Welcome to the International Erosion Control Association’s Great Rivers Chapter

The Great Rivers Chapter of The International Erosion Control Association (GRIECA) is available to bring together the network of professionals in the erosion and sediment control industry, share the latest technology, and provide educational experiences for the dissemination of knowledge toward the attainment of effective and economical methods of preventing erosion and sedimentation. The chapter serves members located in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska.

On behalf of the Conference Planning Committee, we would like to invite you to Kansas City, MO and Great Rivers Fall Conference. We are pleased to bring so many experts together. Your participation demonstrates the high level of commitment to erosion control, stormwater management, and water quality throughout the four states and bordering IECA chapter regions.

This multi-day workshop features high-quality training and information to prepare attendees for the upcoming construction season, and it sets the tone for longer-range planning on hot topics such as MS4, active and post-construction stormwater management, construction general permit (CGP) compliance and much more. Stormwater, erosion and sediment control, locally-driven policy, and education initiatives are explored. Speakers and content range from the core focus of the International Erosion Control Association to trends in science and research on surface water quality, stormwater and more.

We would like to welcome you to our GRIECA Fall Conference and Expo.
Resilience in a Changing World

Program Highlights:

• Soil Conditioning and Management for Urban Water Quality
• Ultra Urban Ecosystem Restoration
• Comprehensive MS4 Program Compliance
• All Things Erosion and Sediment Control
• Vendors and Trade Show
• Excellent Networking Opportunities

Registration Includes:

October 28: Half-Day of Education (4 PDHs), Expo Reception, Break (Evening Social Additional)

October 29: Full-Day of Education (8 PDHs), Expo, Breaks, and Lunch

Program at a Glance

October 28:

• 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM           Registration
• 1:00 - 4:30 PM                   Half-day Sessions
• 4:30 - 6:00 PM                   Expo Reception
• 6:30 - 9:00 PM                   Event Social

October 29

• 7:30 AM                             Registration Open
• 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM             Vendor Expo Open
• 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM             Full-day Sessions

Expo Hours 

October 28:

• Setup: 1:00 - 4:00 PM
• Reception: 4:30 - 6:00 PM

October 29

• Expo: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Evening Social Event

October 28:

"The Martin City Invasion" ($35 per person)

• 6:45 - Dinner at the Original Jack's Stack BBQ in Martin City (Dinner not included).
• 7:45 - Private Tour and Beer Tasting at the Martin City Brewery including live music from Rocky Santhuff (entry fee, beer flight & music included)
• 10:30 - Return to the Hotel (bus ride included).

Featured Speakers

October 28: 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Mastering the Art of Phase II MS4 Program Effectiveness and Compliance _________________

Jonathan B. Dixon, CPESC, CISEC - Felsburg, Holt & Ullevig

NPDES Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4 )entities are getting more and more regulatory and public scrutiny to not only be compliant, but also prove the effectiveness of their programs. It is more imperative than ever that MS4 Program managers and practitioners be as innovative and effective as possible in implementing programs that not only achieve compliance, but can measure the effectiveness of maintaining and restoring clean waters from non-point source pollution in urbanized settings. This new IECA half-day course offering will guide stormwater practitioners through the fundamentals of managing and maintaining  an effective, successful MS4 program for communities and delegated agencies. While regulatory requirements emphasize program "compliance", this course will provide you with the tools to not only achieve compliance, but also  provide performance measures and metrics for evaluating MS4 Program effectiveness.

_______________________________________________________________   The ABCs of BMPs

Tom Wells, CPESC,CISEC - Lamp, Rynearson & Associates, Inc.

The erosion & sediment control industry exploded in the last two decades, not only to keep up with demand in the development industry, but also to keep up with increased regulatory demands and degrading water quality of our lakes and streams. This course will cover what you need to know about the latest most effective erosion and sediment control practices, their proper use and installation, good housekeeping practices, inspection, and maintenance.

October 29

8:30 – 8:45 a.m.       Welcome

8:45 – 9:15 a.m.        Brock Peters: Vice President of International Erosion Control Association: The View from Denver

9:15 – 10:00 a.m.     The Rural - Urban Interface - Urban Conservation at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Kevin Seevers, Neola- Henschal Watersheds Project Coordinator, West Pottawattamie Soil & Water Conservation District

Kevin Seevers will be speaking about….30 Years of Urban Stormwater: The Iowa Division of Ag & Land Stewardship’s Story.

10:00 – 10:45 a.m.     Break

10:45 – 11:30 a.m.     When agencies talk, the Chapter listens.

Rebecca Kauten: Research Fellow, University of Iowa: Waters of the U.S.

EPA and the US Army Corps of Engineers have been working on consistent language related to “Waters of the US.” The topic has drawn attention from interest groups on both sides of the spectrum. The Chapter encourages an objective approach to this important topic. Learn what the actual language of the agreement states, and what you can do to contribute your thoughts and opinions during the current public comment period.

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.       Lunch. Awards, State of the Chapter

1:00 – 1:30 p.m._____________   Soil Conditioning and Management for Urban Water Quality

Ted Hartsig, CPSS  - Olsson Associates

Soils are the base of stormwater BMPs and native landscapes in urban areas.  Too often, urban soils are degraded and sterile, and in poor condition to support vegetation and facilitate stormwater management.  Effectively managing urban soils is essential for site design, including addressing soil structure, chemistry, and biology will enhance plant establishment, improve infiltration, and stabilize sites faster, enhancing stormwater and landscape function.  Often, this means tending to the “little” details of landscape and stormwater design, and the results of recent project applications and lessons learned have given rise provide o new understanding of soil management and landscape approaches.

1:30 – 1:45 p.m.       Break

1:45 – 2:45 p.m. - Ultra Urban Ecosystem Restoration ____________________________________

Jonathan Koepke, CPESC, LEED-AP - ENCAP, Inc.

Situated on the lakefront in the heart of Chicago’s downtown museum campus, the Northerly Island Ecosystem Restoration Project is a unique and one of a kind effort to construct one of the largest urban eco-parks in the nation. Located on a former airfield and owned by the Chicago Park District, this project is transforming Chicago’s lakefront skyline to include rolling hills of savanna and an 8 acre backwater pond and marsh connected to Lake Michigan. Serving as critical habitat for migratory birds, aquatic vertibrates, fish, and numerous plant species, this project serves to create a nature preserve in the heart of urban life. Learn more about the concepts, practices, and implementation of this ambitious and unique project.

2:45 – 3:30 p.m.     DOT Panel Update – IA, KS, MO, NE

DOT Panel:  The four Region VII state transportation agencies have been collaborating over the past year to expand capacity for their respective MS4 programs. Learn what’s been done to date, and how each state approaches this complex, broad-spectrum issue, particularly when an agency is permitted as a “non-municipal MS4.”

3:30 – 4:00 p.m.     Final Comments, Door Prizes, and Conclude

MORE TO COME! PLEASE CHECK BACK!

Lodging Information - Book by October 13 for Best Rates!

The Holiday Inn Country Club Plaza Kansas City is located on the world famous Country Club Plaza, the Midwest's premier shopping and dining and entertainment district.
$95 room rate (plus tax) King or Double Queen rooms (Code: GRI)
Book today at: www.kcplazahotel.com/  1-866-280-6326