The concerns associated to stormwater started with the Clean Water Act (CWA) recognizing rampant contamination of waterways that brought about important improvements across the nation. During the 1960s and early 1970s, two-thirds of the country’s waters were unsafe. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, was created in 1972 by the CWA, to dramatically educate and regulate point source and nonpoint source discharge pollutants into the waterways. Ultimately it was to eliminate any pollutants from getting into navigable waters within the United States of America.
The initial focus was on point source discharges from industrial facilities. In the early 1990s, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was forced to address nonpoint sources which includes stormwater runoff from certain municipalities, industrial plants, and construction sites. Today, the NPDES program is successfully fulfilling its purpose by educating the industrial and construction sectors on best management practices, ensuring that stormwater runoff is properly managed.
Construction sites and industrial facilities, if not properly managed, can have a huge impact on the environment. Stormwater runoff from rainstorms pick up pollutants like sediment, oil and grease, and other chemicals and carries them into storm drains or directly into waterbodies. Because most storm drain systems do not provide any treatment to the water they collect, preventing contamination of stormwater is critically important or polluted runoff will be discharged untreated into the waterbodies.
The NPDES program has been instrumental in significantly improving water quality. Through stringent regulations and enforcement measures, the program has helped to reduce pollution discharges into water bodies, safeguarding our environment and public health. By continuously evolving and adapting to new challenges, the NPDES program plays a vital role in preserving and enhancing the quality of our water resources for current and future generations.
NPDES inspections are required on construction job sites in Florida every 7 days and 24 hours after a 0.5″ of rainfall that is defined as continuous rainfall of 0.5” or more without a four-hour break. These inspections must identify areas that need to be maintained or altered to ensure compliance to the permit. Industrial inspections are required quarterly and once annually by the Multi-Sector Generic Permit (MSGP).
Our statewide team provides timely NPDES Inspection services to ensure your site remains compliant. Call KCI today at 888-346-7779.
