SWPPPs or stormwater pollution prevention plans are regulatory requirements for entities that engage in construction or deal with stormwater over the course of any given year. Facilities are required to produce SWPPPs as part of their compliance for certification. The certification ensures that these entities implement proper measures to prevent the contamination of stormwater that flows away from their premises. Other names for SWPPPs include Construction Best Practices Plans, Sediment and Stormwater Plans, and Best Management Practices Plans, among others.
Who needs to comply?
Regulated facilities are required to comply with SWPPP requirements. The first step is to find out if the facility is a regulated entity which is done by looking at the entity’s Standard Industrial Classification Code and by looking at local, state and federal requirements.
Why do you need to comply?
Any facility that deals with stormwater needs to comply with a stormwater pollution prevention plan. Stormwater runoff is water or snowmelt flowing over the land after a rainfall or large storm event. When stormwater does not percolate into the soil, it instead accumulates as it passes over impervious surfaces such as asphalt roads, cement sidewalks, and building surfaces, increasing runoff water volume and its ability to infiltrate the soil. This leads to soil erosion, and the accumulation of trash, debris and various pollutants like oil, pesticides, and sediment in the water runoff. These materials can also alter the natural pH of water that it contaminates, such as when runoff reaches bodies of water like streams and lakes.
This applies to construction activities as well. Water runoff can easily erode soil that has been exposed by construction activities, making it easier for soil erosion and transport of contaminated sediment to occur. All these pose dangers to the quality of water, wildlife, and human health. Compliance ensures that the facility takes the appropriate measures to prevent contamination of storm discharges and performs the appropriate treatment of contaminated runoff.
Facilities are free to create their own SWPPPs although it is advisable that they work with sanitation and environmental engineers who can help them develop a comprehensive and effective SWPPP. They can also conduct the necessary training to properly implement the plans on-site. General awareness training for all staff is a common requirement for regulated facilities. Training for staff may include safety considerations during inspections and sampling, good housekeeping practices, material management best practices, and spill responses and reporting.
SWPPP compliance ensures that contamination through stormwater runoff is minimized or eliminated. Not only is this necessary to prevent contamination of the surrounding water and soil, but it also ensures that the facility avoids the fines and limitations in operations that are imposed as a result of non-compliance.
