Studies conducted years after the implementation of the Clean Water Act, it is evident that our rivers, lakes, streams, and estuaries are currently experiencing a higher level of cleanliness. Even though we have made considerable progress in reducing water pollution from industrial facilities and associated urbanization, our waterbodies are still being harmed by scattered non-point sources of pollution that often go unnoticed.
The Clean Water Act has established clear benchmarks and specific parameters for water pollution loads for a water body to be safe. These benchmarks can be considered as a sampling measurement of specific pollutants like nutrients, metals, and bacteria that a body of water can handle each day and still meet or maintain water quality standards. If there is too much pollution in the specific body of water then the water will not be safe for swimming, fishing, or supporting healthy wildlife.
The Benchmarks are defined by the Total Maximum Daily Load, or TMDL measurement. Impaired waters and their associated TMDLs are a topic that comes up in an industrial facilities Stormwater Pollution Plan (SWPPP), but not many facility operators understand what this means. Think of TMDLs levels as a daily pollution budget or a general target for certain contaminants in impaired waterways.
There are approximately 8000 lakes in the state of Florida with many of them listed as impaired. Impairments can come from a variety of different sources, stormwater included. Pollutants that can be carried through stormwater include things like sediment, nutrients, diverse types of metals, and pathogens.
Stormwater sources contribute to a large amount of water quality concern and especially affecting the TMDL levels throughout Florida. The runoff can come from urban and residential areas, including irrigation runoff from agriculture, pet and livestock runoff, chemicals and liquid waste from construction sites, and industrial facilities.
Auto Recycling facilities generate pollutants, such as chemicals, heavy metals, nutrients, sediments and other possible contaminants, can be carried by stormwater runoff towards local water bodies. Managing this requires important Best Management Practices (BMPs) be put in place to help intercept and control the runoff water. BMPs are mechanisms, structural devices, material placement, and general housekeeping practices implemented to help control accelerated stormwater pollutants during heavy storms and rain events.
Protecting our water bodies is a critical necessity for public health and ecosystem preservation. Contaminated water can lead to dire consequences for wildlife, aquatic habitats, and human communities. As environmental regulations continue to tighten, it is more important than ever for industrial companies to take proactive measures in managing stormwater pollution. Not only is it crucial for protecting our waterways and ecosystems, but it is also a legal requirement that businesses must adhere to.
It is so important to have trained, knowledgeable, and qualified individuals who have a passion and commitment implement, install, and manage the many structural and non-structural BMPs required to cope with managing stormwater runoff pollutants. It takes individuals who can innovate, create, and physically implement, manage, and maintain these BMPs.
Industrial facilities can help with Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) levels in Florida by reducing their pollutant discharge into water bodies, particularly those that are impaired. This can be achieved through various measures, including implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs), and proactively staying current on industry standards to manage stormwater compliance.
KCI is here to help. We have 10 years of experience in consulting and implementing NPDES services for industrial type organizations who need assistance tackling tough environmental issues. KCI is always here to you on the importance and critical need for an effective stormwater management program. Call us today on 888-346-7779.
