Submit an Article to Environmental Connection

Environmental Connection is the official publication of the International Erosion Control Association (IECA).

Submission Basics

• Original content only: Manuscripts must not be published elsewhere without the editor's approval.
• Peer-reviewed: All submissions are evaluated by industry experts for quality, clarity, and relevance to erosion control/stormwater management.

Article Deadlines

• January issue – must be submitted by October 1
• April issue – must be submitted by January 10
• July issue – must be submitted by April 4
• October issue – must be submitted by June 25

Submit your Article Idea
for Review by Editorial Committee

Editorial Guidelines

Environmental Connection publishes both columns and full-length articles. The publication's goal is to present industry and association news, highlight member contributions to society and promote the exchange of scientific and technical information. Our readers want serious, in-depth information about erosion and sediment control and stormwater management accompanied by examples of technology in action and tips on how to apply the information.

Our goal is to publish articles that report both the practical applications of research findings and the knowledge gained by experienced professionals. This mission includes, whenever possible, integrating these two sources of knowledge, providing practitioners with the most accurate information available, and providing a forum for the exchange of information between the many disciplines involved in erosion and sediment control and stormwater management.

Article Types and Formatting

Feature Articles (800–1,250 words)

What we're looking for: In-depth explorations of projects, technologies, or industry trends.

Must include:

• At least 2-3 high-quality photos (see specs below)
• Charts or diagrams if explaining complex concepts
• A brief 100-word summary at the beginning

Writing style tip:
Write in third person (avoid "I", "we", "you"). For example:
"The research team found..." instead of "We discovered..."

Case Studies

Structure your submission:

1. The Challenge - Clearly describe the problem
2. The Solution - Explain what was done to address it
3. The Results - Share measurable outcomes

Helpful additions:

• Site photos showing before/after conditions
• A map showing project location
• Key measurements (with both metric and U.S. units)

Example:
"The team installed 500 feet (152 meters) of silt fence along the western slope..."

Technical Articles

What makes a strong submission? Practical examples showing how readers can apply the information.

Visual aids like:

• Comparison tables
• Step-by-step diagrams
• Quick reference sidebars

For longer articles (1,250+ words), we may publish them in multiple parts across several issues.

Columns

Regularly featured in Environmental Connection:

• Research Briefs: Concise summaries of new studies
• Business Matters: Industry trends and operational insights
• Perspectives: First-person opinion pieces on key issues

Guidelines:

• ~600 words maximum (adjust if using tables/figures)
• Limit to 5 key sources
• No peer review, but must align with IECA's mission

Submission Guidelines

A copyright agreement is due with each article found here.

1. Manuscript Submission Process

   All authors must submit their work through the following process:

   • A. File Format Requirements
     • Manuscripts must be submitted as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx format)
     • Do not embed images, figures, or tables within the Word document (these must be submitted as separate files)
     • Email your submission directly to the editor with a copy to education@ieca.org
   • B. Required Supporting Documents
     • 1. Cover Letter
       • Must include the following signed statement (unless prior authorization has been received to waive this requirement):
       • "This manuscript contains material that is original and not previously published elsewhere in text or on the Internet, nor is it being considered elsewhere until a decision is made as to its acceptability by IECA for inclusion in Environmental Connection."
     • 2. Copyright Assignment Form
       • All authors must complete and sign the official IECA Copyright Assignment Form
       • Form available at: www.ieca.org/copyrightform
       • If multiple authors contributed, one author may sign as the authorized agent for all co-authors
       • Submit the signed form with your manuscript
       • Keep a copy for your personal records
   • C. Author Responsibilities
     • All listed authors must:
       • Be fully aware of the manuscript submission
       • Approve the final version being submitted
       • Be prepared to support and defend the content if needed
2. Measurement and Unit Requirements

   To accommodate our international readership, please follow these guidelines:

   • For Feature Stories, Columns, and Case Studies:
     • Use both Systeme International (SI/metric) units and U.S. customary units
     • Provide conversions in parentheses immediately after the first measurement
     • Example: "The team installed 500 feet (152 meters) of silt fence..."
   • For Academic, Research, and Technical Articles:
     • Primary units must be SI/metric
     • U.S. customary unit conversions are encouraged but not required
     • If U.S. units are used primarily, metric equivalents must be provided
   • Additional Formatting Notes:
     • Abbreviations: Only use standardized abbreviations, defining any uncommon terms at first use
     • Dates: Format as day-month-year with month spelled out (e.g., 15 July 2024)
     • Reference: Complete SI unit standards available at NIST SI Units
3. Language and Style Guidelines
   • Environmental Connection is an English-language publication. Authors for whom English is a second language are encouraged to work with a colleague experienced in English technical writing.
   • Use nonsexist language following standards set by the American Psychological Association (APA).
   • The tone should be professional and technical, avoiding colloquialisms.

