1. Individuals in SESC programs whose responsibilities are limited to only conducting site inspections no longer have to complete the entire Comprehensive SESC training.
2. The CSWO operator training previously offered by the DEQ is no longer provided as a separate training class.
3. An individual completing the new SESC/CSWO Inspector training will be qualified to perform both storm water and SESC inspections. 

When determining whether you or a member of your staff should complete the Comprehensive SESC training or the new CSWO/SESC Inspector training, please be aware that the duties of an SESC inspector are very limited.  An SESC inspector is limited to ensuring that SESC measures are implemented and maintained per plan, procedure, and specification requirements and that the prescribed measures are effective in minimizing soil erosion and preventing off-site sedimentation.  The SESC inspector may order the contractor or owner to install or maintain any control measures that were identified on the approved SESC plan.  However, if the prescribed measures are not effective, the SESC inspector cannot order or suggest other measures that are not indicated on the plan; he/she must seek assistance from the person responsible for developing or approving the plan or someone that has completed the Comprehensive SESC training. 

The DEQ is in the process of developing a new training manual that will cover the information required to complete both the CSWO/SESC Inspector training and the Comprehensive SESC training requirements.  However, at this time, only Units 1-5 of the new manual are complete; those are the Units necessary to complete the Inspector training.  The new SESC/CSWO Inspector manual will be available on the Web by
April 1, 2009 . Those individuals required to complete the Comprehensive SESC training will continue to use the SESC Training Manual that is currently being used for the SESC training; that manual is also on the Web.

Individuals who are required to take the Comprehensive SESC training are not required to take the Inspector training prior to taking the Comprehensive training.  The SESC Training Manual includes the information covered in the CSWO/SESC Inspector training.

Copies of the CSWO/SESC Inspector Training Manual (after April 1, 2009 ) and the SESC Training Manualcan be downloaded from the SESC Web site.   The DEQ no longer sells training manuals.

The CSWO/SESC Inspector training exam and Comprehensive SESC exam will be given at the same time at any exam location scheduled after May 1, 2009 .   The appropriate exam will be given to you when you arrive at the exam location. 
Note: Exams previously scheduled for either the SESC or CSWO training during March and April, 2009, will continue to be given as they were originally scheduled.

Effective May 1, 2009 , the only "training" option available for either the CSWO/SESC Inspector training or the Comprehensive SESC training is self-study.  You are required to study the appropriate manual on your own and then take the exam at one of the DEQ district offices.  There is no fee to take either exam.  However, individuals who must retake an exam because they failed the first exam will be charged $50.

Registration information and available exam locations and datesare posted on the Web.  To register to take the exam for the first time, contact the DEQ staff in the district office where you wish to take the exam.   If it is necessary to retake an exam, you will be notified by the Lansing Central office.  Registering for the retake exams will require submitting the registration form and fee to the Cashier's office at the address indicated on the form.

By the end of this year or early next year, the DEQ expects to offer an optional overview class as part of the CSWO/SESC Inspector training and an optional one-day class as part of the Comprehensive SESC training.  A fee will be charged for attending the training sessions.  When those classes become available, information will be posted on the Web.