In the state of Florida construction projects impacting over an acre of land are required to perform National Pollutant Discharge Ellimination System (NPDES) inspections once a week and for every half inch rain event. The NPDES program is implement and administered through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Construction Generic Permit (CGP).
Florida also requires a construction site operator to have a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) prior to filing for the Florida Construction Generic Permit. The permit coverage is achieved through filing an Notice of Intent (NOI). Under the FCGP, the responsible authority must implement suitable pollution prevention techniques to reduce erosion and sedimentation and properly manage stormwater. It is important to understand the purpose of implement regular NPDES inspections and how they can help the environment and allow construction projects achieve success.
At the peak of construction, the number of equipment, chemicals, and workers on a site can be overwhelming. As construction workers do their best to keep up with the timeline of events, failing Best Management Practices (BMP) implemented to eliminate stormwater pollutants can be easily overlooked.
With lack of the proper erosion and sediment control devices installed and maintained it is possible to experience a significant negative impact on a nearby wetland or waterbody. Regular and routine inspections allow everyone involved to maintain awareness of sensitive areas of the site and identify potential issues of concern. When a failing BMP is found during a routine inspection, it allows for the problem to be addressed in a timely manner and to avoid any additional issues. When overlooking environmental concerns, you also increase chances of fines, project delays, and additional cost for unexpected repairs and treatment.
In addition to completing inspections, it is important to have effective communication between the inspector, site supervisor, and maintenance crew. It is crucial to proactively review the inspection reports frequently and address any concerns. Action items that seem minor initially can create thousands of dollars in repairs after a major storm event.
Florida continues to see rapid development. Development is going to continue, and when it is properly monitored and maintained, the impacts on the surrounding ecosystems can remain minimal. KCI is an expert on NPDES compliance, and we can perform your inspections, timely and accurately. Contact us today, 888-346-7779.
