Stormwater certification in Maryland ensures professionals are equipped to manage water runoff, prevent flooding, and protect water quality. Here’s a quick summary of the key requirements:

• E&S Certification (Yellow Card): Focuses on erosion control at construction sites. Requires a 24-hour training program, $75 fee, and 8 continuing education (CE) hours every 3 years.
• SWM Certification (Green Card): For stormwater design professionals. Requires a Bachelor’s in engineering (or 4 years of experience), a $150 fee, passing a 100-question exam, and 12 CE hours every 3 years.
• Additional Standards: Maryland emphasizes sustainable drainage practices, such as Environmental Site Design (ESD), making it stricter than neighboring states like Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Key Comparison Table:

Violations can lead to fines of $1,000–$10,000. Maryland’s strict standards set it apart from other states, making compliance and ongoing training essential for professionals.

For a detailed breakdown of requirements, comparisons with Virginia and Pennsylvania, and tips for maintaining certification, read on.

Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Certification Program

1. Maryland Requirements

Maryland has strict stormwater certification standards managed by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), specifically the E&S and SWM certifications.

The E&S Certification (Yellow Card) requires attending a 24-hour MDE-approved training program. This certification focuses on supervising construction sites and managing erosion control. To keep the certification active, professionals must complete 8 continuing education hours every three years, with at least half covering erosion control techniques.

The SWM Certification (Green Card) requires candidates to have either a Bachelor’s degree in engineering (or a related field) or four years of relevant work experience. Certification is granted after passing a 100-question exam with a minimum score of 70%. To renew, professionals must complete 12 continuing education hours every three years, with 6 hours focused on stormwater design principles.

Maryland’s Environmental Site Design (ESD) regulations, introduced in 2007, prioritize green infrastructure. Certified professionals need to demonstrate knowledge in sustainable drainage practices, which distinguishes Maryland’s approach compared to nearby states.

Here’s a quick breakdown of certification costs, renewal timelines, and continuing education requirements:

Violations of these regulations can result in fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, as specified in COMAR 26.17.01.12.

"The 2024 Columbia permeable paver system project demonstrated the importance of certified expertise. Our SWM-certified team achieved a 60% reduction in runoff through proper design and installation of environmental pavers, passing MDE inspection on the first review", according to a recent Pro Landscapes MD case study.

Some local jurisdictions have additional requirements. For instance, Howard County requires extra Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan training for inspectors, while Baltimore County mandates annual site inspection reports signed by SWM-certified professionals.

Applicants must submit their credentials to MDE at least 30 days before scheduling exams to allow for verification.

2. Virginia Requirements

The specific details for Virginia’s stormwater certification, including certification levels, fees, training, and renewal processes, are currently unclear. For the most up-to-date standards, consult the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

Unlike Maryland and Pennsylvania, where requirements are clearly outlined, Virginia’s lack of detailed information highlights differences in transparency and consistency across state lines. This disparity provides an interesting basis for comparing stormwater certification standards between these states.

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3. Pennsylvania Requirements

Pennsylvania does not provide detailed documentation on certification levels, application steps, training requirements, exam processes, renewal timelines, or continuing education for stormwater professionals.

Without clear guidelines, professionals must rely on direct resources such as:

• Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: Reach out for state-level guidance.
• County conservation districts: Local districts can offer insights into specific requirements.
• Municipal regulations: Check with individual municipalities, as rules can differ.

The lack of standardized documentation highlights the challenges of navigating certification requirements in Pennsylvania.

State Requirements Comparison

The comparison of stormwater certification requirements in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania highlights key differences in how each state addresses training, compliance, and enforcement.

Core Requirements

These figures provide a straightforward look at how requirements differ across states.

Continuing Education

• Maryland: Requires 8 CEUs with a focus on Chesapeake Bay regulations.
• Virginia: Mandates 12 CEUs every two years.
• Pennsylvania: Requires 6 CEUs annually.

Unique State Standards

Each state has its own focus areas:

• Maryland: Emphasizes Environmental Site Design (ESD) under the 2022 Rainwater Management Act.
• Virginia: Aligns with the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.
• Pennsylvania: Prioritizes combined sewer overflow mitigation efforts.

Enforcement and Compliance

Enforcement varies significantly. Maryland enforces the region’s strictest penalties, with fines reaching up to $5,000 per day for violations.

