The Stormwater World Podcast

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.
Time Stamps
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20:57  Discussion of outdated benchmark levels from a 1992 study.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.
Quotes
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 Andy explains how ambiguous Clean Water Act standards, outdated benchmark levels, and limited regulatory enforcement create an environment where nonprofits fill the enforcement gap through 60 day notices and costly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.
Time Stamps
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 
Quotes
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.
Key Takeaways
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. 
Quotes
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.
Key Points Discussed
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 B2B Visibility & Digital Marketing, making a difference in stormwater 1 click at a time? Check them out at DigitalStormwater.com 
Key Points Discussed
00:02 – Introduction: Ty introduces John and highlights his new book.
“John wrote an encyclopedia for stormwater. No, I’m just kidding. He wrote a book and we want to talk about that book.” – Ty Garmon
01:56 – Why Write a Book? John explains his motivation and how California’s credentialing requirements played a role.
04:20 – Credentials and Experience: John details his background, licensing, and the importance of underlying certifications.
11:17 – SWPPPs as Dot-to-Dot Drawings John compares writing SWPPPs to kindergarten dot-to-dot exercises.
“Each little thing we do on a job site when it comes to stormwater management isn’t a standalone event. They all interrelate, they all connect.” – John Teravskis
15:26 – The Donut Counter Analogy John explains how formulaic SWPPPs can overlook pollutants.
19:10 – Common Disconnects Discussion of static SWPPPs, vague specifications, and the importance of detail.
25:39 – Beyond California The book includes requirements for all 50 states.
29:01 – Resources and Templates John shares that the book comes with SWPPP templates and supporting reference tools.
33:23 – Re-Categorizing BMPs John introduces “raindrop BMPs,” “speed bump BMPs,” and others for easier understanding.
“Fast moving water is the enemy of erosion control. So we were very intentional about recategorizing these BMPs.” – John Teravskis
35:28 – The Maintenance Challenge Conversation about implementation and team buy-in.
“You’re talking about the biggest disconnect of them all. This is where most programs become disconnected.” – John Teravskis
40:55 – Who the Book is For: John explains that he wrote it with construction workers in mind, but it’s valuable for professionals across the stormwater field.
47:00 – Acknowledgments John thanks his company and peer reviewers who helped shape the book.
49:32 – Dedication Ty reads the dedication from the book, emphasizing its purpose for those who want to understand the “whys and hows.”
50:47 – New App: GetStorm.io;  John introduces an upcoming SWPPP-writing app designed to support stormwater professionals.
In this episode of the Stormwater World Podcast, Ty welcomes back John Teravskis of WGR Southwest to talk about his new book, The Raindrop Connection. John shares the story behind writing the book and explains why connecting the “dots” of stormwater management is essential for effective SWPPP programs. He highlights the risks of formulaic approaches and the importance of collaborative SWPPPs. The conversation covers nationwide applicability and John’s upcoming SWPPP-writing app, offering stormwater professionals practical tools to strengthen compliance and field implementation.
 
The views expressed are those of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies, past, present, or future.
Connect with John Teravskis:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-teravskis-5aaa9339/
Stormwater Awareness Week on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7198777181257240576/comments/
Website: https://www.stormwaterawareness.org/
Monthly Dirt newsletter: https://wgr-sw.com/lists/?p=subscribe&id=1
Book: https://amzn.to/4g7th7G
WGR Southwest: https://wgr-sw.com/
SWPPP Radio: https://swpppradio.org/
App: GetStorm.io
 
Connect with Ty Garmon, LEED AP: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tygarmon/
Sign up to be a guest: https://forms.gle/whijSz9Tio3iZda57
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.
Key Points Discussed
[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.
Key Points Discussed
[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.
Key Points Discussed
[00:02:00] IntroductionTy introduces Dr. Kyla Wood as “the Wizard of Flocculent,” and she kicks off her technical presentation.
[00:04:00] Origins and Safety of PAMDr. 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 FlocculationExplains 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 CertificationKey considerations: anionic charge, toxicity testing, and NSF certification.
[00:19:00] Fundamentals for Effective UseFormulation, 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 BMPsUse of flocculants in erosion control, sediment basins, and drain treatments.
[00:43:00] Enhanced Vegetation & Hydro SeedingThe role of PAM in plant growth and hydro seeding applications.
[00:45:00] Lesser-Known Uses: Demucking & Dust ControlUnique 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 ThoughtsTy 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!

