Uncontrolled stormwater can lead to erosion, flooding, affect the ecological integrity and quality of our water resources, and create instability in our stream channels. Activities that occur at industrial facilities (such as waste handling and equipment cleaning), and construction sites (such as excavating and grading), results in the discharge of pollutants in stormwater runoff. Considering federal, state, and local requirements, it’s understandable if you are confused about what requirements your site is subject to and if it needs a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3). To perhaps complicate it even further, did you know that there are multiple types of SWP3’s?
Your site may need a SWP3 for construction and/or industrial activities. These are a few common questions we hear regarding SWP3’s:
- Does my site’s Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code trigger the need for a SWP3?
- Do I need a construction stormwater discharge permit if my site disturbs half an acre?
- Do I need a SWP3 if I don’t need coverage under a stormwater permit?
- Do I need to monitor discharges from my facility?
- Once construction is completed and landscaping is installed, do I need to continue inspections on my site?
- What types of Best Management Practices (BMPs) should I be implementing on my site?
Each construction project can come with its own set of unique challenges or requirements. There are stormwater permits for certain activities such as those at concrete batch plants, or, if you cannot meet the requirements of the General Permits, then you may be required to apply for an individual water quality permit. It can easily get confusing, especially if you have multiple activities on your site or your site doesn’t fall squarely within the General Permits.
Contact Our Environmental Consultants
We have been doing this for years and it’s not uncommon to find us referring back to the permits, but we can help you make sense of what your site requires and keep you from drowning (see what we did there?). For more information, please click the link below to fill out our Contact Us form.