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Transcript of EPA Storm Water Guide
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8/3/2019 EPA Storm Water Guide
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8/3/2019 EPA Storm Water Guide
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Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention PlanA Guide for Construction Sites
Who?Construction site operators (generally, the person who has operational control over construction plans and/or
the person who has day-to-day supervision and control o activities occurring at the construction site)
Where?Construction sites required to comply with stormwater discharge requirements
What?A guide to help you develop a good Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
Why?Stormwater runo rom construction sites can cause signifcant harm to our rivers, lakes, and coastal waters
A SWPPP is required (by your construction general permit) and will help you prevent stormwater pollution
A SWPPP is more than just a sediment and erosion control plan.
It describes all the construction site operators activities to prevent stormwater contamination, control
sedimentation and erosion, and comply with the requirements o the Clean Water Act
Purpose of this Guidance DocumentThis document provides guidance to construction site operators that need to prepare a SWPPP in order to
receive NPDES permit coverage or their stormwater discharges. The Clean Water Act provisions, EPA regulations
and EPAs Construction General Permit described in this document contain legally binding requirements. This
document does not substitute or those provisions, regulations or permit, nor is it a regulation or permit itsel. It also
does not substitute or requirements under State law or construction general permits issued by States. It does not
impose legally-binding requirements on EPA, States, or the regulated community, and may not apply to a particular
situation based upon the circumstances. EPA and State decisionmakers retain the discretion to adopt approaches
on a case-by-case basis that di er rom this guidance where appropriate. Any decisions regarding a particular
construction site will be made based on the applicable statutes, regulations and/or permit terms. Thereore, interested
parties are ree to raise questions and objections about the appropriateness o the application o this guidance to
a particular situation, and EPAor the applicable NPDES permitting authoritywill consider whether or not therecommendations or interpretations in the guidance are appropriate in that situation based on the law and regulations.
This guidance document occasionally uses language describing mandatory requirements or construction
site operators and those covered by a general permit or stormwater discharges rom such sites. This language
is generally intended to refect requirements applicable where EPA is the NPDES permitting authority. Although
requirements in jurisdictions where EPA is not the permitting authority may resemble these requirements, the reader
should not assume that this guidance accurately describes those requirements. Rather, the reader should consult
the applicable regulations and any applicable NPDES permit.
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Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan: A Guide or Construction Sites
Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1A. Why Should You Use this Guide? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
B. What Is Stormwater Runo and What Are Its Impacts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
C. How Can Construction Site Operators Prevent Stormwater Pollution? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Chapter 2: Getting Started 4A. What Are the Federal Requirements or Stormwater Runo rom Construction Sites? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
B. Who Is Required to Get NPDES Permit Coverage? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
C. What Elements Are Required in a SWPPP? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
D. SWPPP Roles and Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
E. Common SWPPP Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Chapter 3: SWPPP DevelopmentSite Assessment and Planning 10A. Assess Your Site and Proposed Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
B. Identiy Approaches to Protect Natural Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
C. Develop Site Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Chapter 4: SWPPP DevelopmentSelecting Erosion and Sediment Control BMPs 17
Chapter 5: SWPPP DevelopmentSelecting Good Housekeeping BMPs 24
Chapter 6: SWPPP DevelopmentInspections, Maintenance, and Recordkeeping 28A. Describe Your Plans and Procedures or Inspecting BMPs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
B. BMP Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
C. Recordkeeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Chapter 7: Certication and Notication 31A. Certifcation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
B. Notifcation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Chapter 8: SWPPP Implementation 33
A. Train Your Sta and Subcontractors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
B. Ensure ResponsibilitySubcontractor Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
C. Implement Your SWPPP Beore Construction Starts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
D. Conduct Inspections and Maintain BMPs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
E. Update and Evaluate Your SWPPP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Chapter 9: Final Stabilization and Permit Termination 37A. Final Stabilization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
B. Permit Termination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
C. Record Retention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Reerences 40
AppendicesAppendix A SWPPP Template (available at wwwepagov/npdes/swpppguide) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Appendix B Inspection Report (available at wwwepagov/npdes/swpppguide) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Appendix C Calculating the Runo Coefcient . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Appendix D Resources List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
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Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan: A Guide or Construction Sites
How to Use This Guiden Thisguidewasdevelopedasahelpulreerenceguideorconstructionsiteoperatorsacrossthecountry.Wehavetriedtoaccommodatethewiderangeoknowledgeandexperienceaboutstormwaterpollutionpreventionthatcurrentlyexistsamongoperatorsromnovicetoexpert.
