What is an SWPPP and When Does a Project Need One?

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What is an SWPPP and When Does a Project Need One?
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SWPPP stands for Storm Water Pollution Prevention
Plans. It is a requirement for all construction
sites seeking coverage under your states
Construction General Permit. The plan identifies
the possible sources of pollution that can affect
the immediate environment surrounding your
construction activity via storm water discharges
coming from your worksite. It also outlines
environmental best management practices (i.e.
Silt Fence, Inlet Protection, Diversion Dikes,
etc.) to be implemented in order to reduce or
prevent pollutants from adversely affecting the
surrounding environment. Lastly, it assists in
bringing your site into full regulatory
compliance with the Construction General
Permit. SWPPP requirements can differ from state
to state. However, there are typically only
slight variances as states must meet the minimum
federal NPDES SWPPP requirements. The operator
of the construction site is responsible for the
creation and implementation of the SWPPP. This is
typically the general contractor in charge of the
construction. Occasionally, an SWPPP drawing will
be required by the regulating authority prior to
breaking ground on the construction site, but
this varies according to federal, state and local
guidelines.
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When is a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan
Needed?
Projects that are going to disturb at least one
acre of soil are required to have Storm Water
Pollution Prevention Plan as part of the
Construction General Permit requirements. In some
locales, the SWPPP must be certified by a
qualified SWPPP developer that has undergone a
rigorous certification process. Additionally,
site inspections are often required to be
performed by a CESSWI Certified inspector. In
contrast, many states still require only
pertinent construction industry experience in
order to compile an SWPPP and/or perform
inspections. Contrary to what some will tell
you, you do not require your plan be created by a
Professional Engineer, and proceeding that route
will put your project grossly over budget. A lot
of people think that the plan is only about
sediment and erosion control. However, an SWPPP
is a comprehensive description of all activities
on the construction site which outlines how the
site operator will prevent stormwater
contamination, comply with the Clean Water Act,
and control erosion and sedimentation.
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How Do I Write an SWPPP?
There are templates available online that can
help you write your own SWPPP. However, it should
be noted that it can be a difficult and
cumbersome process especially if you havent
written one before. It is essentially a detailed
regulatory document, and all pertinent Federal,
State, and Local requirements must be accounted
for to ensure full compliance.  For this purpose,
avoid the hassle of learning all of the detailed
regulations and let Xpress SW3P give you Peace of
Mind for your permitting.  When we say Xpress, we
mean it as 72 hour turnaround is our standard
with 24 48 hour turnarounds available as
well. Fast, reliable, professional Xpress
SW3P.  Just let us know how we can help.
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Contact Us
PRO SWPPP PO Box 3672 Houston, TX 77253 USA Tel
281.358.6575 Email bids_at_ProSWPPP.com Website
http//proswppp.com/