Keep in Mind

The "manuscript file" should contain:

• A title page including author contact information, five or six key words for indexing purposes and a leading summary of less than 100 words.
• The main body text (article).
• Brief author biography, recommended 40 words or less.
• Photo, table and figure captions (if applicable).
• References (see below for more information on formatting).

Our Policy on Brand Names and Company References

In most cases, we require authors to use generic descriptions rather than brand names. For example, write "an erosion control blanket made of coconut fiber" rather than using a specific product name. This keeps the focus on technology and its applications. When describing best management practices, specify material compositions like "nonwoven silt fence" or "straw wattle" instead of proprietary names.

The exception to this rule is our Sustainability and Innovation Series. Articles in this series may discuss specific approved products or practices, but the focus must remain on the innovation itself, not the company behind it. If mentioning the company is necessary for context, limit this to just a sentence or two in the introduction.

Providing Geographic and Environmental Context

Please include all information necessary to allow readers to interpret your information in the correct geographical and physical context. Whenever possible include information about regional location (e.g., western foothills of the U.S. Rocky Mountains), watershed size, topography and elevation range (lowest and highest points in the watershed), climate, soils, vegetation, current and historic land uses, hydrologic regime, stream discharge and other factors that help the reader understand the context of the problem.

Why These Guidelines Matter

We maintain these standards to:

• Ensure consistent quality across all our publications
• Help readers focus on the science and techniques rather than commercial products
• Give practitioners the information they need to adapt solutions to their own sites
• Maintain the professional, objective tone that defines Environmental Connection

If you have questions about how to apply these guidelines to your specific article, our editorial team is happy to help. Contact us at education@ieca.org.

References

When quoting a source, provide the source's title and professional affiliation at first mention. When citing research, provide the source of the research. The accuracy of references used is the responsibility of the author.

In-text reference citations should contain the number of the citation in the reference list at the end of the manuscript or article. References should be listed in chronological order of their appearance in the article – superscript reference number in text, corresponding info re: source by author, etc. in a bibliography at the end of the article. Reference citations for multiple references are separated only by a comma.

Each reference listed must be cited in the text. Do not use et al. in the reference list – list all authors. Please double check all references to ensure that they contain correct information and are in the correct order. References are to follow upper/lower case format as illustrated below:

For a journal or magazine article

Franklin, H.D. 1980. “Ground Water in the Denver Basin.” Ground Water Journal, 60:80–91.

For a professional paper

Kuhndahl, D.L. and H. Smith. 1978. “Diamond Pipes of Northern Colorado.” U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 911, p.17.

For a book reference

Norma, Richard, C. Hansen and J. Mackee. 1980. Wave Theory. University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, New Mexico, p.67 – 68.

Electronic Figures, Tables, and Photographs

To ensure high-quality reproduction in Environmental Connection, please follow these guidelines when submitting visual materials:

File Preparation Requirements
We strongly encourage electronic submission of all figures, illustrations, and photographs to accompany your article. Please note:

• Never embed images within Word documents. All visual elements must be submitted as separate files.
• Photographs copied into Word or PowerPoint files cannot be accepted, as this process reduces image quality below our print standards.
• When capturing new images, use your digital camera's highest resolution setting with minimal compression.

Tables

• Submit tables in a separate file from your main manuscript.
• Number tables consecutively according to their first mention in the text.
• Include clear captions and brief column headings for each table.
• Avoid submitting tables as image files - they must be editable text.

Referencing Visuals in Your Text
All images, tables, and illustrations must be properly referenced in your article text:

• Use direct references: "Figure 2 demonstrates the sediment capture..."
• Or indirect references: "...showed 85% reduction in runoff (Figure 2)."
• Number all visual elements in the order they appear.

Photograph Specifications

We have two categories for photographic submissions:

1. Cover Photos

   These should be particularly striking images that represent your article's content in a visually appealing way. Ideal cover photos:

   • Showcase clean, well-composed shots of projects or technologies
   • Feature vibrant colors, especially when depicting vegetation
   • Highlight organized worksites when showing construction
   • Technical requirements: 300 dpi resolution at 2550 × 3300 pixels (8.5" × 11")
2. Interior Photos

   All other images should still meet high quality standards:

   • Minimum 300 dpi resolution
   • At least 1800 × 1200 pixels (approximately 4" × 6")
   • Clear, well-lit shots that document your project effectively

Even if not selected for the cover, high-quality submissions may be used as interior illustrations throughout the magazine.