Did you know that this podcast is produced by Digital Stormwater? Digital Stormwater B2B Visibility & Digital Marketing, making a difference in stormwater 1 click at a time! They do all things digital. Check them out at DigitalStormwater.com because the best-known beats best every time.

Introduction and Background Ty introduces Philip Taylor and outlines his global career.

Differences Between International and US Stormwater Approaches Discussion on how US regulation, freshwater resources, and public awareness changed the way stormwater is managed.

Proprietary Stormwater Systems and Regulatory Evolution How early distrust of proprietary systems shifted toward standardized testing and approvals.

Site Level Regulation vs Watershed Scale Reality A candid discussion on regulatory fragmentation and why cumulative impacts are often misunderstood.

Instrumentation, Data, and Active Management Why real time data, monitoring, and smarter flow control are essential.

Launching Streamline LLC Phil explains his transition into consulting and focusing on strategic innovation, modeling, and advisory work.

Active Flow Control and Digital Infrastructure Partnerships, retrofitting existing infrastructure, and why active systems offer high impact with lower capital investment.

Artificial Intelligence in Stormwater and Engineering A deep dive into AI as a watershed moment, including design optimization, risks of over reliance, and how experience still matters.

Advice for the Next Generation Career guidance focused on broad experience, mobility, curiosity, and learning across disciplines and geographies.

Closing Thoughts

Change as opportunity and a teaser for future conference presentations and research.

• “Fresh water is really an asset that a country needs. It’s almost a national security issue.” Philip Taylor

• “Passive management of stormwater just won’t get us where we want to go.” Philip Taylor

• “AI is a watershed moment in human history. I don’t think people fully comprehend just how big it is yet.” Philip Taylor

• “Change is opportunity. Opportunity is out there.” Philip Taylor

In this episode of the Stormwater World Podcast, host Ty Garmon talks with Philip Taylor about his more than 30 years of experience in stormwater management, from early fieldwork in New Zealand and engineering roles in the UK to helping shape the proprietary stormwater market in the United States. Phil shares how stormwater regulation evolved from a flood focused mindset to one centered on water quality, transparency, and performance driven design, while also highlighting ongoing challenges with fragmented regulations and site level approaches that fail to reflect watershed scale realities. The conversation explores the growing importance of real time data, active flow control, and instrumentation, as well as how artificial intelligence is beginning to influence stormwater modeling, design, and decision making. Phil also reflects on launching his consulting practice, Streamline LLC, and closes with advice for younger professionals to seek broad experience, stay adaptable, and view change as an opportunity rather than a threat.

The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.

Connect with Phillip Taylor:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/p-taylor/

Email: pxtaylor@gmail.com

Website: https://stline.us/

Connect with Ty Garmon, LEED AP:

Connect with Ty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tygarmon/

Sign up to be a guest: https://forms.gle/whijSz9Tio3iZda57

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

Podcast Website: https://stormwaterworld.com

Stay Informed! Sign-up for the Stormwater World Newsletter: https://stormwaterworld.com/newsletter-sign-up/

Please don't forget to rate, comment, and subscribe to Stormwater World Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Did you know that this podcast is produced by Digital Stormwater? Digital Stormwater B2B Visibility & Digital Marketing, making a difference in stormwater 1 click at a time! They do all things digital. Check them out at DigitalStormwater.com because the best-known beats best every time.

• 00:01 Ty introduces Andy and his background in geology, hydrology, and stormwater compliance.

• 01:50 Andy describes his early career in soil and groundwater remediation and the path that led him into stormwater.

• 04:49 Andy explains why stormwater work is meaningful for him and how he helps facilities navigate regulatory complexity.

• 09:04 Third party lawsuits and the emotional and financial burden they place on businesses.

• 10:56 Which sectors are affected most: primarily industrial facilities in California.

• 14:15 Breakdown of the Clean Water Act, benchmark levels, and how ambiguous standards create vulnerability.

• 20:57 Discussion of outdated benchmark levels from a 1992 study.

• 27:57 Is this only a California issue? Why California sees the vast majority of lawsuits.

• 30:14 How to prepare clients, documentation, training, and meeting the permit to strengthen negotiation positions.

• 34:09 A case involving a backyard t-shirt maker and how even tiny businesses can be pulled into the permit.

• 37:05 The only time Andy has seen a lawsuit go away: a massive corporation threatened to fight back in court.

• 43:46 Guidance for consultants: contracts, communication, clear roles, and professional protections.

• 55:00 Closing remarks and encouragement for professionals to join the conversation.

Andy Ellsmore

• “It is a communal and societal challenge that we have. It involves a lot of different players with a lot of different perspectives.”

• “The ambiguity in the Clean Water Act is really where a lot of this comes from.”

• “There is no protection for a permittee. You could be sued every other day or twice a day by different groups.”

• “Most clients want to be in compliance. Everybody cares about water quality.”

• “You are putting a large target on your back by complying with the stormwater rules.”

In this episode of the Stormwater World Podcast, Ty Garmon talks with licensed professional geologist Andy Ellsmore about the complex world of stormwater compliance and the growing impact of third party lawsuits on industrial facilities, particularly in California. Andy explains how ambiguous Clean Water Act standards, outdated benchmark levels, and limited regulatory enforcement create an environment where nonprofits fill the enforcement gap through 60 day notices and costly settlements. He shares real examples of businesses blindsided by litigation, the financial and emotional toll these actions create, and practical steps both facility owners and consultants can take to protect themselves. The conversation highlights the challenges facing stormwater professionals, the need for clearer regulatory guidance, and the importance of documentation, training, and maintaining clean facilities to reduce risk..

The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.

Connect with Andy Ellsmore:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-ellsmore/

Email: andy@stormwater.pro

Website: https://www.stormwater.pro/ ; https://ellsmoreenv.com/

Connect with Ty Garmon, LEED AP:

Connect with Ty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tygarmon/

Sign up to be a guest: https://forms.gle/whijSz9Tio3iZda57

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

Podcast Website: https://stormwaterworld.com

Stay Informed! Sign-up for the Stormwater World Newsletter: https://stormwaterworld.com/newsletter-sign-up/

Please don't forget to rate, comment, and subscribe to Stormwater World Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!