Iyouarerelativelynewtomanagingstormwaterataconstructionsite,youwillprobablywanttoreadthisentireguide.
Iyouareveryexperiencedandamiliarwiththerequirementsinyourstate,thisguidemayhelpyoubrushuponcertainrequirementsorprovideyouwithideastoimproveyourSWPPP.Youmightwanttoreviewthetableocontentsandskiparound.BesuretotakealookattheSWPPPtemplate(AppendixA)toseeiyoucanmakeimprovementsinthewayyoudevelopandmaintainyourSWPPP.
n Thisguideiswritteninageneralormatandcanbeusedatmostconstructionsitesinanystate,territory,orinIndiancountry.ThedocumentassumesthatyouwillobtaindischargeauthorizationunderanappropriateNationalPollutantDischargeEliminationSystem(NPDES)constructiongeneralpermitanduseboththepermitandthisguidancetoassistindevelopingyourSWPPP.Inthisguide,wemakesomereerencestotheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencysConstructionGeneralPermitorillustrativepurposes.You should always consultyour applicable NPDES permit or the exact requirements that apply to you .
n RememberthatyouaredevelopingyourSWPPPorbothyouruseandorreviewbytheregulatoryagenciesresponsibleoroverseeingyourstormwatercontrols.Assuch,oneoyourgoalsindevelopingyourSWPPPshouldbetopresenttheinormationinawaythatclearlydemonstratesthatitmeetsalltherequirementsoyourNPDESpermit.
n Youcanobtainanelectroniccopyothisguide(PDFormat),theSWPPPtemplate,andinspectionorm(inMicrosotWord)atwww.epa.gov/npdes/swpppguide
What is a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)?A SWPPP may be called many things Your state may use terms like:
Construction Best Practices Plan
Sediment and Stormwater Plan
Erosion, Sediment, and Pollution Prevention Plan Construction Site Best Management Practices Plan
Erosion Control Plan and Best Management Practices
Best Management Practices Plan
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
Regardless o the title used in your state, these documentsand the
stormwater permits that require themtend to have many common
elements This guide is intended to help you develop a better SWPPP or your
construction siteExample sketch dentyng varous ponts to
address n the SWPPP.
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Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan: A Guide or Construction Sites
Chapter 1: Introduction This chapter providesan orientation to this
guide and its contents
and describes why
stormwater controls
at construction sites
are necessary
A Why Should You Use this Guide?Iyouareresponsibleorerosionandsedimentcontrolandstormwatermanagementatapermittedconstructionsite,thenthisguidemaybeuseultoyou.Thisguideisdesignedtowalkyouthroughthestepsordevelopingandimplementinganeectivestormwaterpollutionpreventionplan(SWPPP).Thebasicoutlineotheguideispresentedbelow:
Fgure . SWPPP Process
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Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan: A Guide or Construction Sites
B What Is Stormwater Runo and WhatAre Its Impacts?
Stormwaterrunoisrainorsnowmeltthatowsoverlandanddoesnotpercolateintothesoil.Stormwaterrunooccursnaturally,insmallamounts,romalmostanytypeolandsurace,especiallyduringlargerstormevents.
Impervioussuraces,suchasbuildings,homes,roads,sidewalks,andparkinglots,cansignifcantlyalterthenaturalhydrologyothelandby
increasingthevolume,velocity,andtemperatureorunoandbydecreasingitsinfltrationcapacity.Increasingthevolumeandvelocityostormwaterrunocancauseseverestreambankerosion,ooding,anddegradethebiologicalhabitatothesestreams.Reducinginfltrationcanlowergroundwaterlevelsandaectdrinkingwatersupplies.
