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10 Questions on Licensing for Irrigation Professionals | ICLI Landsculptor Article | ICLI Purpose Document | What Licensing Will Do For The Irrigation Professional | View our Slideshow | ICLI Processing Flowchart | Licensing Language First Draft | Licensing Language Revision1 | Irrigation Board Duties Irrigation Contractor Licensing Initiative for Landscape & Turf Professionals Not all that long ago MGIA carried out the largest survey of irrigation contractors in Michigan on the subject of licensing and certification. The results showed contractors were overwhelmingly in favor of licensing. Better quality contractors and installations, professionalizing industry, consumer protection, and education are the outcomes that contractors are looking forward to with licensing. In December of 2006, a group of industry men and women met to discuss the effort and resolve needed to take licensing from concept to reality. This group evolved into a joint committee of the Michigan Green Industry Association, Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association, and the Irrigation Association. The effort has been titled, “Irrigation Contractor Licensing Initiative for Landscape and Turf Professionals”, ICLI for short. ICLI committee is comprised of members with all aspects of irrigation backgrounds along with the Executive Directors of MGIA and MNLA and IA’s Director of State and Affiliate Relations. Our legislative support is being provided by Eric Rule of the Michigan Retailers Association and Scott Faustyn of Karoub & Associates. Since 2006 the committee has worked to construct the language needed for a license which makes sense to contractors, protects the public, and embraces Green sensibility in irrigation. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s document, “Best Management Practices for Non-Agricultural Irrigation” has been one of the reference authorities guiding the effort. Public health issues relating to backflow prevention have been addressed. Pages of language from other states that have irrigation licensing have been reviewed and discussed. The strengths and weaknesses of those have been evaluated. Education is a cornerstone of any industry that looks to better itself, and an irrigator’s license would be incomplete without an educational requirement. Education will make smarter contractors in many ways, including better business people. Education must be a requirement for licensing. Why a license now? There a several, but the major reasons are to protect the consumer, protect the water supply, and to take control of an industry without regulation. For those that enjoy the idea of “no rules” keep in mind the case of Illinois contractors that woke up one morning needing a plumbers license to perform irrigation, even to replace a broken sprinkler head on a residential home. Tens of thousands of dollars later the industry woke up to fight and make changes. Doing nothing allows the industry to be blindsided by restrictions that we may not be able to change. Without an effective voice we may as well stand mute. Licensing gives us that voice in no uncertain terms. Those of us in the irrigation industry realize the responsibility that is placed on our shoulders with the public water supply. During peak summer months our systems utilize 60% of all domestic water. Our efforts to responsibly maintain Michigan’s landscapes, parks, and athletic fields require all of the elements of best management practices to succeed. Michigan’s legislators have their focus on the protection of the Great Lakes and we as stewards of that water need to show our solidarity. Licensing will provide equal footing for all contractors when it comes to the rules, something we do not have currently. If ABC Company spends the time and money for a professional design, uses top quality components, trains his employees and hires a licensed plumber for the backflow work, how can he compete against XYZ Company that does none of this? Your Support The success of ICLI depends on the support industry puts behind it. Your support can make the difference. Our leaders in Lansing need to hear from you. If you do not already know who your representatives are, make a point to do so. They are pleased to hear from their constituents and will respond. There is not a better example of a grassroots effort making a difference than with the recent attempt by our legislators to pass a Service Tax on services. The outpouring of disapproval overwhelmingly caused this issue to be defeated. We need this kind of support from our industry and the public as well. Your voice can go a long way not only with your representative, but with your customers. Let them know how licensing will benefit them by improving contractor knowledge and installation techniques. Your customer will appreciate your professionalism and you will benefit from their confidence in you. Your comments are welcomed at workgroup@michiganicli.com Irrigation Contractors Licensing Initiative Purpose The average single-family suburban home uses at least 30 percent of its water for outdoor irrigation while mid-summer watering can account for up to 60 percent of daily domestic water usage. Some experts estimate that more than 50 percent of landscape water is wasted due to evaporation, wind, or over-watering. An efficient landscape irrigation system requires not only water-efficient products, but also proper design, installation, maintenance, and auditing. As irrigation contractors we are stewards of Michigan’s water, one of our most precious natural resources. Licensing legislation sets certain minimum standards for education, dues, insurance, and quality to be met by licensed contractors. Through this licensing, there will be a reduction of water used and an education to the end-user through the proper training of the irrigation contractor. Conservation and environmental efforts Managed irrigation water will curtail run off, minimizing introduction of phosphorus and other fertilizer and pesticide contamination of rivers, lakes, and streams. Water management practices and water efficiency measures will be economically feasible based on both environmental and economic concerns. Licensing will:
Jobs Licensing will:
Education A licensed irrigator will need to complete required education credits similar to existing Pesticide Applicator’s License and pass exams similar to existing Plumbers Licensing requirements. Enforcement The Irrigation Board shall create a plan of various strategies that will include enforcement. The plan will include advantages and disadvantages of these strategies. Penalties for non-compliance will be included. Consumer Protection/Public Harm Licensing will:
