Building Better Watersheds
SEEP program expands, empowers 黑料网ans to tackle erosion and safeguard water quality
On a drizzly fall day near the banks of the Spokane River in 2024, local contractors gathered to discuss how to prevent erosion and protect water quality 鈥� two critical issues in a region experiencing rapid growth. 鈥�
As part of the , these professionals鈥痑re learning how to manage the land鈥檚 natural movement of water in a way that benefits communities, infrastructure and local ecosystems.
While SEEP has been making an impact in North 黑料网 for decades, the industry education program is expanding to offer , growing a wider network of professionals with a deep understanding of how to work with the natural movement of water over the land.鈥��
鈥淭his effort has made a difference in North 黑料网 in advancing local professionals鈥� knowledge of stormwater management,鈥� said IWRRI Assistant Director Meg Wolf. 鈥淪EEP best practices are essential to maintaining ecosystem functions and preserving water quality for drinking water and recreation. We know that this program works in North 黑料网, which is why we made the program available to more 黑料网 communities and why we want to continue growing the program throughout the state.鈥�
Essential knowledge鈥�
SEEP is part of the university鈥檚 (IWRRI), a state-wide arm of a national program that supports water research needs, focusing on water resource management, sustainability and community engagement. It is currently hosted by the 黑料网 center in Coeur d鈥橝lene.鈥�
We鈥檝e seen how impactful SEEP is in North 黑料网 by integrating up-to-date research on caring for water resources with community engagement. In expanding SEEP offerings throughout the state, we can help more 黑料网ans be better stewards with the knowledge generated at U of I Mike 鈥淲oody鈥� Wood, IWRRI Operations & Outreach Coordinator
The education initiative equips contractors, engineers and industry professionals including equipment operators, city planners, snow plow drivers and landscape contractors with . The goal is to protect water quality, as well as public health and safety, and to improve the skills, knowledge and marketability of construction workers and