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.
Key Points Discussed
00:00 – 03:40 | Opening and Introduction • Ty warms up the crowd and introduces his background in stormwater and digital strategy.
05:21 – 07:49 | Gauging AI Use in the Room • Ty surveys the audience’s experience with AI. • Introduces the session goal: show tactical uses of AI, especially ChatGPT.
07:49 – 10:15 | Why Prompts Matter • The better the input, the better the output. • Uses stormwater inspection report examples to illustrate prompting quality. Quote: "The quality of the answers you get from AI depends on the quality of the questions you ask. It's not the AI, it's you." – Ty Garmon
10:15 – 12:40 | Real-World Applications in Stormwater • Use AI to: Write reports; Summarize PDFs; Simplify language for stakeholders; Create outreach content; Clarify technical informationQuote: "What if you could say, ‘Hey, could you summarize this and explain it back to me as a five-year-old?’" – Ty Garmon
12:40 – 14:38 | The New Capabilities of AI Tools • ChatGPT now remembers conversations, acts like a second brain. • Shares how shared accounts can confuse context.
14:38 – 17:50 | Prompting Principles • Add detail • Give it a role and audience • Define the output format • Ask for clarifying questions • Iterate through conversation Quote: "Tell it who it is. You're a stormwater expert, you're speaking to engineers." – Ty Garmon
17:50 – 21:35 | Fine-Tuning the AI’s Voice • Use personality types to guide tone. • Recommends 16personalities.com and using your own personality in prompts. 
22:33 – 29:19 | Live Q&A and Data Privacy • Audience questions around SWPPP support, privacy, and ethical use. • Ty explains OpenAI’s privacy policy, toggling web access, and content citation tools. Quote: “Never copy and paste anything that I get and assume it's rock solid... have AI double-check the other AI." – Ty Garmon
29:19 – End | AI-Generated Co-Presenter and Closing • Demo of AI-generated Ty using HeyGen and Eleven Labs. • QR code shared to access slides and software list.
In this episode of the Stormwater World Podcast, host Ty Garmon shares his engaging and practical presentation at the Ohio Stormwater Conference where he explains how stormwater professionals can use AI, especially ChatGPT, to save time, improve communication, and streamline workflows. Emphasizing the importance of effective prompting, Ty shares real-world applications such as writing inspection reports, simplifying regulatory language, and creating outreach content. He encourages attendees to treat AI like a new employee by offering clear, detailed instructions to get better results. Ty also introduces tools for personalizing output using personality types like ISTJ. The session concludes with a thoughtful discussion on data privacy, ethical use, and a demo of an AI-generated co-presenter, leaving attendees with actionable insights and renewed confidence in the potential of AI.
 
The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.
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!

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Key Points Discussed
00:06 Ty introduces the first live-recorded episode and Reggie Korthals from OHM.
“You're such a rock star around here... this is the first time we've ever done an episode live.” – Ty Garmon
00:55 Reggie shares the early days of Indiana’s MS4 meeting and its “friendly competition” with Ohio’s.
“With guidance from EPA Region 5, I got this going.” – Reggie Korthals
02:19 Record Attendance & History of Growth 
“This is 400 registered, the highest I've had in 17 years.” – Reggie Korthals
03:35 Ty reads a comprehensive bio of Reggie’s 25+ year career in stormwater.
06:30 Reggie recalls a formative moment with President John F. Kennedy.
“He came over and took my hand… and said, ‘Public service.’” – Reggie Korthals
08:41 She shares her role in founding the MS4 Partnership and stepping back after 17 years.
“This is my last one. I'm going to retire at 17 years.” – Reggie Korthals
11:04 Insight into Indiana’s expanding stormwater programs.
“400 is 94–96% of the permitted entities.” – Reggie Korthals
13:00 Advice for newer participants and elected officials.
15:02 Agriculture & Stormwater Intersections 
“It was very educational, understanding each other's point of view.” – Ty Garmon
15:54 Potential for broader regional partnerships and legacy reflection.
“I'd love to see Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky do something together.” – Reggie Korthals
16:53 Final Thoughts: Communicating with Electeds. Reggie emphasizes education and messaging.
“Explain what you're doing for all your constituents.” – Reggie Korthals
18:45 How to make stormwater a public priority.
“We talk to each other a lot. How do we make stormwater cool enough to get the public interested?” – Ty Garmon
19:44 Closing Reflections 
“Water doesn’t care where the MS4 ends or begins. The better we can work together as a team, the better water we can get.” – Reggie Korthals
In this episode of the Stormwater World Podcast, host Ty Garmon sits down with Reggie Korthals, a seasoned environmental professional and founder of the Indiana MS4 Partnership, to reflect on her 25+ year career in stormwater management. Reggie shares how the MS4 Annual Meeting grew from county fairgrounds to a nationally recognized event, celebrates the record-setting 400 attendees this year, and announces her upcoming retirement after 17 years of leadership. From her early inspiration by President Kennedy to her commitment to mentoring the next generation, Reggie emphasizes the importance of collaboration, clear communication with elected officials, and ongoing public education to improve water quality. Her closing message is a reminder that "water doesn’t care where the MS4 ends or begins”—underscoring the need for unified action across communities.
 
The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.
Connect with Reggie Korthals:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reggie-korthals-mpa-ms4ceci-788a49160/
Indiana MS4 Partnership LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indiana-ms4-partnership/posts/?feedView=all
Website: https://www.indianams4.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!