In Closing The Michigan irrigation industry has operated without any standards or regulatory framework, leaving the Michigan consumer and the Michigan environment vulnerable to the negative impacts of over watering. In order to mitigate the negative issues, we must act to establish a system of accountability for landscape irrigation professionals, focused on reducing and/or eliminating waste. This solution is being offered from the stakeholders who are committed to improving landscape water use practices. Supporting such efforts is beneficial to all parties in the form of reductions in water consumption and runoff. What Licensing Will Do For The Irrigation Professional The ICLI Committee is currently working on language that will form the basis of a licensing bill to be sent to our lawmakers in Lansing. As a part of that language, the following areas are being addressed:
Your support of this initiative is vital to a successful and important part of the Michigan Irrigation Industry. Show your support by signing our petition, or call 248-646-4992 in the Eastern Michigan Area, or 800-879-6652 in Western Michigan Area. ICLI Slideshow ICLI Process Flowchart - click on chart to view larger
Licensing Language Revision1 Requested Changes to 03597’07 Draft 1 Pg. 2
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Irrigation Board Duties June 10, 2008 The Board will write the Application and Test to be licensed in the State of Michigan
Discipline
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Irrigation Fund
10 Questions on Licensing for Irrigation Professionals with Rep. Tim Melton By: Kenneth Treacher, ICLI Committee Chairman Paul Hollow, ICLI Committee Member On a very cold and snowy day in January, Paul and I met with Representative Tim Melton (D- Pontiac & Auburn Hills) at his office in Pontiac. Representative Melton has been very supportive and helpful in assisting with our efforts to improve the irrigation industry in Michigan. At this meeting we discussed several topics related to irrigation and the prospect of licensing irrigation professionals. Many irrigation contractors have been hoping that at some time in their careers they would have the opportunity to see a licensing requirement happen. It would seem that now is as good a time as possible to see this through. The ICLI committee has been working on a solution for over two years now, and recognize that there is still a a lot of hurdles ahead. What obstacles are we likely to encounter with Legislators? What is our toughest fight? Where will we find Support? “Identity. You must work to let your representatives know who you are and what your problems are. Your elected officials are there to help, but they need to know who you are first. Those in support of this effort will need to take the time to contact their representatives and make them aware of your needs. Environmental groups will favor reduction in water waste and run-off.” According to an MGIA survey conducted of Michigan irrigation contractors, about 80% of them are in favor of licensing. What can be said to the other 20%? “You can’t please everyone, although you try. If you were giving away ice cream to 100 people, 20 of them would probably not be happy with the flavor. If licensing is the right thing for irrigators, others may be slow to get on board, but eventually will see the benefit.” Would you favor a set of standards or Best Management Practices for a licensed irrigation industry? “Best Management Practices that give the consumer choices. It should not limit choices for contractors and should not mandate specific standards but rather create an environment that allows the industry to adopt voluntary guidelines.” You have served on various committees including those addressing water issues. Has non-agricultural irrigation come up in those meetings? “No. As mentioned earlier you need to work to make your industry known. People just don’t know who you are.” Many contractors are hoping for a “fast-track” to licensing. Is this a “slow and steady wins the race” or is there a possibility of rapid turnaround? “It could go either way. With 40 new members and each bringing 10 or so legislative requests, things can be slow.” So, will having these new members help or hurt our efforts? “It will allow for more favorable opportunity. You are dealing with an environmental issue. Sustainability and Green issues are on everyone’s radar, such as LEED. You have a water issue which falls into those categories.” I am glad you mentioned LEED. The point system for a LEED certified project favors no irrigation at all. This is obviously not in the best interest of irrigation professionals. “All the more reason to seek support from environmental and conservation groups for your effort. You need to identify how your industry can save water, reduce run-off of chemicals, pollutants, and water. The success of any licensing program is measured by the enforcement of the program. With the current economic climate will there be funds available to make it work? “No. In order for this to work, it needs to be self funded. Your industry needs to bring these issues to light and get the support of other groups. Finding common ground is important with them so that issues of funding can be explored. It is also important to note that the stakeholders want to have this and are willing to pay for it” Where do you feel our best path lies to reach our goal? “There are possibilities in various areas which need to be explored. Once the language is back from the Legislative Services Bureau, and after any revisions are completed, convening a workgroup of stakeholders, regulatory authority, and others should happen. This will be an important step in establishing the common ground we spoke about. In addition, you need to get the support of a state Senator.” Do you have any comments or suggestions which will help our initiative? “This is a water issue and water is a very hot topic in Michigan. Getting the support of other water and environmental groups is very important. You should show how this has been handled by other states and how effective it has been. Work to show that improvement is needed and is possible, and that the net result is positive.” Thank you for your time and support Representative Melton. At this year’s MGIA Trade Show and Convention an informative presentation that updates industry on our progress and what to expect in the upcoming months will happen on March 3, 2009 and the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, Michigan. Please mark your calendar to attend. You can find much more information at our website: www.michiganicli.com Your comments are welcomed at icliworkgroup@michiganicli.com Landsculptor Magazine, March 2009 www.landscape.org
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