Kentucky Watershed Academy
Kentucky’s watershed coordinators are critical in carrying out local water quality improvement projects effectively. They are often the most visible face and voice of water quality information to local citizens and oversee many and varied watershed education and management activities. For this reason, watershed coordinators need a range of technical support and guidance from the Kentucky Division of Water and others to succeed in their generalized role within the water quality profession. To assist with this need, in 2017, the Kentucky Division of Water provided 319h Nonpoint Source Grant funding to KWRI to develop six initial training modules for the Kentucky Watershed Academy. These modules provide a strong foundation for watershed coordinators and other water quality professionals to better understand and navigate the wide range of challenges and opportunities they will inevitably confront in their daily efforts to improve water quality in Kentucky.
The workshop content was developed to allow for flexibility in future delivery by regional basin coordinators or others as local needs warrant. The training modules include workshop presentation material with speaker notes, interactive group or individual activities, and supplemental reading materials and guides. We provide the PowerPoint files for the training to increase the flexibility of use for these training materials. We do not take responsibility for adaptations or customizations of these materials.
The six core modules address the following subjects and are described in further detail below:
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The Clean Water Act and Related Water Quality Laws
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Water Quality Basics
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Dealing with Data
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Land Use Impacts and Related Best Management Practices
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Likely Partners
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Effective Communications
This introductory module will explain the basic components of the federal Clean Water Act, with increased emphasis on the sections that directly pertain to watershed management. Workshop participants will gain and benefit from a comprehensive understanding of the Act’s mandates and Kentucky’s players and approaches to fulfilling those mandates. A knowledge of the CWA’s key requirements will better enable watershed coordinators to offer local guidance and assistance on water quality issues. Special emphasis is given to the following sections of the Clean Water Act: 305b Reporting, 303d Listing, 304 (NPDES) Permitting, 319 (Nonpoint Source) Projects and Activities, and 401 & 404 Permitting. Additional information will be given regarding other relevant water quality laws and regulations, such as those pertaining to logging and farming, stormwater controls, safe drinking water (SDWA), mining (SMCRA), superfund sites (CERCLA), waste disposal (RCRA) and the protection of endangered species (ESA).
Module 1.1 provides an overview of Kentucky’s resources and reason for protection. Covers the goals, history, and impacts of the Clean Water Act. Brief orientation of the Clean Water Act titles and sections relevant to watershed coordinators. Provides examples of types of water quality standards. Finally, the presentation addresses the Waters of the United States definition.
Module 1.1 Workshop Agenda
Module 1.1 PowerPoint