Did you know that this podcast is produced by Digital Stormwater? Digital Stormwater B2B Visibility & Digital Marketing, making a difference in stormwater 1 click at a time! They do all things digital. Check them out at DigitalStormwater.com because the best-known beats best every time.

Guest Introduction Ty introduces Ken Kristoffersen and outlines his extensive background.

Design as the Foundation of Cost Control Ken explains why stormwater designs must reflect real-world site conditions and field experience, not purely theoretical approaches.

BMP Selection and Material Quality Discussion on how improper BMP selection and low-quality materials lead to higher long-term costs.

Installation Matters Ken shares examples of incorrect BMP installation, why inspectors reject them, and how proper installation prevents wasted effort and expense.

Maintenance and Inspection Realities A breakdown of why even properly installed BMPs require ongoing maintenance.

Training and Field Judgment Ken emphasizes the need for inspectors to develop critical thinking skills and field awareness, not just classroom knowledge.

Water and Air Quality as Public Goods A broader discussion on why clean water and air are essential to quality of life.

Public Awareness and Education Conversation shifts to educating the public and younger generations.

Building Career Pathways in Stormwater Ken discusses gaps in professional development and the need for structured training for new industry entrants.

Final Takeaways and Call for Industry Engagement Ken and Ty wrap up with reflections on accountability, continuous improvement, and engaging the broader stormwater community.

• Ken Kristoffersen: “Design documentation has to reflect the real world, not something invented in an ivory tower by someone who has never been in the field.”

• Ken Kristoffersen: “What was the point of doing it the first time if you cannot do it right?”

• Ken Kristoffersen: “You can have all the gold in the world, but you cannot drink it. Water is a finite resource.”

In this episode of the Stormwater World Podcast, host Ty Garmon speaks with Ken Kristoffersen, founder and president of CalSTORM Compliance, about practical ways to control the cost of stormwater compliance while still protecting water quality. Ken explains that cost control starts with realistic, field-informed design, followed by selecting the right BMPs, using quality materials, and ensuring proper installation and maintenance. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience, he highlights how poor design decisions, low-quality products, and lack of follow-up often lead to higher costs over time. The conversation also explores the importance of inspector training, professional judgment, and public awareness, emphasizing that stormwater professionals play a critical role in safeguarding clean water and air and improving overall quality of life.

The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.

Connect with Ken Kristofferson, MBA/CDSEC/CISEC/CPESC/QSP/QSD/ToR:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-kristoffersen-mba-cdsec-cisec-cpesc-qsp-qsd-tor-8a311420/

Email: kkristoffersen@calstormcompliance.com

CAL-Storm: https://calstormcompliance.com/

Ecopliant: https://ecopliant.org/

Connect with Ty Garmon, LEED AP:

Connect with Ty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tygarmon/

Sign up to be a guest: https://forms.gle/whijSz9Tio3iZda57

Check out The Stormwater World Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9hVXVJ5oXplf_V9XOPpR6A

Podcast Website: https://stormwaterworld.com

Stay Informed! Sign-up for the Stormwater World Newsletter: https://stormwaterworld.com/newsletter-sign-up/

Please don't forget to rate, comment, and subscribe to Stormwater World Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Did you know that this podcast is produced by Digital Stormwater? Digital Stormwater B2B Visibility & Digital Marketing, making a difference in stormwater 1 click at a time! They do all things digital. Check them out at DigitalStormwater.com because the best-known beats best every time.

Introduction and Background Ty introduces Philip Taylor and outlines his global career.

Differences Between International and US Stormwater Approaches Discussion on how US regulation, freshwater resources, and public awareness changed the way stormwater is managed.

Proprietary Stormwater Systems and Regulatory Evolution How early distrust of proprietary systems shifted toward standardized testing and approvals.

Site Level Regulation vs Watershed Scale Reality A candid discussion on regulatory fragmentation and why cumulative impacts are often misunderstood.

Instrumentation, Data, and Active Management Why real time data, monitoring, and smarter flow control are essential.

Launching Streamline LLC Phil explains his transition into consulting and focusing on strategic innovation, modeling, and advisory work.

Active Flow Control and Digital Infrastructure Partnerships, retrofitting existing infrastructure, and why active systems offer high impact with lower capital investment.

Artificial Intelligence in Stormwater and Engineering A deep dive into AI as a watershed moment, including design optimization, risks of over reliance, and how experience still matters.

Advice for the Next Generation Career guidance focused on broad experience, mobility, curiosity, and learning across disciplines and geographies.

Closing Thoughts

Change as opportunity and a teaser for future conference presentations and research.

• “Fresh water is really an asset that a country needs. It’s almost a national security issue.” Philip Taylor

• “Passive management of stormwater just won’t get us where we want to go.” Philip Taylor

• “AI is a watershed moment in human history. I don’t think people fully comprehend just how big it is yet.” Philip Taylor

• “Change is opportunity. Opportunity is out there.” Philip Taylor

In this episode of the Stormwater World Podcast, host Ty Garmon talks with Philip Taylor about his more than 30 years of experience in stormwater management, from early fieldwork in New Zealand and engineering roles in the UK to helping shape the proprietary stormwater market in the United States. Phil shares how stormwater regulation evolved from a flood focused mindset to one centered on water quality, transparency, and performance driven design, while also highlighting ongoing challenges with fragmented regulations and site level approaches that fail to reflect watershed scale realities. The conversation explores the growing importance of real time data, active flow control, and instrumentation, as well as how artificial intelligence is beginning to influence stormwater modeling, design, and decision making. Phil also reflects on launching his consulting practice, Streamline LLC, and closes with advice for younger professionals to seek broad experience, stay adaptable, and view change as an opportunity rather than a threat.

The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.

Connect with Phillip Taylor:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/p-taylor/

Email: pxtaylor@gmail.com

Website: https://stline.us/

Connect with Ty Garmon, LEED AP:

Connect with Ty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tygarmon/

Sign up to be a guest: https://forms.gle/whijSz9Tio3iZda57

Check out The Stormwater World Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9hVXVJ5oXplf_V9XOPpR6A

Podcast Website: https://stormwaterworld.com

Stay Informed! Sign-up for the Stormwater World Newsletter: https://stormwaterworld.com/newsletter-sign-up/

Please don't forget to rate, comment, and subscribe to Stormwater World Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!