Stormwater Week hosts more than 275 industry professionals
Published: May 22, 2025 12:00 AM
By Dustin Duncan
The Auburn University - Stormwater Research Facility hosted more than 275 stormwater professionals earlier this month during Stormwater Week, offering training, demonstrations and the latest research in stormwater management.
Held May 13-15 at the research facility in Opelika, the event included the Erosion and Sediment Control Installer Training on Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by Stormwater Field Day on Thursday.
Michael Perez, director of the Stormwater Research Facility and Brasfield & Gorrie associate professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, said the installer training is a smaller event focusing on hands-on instruction for field professionals.
“The field day is geared toward all stormwater audiences — installers, inspectors, designers and regulators — and we showcase research findings,” Perez said. “We also invite manufacturers to showcase their innovative products in the field. During both events, we simulate storm events so participants can see firsthand how different practices perform.”
Perez said the week aims to demonstrate a wide range of stormwater techniques, including, in some cases, what not to do.
“We show the good, the bad and the ugly, and it shows participants what works, what doesn’t and why,” he said. “By educating stormwater professionals, we’re promoting better stormwater management practices. This, in turn, leads to more effective and cost-efficient stormwater management while protecting downstream resources from pollution.”
The May 2025 installer training and field day marked the 18th and 19th major training events hosted by the facility. To date, faculty and staff have trained more than 1,850 participants.
“Training is a major part of what we do here at the Auburn University - Stormwater Research Facility,” Perez said. “We’re committed to setting the gold standard for stormwater management through cutting-edge research, best practices and hands-on learning.”
Media Contact: , dzd0065@auburn.edu, 334-844-2326
A participant at Auburn University - Stormwater Research Facility’s Stormwater Week sprays chemicals during a demonstration.
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