Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or state authority monitors and inspects industrial and construction stormwater management practices. Their goal is to ensure the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for stormwater discharge is in place and there is a fully documented and up to date Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Authorities will also review how a facility or site is actively managing the permit with ongoing inspections, maintenance, and reporting.
It is crucial for industrial and construction sites to adhere to the requirements outlined in the NPDES permit. A SWPPP provides an on-site reference to help reduce stormwater pollution impacts from industrial and construction activities. Having a SWPPP clearly documented helps avoid fines in case a county, state, or federal inspector visits the site and begins inspecting the various pollution prevention practices and stormwater management systems currently in place.
During an EPA or state authority inspection, the authority inspector reviews the SWPPP and determines whether it is meeting the requirements set forth in the permit. The inspector also reviews records, such as the regular inspection reports to verify that the facility is complying and maintaining all standards and regulatory requirements. Furthermore, the inspector will thoroughly walk the site to confirm that the SWPPP is accurate and that all Best Management Practices (BMPs) controlling polluted stormwater runoff are in place and functioning as designed.
Particularly for industrial facilities, a more robust inspection will take place and accompany, but not limited to, the following actions.
- Review compliance reports, Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMR), and any Quarterly Visual Monitoring (QVM) stormwater runoff reports.
- Benchmark, Effluent Limitations, and Impaired Waters Monitoring
- Employee Training programs.
Industrial facilities and construction sites must perform their own frequent inspections. In doing so, they can find ways to prevent the introduction of pollutants into our local water bodies and to stay compliant. Routine inspections will help maintain awareness of sensitive areas within an industrial facility or construction site so regular maintenance and management can take place.
Proper stormwater management helps prevent pollution in water bodies and preserves natural habitats. Polluted stormwater runoff poses a significant threat to water quality standards. The pollutants carried by stormwater runoff, such as chemicals, sediment, and debris, can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems. It is crucial to address this issue through proper stormwater management practices and regulatory measures to protect our water bodies and ensure a safe and sustainable environment for all.
The NPDES permit stipulates a specific outline to the frequency in perform inspections helping minimize risk and finding potential areas of concern. KCI has expertise that is centered on helping clients maintain stormwater compliance by assisting them in performing flawless inspections.
KCI is an expert defining an industrial facilities stormwater management program. We can effectively partner with you and perform a thorough site assessment and help you identify your site or facilities current existing conditions. We are experts at effectively documenting a Stormwater Pollution Prevent Plan (SWPPP), so you are ready for a potential EPA or state authority visit. Call us today, on 888-346-7779.
