Storms happen. And heavy rainfall can create problems, especially on construction sites where soil has been disturbed and stockpiled construction materials can potentially release pollutants. The main reason for preparing a storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) is to ensure that the right steps have been taken to keep storm water from picking up pollutants or sediment that then creates further problems downstream.
Because
every construction site is different, a
good SWPPP must be specific to the site
it covers. SWPPP requirements vary from
state to state. But regulations have to
apply to everyone uniformly. Part of the
complexity involved in SWPPP regulations
stems from the difficulty involved in using
a general set of rules to cover a wide
variety of specific cases.
As
a fundamental requirement of storm water
permits, an SWPPP: • Identifies
all potential sources of pollution that
may reasonably be expected to affect the
quality of storm water that discharges
from the construction site.
• Describes
practices to be used to reduce pollutants
in the storm water that discharges from
the construction site.
• Helps ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the permit, when the
plan is designed for the individual site and is fully implemented.
PURPOSE
OF STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
The State of California requires all new
projects involving grading and new construction
of more than one acre to comply with all guidelines
for storm water discharge as mandated and regulated
by the State Water Resources Control Board
(SWRCB), Division of Water Quality, Order No.
99-08-DWQ. The State requires developers to
implement a Storm Water Pollution Plan (commonly
named SWPPP) that corresponds to all the elements
of the State Order and any additional city
or county ordinance(s). The Storm Water Pollution
Prevention Plan, also known as a Storm Water
Pollution Control Plan (SWPCP), may be required
to be submitted for approval prior to issuance
of a Grading Permit by the reviewing agency.
Storms happen. And heavy rainfall can create problems, especially
on construction sites where soil has been disturbed and stockpiled
construction materials can potentially release pollutants.
