GA NPDES Electronic Permit Submittal Requirements

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The new Georgia NPDES General Construction Permits for Storm Water Discharge will become effective August 1, 2018.  While much of the permit remains the same, there are some important and major changes that will occur.  The one new requirement that will affect all permittees is the electronic submittal of all permits.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has developed an online portal for submitting NPDES permits (Notice of Intents, Notice of Terminations, and Storm Water Sampling Reports) to comply with the Federal EPA NPDES construction permit. The site can be found by  CLICKING HERE.

How does this affect you? All permittees will have to register with GEOS and set up and account as a Responsible Official (RO). This is regardless if you actually do the NPDES permit filing. If you contract with a consultant to the filing on your behalf, you can still use a consultant (or preparer) to do your filing. However, you will have to initiate the filing and notify your preparer that there is a permit ready to be completed and filed.

Not only does the GEOS system fulfill the EPA requirements, but also it makes filing permits faster and easier (no more certified mail, return receipts). Additionally, it also creates an online portal to search and find previously filed permits.

For more information, you can visit the following links:

Video tutorial: CLICK HERE

How to set up an Responsible Officer (RO) account: CLICK HERE

How to File an NOI: CLICK HERE

 

If you have further questions about permit filing or need assistance with NPDES / SWPPP Inspections, please call us or Contact Us through our website.

Tips on Construction Training Programs for a Skilled Workforce

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By: Guest Contributor – “Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm” –  https://www.raphaelsonlaw.com/ 

A recent survey from the Associated General Contractors of America revealed that nearly 80 percent of construction businesses have a hard time finding qualified skilled labor. With the existing
skills gap between labor job openings and the talent needed to fill them, companies and general contractors often find themselves with two options, hire under-qualified workers or require their skilled workers to work longer hours. It goes without saying, both options can have serious repercussions, especially when it comes to job site safety.

While an emphasis on workforce development aims to bridge the talent gap, there are three ways construction companies can take action now to further develop their skilled workforce and competent employees.

Implement Personalized Training and Frequent Assessments to Improve Safety

Although you need to take continuous training as a serious issue, keep in mind that not all workers will be at the same level. This is the primary reason why you should consider personalized training programs and regular assessments that will help you understand and assess individual strengths and weaknesses. The primary objective of personalized training is to help each employee work on their weaknesses so that at the end of the process you have a highly productive and united team of employees. Additionally, such training will enhance safety at the construction site.

Provide Apprenticeship

Providing apprenticeships opportunities is a good way to train to prospective construction workers while getting labor from those individuals who are dedicated to learning. These programs are mostly used in crafts to provide the apprentice with more knowledge about career selections. Also, these programs help in teaching technical skills, ethics, and leadership to construction workers and can be used to assess the worker’s overall skill level.

Strive to Create Mutually Beneficial Relationships

This means that your training programs should aim to promote both the worker and the employer. Well thought out training programs will allow your construction workers to fit well in their work environment and become innovative while also reducing chances of an on-the-job accident that can cost time and money. They will strive to create a safe working environment that is challenging but achievable which will make them feel part of the company.

This creates job satisfaction which will make your construction workers comfortable which will make them stick around longer. Employers will also learn how to accomplish their tasks without committing mistakes and will know how to deal with the challenge of construction safety issues.