Designated Erosion Control Inspector Program (DECI)

2023 DECI Re-Listing is Now Closed

The 2023 DECI re-listing is now closed and the list is published on this webpage. Please verify your information and inform Mea Blauer of any changes by emailing at [email protected]. If you should changes companies, please contact SMC to update the database.

Our next re-listing will be in 2026. Attending all DECI webinars between now and then is a requirement of the next re-listing. In lieu of this attendance, DECIs will need 24 hours of education credits between this re-listing and the next.

Should you have any questions or technical issues, please contact Mea Blauer at 847-377-7701 or [email protected]. Thank you. 

What is a DECI? 

The current list of DECIs is posted on this website. Those you have not re-listed and want to be on the DECI list, will have to start the process all over. Please review the requirements below on how to become a DECI.

DECIs are trained and qualified soil erosion and sediment control inspectors. They improve communication and act as a liaison between an applicant/developer and enforcement officers (EO) for regulated development in Lake County. DECIs, who are the boots, eyes, and experience on the ground, are employed by the applicant and not the permitting agency. Only DECIs can inspect projects where the permitting agency requires one.

Becoming a DECI

YOU NEED ALL THESE REQUIREMENTS COMPLETED BEFORE BECOMING A DECI:

  1. Pass the DECI exam
  2. Complete SMC-approved SE/SC course
    • Annual DECI Workshop hosted by SMC    -OR-
    • Courses listed online (you need to complete both of them in lieu of the DECI Workshop)
      • PDHOnline
        • C142 - Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans and Best Management Practices - 4 hours
        • C188 - Soil Erosion and Sediment Control - 3 hours
  3. Submit a one Page Statement of Qualifications showing 2 years of cumulative experience in SE/SC. 

-OR-

  1.  Have either Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) or Certified Erosion, Sediment and Stormwater Inspector (CESSWI) designation. Please note: this only replaces a one page statement of qualifications. DECI’s still need to fulfill the other requirements listed above.  

       4. Await SMC review and approval
             • There is no cost to become a DECI

SMC DECI Exam

  • The exam is 100 questions based on:
  • The exam is online/open book
  • The cost for the exam is $0 (free)
  • There is a 3-hour time limit
  • You need a 90% or better to pass
  • Start DECI Exam here

Maintaining DECI Status

  • Relisting of DECIs is every 3 years
    • The next re-listing is in 2023, information is forthcoming on this page
    • If DECIs have not re-listed in the previous re-listing period, they are not eligible for the next re-listing and will have to start the process of becoming a DECI again.
  • Continuing education will depend on when you became a DECI
    • Attendance at each annual DECI workshop between re-listings is sufficient to maintain the DECI status. Alternatively, 24 hours of education credits are needed.
  • Some sources of continuing education are:

DECI Expectations

  • Inspect after every 7 calendar days and within 24 hours of a storm event with greater than or equal to 0.5-inch of rainfall or liquid equivalent precipitation
  • Keep a written log of inspections (with pictures)
  • Keep a copy of EO-approved SE/SC plans at the development site
  • Notify EO within 24 hours of when the site is not in compliance with WDO or approved SE/SC plans
  • Propose corrective measures
  • Recommend additional SE/SC prevention measures, as necessary
  • SMC SE/SC Inspection form available here

When are DECIs Done Inspecting?

  • After permanent stabilization and EO approval of the as-built plans
  • SMC’s as-built approval requirements:
    • 70% areal coverage of vegetation, of which at least 50% must be the desired species
    • No erosion, sedimentation or unstabilized areas
  • SE/SC measures removal
    • After permanent site stabilization has been achieved
      • Includes silt fence, perforated risers, etc.

DECI De-listing

  • SMC has authority and responsibility to suspend a DECI’s status for repeated or recurring non-compliance
  • The de-listing procedure includes formal notification to the DECI with response request
    • Inadequate response constitutes one strike
    • 3 strikes lead to de-listing

For More Information or to Submit Materials:

Contact Mea Blauer, 847-377-7701