DEQ-CFW_00019853

In accordance with G.S. 143-214.25A Section 4.(b)
Background: In accordance with N.C. General Statute 143-214.25A, the state Division of Water
Resources offers the Surface Water Identification Training and Certification course to train and
certify staff within the division, as well as staff with the N.C. Forest Service and local
governments that have delegated riparian buffer programs. The training certification is
required todetermine where surface waters are present, and thus, where riparian buffer rules
apply.
Courses: Between Oct. 1, 2015 and July 31, 2016, the Division of Water Resources offered two
Surface Water Identification Training and Certification courses. The courses took place Nov. 17-
20, 2015 and April 19-22, 2016 at the Wake County Center in Raleigh. Due to a shortage in gram
funding, the division has begun partnering with N.C. State University to offer the classes. Below
are summaries of class participation:
• Twenty-eight students attended.
• Two students were from the Division of Water Resources.
• Two stij,Auits were fro -it t�e U.C. Forest Service.
• Six students were from local governments with delegated local buffer programs.
• Four students were from other local and state agencies (City of Raleigh, Mecklenburg
Aph|2Ol6
v Twenty-six students attended.
* Two students were from the Division of Water Resources.
• Two students were from the N.C. Forest Service.
p Four students were from local governments with delegated local buffer programs.
* Four students were from other local and state agencies (Columbia County, GA; City of
Charlotte; N.C. Division ofParks and Recreation).
Certifications: As a result of the Surface Water Identification Training and Certification
program, the Division of Water Resources issued 11 new certifications in November 2015 and
eight new certifications in April 2016. Certifications were issued to N.C. Forest Service staff,
local government staff and staff within the Division of Water Resources. These 19 individuals
are now certified to determine where surface waters are present, and thus, where riparian
buffer rules apply.
The Division of Water Resources also issued 14training certificates in November 2015 and 18
training certificates in April 2O16toother individuals that successfully completed the course.
These 32 individuals are not eligible to be officially certified because they do not meet the
certification criteria inG.S.l43-2l4.J5A.
OEQ-CFVV_00019853

Effectiveness: The Division of Water Resources consistently receives positive feedback about
this course. Division staff asked participants to rate their level of knowledge on a scale of 1-5
before the course, and the average was 2.6 in November 2015 and 2.4 in April 2016. Division
staff asked the participants to rate their level of knowledge again after the course, and the
average was 4.5 in November 2015 and 4.4 in April 2016.
Recommendations: The Division of Water Resources thoroughly reviews the course evaluations
completed by students and makes adjustments to the course as needed based on that
feedback. Division staff will continue to solicit feedback and make improvements to future
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