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!

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.

• 00:01 Ty introduces Andy and his background in geology, hydrology, and stormwater compliance.

• 01:50 Andy describes his early career in soil and groundwater remediation and the path that led him into stormwater.

• 04:49 Andy explains why stormwater work is meaningful for him and how he helps facilities navigate regulatory complexity.

• 09:04 Third party lawsuits and the emotional and financial burden they place on businesses.

• 10:56 Which sectors are affected most: primarily industrial facilities in California.

• 14:15 Breakdown of the Clean Water Act, benchmark levels, and how ambiguous standards create vulnerability.

• 20:57 Discussion of outdated benchmark levels from a 1992 study.

• 27:57 Is this only a California issue? Why California sees the vast majority of lawsuits.

• 30:14 How to prepare clients, documentation, training, and meeting the permit to strengthen negotiation positions.

• 34:09 A case involving a backyard t-shirt maker and how even tiny businesses can be pulled into the permit.

• 37:05 The only time Andy has seen a lawsuit go away: a massive corporation threatened to fight back in court.

• 43:46 Guidance for consultants: contracts, communication, clear roles, and professional protections.

• 55:00 Closing remarks and encouragement for professionals to join the conversation.

Andy Ellsmore

• “It is a communal and societal challenge that we have. It involves a lot of different players with a lot of different perspectives.”

• “The ambiguity in the Clean Water Act is really where a lot of this comes from.”

• “There is no protection for a permittee. You could be sued every other day or twice a day by different groups.”

• “Most clients want to be in compliance. Everybody cares about water quality.”

• “You are putting a large target on your back by complying with the stormwater rules.”

In this episode of the Stormwater World Podcast, Ty Garmon talks with licensed professional geologist Andy Ellsmore about the complex world of stormwater compliance and the growing impact of third party lawsuits on industrial facilities, particularly in California. Andy explains how ambiguous Clean Water Act standards, outdated benchmark levels, and limited regulatory enforcement create an environment where nonprofits fill the enforcement gap through 60 day notices and costly settlements. He shares real examples of businesses blindsided by litigation, the financial and emotional toll these actions create, and practical steps both facility owners and consultants can take to protect themselves. The conversation highlights the challenges facing stormwater professionals, the need for clearer regulatory guidance, and the importance of documentation, training, and maintaining clean facilities to reduce risk..

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

Connect with Andy Ellsmore:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-ellsmore/

Email: andy@stormwater.pro

Website: https://www.stormwater.pro/ ; https://ellsmoreenv.com/

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.

• 00:00 Introduction

• 02:59 The Formation and Purpose of NMSA

• 06:00 Advocacy for MS4s at the National Level

• 09:10 Challenges and Resources for Local MS4 Programs

• 12:01 Training and Support for MS4s

• 15:00 The Importance of National Presence for Local Issues

• 17:52 Membership Structure and Benefits

• 21:06 National Stormwater Day and Its Significance

• 32:06 Stormwater Awareness Initiatives

• 34:10 Celebrating Stormwater Professionals

• 36:05 Recognizing Stormwater Champions

• 38:03 Engaging the Community in Stormwater Awareness

• 39:55 Membership Importance in Stormwater Organizations

• 41:20 Emeritus Membership and Institutional Knowledge

• 44:10 Introduction to STEPP Program

• 49:07 The Value of the Stormwater Sector

• 53:32 Moving Stormwater to the Adult Table

• Ty Garmon (08:40): “Nobody cares about stormwater unless it’s coming in their house.”

• Seth Brown (12:49): “We advocate as a 501c3 for our mission… to try to support MS4s… and make them more technically effective, more cost effective…”

• Seth Brown (23:02): “we don’t want to have a bioretention facility become considered waters of the US.”

• Seth Brown (47:xx): “can think of [STEP] as the consumer reports for stormwater infrastructure.”

In this episode of the Stormwater World Podcast, Ty Garmon talks with Dr. Seth Brown, Executive Director of NMSA, about why the alliance formed to give MS4 programs a unified national voice, how it advocates on issues like PFAS liability and Waters of the U.S., and the practical tools it offers members. They cover NMSA’s low-cost training and tracking, the open MS4 resource library, and membership options that fit both Phase I and Phase II communities. Seth explains National Stormwater Day on November 16 and how it recognizes the launch of the MS4 program while offering a free webinar and updates from Centers of Excellence. They dig into STEP, NMSA’s third-party testing effort meant to deliver clear, apples-to-apples performance data for proprietary BMPs. The episode closes with a call for stormwater to move from reactive work to proactive leadership and to claim its seat at the table.

