NGICP seal

Click to visit the new NGICP.org

In July, DC Water and the Water Environment Federation (WEF) launched a website for the National Green Infrastructure Certification Program (NGICP). This program, which is in development, is a national certification for green infrastructure (GI) construction, inspection, and maintenance workers.

The website, www.ngicp.org, is the best resource for the latest program news and updates; access to valuable industry and certification resources; and links to a range of regional training opportunities.

Since announcing the project in February, DC Water, WEF, and a group of national NGICP Partnering Organizations have been working to develop the

  • program structure,
  • components, and
  • requirements on an expedited schedule.

NGICP expects the first certifications in early 2017. The program is being designed to meet international best practice standards and the certification — including a requirement for regular recertification — will verify that individuals performing the installation, inspection, and maintenance of GI have the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to support long-term performance and sustainability of these systems.

“A workforce that is skilled in the complete lifecycle of green infrastructure is core to the success of DC Water’s green infrastructure implementation and the work being implemented across the nation,” said DC Water CEO and General Manager George S. Hawkins. “The National GI Certification Program will help to support long-term performance of green infrastructure and support local, sustainable jobs.”

The website will reflect the current state of the NGICP development and is expected to feature the following:

  • A downloadable NGICP Body of Knowledge that provides a targeted list of existing resources on GI construction, inspection, and maintenance, including specific topics related to the certification knowledge and skills areas;
  • Resources to help individuals navigate through the application and exam processes;
  • NGICP eligibility requirements and downloadable certification application;
  • Links to regional training opportunities offered through the nationwide NGICP Partnering Organizations; and
  • Exam blueprint information.

Housed under the WEF Stormwater Institute, the NGICP is being developed with the support of a growing number of utilities to help advance the program nationwide.

Current NGICP Partnering Organizations include

  • Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (Wis.),
  • Montgomery County (Md.),
  • Kansas City Water Services Department (Mo.),
  • Fairfax County (Va.),
  • City of Baltimore Department of Public Works,
  • Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District (Ky.),
  • San Francisco Public Utilities Commission,
  • Capital Region Water (Pa.), and
  • the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

For more information, please visit www.ngicp.org or contact ngicp@wef.org.