Erosion Control and Stormwater Management

Hydraulic Erosion Control Product Applicator Certification

Contractors who install certain hydraulic erosion control products (HECP) must be trained in proper application technique, according to MnDOT Standard Specifications 2575 and 3884.  This HECP Applicator’s Certification is required to apply Polyacrylamide Tackifier, Organic Fiber Matrix, Bonded Fiber Matrix, Reinforced Fiber Matrix (2575.3 E, 3884.2) and Mineral Fiber Matrix (project specific special provisions). Contractors who are applying these materials must show proof of certification to the MnDOT inspector before applying them. 

The following is an explanation of the training requirements for HECP Applicator Certification.

Training Content

Training used to certify applicators must include the following:

• A minimum of 4 hours combined classroom and field experience
• How to read plan sheets and project specifications as it applies to each item
• Mix ratios (bales to water)
• Field measurements (adequately measuring areas before spraying)
• Verification processes (slump test measurements including standard cup and standard test board)
• Application requirements of MnDOT Specification 2575 and industry best practices, such as seeding before applying HECP, applying on dry or wet soils, application rate, applying in two different directions (preferably 90 degrees apart), applying in two stages for proper dewatering, cure time, etc.
• Machine inspection and maintenance
• The capabilities and limitations of each product, including suitable slope steepness, slope length, appropriate temperature and moisture conditions, and functional longevity
• The requirements of related MnDOT Specifications as they relate to applying HECP, such as 2574 (soil bed preparation and soil amendments), 2575 (seeding)
• Hands-on experience with mixing, loading, and operating the HECP application equipment

Proof of Certification

Trainers must provide those who pass the training a certification card that includes the following information:

• The date of the training and the expiration date
• The company name
• The name of person who was trained
• The name and telephone number of the trainer
• The material product name(s) the individuals are certified to apply
• The equipment with which the individual is certified to apply the product

The certified individual must carry the card to show proof of certification if requested. 

The trainer must keep an updated list of individuals trained, the dates of trainings, the names of instructors, and the content of each training course.

Requirements for Trainers

Training must be provided by a manufacturer or vendor representative with knowledge of the products and equipment used to apply them.  Training can also be provided by erosion control professional organizations, provided the trainers possess adequate working knowledge of the products, equipment, and MnDOT specifications; or partner with manufacturer or vendor representatives with that knowledge.

Expiration and Limitations

The certification is considered valid for MnDOT purposes for three years after passing a class consisting of the content listed above.

The certification to apply HECPs is separate from and not a replacement for the Erosion Control Installer certification required by the NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit and MnDOT Specification 2573.

Application of the HECP materials described above by an individual who is not properly certified for that particular product will be considered unauthorized work and subject to MnDOT Standard Specification 1512.

Questions?

For more information about compliance with the HECP applicator certification requirement, contact Dwayne Stenlund with the MnDOT Office of Environmental Stewardship at 651-366-3625 or dwayne.stenlund@state.mn.us.