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• 20:57 Discussion of outdated benchmark levels from a 1992 study.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 Andy explains how ambiguous Clean Water Act standards, outdated benchmark levels, and limited regulatory enforcement create an environment where nonprofits fill the enforcement gap through 60 day notices and costly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!

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.

[00:02:00] Introduction to Jamie McCutchen and Rymar Waterworks

[00:05:00] Basics of Skimmer Basin Design Jamie outlines the three fundamental principles: basin volume, dewatering time, and flow rate.

[00:08:00] State Standards for Sediment Basins

[00:13:00] Why Specifying Skimmer Flow Rates Matters “If you just say ‘three-inch skimmer’ and don’t specify the flow rate, you might end up with one that flows half or double what you intended.” — Jamie McCutchen

[00:14:00] Free Skimmer Design Tools from Rymar Jamie walks through their web-based tool to help engineers specify acceptable flow ranges and choose the right skimmer.

[00:21:00] Good vs. Bad Skimmer Installations

[00:23:00] Using Skimmers for Post-Construction “If we’re pulling water from the surface during construction, which is cleaner, why not do that post-construction too?” — Jamie McCutchen

[00:28:00] Modeling Skimmers in HydroFlow

[00:32:00] Filtration-Based Water Quality Design Jamie introduces a two-stage filtration skimmer system designed to handle flow up to the two-year storm event and tested to ASTM standards.

[00:38:00] Benefits of Skimmer + Filtration Systems “You're treating even the smallest trickles, not just first flush volumes. And the skimmer makes filter maintenance much easier.” — Jamie McCutchen

[00:42:00] Volume-Based vs. Filtration-Based Design Comparison

[00:51:00] Summary of Results “With the filtration skimmer system, you're reducing pond size, treating more runoff, and improving water quality.” — Jamie McCutchen

[00:53:00] The Marlee Float and Digital Sitebox

[01:00:00] The Origin of the Marlee Float “My daughter Marlee was elbowing me all night and I couldn’t sleep. That’s when I thought of the skimmer design.” — Jamie McCutchen

In this episode of Stormwater World Live, host Ty speaks with Jamie McCutchen, P.E., founder of Rymar Waterworks, about the design and application of skimmers in stormwater drainage systems. Jamie explains the fundamentals of skimmer basin design for both construction and post-construction use, emphasizing the importance of flow rate specification and sharing examples from state guidelines. He introduces a new filtration-based design that improves water quality treatment by combining surface-level skimming with a two-stage filter, supported by ASTM-tested results. The discussion includes practical modeling steps using HydroFlow, tips on skimmer installation, and a comparison of filtration-based versus volume-based water quality designs. Jamie also shares the origin story behind the Marlee Float and highlights innovations like the Digital Sitebox for jobsite compliance.

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

Connect with Jamie McCutchen:

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

Website: https://rymarwaterworks.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!

Stormwater World Episode 052: Company Culture, Sales Processes, AI & more! with Dan Strauss from Syman Erosion Control

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.

[00:02:00] – Meet Dan Strauss Ty introduces Dan.

[00:04:00] – Business in the Stormwater World Dan discusses a gap in the industry:

“We’re really not talking about business. We’re not talking about why we’re all here: because we want to make money.” — Dan Strauss

[00:07:00] – Becoming Employee-Owned Dan explains Syman’s growth:

“We went from having two people in the business and now we have about 85.” — Dan Strauss

[00:13:00] – Sales & Marketing in Technical Fields Dan emphasizes the importance of outreach:

“You can’t just go to a conference and say, ‘cool, check this out.’” — Dan Strauss “Best known beats best.” — Ty

[00:18:00] – Hiring Matrix & Growth Strategy Dan on professionalizing operations:

“If you feel like you want to grow, you need help. We recently have come up with a hiring matrix.” — Dan Strauss

[00:24:00] – Maintaining Company Culture Dan shares how they retain team morale:

“A lot of it has to do with autonomy. Here’s the tools you need to do your job, and then walk away.” — Dan Strauss

[00:29:00] – What Syman Erosion Control Does Dan gives the overview:

“We design from the ground up.” — Dan Strauss

[00:32:00] – AI in Stormwater Dan and Ty discuss how AI can enhance productivity.

