Exploring All The Ins and Outs of SWPPP
What is a SWPPP?
Is it possible for me to write one?
What is needed to be in the SWPPP?
If these questions (or more) are swirling in your mind, pay close attention.
SWPPP stands for Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Simply put, SWPPP addresses all the sources of pollutants and other activities associated with the site. It even describes practices and techniques that are used to lessen (or eliminate) pollutants in storm water discharges. The SWPPP and the associated Site Map must be submitted with the Water Boards online system SMARTs to get coverage under the Industrial General Permit (IGP). Remember your SWPPP must be available on-site for review upon request. If you ask my opinion, I would suggest that the hard copy is the best way to go, but if your facility requires only an electronic copy then you must able to locate and open it upon request (Remember, it’s VIOLATION if you don’t maintain the SWPPP on-site.)
So, let’s go through the ins and outs of SWPPP. Well let’s roll up your sleeves and get started……
Can I write one? Of Course! There are some techniques and works involved in the process, but you don’t need to panic. The permit provides tons of helpful resources to develop a SWPPP, so you just need to follow the Five Phases for Developing an Industrial SWPPP. The best part is that your SWPPP doesn’t have to be long, but it must contain some important elements which are listed below. (Feel free to sign up for some amazing Tools and Tips to learn an easy way to write a SWPPP)
What is included in the SWPPP? The following section outlines the checklist. Yes, IGP contains a SWPPP Checklist in Appendix 1 of the IGP. You can use it as a reference.
1) Planning and Organization
a. Facility Name and Contact Information
b. Form Pollution Prevention Team
c. Review other facility plan
2) Assessment
a. Develop a site map
b. Identify potential pollutant sources
c. Inventory of materials and chemicals
d. List of significant spills and leaks
e. Identify Non-Storm Water Discharges
f. Assess pollutant risk
3) Best Management Practice (BMP) Identification
a. Identify Minimum required BMPs
b. Identify any Advanced BMPs
4) Implementation
a. Train employees for the Pollution Prevention Team
b. Implement BMPs
c. Collect and review records
d. Monitoring Implementation Plan (MIP)
5) Evaluation/ Monitoring
a. Conduct annual facility evaluation (Annual Evaluation)
b. Monitoring Implementation Plan (MIP) Note: This doesn’t have to be a separate plan.
c. Review monitoring information
d. Evaluate BMPs
e. Review and revise SWPPP (Date that SWPPP was first prepared and the Date of Each SWPPP Amendment, if Applicable)
I have no idea about computer drafting. Can I do a Site Map? Of Course, you can! You are even free to design even with your hand. You just need to make sure the map is clear, legible, and understandable. Your Site Map must include the following:
1) Notes, Legends, North Arrow, and other Data that can help read the Site Map better
2) Facility Boundary
3) Drainage Areas
4) Run-on and flow direction (flow arrow)
5) Area of soil erosion
6) On-facility surface water bodies
7) Location of nearby water bodies
8) Municipal storm drain inlets that
9) Collection and conveyance systems
10) Discharge locations
11) Sample locations
12) Structural control measures (catch basins, berms, detention ponds, secondary containment, oil/water separators, diversion barriers, etc.)
13) Impervious areas (Ex: Paved area and roofed structures)
14) Materials are directly exposed to precipitation
15) Identified significant spills or leak
16) Areas of industrial activity
a. Industrial storage areas (Indoor/ Outdoor)
b. Storage Tanks
c. Shipping and receiving areas
d. Fueling areas
e. Vehicle and equipment storage/maintenance areas
f. Material handling and processing areas
g. Waste treatment and disposal areas
h. Dust or particulate generating areas
i. Cleaning and material reuse areas
j. Other areas of industrial activity that may have potential pollutant sources.
Feel free to use Microsoft Word or Paint to create a Site Map. Here are some Tips to creating a Site Map
1) Locate your facility using Google Map or Bing Map on Satellite View
2) Print Screen and use that as your Base Map
3) Paste it On Paint
4) Decide on your Legend color, line, and symbol
5) Make a list for all your industrial storage and activities
6) Draw in color, line, and symbol
7) Cut and paste your industrial storage and activities items into the drawing
