A new conference is coming to address the future of changing stormwater regulations, MS4 design and implementation, community response to new approaches and other key issues in stormwater management and sustainability. Great Connections 2014 will be held 29 April – 1 May 2014 in Davenport, Iowa at the Radisson Quad City Plaza.
The event is a joint workshop and exhibition from the Great Lakes and Great Rivers Chapters of the International Erosion Control Association (IECA). It’s being stage, appropriately, along the banks of the Mississippi River, which touches so many communities that are struggling with flood response and erosion control, sedimentation issues, and aging infrastructures.
This gathering will build upon the network of public and private sector experts who attended the 6th International Low Impact Development Symposium (August 2013, Saint Paul, Minnesota), which had more than 800 participants; and the strong dialogue expected in Nashville, Tennessee during February 2014’s Environmental Connection conference from IECA Region One.
THE FIELD’S HEARTLAND
The Great Lakes and Great Rivers Chapters of IECA represent nine American states (IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MO, NE, OH, WI) and one Canadian province (ON). The region is characterized by old industry, overstressed underground stormwater systems, strong wetlands and conservation policies, agricultural runoff challenges, wind-induced soil erosion, and riverside urban redevelopment.
More than 700 registered CPESC holders reside here. Another 400+ are in the immediately bordering zones. The region is also strong in registered CISEC professionals. Perhaps most telling of how deeply connected this shared region is to forward-looking stormwater management response is the fact that nearly half of all the new CMS4S certification holders are here.
The near-travel presence of so many strong soil and water conservation districts and various federal and state-level environmental policy and engineering-related offices is expected to enhance the public and private sector mix at the event, particularly for the many agencies that have more stringent travel restrictions and cannot always make the largest events.
OPPORTUNITIES OPENING
While the official program for Great Connections 2014 has not yet been announced, key topics will be:
- MS4
- Active and post-construction stormwater management
- Construction general permit (CGP) compliance
- Locally-driven policy
- Education initiatives
- Certification
Professional Development Hours (PDHs) will be available and multiple certification training and exam opportunities will be included.
An event website has been launched (
SEE ALSO – EXHIBITOR & SPONSORSHIP PROSPECTUS (PDF)