[00:38:00] – Using AI to Train Teams

“How do we extrapolate that information out of someone’s head unless he’s sitting here with me training me?” — Dan Strauss

[00:46:00] – Technology, Drones & Inspection Dan on evolving practices:

“They were using the AI software to identify BMPs. It is making us money.” — Dan Strauss

[00:50:00] – What’s Next for Syman

“Our next big thing is opening up our fourth location, that’s going to trigger our executive team to change a little bit.” — Dan Strauss

In this episode of the Stormwater World Podcast, Ty interviews Dan Strauss, Business Development Manager at Syman Erosion Control. They explore the intersection of business development, company culture, and technology in the stormwater industry. Dan shares how Syman grew from two people to an employee-owned company with over 85 staff, highlighting the importance of hiring intentionally, maintaining a strong culture through autonomy and leadership, and using tools like AI to streamline training and operations. The conversation also touches on how the industry could benefit from more focus on business growth and marketing at conferences, and how AI is already reshaping how stormwater professionals access and apply information.

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

Connect with Dan Strauss:

Email: d.strauss@symaninc.com

Website: https://symancompany.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.

[00:02:00] Introduction Ty introduces Dr. Kyla Wood as “the Wizard of Flocculent,” and she kicks off her technical presentation.

[00:04:00] Origins and Safety of PAM Dr. Wood explains how polyacrylamides (PAMs) originated in mining and have been adapted for stormwater.

“What we really focus on is making sure we’re using high-quality products that have been toxicity tested” – Dr. Kyla Wood

[00:06:00] Why Use Flocculants? Discussing why traditional BMPs often fall short in treating fine particles like silts and clays.

“Even when we do everything right, we can have a pretty high turbidity.” – Dr. Kyla Wood

[00:10:00] What Is Polyacrylamide (PAM)? A deep dive into PAM’s uses, safety profile, and why anionic forms are preferred in passive treatment systems.

[00:14:00] How PAM Works: The Science of Flocculation Explains the polymer chain reaction and visual examples of clear vs. untreated water.

“It kind of looks like a grain of sand, when it gets wet, it'll unwind.” – Dr. Kyla Wood

[00:17:00] Ensuring Safe Use: Product Selection and Certification Key considerations: anionic charge, toxicity testing, and NSF certification.

[00:19:00] Fundamentals for Effective Use Formulation, dosage, mixing time, and flock capture techniques.

“One polymer does not work on all soil and water.” – Dr. Kyla Wood

[00:27:00] Polymer-Enhanced BMPs Use of flocculants in erosion control, sediment basins, and drain treatments.

[00:43:00] Enhanced Vegetation & Hydro Seeding The role of PAM in plant growth and hydro seeding applications.

[00:45:00] Lesser-Known Uses: Demucking & Dust Control Unique and practical applications of PAM for sediment removal and reducing dust.

“PAM offers a really great non-salt option.” – Dr. Kyla Wood

[00:51:00] Final Thoughts Ty and Kyla wrap up the session with appreciation and a nod to upcoming experiments.

“Use us as a resource if you have any questions, that’s what we’re here for.” – Dr. Kyla Wood

In this episode of the Stormwater World Podcast, Ty hosts Dr. Kyla Wood, Chief Science Officer at Applied Polymer Systems, for a technical deep dive into flocculants, specifically anionic polyacrylamide (PAM), and their role in stormwater management and erosion control. Dr. Wood explains how PAM works at the molecular level to bind fine particles like clay and metal, improving water clarity and enhancing traditional BMPs. She shares practical guidance on formulation, dosage, mixing, and flock capture, as well as real-world examples of polymer-enhanced BMPs, erosion control techniques, and innovative uses like demucking and dust suppression. The episode emphasizes environmental safety, regulatory compliance, and the importance of proper product selection and application.

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

Connect with Dr. Kyla Wood, PhD:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyla-iwinski-wood-phd-958890228/

Website: https://www.apsfloc.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!