The Raindrop Connection with John Teravskis

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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/

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

Podcast Website: https://stormwaterworld.com

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