Required by the Environmental Protection Agency, these plans provide a way to minimize or eliminate off-site movement of sediment and various pollutants, on any project disturbing over one acre of land, or part of a larger common development. These plans are created in accordance with Federal, State and Local regulations to comply with the 1972 Clean Water Act in an effort to keep our surface waters clean.
Ground-FX will design and implement a plan specifically for your project, providing our experience and expertise to minimize regulatory compliance liabilities.
A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) provides a description of a project site and identifies potential sources of pollution to stormwater discharges. The SWPPP identifies and describes appropriate measures to reduce pollutants in stormwater discharges and provides other information necessary for compliance with the General Permit. The SWPPP details how the owner/operator will control pollution migration to the maximum extent possible.
The SWPPP is the centerpiece of the stormwater regulatory compliance permit program, and implementation of the SWPPP is the key to controlling pollution in stormwater discharges. SWPPP requirements are designed to allow maximum flexibility to develop the needed stormwater controls based on the specifics of the site taking into account local climate, sensitivity of nearby water bodies, soil conditions, topography, project layout, concerns for public safety, as well as local regulations and requirements.
Inspections
Ground-FX will provide the required inspections for your construction project and determine if your erosion control devices are properly installed, maintained and effectively containing sediment or other pollutants on-site.
These inspections are required once every seven (7) days or every fourteen (14) days and within 24 hours of a 1/2 (0.50) inch rain event. Ground-FX recommends that all construction projects be inspected on the seven day cycle in order to avoid possible compliance issues. By using Ground-FX for your inspections, project managers and superintendents are given more flexibility and extra time to help increase productivity and focus more attention on building and less on storm water.
Best Management Practices
Best Management Practices (BMPs) are steps taken to avoid compliance issues and possible storm water pollution. These practices involve steps such as housekeeping, personnel training, installation and proper maintenance of structural components, i.e. wattle, silt fences, etc.
Storm Water FAQ
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) are required for the following:
- Disturbing more than 1 acre of soil, or
- Disturbing less than 1 acre of soil that is part of a larger development over an acre.
If your project meets either of these criteria, you must have a SWPPP, otherwise you risk fines (to the tune of $32,500 per day per violation) and the possibility of having the site shut down.
BMP stands for Best Management Practice. This is either a device or a practice that helps manage stormwater and the pollutants that it carries. A silt fence is a BMP, and so is covering your dumpster. Anything that helps control pollution.
Per the EPA, the civil sheet is not a SWPPP. There still needs to be a binder created that can be viewed by an inspector.
If caught, the subcontractors can be fined, but as the owner/operator, you are responsible for instructing your subcontractors and monitoring their activities.
There are so many different ways to control erosion and sediment loss. That is why you should consider Ground-FX for your stormwater management needs. Sometimes a silt fence is enough, and sometimes it may not even be necessary! Let us put our expertise and experience to work for you.
- Smile and provide your SWPPP binder, your inspections and your erosion control plan to the inspector,
- Call Ground-FX at (208) 338-8862,
- Take good notes when talking with the inspector,
- Thank the inspector - remember they are just doing their job, like you. They do not necessarily want to fine you or shut you down; they just want you in compliance. By making it difficult on the inspector, you just make it difficult on yourself,
- Take action immediately to correct any discrepancies indicated by the inspector!
Both the contractor and the owner may be liable for any issues regarding SWPPP compliance.
There are several reasons, but first and foremost, our surface waters need to be kept clean, for everyone's sake! Construction sites are one of the largest sources of pollution. When sediment leaves the site, it takes other pollutants with it, such as fuel, oil, fertilizer and other chemicals. This gets in the water, kills our fish and makes the water unusable. Not to mention the additional costs to taxpayers, for cleaning out the storm sewer system or dredging the lakes, streams, rivers and ponds in our area. It is up to everyone to help keep the water clean!
If all the required information is available, Ground-FX can provide a SWPPP in 48 hours. Remember you must have a SWPPP and send in a Notice of Intent, seven days prior to disturbing any soil on your site.
Ground-FX is your environmental expert. With over 15 years of experience in stormwater management and design, we can service all of your environmental needs.
Our SWPPP is site specific, not just a "boiler plate" that some intern changes a few numbers and names. Your compliance is our primary mission, and we are your consultant for the duration of the project, no matter who does your inspections or BMPs.