The Connections Course: QSD Track is not a credential or certificate program but is a training program to educate individuals with the information they need to become Qualified SWPPP Practitioners. As such, the course qualifies as a prerequisite for the State Water Board’s / CASQA QSP credential.
In this seven-lesson course, we will start by first taking an in depth look at erosion and sediment theory and hydrology which are the building blocks for a successful Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. In the second lesson, we will “connect the dots” between construction site activities, materials and pollutant sources being used, the pollutants present, and how storm water runoff may contact or mobilize those pollutants at a construction site. In the third lesson, we will then build on the pollutant source assessment by identifying best management practices (BMPs) that can control and mitigate the pollutants and pollutant-generating activities identified during the second lesson. In the fourth lesson, we will learn about the proper elements of an effective inspection and monitoring program at construction sites. In the fifth lesson we revisit hydrology looking at the MUSLE and RUSLE soil loss equations, time of concentration, fluid flow rates and runoff volume calculations, and the wind erosion equation. The sixth lesson focuses on post-construction storm water treatment techniques and how to utilize the RUSLE2 computer model for documenting site stabilization, TMDL compliance, and vegetative buffers. The final seventh lesson connects all of the previous dots by having you prepare your own SWPPP document using a template created for this course.
The course will have a hybrid format that includes online, self-study, and in-person learning environments including classroom and field locations. QSD-candidate students must complete seven in-depth lessons including the successful submission of homework assignments. After completing the seven lessons, students in the QSD track will graduate from the course.
The course will provide QSD students with approximately 62 hours of contact time through the seven distinct lessons described above.
The course will utilize a new peer-reviewed textbook written by John Teravskis called The Raindrop Connection. This textbook is included in the course fee and will be used during the length of the course to help students connect the dots between construction activities, pollutant sources, effective pollutant control measures, and monitoring programs. The book also includes a 2022 CGP-compliant SWPPP template.
The course textbook The Raindrop Connection will be mailed to each student after enrollment is complete.
The Connections Course: QSP Track Course Syllabus
Course Instructors
Advanced Access
If you are an admin person enrolling someone for this course, please use the student’s name, email, address, and phone number for the checkout process. Course material will be sent to the enrolled student and we will need an accurate mailing address and email for each student.