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 Water pollution degrades surface waters making them unsafe for drinking, fishing, swimming, and other activities. As authorized by the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. Point sources are discrete conveyances such as pipes or man-made ditches. Individual homes that are connected to a municipal system, use a septic system, or do not have a surface discharge do not need an NPDES permit; however, industrial, municipal, and other facilities must obtain permits if their discharges go directly to surface waters. In most cases, the NPDES permit program is administered by the state. Since its introduction in 1972, the NPDES permit program is responsible for significant improvements to our Nation's water quality.
Stormwater runoff from residential, commercial and municipal construction sites can cause significant harm to our rivers, lakes and coastal waters. A SWPPP is more than just a sediment and erosion control plan. It describes all the construction site operator’s responsibilities to prevent stormwater contamination, the control of construction generated sedimentation and erosion, and to comply with the requirements of the Clean Water Act.
Stormwater runoff is rain or discharge that flows over land and does not percolate into the soil. Stormwater runoff occurs naturally, in small amounts, from almost any type of land surface, especially during large storm events. As stormwater runoff moves across surfaces, it picks up trash, debris, and pollutants such as sediment, oil and grease, pesticides and other toxins. Changes in ambient water temperature, sediment, and pollutants from stormwater runoff can be detrimental to aquatic life, wildlife, habitat, human health and our drinking water supply. The primary stormwater pollutant at a construction site is sediment. To control erosion at a construction site, it is important to understand the different types of erosion that can occur. Erosion begins when raindrops break down the soil structure and dislodge soil particles; Runoff carrying the soil particles becomes sheet erosion which eventually forms smaller rills and larger gullies. The best way to stop erosion is to keep the soil in place through vegetation, erosion control blankets, or other specific methods that prevent the soil from becoming dislodged during rain events.
An effective SWPPP (Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan) is the answer. If sediment and erosion controls and good housekeeping practices are not followed, construction activity can result in the discharge of significant amounts of sediment and other pollutants. The term Best Management Practices or BMP’s is often used to describe the controls and activities used to prevent stormwater pollution. A SWPPP is more than just a sediment and erosion control plan. Most SWPPP’s are written documents that describe the pollution prevention practices and activities that will be implemented on the site.
M.E.I. has a number of state certified inspectors available to help your construction team stay in compliance and prevent red tags causing project shutdowns. Click here for a white paper with more information.
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