The International Erosion Control Association Region One will offer a number of field tours at Environmental Connection 2017, the annual conference and exhibition from the association. Learn-in-the-field opportunities include:
- Research Showcase at the Auburn University Erosion and Sediment Control Facility (Pre-conference Session) – Learn proper design/installation techniques on various erosion and sediment controls to achieve improved performance and observe full-scale channelized flow demonstrations.
- Green Infrastructure with Multiple Benefits – The Atlanta Story – See how Atlanta’s green infrastructure addresses both sewer overflows and surface water management while enhancing parks, streetscapes and neighborhoods.
- Atlanta Braves SunTrust Park Stadium Field Tour – Tour future home of the Braves, SunTrust Park, and new upscale neighborhood Battery Atlanta. Learn how the multi-faceted strategy for erosion and sediment control protects Rottenwood and Chattahoochee Rivers.
Full conference registration is required to participate in the field tours, with the exception being the pre-conference session.
The conference will be held 21 – 24 February 2017 in Atlanta.
Learn more and register for IECA field tours and the full event.
FIELD TOURS & OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF IECA 2017
- Keynote Speakers
- Jim Cantore (Weather Channel) – The renowned meteorologist will discuss changes in weather patterns, predictions for the future, and how these changes will affect soils, stormwater management, and other environmental and infrastructure concerns. What can we do today to prepare for the weather changes over the next 50 years? Cantore will lend his insights.
- Craig Zeller, PE (US Environmental Protection Agency) – Zeller will share his experience as the EPA’s on-site coordinator for the clean-up and recovery efforts of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Kingston Fossil Plant environmental disaster of 2008 that spilled 5.4 million cubic yards of contaminated ash across 300 acres. He’ll discuss the US $1 billion+ cleanup, including highly successful BMP strategies that have restored the site for ecological and recreational use.
- Half- and Full-Day Pre-Conference Courses – In a first for IECA, half-day short courses will be offered alongside the traditional full-day courses on the day before the conference opens. See the full pre-conference schedule here.
- Full-Day Pre-Conference Field Tour – Visit Auburn University’s Erosion and Sediment Control Testing Facility (Opelika, Alabama).
- Additional Field Tours (Included in Full Conference) – IECA offers additional field tours later in the week to the Atlanta Braves’ SunTrust Park Stadium and to green infrastructure sites around Atlanta.
- Industry Roundtables – IECA 2017 will include four industry roundtables facilitated by field experts who will encourage brainstorming and in-depth small group discussion. Topics:
- Stream Restoration and Protection for Watershed Sustainability
- BMP Inspection and Maintenance: Good for Business and Good for the Environment
- MS4 Collaboration
- Sediment Basins for Construction Stormwater – What Works Best?
- Fireside Chats – These informal panels will encourage conversation between moderators, panelists, and attendees. Topics:
- Implementation of Green Infrastructure
- LID International Expert Panel
- A Developer, a Lawyer, and a Regulator Walk into a Bar…. And Talk about Construction Stormwater
- Sustainable Soil Stewardship – Soil as a Living Resource and Not a Passive Pollutant.
- Construction Track – Another first for the Environmental Connection series: a construction-specific education track. Sessions will highlight the regulations, ideas, business information, and case studies.
- Regional Track – Top regional presenters will focus on the US Southeast with paper presentations, case studies, and workshops.
Learn more about the event and register at www.ieca.org/conference.