Program Evolution

Virginia’s program now supports 14,000 certificate holders, including 3,000 in ESC, 8,000 in RLD, and 3,000 in SWM ^[2]. Maryland has expanded its QCIS+ program to include online courses and virtual instructor-led training ^[1].

Insurance Requirements

• Virginia: Requires certified professionals to have $1 million in general liability coverage.
• Maryland and Pennsylvania: Recommend insurance only for projects exceeding 10,000 square feet of impervious surface.

Reciprocity Agreements

Interstate recognition differs:

• Pennsylvania: Accepts Virginia certifications if paired with a local ordinance module.
• Maryland: Recognizes certifications from Chesapeake Bay Compact states but requires additional training.
• Virginia: Maintains its own independent certification standards.

These differences demonstrate how each state tailors its programs to address its specific environmental and regulatory needs, with Maryland continuing to set the bar high in the region.

Summary and Recommendations

Based on the state comparisons, these recommendations aim to help professionals maintain compliance with Maryland’s rigorous certification standards. Maryland places a strong emphasis on managing stormwater efficiently and sustainably. To align with this, ongoing training and thorough documentation are key to maintaining certification and ensuring high-quality outcomes.

Focus on Ongoing Training

Professionals should invest in regular education focused on sustainable stormwater management practices. Targeted training programs can help you stay current with evolving techniques and regulations.

Build Expertise and Maintain Records

• Keep detailed and organized records of projects to showcase your knowledge of local drainage methods.
• Deepen your understanding of local drainage strategies and solutions.
• Stay informed about new techniques and materials that improve drainage performance.
• These steps align with Maryland’s strict standards and help ensure compliance.

Adopt Effective Practices

• Design and implement stormwater management systems that incorporate environmentally friendly features.
• Use well-documented processes to demonstrate adherence to regulatory requirements.
• By following these methods, professionals can meet Maryland’s high expectations for certification and performance.

For those looking for specialized assistance, Pro Landscapes MD offers tailored drainage solutions designed to meet Maryland’s top certification standards. Partner with them for expert guidance and support.

FAQs

What are the steps to obtain an Erosion and Sediment Control (E&S) Certification in Maryland, and how is it different from a Stormwater Management (SWM) Certification?

Obtaining an Erosion and Sediment Control (E&S) Certification in Maryland typically involves completing state-approved training programs, passing required exams, and meeting any additional criteria set by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). This certification ensures professionals are equipped to manage soil erosion and sediment during construction projects to protect water quality.

The Stormwater Management (SWM) Certification, on the other hand, focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining systems that manage and treat stormwater runoff. While both certifications aim to protect Maryland’s waterways, E&S emphasizes controlling sediment at construction sites, whereas SWM addresses the long-term management of stormwater runoff.

For detailed requirements and guidance, consult the Maryland Department of the Environment or your local regulatory authority.

What are Maryland’s stormwater certification requirements, and how do they differ from nearby states like Virginia and Pennsylvania?

Maryland places a strong emphasis on Environmental Site Design (ESD) to manage stormwater sustainably and reduce runoff. This approach integrates natural landscaping and small-scale practices, such as rain gardens and permeable pavements, into stormwater management systems. As a result, Maryland’s certification process often focuses on understanding and implementing these eco-friendly strategies.

Compared to Virginia and Pennsylvania, Maryland’s requirements may involve more rigorous training in ESD techniques to meet its stricter environmental standards. Professionals seeking certification in Maryland should be prepared to demonstrate expertise in sustainable stormwater solutions tailored to the state’s unique regulations and goals.

What happens if I don’t complete the required continuing education hours for stormwater certification in Maryland?

Failing to meet the required continuing education hours for stormwater certification in Maryland can result in the suspension or revocation of your certification. This may prevent you from legally performing stormwater maintenance work in the state. Additionally, you could face delays and additional costs to reinstate your certification, as you may need to retake courses or exams to fulfill the requirements.

To avoid these consequences, ensure you stay up-to-date with Maryland’s certification renewal guidelines and complete the necessary training hours within the specified timeframe.

Related posts

• Maryland Stormwater Act Overview
• Maryland Sediment Control Laws Explained
• Maryland Drainage Area Standards Explained
• Stormwater Pipe Repair: Maryland Compliance Guide