Be Green by Going Blue

StormwaterONE has been servicing large national and multi-national contractors for over 12-years.  Whether your organization is reacting to a string of stormwater violations, entering a consent order, or proactively elevating your environmental focus, we are here to help.

Our Enterprise Solutions include:

1.  Consultation Services

• Program Review

• SWPPP Review

• Site Visits

• Conference Presentation

 2.  Discounted Training Services

• eLearning and Instructor Lead Training Programs

               o   Full student support

               o   Full reporting

• Custom Course Creation

• Resource Library – State permits, documents, forms, guides

What is Stormwater?

During a storm event, precipitation hits the earth.  Once rain hits the earth, it travels over land to the nearest storm drain, which typically discharges into a water body, or it flows directly to an adjacent water body without entering a storm drain.

As this water travels over land it collects pollution in its path, which is then “discharged” into the neighboring water body.

What Kind of pollution is there on a construction site?

The most prominent pollutant discharged from a construction project is dirt.   When sediment enters into the local water body it eventually settles on the bottom (sedimentation), which chokes out the vegetation.  This dirt can also stick to fish gills and causes harm to other aquatic species.

Other pollutants include petroleum from fueling activities or leaking equipment, debris from construction materials, and a bunch of other stuff like hard medals such as zinc from tires or galvanized materials.

What is Stormwater Management?

Stormwater management, a.k.a. stormwater pollution prevention, is the practice of controlling the release of polluted rain water (or snow melt) from leaving your construction project.

You are required to clean (treat) contaminated stormwater prior to its release.  Treating stormwater prior to discharging it from the site is achieved by devices and practices known as “Best Management Practices” (BMPs).

What is my obligation as a land disturbing contractor?

Any contractor disturbing 1-acre or more of land is required by the Clean Water Act to implement Best Management Practices on the site.

Section 402 of the Clean Water Act outlines the “National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System” (NPDES) regulations.

Under the NPDES program contractors are required to apply for approval (coverage) to discharge stormwater and water from dewatering activities.

Here are the basic requirements:

1.  Create a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan ( a.k.a. Stormwater Management Plan, Erosion and Sediment Control Plan)

2.  Apply for coverage under the States Construction Stormwater Permit

3.  Install and maintain stormwater BMPs (control measures)

4.  Inspect BMPs as per the guidelines in the permit

5.  Terminate coverage once vegetation has been reestablished as per state regulations

6.  Remove BMPs from the ground

What do I do now?

• Call a meeting with your company’s leadership and let them know what they don’t know.

• Enroll in the online Level 1 program “Stormwater Management for Construction Activities.” 

        This program contains the following online courses:

1. Intro to the NPDES Permitting Program
2. Erosion Control
3. Sediment Control
4. Pollution Prevention

• From your student dashboard, go to the “Resource Library” and print out stormwater permits for every state you work in.

• Read the requirements within the permits and adhere to them.

Contact us for further assistance.  We have Stormwater Managers ready to assist.