Inaddition,asstormwaterrunomovesacrosssuraces,itpicksuptrash,debris,andpollutantssuchassediment,oilandgrease,pesticidesandothertoxics.Changes
inambientwatertemperature,sediment,andpollutantsromstormwaterrunocanbedetrimentaltoaquaticlie,wildlie,habitat,andhumanhealth.Soilexposedbyconstructionactivitiesisespeciallyvulnerabletoerosion.Runoromanunstabilizedconstructionsitecanresultinthelossoapproximately3545tonsosedimentperacreeachyear(ASCEandWFF,1992).Evenduringashortperiodotime,constructionsitescancontributemoresedimenttostreamsthanwouldbedepositednaturallyoverseveral
Fgure . Typcal eroson rates rom land-based actvtes.
(Dunne, T. and L. Leopold, 1978; NRCS, 2000; NRCS,
2006; ASCE and WEF, 1992)
decades.Excesssedimentcancloudthewaterreducingtheamountosunlightreachingaquaticplants,clogfshgills,smotheraquatichabitatandspawningareas,andimpedenavigationinourwaterways.
Theprimarystormwaterpollutantataconstructionsiteissediment.Tocontrol
erosionataconstructionsite,itisimportanttounderstandthedierenttypesoerosionthatcanoccur.Erosionbeginswhenraindropsbreakdownthesoilstructureanddislodgesoilparticles.Runocarryingthesoilparticlesbecomessheeterosionwhicheventuallyormssmallerrillsandlargergullies.Thebestwaytostoperosionistokeepthesoilinplacethroughvegetation,erosioncontrolblankets,orothermethodsthatpreventthesoilrombecomingdislodgedduringrainevents.
Theerosionprocessistypicallyinuenced
byclimate,topography,soils,andvegetativecover.Understandinghowtheseactorsinu-enceerosionwillhelpyouselectanddesignappropriatecontrolstominimizeerosionromyourconstructionsite.
What s a SWPPP?
A SWPPP is a site-specic, written document that:
Identies potential sources o stormwater pollution at the construction site
Describes practices to reduce pollutants in stormwater discharges rom the
construction site. Reduction o pollutants is oten achieved by controlling the volume
o stormwater runo (e.g., taking steps to allow stormwater to inltrate into the soil). Identies procedures the operator will implement to comply with the terms and
conditions o a construction general permit
Take a Closer Look
What does this mean to me?Failure to implement your SWPPP
could result in signicant nes
rom EPA or a state environmental
agency. Thereore, it is important
that you develop your SWPPP to
address the specic conditionsat your site, ully implement it,
and keep it up-to-date to refect
changes at your site.
A SWPPP can have dierent names
A SWPPP may also be called a construction
best practices plan,sediment and stormwater
plan,erosion, sedimentation, and pollution
prevention plan,or similar term. The SWPPP
(or similarly named plan) is generally required
to comply with EPAs or the states stormwater
construction general permit.
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Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan: A Guide or Construction Sites
Climate. Therequency,intensity,anddurationorainallaretheprincipalactorsinuencingerosionromaconstructionsite.Knowtheweatherpatternsinyourareaand,ipossible,planyoursoildisturbanceactivitiesorperiodsohistoricallylowerrainall.
Topography. Thelongerandsteeperaslope,thegreaterthepotentialthereisorerosionromthatslope.Usepracticessuchasdiversionsorfberrollstobreakuplongslopes.Considerminimizingsoildisturbanceactivitiesonsteeperslopes.
Soils. Soiltypecanalsoimpacterosion.Soiltexture,structure,organicmattercontent,compaction,andpermeabilitycanallinuenceerosionrates.
Vegetative cover. Vegetativecoverprovidesanumberocriticalbeneftsinpreventingerosionitabsorbstheenergyoraindrops,slowsvelocityoruno,increasesinfltration,andhelpsbindthesoil.Soilerosioncanbegreatlyreducedbymaximizingvegetativecoverataconstructionsite.
