SABATTUS — Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District (AVSWCD), in cooperation with Maine DEP and the town of Sabattus, is offering the Basic and Advanced Erosion and Sediment Control Practices training. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Sabattus Town Hall, 190 Middle Road.

Training topics will include why erosion control is needed, laws and regulations requiring erosion control practices, erosion and sedimentation, erosion control best management practices and planning, pollution prevention at construction sites, erosion control plan design, and the next steps in obtaining certification. Attending this training will qualify you to become Maine DEP certified in erosion and sediment control practices after the completion of a site evaluation. The training also provides re-certification for those who have already completed the program.

Due to the high rate of soil erosion that occurs on areas disturbed by construction, the use of effective erosion control practices is critical to protecting the quality of Maine waters. This is why the Maine Legislature passed the State’s Erosion Control Law. To help contractors, and those involved with shoreland zoning, comply with this law, Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has developed a training program on effective erosion control techniques. This is known as the Voluntary Contractor Certification Program and is coordinated by DEP’s Nonpoint Source Training and Resource Center.

Registration is $75 and is due by Nov. 21. Mail the registration and a check with payment to AVSWCD, 254 Goddard Road, Lewiston, ME 04240. There will be no refunds. The snow date is Dec. 7, at the same time and place.

For more information, or to obtain a registration form, contact Jocelyn at 207-241-5374 or districtmanager@androscogginswcd.org.