Most of our clients (contractors, builders, and commercial site owners/operators) are required to file and maintain a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). A SWPPP is a site-specific document that consists of plans and a written report addressing the sources of stormwater pollution present at a construction site. This pollution can be as simple as sediment, leaves and tree branches, or human waste.
As the name suggests, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans should describe the measures that will be taken to reduce the pollutants being discharged from a site. This can be as simple as stormwater management resources to reduce the overall amount of runoff exiting the property. It might also include soil erosion standards that many of us are familiar with.
A site/civil engineer is typically familiar with the procedures that can be used to achieve pollutant reduction. Most often, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) will require a SWPPP on behalf of the United States Environmental Agency (EPA). This information is required to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit. Ever since the 1972 Clean Water Act, all new developments must obtain one of these permits before construction begins. Permits like this help to ensure that the rainwater entering our collection systems is safe and clean. As a result, the environment where this rainwater is discharged will be safe from any negative impacts those pollutants can bring.
Creating a sufficient Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan is a crucial step in planning the construction of any project. Here at WJH Engineering, we have a team of licensed professionals who can create plans for any job, regardless of the scale. Contact us for your next project today!
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-10/documents/sw_swppp_guide.pdf
https://www.environmentalworks.com/what-is-a-swpp-and-why-do-you-need-one/