C How Can Construction Site OperatorsPrevent Stormwater Pollution?
An eective SWPPP is the key! Isedimentanderosioncontrolsandgoodhousekeepingpracticesarenotollowed,constructionactivitycanresultinthedischargeosignifcantamountsosedimentandotherpollutants.ThetermBest Management PracticesorBMPsisotenusedtodescribethecontrolsandactivitiesusedtopreventstormwaterpollution.
BMPscanbedividedintotwocategoriesstructuralandnon-structuralBMPs.Structural
BMPsincludesiltences,sedimentationponds,erosioncontrolblankets,andtemporaryorpermanentseeding,whilenon-structuralBMPsincludepickinguptrashanddebris,sweepingupnearbysidewalksandstreets,maintainingequipment,andtrainingsitestaonerosionandsedimentcontrolpractices.Inthisdocument,thetermBMPsisusedbroadlyandincludesbothstructuralandnon-structuralcontrolsandpractices.
A SWPPP is more than just a sediment
and erosion control plan. MostSWPPPs
arewrittendocumentsthatdescribethepollutionpreventionpracticesandactivitiesthatwillbeimplementedonthesite.Itincludesdescriptionsothesiteandoeachmajorphaseotheplannedactivity,therolesandresponsibilitiesocontractorsandsubcontractors,andtheinspectionschedulesandlogs.Itisalsoaplacetodocumentchangesandmodifcationstotheconstructionplansandassociatedstormwaterpollutionpreventionactivities.
Fgure . Types o eroson.
Randrop erosonDislodging o soil particles by raindrops
Sheet erosonThe uniorm removal o soil without the development o visiblewater channels
Rll erosonSoil removal through the ormation o concentrated runo thatcreates many small channels
Gully erosonThe result o highly concentrated runo that cuts down into the
soil along the line o fow
Streambank erosonFlowing water that erodes unstable streambanks
Erosion versus Sedimentation
Erosion is the process by which the land surace
is worn away by the action o water or wind.
Sedimentation is the movement and settling out
o suspension o soil particles. It is usually easier
and less expensive to prevent erosion than it is to
control sediment rom leaving a construction site.
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Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan: A Guide or Construction Sites
Chapter 2: Getting Started
EPA Permts vs. State-Issued Permts
At the time o publication, EPA was the NPDES permitting authority in
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Idaho, Alaska, the District
o Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. territories (except the Virgin Islands),
most Indian country lands, and or ederal acilities in our states. For an
up-to-date list o NPDES permitting authorities, visit www.epa.gov/npdes/
stormwater/constructon or www.ccacenter.org/swrl.html
Take a Closer Look
What does this mean to me?Because EPA and state-issued permits can
be dierent, you should make sure you read
and apply or the correct permit. Use the
links on either o the web sites listed to the
let to determine which agency issues NPDES
permits where your construction activity will
occur.
A What Are the Federal Requirements or Stormwater Runo romConstruction Sites?TheCleanWaterActandassociatedederalregulations(Title40othe Code o Federal
Regulations[CFR]123.25(a)(9),122.26(a),122.26(b)(14)(x)and122.26(b)(15))requirenearlyallconstructionsiteoperatorsengagedinclearing,grading,andexcavatingactivitiesthatdisturb one acre or more, including smaller sites in a larger commonplan o development or sale,toobtaincoverageunderaNationalPollutantDischargeEliminationSystem(NPDES)permitortheirstormwaterdischarges.UndertheNPDESprogram,theU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)canauthorizestatestoimplementtheederalrequirementsandissuestormwaterpermits.Today,moststatesareauthorizedtoimplementtheNPDESprogramandissuetheirownpermitsorstormwaterdischargesassociatedwithconstructionactivities.
Eachstate(orEPA,inthecaseostatesthatarenotauthorized)issuesoneormoreNPDESconstructiongeneralpermits.Thesepermits,generally,canbethoughtoasumbrellapermitsthatcoverallstormwaterdischargesassociatedwithconstructionactivityinagivenstateoradesignatedtimeperiod,usually5years.Operatorsoindividualconstructionssitesthenapplyorcoverageunderthispermit.Beore applying or permitcoverage, you should read and
understand all the provisions o the
appropriate construction general
permit and develop a SWPPP.Because authorized states develop
their own NPDES requirements,you should careully read yourstates construction general
permit and ollow the specicinstructions it contains.
