The Online SECP Training is open from
February 01 through February 28, 2026
Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (ILRP) Grower Self-Certification Training
Sediment Erosion Control Plans (SECPs)
Federal and state water quality regulations require that growers implement management practices to minimize impairments to surface and ground water quality. Sediment and excessive erosion does not only impair water quality. It may also cause crop damage and loss, decreased property values, and impacts on sustainability.
Sufficient sediment and erosion control can:
- Reduce agricultural inputs (water, fertilizer, energy, erosion expenses)
- Reduce loss of valuable topsoil (contributes to soil fertility and water holding capacity)
- Improve farm aesthetics
- Minimize offsite movement of pesticides and fertilizers
- Improve neighbor relations
- Limit regulatory concerns such as fines and other enforcement actions and public relation issues
This course covers the Waste Discharge Requirements General Order for Growers within the Sacramento River Watershed that are Members of the Third Party Group, Order R5-2014-0030 (adopted on 12 March 2014 and most recently amended by R5-2025-0045), and has been approved by RWQCB, Region 5. The most recent Order may be found on the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Region 5:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/rwqcb5/board_decisions/adopted_orders/general_orders/
For questions or concerns, please contact Nikki Slade at [email protected] or (530) 219-7750.
About the Instructor
Instructor
Mike Blankinship
Michael Blankinship founded Blankinship & Associates, Inc. in 2000 to provide environmental consulting services to the agricultural, commercial and industrial sectors. He regularly advises clients on pesticides, risk analysis, water quality and erosion and sediment control and regulatory compliance. Mike is a Pest Control Advisor (PCA), licensed professional engineer (civil), SWRCB Stormwater Industrial General Permit (IGP) Trainer of Record (ToR), Qualified Industrial Stormwater Practitioner (QISP), Construction General Permit Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) and Developer (QSD).Over 1,000 growers and ranchers throughout California have received training from Mike on topics including sediment and erosion control. He is a regular speaker at CAPCA, PAPA, UC Davis Weed School, the California Weed Science Society (CWSS), and Western Aquatic Plant Management Society (WAPMS) meetings.Mike has an MS in Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry from UC Davis in the Departments of Environmental Toxicology and Environmental Engineering and a BA in Chemistry from Saint Michael's College in Colchester Park, Vermont. Contact him at [email protected] more at http://www.h2osci.com/
"Mike did a fabulous job on the sediment erosion control workshop, and thank goodness he led the charge on that…it was evident he did his homework of what the regional board wanted and got right to the point." - Participant in the September 7 workshop for SAWQA.