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

Connect with Seth Brown:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethbrownpe/

Email:

Website: https://ms4nmsa.org/; https://nationalstormwateralliance.org/nmsa-resources/

National Stormwater Day: https://nationalstormwateralliance.org/nmsa-resources/

Stormwater Testing and Evaluation for Products & Practices (STEPP) https://ms4nmsa.org/stepp/ or https://stormwatertesting.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.

• Flexamat design: Concrete blocks with embedded geogrid over erosion control blankets. Designed to vegetate through 30 percent openings. Mowable surface when established.

• Install made simple: Delivered in wide, custom-length rolls. Unroll with an excavator. Start at outlets with an 18-inch trench, toe-in the terminal edge, and place tails so flow pushes into the overlap.

• Where it shines: Channels, slopes, shorelines, emergency spillways, riverbanks, WWTPs, drivable surfaces, airports, pipelines, landfills.

• Cost vs riprap: Riprap often wins on first cost, but repeated failure and maintenance can flip lifecycle value in Flexamat’s favor.

• Maintenance: Minimal after establishment. Mow if desired.

• Ron Geater: “My clients seem to prefer a material that’s a set it, forget it. You put it in, it works, you walk away.”

• Ron Geater: “There is no maintenance. If you do not want a two-foot stand of grass, then mow it.”

• Ron Geater: “All you need is a decent sized excavator to pick it up, place it, and use the bucket to unroll it.”

• Host (Ty): “Go watch the excavator set the roll and just bump the bucket to let it glide. It is the best.”

• Ron Geater: “Put ‘manufacturer’s rep on site at start of installation’ in the specs. If I am there, you are not going to have a failure.”

In this episode of the Stormwater World Podcast, Ty Garmon interviews Ron Geater from Motz Enterprises to discuss Flexamat, a vegetated hard armor solution for erosion control. They explore the product's features, benefits, installation process, real-world applications, cost comparisons with traditional solutions, and best practices for maintenance and installation. Ron shares success stories and challenges faced in the field, emphasizing the importance of proper installation to avoid failures. The conversation highlights the innovative nature of Flexamat and its role in sustainable stormwater management.

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

Connect with Ron Geater:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-geater-1a188045/

Email: ron@flexamat.com

Website: https://www.flexamat.com/

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.

00:00 Welcome, Guest intro, and session goals “Today we’re gonna talk about achieving SWPPP success and really using sustainable BMPs to achieve results.” ~Joe Moore

05:10 What sustainability means per EPA “To pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony.” ~Joe Moore

08:02 Why stormwater was early to sustainability

10:00 Geotextiles 101 and microplastics concerns

14:59 USFWS 2022 findings on plastic netting and silt fence

18:01 Better specifications and installation details that matter “Are we impacting the animals in a negative way? The answer is of course yes.” ~Joe Moore

23:33 Jobsite realities: straw wattles, wildlife, roadway safety

25:04 Five technologies to know: B-netting, Flexamat, FODS, GatorBox, permeable systems “We really wanted to design one that could be left behind.” ~Joe Moore

33:43 Post-construction ideas: manage runoff where it falls

35:03 Global water context and why choices matter

40:00 Spec book gaps and a Virginia update example

44:01 FAQ: cost and whole-life value versus first cost

46:12 FAQ: regulatory adoption and landfill fate “We gotta pivot and do it a little differently, or put a little bit more forethought.” ~Ty

51:10 Joe’s personal why and first-fish story “I’m a clean water freak.” ~Joe Moore

“The first one of the trip always gets a kiss on the lips.” ~Joe Moore

In this episode, Stormwater World host Ty hosts Joe Moore of Siltworm and ECS to dig into practical sustainability for construction stormwater. Joe discusses what “sustainable” really means in stormwater practice, especially for SWPPP design that protects water, wildlife, and budgets over the full lifecycle. They unpack risks from polymer-based BMPs, including microplastics and wildlife entanglement, and highlight U.S. Fish and Wildlife guidance favoring loose-weave or natural-fiber blanket options. Joe walks through practical alternatives such as biodegradable perimeter controls, vegetated hard-armor like Flexamat, reusable entrance mats from FODS, and portable dewatering units like GatorBox, while stressing that long-term maintenance and risk often outweigh lower upfront costs. The conversation closes with data trends, why many spec books lag field reality, and Joe’s personal “why” for clean water.

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

Connect with Joe Moore:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemoore6/

Email: jmoore@siltworm.com

Website: https://erosionconstructionsolutions.com/

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!