This chapter
describes some o
the basic things youll
want to determine
(Do you need permit
coverage? What
permit applies to
you?), as well as someo the materials and
inormation you may
need to develop your
SWPPP Collecting this
inormation beore
you start will help you
develop your SWPPP
more eciently Keep
in mind that you may
also need to gather
this inormation and
develop your SWPPP
beore you complete
your Notice o Intent
(NOI) and le or
permit coverage (note
that ling an NOI is
not discussed until
Chapter 7)
Dont orget about common plans odevelopment or sale
A common plan o development or sale includes
larger-scale plans or land development to be
carried out by one or more entities. Examples
include housing developments and subdivisions,
industrial parks, and commercial developments.
EPA has described this term in the act sheet
accompanying its Construction General Permit
as including: any announcement or piece o
documentation (including a sign, public notice
or hearing, sales pitch, advertisement, drawing,
permit application, zoning request, computer
design, etc.), or physical demarcation (including
boundary signs, lot stakes, surveyor markings,
etc.) indicating construction activities may occur
on a specic plot. Each permitting authority may
review documentation to determine i common
plan requirements apply.
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Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan: A Guide or Construction Sites
Local Requirements
Operatorsoconstructionsitesshouldkeepinmindthatlocalgovernments(cities,towns,counties)otenhavetheirownrequirementsorconstructionsites(e.g.,localpermitsorgrading,sedimentanderosion,utilities).Compliance with local requirements
does not mean compliance with ederalNPDES requirements or vice versa, unless
the authorized state agency or EPA hasspecically designated the local program a
qualifying local program.
Qualiying Local Programs
Insomestates,theNPDESpermittingagencyhasidentifedcertainlocalconstructionstormwatercontrolprogramsthathaverequirementsthatareequivalentormoreprotectivethanthestatesrequirements.Ioneotheselocalstormwaterprogramshasbeendesignatedbythepermittingagencyasa
qualiying local program,theconstructionsiteoperatormaysimplyreadandollowthelocalrequirements.Thepermittingagency(stateorEPA)mightchoosetowaivetherequirementtofleaNoticeoIntent(NOI)orsimilarapplicationormorsmallconstructionsitesoperatingwithinthejurisdictionoaqualiyinglocalprogram.Iwaived,thesesiteswouldbecoveredundertheappropriateconstructiongeneralpermitautomatically.Checkyourconstructiongeneralpermit
careully.
TheNPDESpermittingauthoritymustidentiyanyqualiyinglocalprogramsintheconstructiongeneralpermit.ViolationsothelocalrequirementsarealsoconsideredviolationsotheNPDESrequirementsandmaybeenorcedaccordingly.
Mostconstructiongeneralpermitscontainsimilarelements:
Applicabilitydescribesthegeographicareacoveredandwhoiseligibletoapply
Authorizationdescribesthetypesostormwater(andnon-stormwater)dischargesthatarecovered
SWPPPrequirementsoutlinestheelementsthatshouldtobeaddressedtopreventthecontaminationostormwaterrunoleavingtheconstructionsite
Applicationincludesinstructionsorobtainingpermitcoverage,usuallybyflinganapplicationorNoticeoIntent(NOI)orm
ImplementationBMPinstallation,inspection,andmaintenancerequirements
Otherrequirementsmayincludeadditionalrequirementssuchasspill
prevention StandardconditionslistoconditionsthatareapplicabletomostNPDESpermits
Terminationlistsconditionsorterminatingpermitcoverageaterconstructioniscomplete
What Construction Activities Require NPDESPermit Coverage?
Inthisdocument,constructionreerstoactionsthatresultinadisturbanceothe
land,includingclearing,grading,excavating,andothersimilaractivities.Italsoincludesconstruction-related activities,areasthatsupporttheconstructionprojectsuchasstockpiles,borrowareas,concretetruckwashouts,uelingareas,materialstorageareasandequipmentstorageareas.
