If your business operates a construction site or certain industrial facilities, you may need to develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). An SWPPP helps identify potential sources of stormwater pollution and establishes measures to prevent pollutants from traveling to nearby waterways. An environmental consulting company can guide you through the process and reduce stress and overwhelm.
However, whether you need one depends on the types of business you operate, your site, the amount of land disturbed, and the stormwater regulations and permits that apply to your location.
Does My Business Need a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)?
An SWPPP is a document written for a specific site describing how a business or construction site will prevent pollutants from entering stormwater runoff,
Sediment, oils, chemicals, debris, and other pollutants are carried over by rainwater and are carried over exposed soil, equipment, storage areas, and other surfaces. Establish appropriate measures and controls to prevent contaminated runoff from entering storm drains or nearby rivers, lakes, and other waters.
The SWPPP identifies potential pollutant sources. It also describes the control measures, inspections, maintenance procedures, and other practices used to minimize stormwater pollution.
Do Construction Businesses Need an SWPPP?
SWPPPs are usually required for construction activities. Under federal NPDES requirements, projects that will disturb one acre or more of land and have a regulated stormwater discharge need NPDES stormwater permit coverage, which makes developing a SWPPP necessary. This may also apply to projects disturbing less than one acre if they are part of a common plan of development or sale that will eventually disturb at least one acre. Clearing, grading, and excavating are examples of activities that can fall within this requirement.
SWPPP is essential in demonstrating how erosion, sediment, and other potential pollutants will be controlled.
Remember that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Construction General Permit applies in areas where EPA is the NPDES permitting authority. Check if your state has its own NPDES program. Many states do, and some may have additional or different requirements. Remember to check the rules applicable to your project location.
What About Industrial Businesses?
Being an industrial business does not automatically trigger an SWPPP requirement, but industrial facilities can also be subject to stormwater permitting requirements. Stormwater permitting requirements apply to specific categories of industrial activity, not every business described as industrial.
Requirements apply to specific activities such as:
- Material handling
- Storage
- Equipment maintenance
- Other operations exposed to stormwater and have the potential to contribute pollutants to a discharge
EPA’s Multi-Sector General Permit covers 29 identified industrial sectors. For facilities that need coverage under an applicable permit, their SWPPP should address potential pollutant sources and the measures used to control them.
How Do You Know If You Need One?
Determine if your business is conducting regulated construction or industrial activities. Next, identify which stormwater permitting authority and requirements apply to your location.
If your business is engaged in construction projects, consider how much land is being disturbed and whether the project is part of a larger common plan. For industrial facilities, determine whether your activities fall within a regulated industrial category and whether materials or operations are exposed to stormwater.
Consult with Professionals
Stormwater regulations vary by state and permit, so review the applicable requirements. Consider consulting with an environmental professional. They can help you determine if your business needs a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. Contact us today to learn how our services can help keep your project on track and compliant.