In the state of Florida construction projects that impact over an acre of land are required to perform NPDES inspections once a week and for every half inch rain event in accordance with the FDEP Construction Generic Permit. It is important to understand the purpose of these inspections and how they can help maintain a quality ecosystem and be a successful part of a project.
At the peak of construction, the number of machines, equipment, workers, and chemicals on a site can be overwhelming. As construction workers do their best to keep up with the timeline of events, failing Best Management Practices (BMP) can be easily overlooked. With lack of proper erosion and sediment control devices installed and maintained it is possible to have a significant impact on a nearby wetland or waterway.
Doing routine inspections helps to keep your team aware of sensitive parts of the site and find potential areas of concern. When a failing BMP is found during a routine inspection it allows for the problem to be addressed in a timely manner and to avoid any additional issues. When overlooking environmental concerns, you also increase chances of fines, project delays, and additional cost for unexpected repairs and treatment.
In addition to completing inspections, it is important to have effective communication between the inspector, site supervisor, and maintenance crew. It is crucial to read the report and address any concerns. Action items that seem minor initially can create thousands of dollars in repairs after a major storm event.
As the Florida population continues to grow, development is going to continue. When construction sites are properly monitored and maintained the impacts on the surrounding ecosystems will hopefully reduce. KCI is an expert at stormwater management. We strive to ensure your NPDES permit is managed, perform quality inspections, and deliver quality reporting with a clear path to success. KCI is here to help, call us to today at 888-346-7779.
