View Important Policies and System Requirements for this course

INSTRUCTORS: 
Natalie Lenz
Jie Zeng
Deva Borah
Harry Zhang
Xiaobo Chao
Saurav Kumar
Nigel Quinn
Sanaz Imen
Matt Ries, Ph.D, P.E.
Nathan Boyd

Course Length: 1.5 hours

Purpose and Background

This course will only award PDHs for completion.

Technical presentations from the 2024 World Environmental & Water Resources Congress:

Innovative Strategies and Watershed Based Approaches for Nutrient Permit Compliance (16 minutes)

This presentation delves into the use of adaptive management as a technically robust and cost-effective method for meeting nutrient reduction targets. It explores how integrating watershed-wide approaches, including collaboration with agricultural stakeholders, can be structured within permits to adhere to stringent phosphorus discharge criteria. The discussion includes a comparison of adaptive management strategies with conventional engineering solutions like tertiary treatment upgrades, highlighting cost-benefit analyses and environmental outcomes. Additionally, the presentation emphasizes the role of digital tools and data analytics in prioritizing and optimizing structural and non-structural BMPs (Best Management Practices) for efficient permit compliance.

Lessons Learned for Developing Watershed Management Programs (WMPs) in Ventura County and Nationwide (16 minutes)

This presentation examines the technical process of integrating hydrologic and water quality models to support WMPs. It details the calibration of the LSPC model using extensive monitoring data to identify key pollutants and establish reduction targets for MS4 areas. The presentation also covers the strategic placement of assessment areas and the consideration of critical storm dynamics for long-term planning and compliance. Additionally, it discusses the importance of leveraging both non-structural and structural measures to enhance water quality and address multiple TMDLs concurrently.

TMDL Analysis and Modeling Advances: Connecting Climate Resilience, Socio-Environmental Systems, and Holistic Watershed Management (21 minutes)

This presentation explores advanced modeling techniques for Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) assessments in the context of climate resilience. It emphasizes the integration of socio-environmental factors into watershed models to account for community impacts and ecosystem services. The presentation highlights innovative approaches for simulating the effects of climate variability on pollutant loading and water quality. Additionally, it discusses the use of holistic management strategies that combine engineering solutions with adaptive measures to enhance watershed resilience and sustainability.

Reducing Pollution in River Systems using a Stochastic, Game-Theoretic Modeling Approach (19 minutes)

This presentation explores the application of game theory and stochastic methods to optimize pollution control strategies in river systems. It details the development of a model that simulates the interactions between various stakeholders, incorporating uncertainties in pollutant sources and environmental responses. The approach provides a framework for evaluating cooperative and competitive scenarios, aiming to achieve cost-effective pollution reduction. Additionally, the presentation examines how this model can inform the design of regulatory policies and incentive mechanisms to enhance water quality management.

Learning outcomes and session benefits

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify the benefits of using digital tools and data analytics in optimizing watershed-wide conservation practices and permit compliance strategies.
• Explain the importance of strategically placing assessment areas and considering critical storm dynamics in the long-term planning of watershed management programs.
• Explain how climate variability is simulated in pollutant loading models and the importance of holistic management strategies for watershed resilience.
• Identify the key components of a game-theoretic model used to optimize pollution control strategies in river systems.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes are assessed and achieved through passing a 10 multiple choice question post-test with at least a 70%.

Who Should Attend?

• Water resource engineers
• Environmental engineers
• Consulting engineers
• Utility engineers
• Public Agency Engineers
• Utility Directors

How to Earn your PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion

This course is worth 1.5 PDHs. To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 365 days of the course.