into sumps
  • Green infrastructure, also called Low Impact Development (LID) infrastructure mimics the water cycle so it allows runoff to naturally flow back into the ground – it is very important that we identify and protect these areas
  • The BMPs used to carry out these practices must be routinely inspected and maintained to prevent risk to stormwater, plus, it will save you money! 

Section 3 - Perimeter Controls (19 min)

Summary

  • The different types of BMPs for perimeter control include fences and low profile – not only do they surround construction projects, but they are also used to delineate wetlands and other areas that require protecting
  • Silt fences (also called sediment fences), wattles, and compost socks are all examples of perimeter control BMPs
  • These BMPs need to be properly trenched and/or installed: CREATE erosion to PREVENT erosion
  • Along construction site perimeters, entrances and exits create disturbances due to trackout, but there are several types of materials that can be used
  • All perimeter BMPs are influenced by wind, project longevity, soil type, and biodegradability 

Section 4 - Covering BMPs (19 min)

Summary

  • Other types of BMPs for ESC are covering BMPs that aid in revegetation and stabilization of the project site due to the removal of the original vegetation
  • The different types include:
    • Hand dispersed or blown: straw, mulch, hot fuel
    • Hydraulic Erosion Control Products (HECP): Hydroseed, Tacktifiers
    • Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECP): mats, blankets, plastic sheeting
  • These different types of BMPs all need good surface contact on soil which can be done through trackwalking, in addition to proper slope prep
  • Each type of covering BMP includes a variety of products using different materials with different characteristics: it will depend on the scope of the project and project site

Section 5 - Conveyance BMPs (16min)

Summary

  • Conveyance control for a project site are BMPs that allow water to flow through while preventing erosion and sedimentation to escape
  • GOAL: to keep clean water clean!
  • The types of conveyance control BMPs include outlet protection through the means of controlling water velocity:
    • Rip rap
    • Channel lining
    • Check dams
    • Temporary storage
  • By controlling water velocity, this prevents overflow that can exacerbate the problems of erosion and sedimentation
  • BMPs need to be fully understood to maximize results, in addition, maintenance needs to be routine
  • Consider the entire life cycle costs of BMPs: purchasing, installation, maintenance, disposal
  • Once a project has been completed, local criteria must be met for final stabilization: all soil disturbing activities have been completed and the project area is uniform with removed temporary and non-biodegradable BMPs