The ARDOT relies on a well trained workforce to implement and erosion and sediment control measures on highway construction and maintenance projects. To accomplish this, instruction from various sources is provided for ARDOT employees on NPDES permit requirements and on installation, maintenance, and inspection of erosion and sediment control measures.
Since 2005, annual training has been provided by a team from the ARDOT Environmental Division at each district headquarters. This training includes regulations, soil erosion overview, selection and installation of temporary and permanent erosion and sediment control devices, inspection and maintenance of devices, and regulatory inspections. Similar training is also offered periodically to maintenance personnel to increase their awareness of erosion and sediment control measures during maintenance activities.
In 2009, the ARDOT completed an agreement with the University of Arkansas Center for Training Transportation Professionals (CTTP) to conduct erosion and sediment control training and certification for Department construction and maintenance personnel and contractors. This training began in 2010 and has trained and certified over 230 people.
The certification is valid for a period of five years and is contingent on successfully completing an examination at the end of the course.
Recently the Department developed an on-line, self-paced training program to supplement the in-person training previously described. The course was initially offered in early 2013 and is intended as a refresher for personnel with current certifications or for new personnel who have not yet had an opportunity to attend the CTTP training.