Wetlands, Buffers, Stormwater
Compliance and Permitting Unit
Stream ID Courses
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NC DWQ Courses
The Surface Water Identification Training and Certification (SWITC) Courses are offered by DWQ to comply with N.C. General Statute 143-214.25A. This statute requires DWQ to train and certify staff of the North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS), the Division of Water Quality (DWQ), and local delegated programs.
Certification from this training course is required in order to make a legal determination of stream origins and identify surface waters subject to buffer rules enacted by the NC Environmental Management Commission.
Staff within NCFS, DWQ, or local delegated programs who take the course and pass the written and field tests will be certified to make definitive determinations of stream origins subject to the buffer rules. Individuals other than those authorized for certification who take the course and pass the written and field tests will receive a "Certificate of Training" for having successfully completed the course.
These courses are for staff within DWQ, NCFS, and local delegated programs. As space permits, staff from other Federal, State, County, or City/Town Agency whose work involves riparian zone and stream issues may also take the course. Other individuals interested in learning these identification methods are encouraged to take the course offered by Mr. John Dorney of Atkins (click tab above for more info).
Example Agenda for Course in Browns Summit, NC
Example Agenda for Course in Kinston, NC
Example Agenda for Course in Crossnore, NC
For more information, please email Greg Rubino or call (919) 807-6468.
Private Sector Courses
Intermittent and Perennial Stream Identification Classes are available to environmental and forestry consultants, engineering consultants, landscape architects, and regulatory professionals whose work involves riparian zone and stream issues. A written and field exam will be administered and a certificate of training will be issued for all participants who successfully pass the exam. Though the applications are specific to North Carolina conditions, this course will also be useful for professionals whose work is focused in other states. Private sector courses will be audited by DWQ staff to ensure consistency with the state program. The Atkins course instructor can be contacted to inquire about continuing education credits for foresters (SAF, CFE), engineers (NCBEES, PDH), and landscape architects (NCBLA, CEC). For more information, contact John Dorney at john.dorney@atkinsglobal.com.
Scheduled Courses
To register for one of the DWQ courses listed below, please contact Greg Rubino.
Dates for 2013 classes will be determined soon. Please continue to check the website for further updates.
| Date | Location |
| May 14-17, 2013 | Raleigh, NC |
| | |
To register for one of the Private Sector Courses, please contact John Dorney.
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