Harmful effects of Stormwater pollution can be minimized by proper implementation of SWPPP plan

In 2000, the state of Florida and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) received authorization from the EPA to develop and implement their own NPDES stormwater permitting program. The Florida NPDES Stormwater Program regulates point source discharges of pollutants and stormwater into the surface waters of the State of Florida from construction, industrial and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s). As per the Florida NPDES Stormwater Program, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for communicating rules and regulations, issuing general permits, managing and reviewing general permit applications and performing stormwater management compliance and enforcement initiatives.

Florida Storm Water Pollution Prevention (SWPPP FL) Plan Requirements

A SWPPP FL must be developed for each construction project seeking coverage under the Florida generic permit prior to submission of a project NOI.  The SWPPP must be developed in accordance with good engineering and hydrologic practices to ensure site compliance. The general goals of a SWPPP are the identification of any possible sources of site pollutants that have the capability to affect the quality of stormwater site discharges and descriptions of the best management practices (BMPs) implemented to reduce those pollutants in site stormwater discharges.  The Florida DEP has adopted the Florida Erosion and Sediment Control Designer and Reviewer Manual, FDOT, FDEP for guidance on how to develop a complete and compliant site SWPPP.  Owners and operators must apply and maintain all the provisions stated within the SWPPP until final stabilization and permit coverage termination is achieved. 

The SWPPP must include the following:

·         A site description composed of the following:

o   The class and type of the construction activity taking place

o   The expected order for major construction activities

·         Approximations of the total area of the site and the area and locations of the site anticipated to undergo soil disturbance by clearing, excavation and/or grading

·         Accounts of any prevailing data pertaining to the soil encountered on the site and the soils potential for erosion

o   The location and description of all possible sources of pollution

o   Approximations of the size of the drainage area for each site discharge point

·         A legible site map identifying the following:

o   The dimensions of any slopes located on site and the anticipated dimensions of those slopes following major grading activities. The drainage patterns of site slopes before and after major grading activities.

o   Location and description of all site areas intended to undergo soil disturbance.

o   Location and description of site areas which will not be disturbed.

o   Locations of all major structural and nonstructural stormwater controls indicated in the SWPPP.

o   Locations of all site areas where stabilization practices are anticipated to occur.

o   The names and locations of the discharge receiving waters, along with the size, type and location of any discharge outlets/drainage channels.  If site stormwater discharge drains to a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4), the name of the system must be identified, along with the location of the storm sewer (MS4) discharge and the receiving waters that the discharge will ultimately drain into.

o   The latitude and longitude of every site discharge point and the name of the receiving water(s) for each discharge point.

·         Identification and description of stabilization measures and timetables indicating when and purpose of implementation.

·         Identification and description of all structural BMPs implemented, both temporary and permanent, to regulate site stormwater runoff. Timetables of structural controls implementation.

·         Specifications and descriptions of all sediment and drainage basins.

·         Waste disposal procedures that follow federal regulations.

·         Procedures for application of chemicals (fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides), including method and rate of application.

·         Procedures for preventing, correcting and reporting chemical spills.

·         Maintenance procedures for site BMP’s.

·         Site inspection procedures and schedules.

·         Identification and certification of all contractors and subcontractors involved in installing and maintaining erosion and sedimentation control measures.

The permittee is required to modify the SWPPP whenever there is a change in design, construction, operation, or maintenance, which effects any stormwater drainage patterns throughout the construction site.

Author Bio

Stormwater Pollution has a major impact on environment. Therefore, it is required that SWPPP plan should be properly developed and implemented to prevent the damages caused by Stormwater Pollution. Assessing the site and identifying measures to protect natural features is very crucial in developing SWPPP. Employee training is also very important in SWPPP plan implementation. At Quest Consultants, our SWPPP Professionals assist our clients in better understanding all aspects of SWPPP management through onsite training and education services.  To learn more, please visit our websit http://www.questinc2.com/.