Understanding the Why—The Effects of Education on Stormwater Managers

Worker understanding and buy-in is a crucial first step in achieving the goal of stormwater management acceptance. When those who install and manage stormwater practices are educated in understanding why these practices are needed and how to properly maintain them, workers are more likely to do what is necessary to ensure appropriate erosion prevention, sediment control, and stormwater management. Between 2009 and 2019, the University of Minnesota Erosion and Stormwater Management Program trained over 5,000 construction site managers about stormwater regulations, technologies, and techniques related to their roles. Attendees rated their perceived before- and after-class knowledge change as well as their anticipated behavioral changes due to the course. All six self-reported before- and after-course knowledge changes were statistically significant. Additionally, the six self-reported changes in before- and after-course anticipated behaviors were also statistically significant. These findings strongly suggest that education is an effective tool to advance the acceptance of stormwater management.