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Effective training is a key element in building the capabilities of environmental management programs. Our combination of expertise in environmental policy analysis and training makes us uniquely qualified to develop and deliver effective training courses. IEc has extensive experience designing and presenting high quality training programs for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other state and federal agencies in the United States. We have also been called upon to train environmental managers in Eastern European countries who are developing new environmental programs and policies. Topics covered by training programs designed and delivered by IEc staff range from the principles of risk assessment and risk management to the analytic methods for evaluating an entity's ability to pay for environmental noncompliance penalties. IEc's approach to developing training programs is characterized by extensive early planning with our clients to ensure that final programs meet the needs and objectives of both the clients and the intended audiences. Moreover, we strive to provide training programs that emphasize active participation by the trainees through the use of case studies, interactive exercises, extensive opportunities for discussion, and role plays. Some of our training programs use a model of training the trainers, thus leveraging the initial investment and promoting sustainability.
Risk Communication Training
IEc staff developed EPA’s three-day risk communications training program and has taught the course to headquarters and regional staff throughout the country. In addition, IEc staff have developed and delivered specialized courses to EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, Office of Pesticide Programs, and Office of Solid Waste. IEc has also developed and delivered risk communication training programs for the U.S. Navy and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). For the Navy, IEc has developed an online version of the course that sailors can take wherever they might be, a 2.5 day Introductory Course and a 2 day Advanced Course. For the Massachusetts DPH, IEc has developed three separate one-day courses; a Basic Course, an Advanced Course, and a course that focuses on the risk communication issues associated with special populations. The courses include several role-play exercises as well as extensive use of videotaped material, as a way to spur discussion. In addition, the courses use videotapes of class exercises that allow participants to review and critique their performance in different situations.
Enforcement Training
IEc developed and regularly conducts in person and internet (“Webinar”) based training programs to assist EPA regional offices, as well as state and local government agencies, in establishing penalties for environmental enforcement actions. The training specifically focuses on use of five EPA computer models that are a basis for establishing the economic benefit that a violator may have obtained through noncompliance (BEN); the ability of a violator to pay a penalty or for clean-up expenditures (ABEL, MuniPay, and Beyond ABEL); and to estimate the present value cost of supplemental environmental projects (PROJECT). For each of these programs, IEc has developed training materials and sample problems that instruct personnel in the proper application of the models, financial analysis techniques, and negotiating strategies. IEc provides continuing support through a Helpline that it maintains under contract to EPA.
Program Evaluation Training
IEc developed a training course for EPA officials on the basic components of program evaluation and its use in complying with the provisions of the GPRA. The course serves as a useful primer on the GPRA and its role in effective strategic planning. IEc has provided adapted versions of the training to several EPA program offices.
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