As communities throughout the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, southeast Texas, and Florida recover from hurricane flood damage, the International Erosion Control Association Region One (IECA) has issued a statement, extending its sympathies to affected communities and emphasizing its membership’s interest in being part of the recovery process.

“Our members have a vast knowledge of drainage, stormwater and water quality management, and preventative coastal erosion experience that can help these areas get back on their feet,” said Sharan Wilson, IECA Director.

International Erosion Control Association Region One Logo

The statement cited an example of how the South Central IECA Chapter has reached out to provide expertise and technical support to Harris County (Texas) and the Houston Public Works and Engineering Department to help with drainage, stormwater systems, and water quality. The measures suggested are with an eye to the future needs of these local infrastructures, not just to immediate patching of a system.

“Our members can help with recovery efforts in these states by evaluating and reviewing stormwater best management practices (BMPs),” said Wilson.

Members and industry professionals who are interested in learning more about stormwater management, can visit the IECA online learning center for training opportunities.

IECA REGION ONE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

In February, IECA held its annual board of directors election for terms beginning February 2018.

Rafael (Nicky) Araujo, PEJonathan Kopeke, CPESC, LEED-AP: and Jerry Sanders, CPESC will all return to the IECA Region One Board of Directors.

“Having the knowledge these returning volunteers possess helps the board and IECA maintain our current momentum,” said Sharan Wilson in a release. “I’m looking forward to implementing strategies that will help provide our members with new benefits that will not only help the association grow, but provide more resources, in one place, for industry professionals to use.”

The returning directors currently serve on a variety of structural committees that support the association and membership. Araujo serves on the IECA International Regional Council which represents the interests of domestic and international members in Region One. Kopeke is an IECA faculty instructor and serves on the awards, finance and executive committees, and is the current IECA treasurer. Sanders currently serves as an IECA faculty instructor.

Learn more about IECA, its membership, and its library of professional resources at www.ieca.org/regionone.