DC Water and the Water Environment Federation have launched a website for the National Green Infrastructure Certification Program, an in-development national certification for green infrastructure construction, inspection and maintenance workers. The website, www.ngicp.org, is the best resource for the latest program news and updates, access to valuable industry and certification resources, and links to a range of regional training opportunities.

Since announcing the project in February, DC Water, WEF and a group of national NGICP partnering organizations have been working to develop the program structure, components and requirements on an expedited schedule, with the first certifications expected in early 2017. Designed to meet international best practice standards, the certification — including a requirement for regular re-certification — will verify that individuals performing the installation, inspection and maintenance of GI have the required knowledge, skills and abilities to support long-term performance and sustainability of these systems.

“A workforce that is skilled in the complete life cycle of green infrastructure is core to the success of DC Water’s green infrastructure implementation and the work being implemented across the nation,” says DC Water CEO and General Manager George S. Hawkins. “The National GI Certification Program will help to support long-term performance of green infrastructure and support local, sustainable jobs.”

The website will reflect the current state of the NGICP development and is expected to feature the following:

• A downloadable NGICP Body of Knowledge that provides a targeted list of existing resources on GI construction, inspection and maintenance, including specific topics related to the certification knowledge and skills areas;
• Resources to help individuals navigate through the application and exam processes;
• NGICP eligibility requirements and downloadable certification application;
• Links to regional training opportunities offered through the nationwide NGICP Partnering Organizations;
• Exam blueprint information; and more.

"We are excited about this new website and the robust information it provides for GI professionals, program partners, utilities and other stakeholders to better understand NGICP’s mission and the exciting opportunities it provides to support this growing segment of the water sector," says WEF Executive Director Eileen O’Neill. "We believe this new site will let our visitors have a very informative experience as we continue to develop and promote this new standard for supporting a skilled GI workforce that is essential to sustainable communities."

Housed under the WEF Stormwater Institute, the NGICP is being developed with the support of a growing number of utilities to help advance the program nationwide. Current NGICP Partnering Organizations include: Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (Wisconsin), Montgomery County (Maryland), Kansas City Water Services Department (Missouri), Fairfax County (Virginia), City of Baltimore Department of Public Works (Maryland), Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District (Kentucky), San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (California), Capital Region Water (Pennsylvania), and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (Illinois).

For more information, please visit www.ngicp.org.