A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is a national compliance and regulation program. Many components of the NPDES program describe rules and policies to minimize and prevent pollutants in stormwater discharges. Industrial facility operators may be required to obtain an NPDES permit before they can discharge stormwater.
This permit is required for industrial facilities that have active stormwater runoff that drains from exposed areas with probable activities. Such activities may include locations where equipment and materials may be actively used, stored, or managed. Industrial organizations are expected to maintain and control pollutants that may leave their facility.
Many industrial facility’s operational locations are often exposed to the weather. Stormwater runoff from rain can become exposed with certain activities and can then carry unexpected pollutants directly into a designated outfall location or a local storm drain. This untreated stormwater then flows into nearby water bodies degrading water quality in nearby streams, rivers, and lakes. Pollutants harm fish and wildlife, contaminate drinking water, and can impact recreational areas.
High volume of stormwater runoff can occur quickly in Florida after rainfall. In Florida, especially during the wet and rainy season, rainfall and storms can become torrential at times generating high volume of water in a short period of time. In most cases, stormwater is untreated and can potentially contaminate local water bodies and protected wetlands.
Industrial facilities should plan how to effectively manage and control stormwater. Here are three simple questions to ask that can help eliminate contaminated stormwater discharge:
- Where on the industrial facility are potential sources of stormwater pollutants taking place at any given time of operation?
- What are the specific contamination factors associated with these pollutants if not maintained and managed?
- What are the most effective ways and best management practices (BMPs) that can be implemented to reduce or eliminate potential pollutants and their sources?
Eliminating stormwater pollution at an industrial facility is crucial for environmental protection and regulatory compliance. KCI can help you answer these questions and help industrial facilities implement and manage a strong stormwater management program. We can also help you become familiarized with local, state, and federal regulations related to stormwater management for industrial facilities. Contact KCI today, 888-346-7779.
