Rainfall that enters a storm drain is transported through the storm sewer system to nearby ponds, lakes, and streams. Storm drains are typically designed to channel rainwater runoff directly into nearby waterways without undergoing treatment at a facility.
In many urban areas, storm drains are designed to collect stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces and then distributed separately from the system of pipes that carry wastewater from homes and businesses to treatment plants. The main purpose of storm drains is to prevent flooding by quickly diverting excess rainwater away from populated areas.
Stormwater runoff can pick up various pollutants, such as oil, chemicals, litter, and sediment. This various type of contaminants can have negative effects on the quality of the receiving waters. The pollutants carried by stormwater can harm aquatic ecosystems and compromise water quality.
Construction sites must ensure they do their best to mitigate stormwater flow and the potential for negative impact on the environment. It is important for an active construction site to implement stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) and maintain compliance with all state and federal regulations. In doing so, this will reduce various pollutants before they enter storm drains and ultimately into natural water bodies.
There are a variety BMPs that can be implemented to help maintain compliance and regulatory requirements on a construction site. BMPs are characterized into two types; structural or non-Structural.
Structural BMPs focus on preventing pollutants in stormwater runoff from leaving site boundaries. All types of structural BMPs require regular inspection and maintenance. Nonstructural BMPs focus on such things as maintenance scheduling, documented processes, and education.
KCI is always here to assist construction site operators on the importance and critical need for an effective stormwater management program. KCI is your expert at educating teams to help ensure only rain flows down the drain. Call us today on 888-346-7779.
