One of the most important requirements of your Construction Generic Permit (CGP) is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Inspections. In the State of Florida, NPDES inspections have 2 components: routine inspections and storm event inspections.
What is the difference between them? A big difference between the two is frequency. Routine inspections must be conducted once every 7 days, not once a calendar week. There should never be a lapse of more than 7 days between routine inspections.
Storm event inspections are weather-dependent. A storm event is classified as rainfall event with greater than 0.5 inches of rain. A storm event must not have a period greater than 4 hours between rainfall events. An important requirement for storm events is that an NPDES inspection must be conducted on site within 24 hours of the end of a storm event.
Living in Florida, we know there is a chance of experiencing tropical storms that can start small and then quickly intensify, grow, and eventually catapult into a hurricane. Hurricanes can be a major concern for construction sites. It is extremely important for all construction sites to prepare early and be on alert for hurricanes to ensure minimal damage, disruption, and any environmental exposures that can potentially take place during a hurricane.
This past weekend the State of Florida experienced the intensity and rapid development of Tropical Storm Debby. Tropical Storm Debby strengthened rapidly as it progressed northward toward the big bend area of Florida. The National Hurricane Center, starting this past Saturday, issued serious warnings about the potential impact of the storm system. The storm’s devastation of rain and wind lasted through Tuesday.
When an intensive tropical depression or hurricane strikes, the top priority for a stormwater consultant and inspector is ensuring safety. As part of the NPDES program compliance, the span of a tropical storm often results in a prolonged rain event. Therefore, stormwater inspections typically commence after a lengthy tropical storm has eventually subsided and it is safe to proceed with construction site inspections.
Construction site operators must focus on the things they can perform now to make sure everyone on their team is safe and secure. Tropical storms and particularly Hurricanes create a lot of additional stress, and it is important to have a plan ready to follow and execute before and after the storm. The hurricane season is not over. Click HERE to download KCI’s 2024 Hurricane Preparedness for Construction checklist.
KCI is dedicated to tracking rainfall on your site using accurate local weather stations. Every site is monitored daily for storm events, and our qualified inspectors will be at your site within 24 hours regardless of weekends or holidays. This time of year is a busy time for all of us. Contact us at 888.346.7779.