Constructionactivitiesthatdonotdisturbland,suchasinteriorremodeling,generallydonotrequireNPDESpermitcoverage.
Are There Situations Where a Permit Is Not
Needed?Generally,permitcoverageisnotrequiredoractivitiesthatareconsideredroutinemaintenance,suchaslandscaping,roadmaintenance,andmaintainingstormwaterBMPs.SomestatesandEPAoertheoptionoawaiverorsmallsites(disturbinglessthan5acres)inareasandtimesotheyearwithlowpredictedrainall.Tobeeligibleorthewaiver,youwouldhavetomeettherequirementsspecifedintheregulations.
Read Your General Permit!
You should thoroughly read and understand
the requirements in your general permit. This
includes requirements on eligibility (whether
your site qualies or the general permit),
application (how to notiy EPA or the state that
youd like to be covered by the general permit),
SWPPPs, and termination (stabilizing your site
and notiying EPA or the state that your project
is complete). By applying or coverage under
the general permit, you are telling EPA or your
state that you will comply with the permits
requirements, so read your permit careully!
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Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan: A Guide or Construction Sites
B Who Is Required to Get NPDES PermitCoverage?
ConstructionsiteoperatorsareresponsibleorobtainingNPDESpermitcoverageortheirstormwaterdischarges.Eachstatehasitsowndefnitionothetermoperator.Operatorsmayincludeowners
(e.g.,developers),generalcontractors,independentsubcontractors,governmentofcials,companies,orcorporations.ThissectionreectsEPAsunderstandingomostNPDESpermitrequirementsorstormwaterdischargesthroughoutthecountry.Youshould,ocourse,consultyourconstruct iongeneralpermitortherequirementsthatapplytoyou.Insomecases,stateshavedefnedtheoperatorasasingleentity,usuallythelandowneroreasementholder.Inotherstates,severalentitiesmaymeetthedefnitionooperator.Forinstance,theownermaycontrol
theprojectsplansandspecifcations,andthegeneralcontractormaycontrolthesitesday-to-dayoperations.Insuchcases,bothmaybedefnedasoperators.Iasitehasmultipleoperators,theymaycooperateonthedevelopmentandimplementationoasingleSWPPP.OperatorsgenerallyobtaincoverageunderanNPDESpermit,otenbyflingaormcalledaNoticeoIntent(NOI).
EPAsConstructionGeneralPermit(whichappliesonlywhereEPAisthepermittingauthorityseeChapter2SectionA)defnesoperatorasanypartythat:
Hascontrolovertheconstructionplansandspecifcations
and/or
Hasday-to-dayoperationalcontrolothesite,includingactivitiesnecessarytoimplementtheSWPPP
Regardlessowhetherornottheoperatorisacorporationorgovernmentalentity,someonemustdirecttheSWPPPspreparationandimplementationandapplyorNPDESpermitcoverageorthestormwaterdischarges.Inmostcases,thiswillbeahigh-levelofcial,suchasacorporateofcer,managerorelectedofcial,oraprincipalexecutiveofcer.Forspecifcinstructions,reertotheappropriate
NPDESstormwaterpermit.
Multiple Operators
Inmanyinstances,theremaybemorethanonepartyatasiteperormingtasksrelatedtooperational controlandmorethanoneoperatormayneedtosubmitanNOI.Dependingonthesiteandtherelationshipbetweentheparties(e.g.,owner,developer,generalcontractor),therecaneitherbeasinglepartyactingassiteoperatorandconsequentlyresponsibleorobtaining
permitcoverage,ortherecanbetwoormoreoperatorsallneedingpermitcoverage.Exactlywhoisconsideredanoperatorislargelycontrolledbyhowthe ownerotheprojectchoosestostructurethecontractswiththecontractorshiredtodesignand/orbuildtheproject.Theollowingarethreegeneraloperatorscenarios(variationsonanyothesethreearepossible,especiallyasthenumberoownersandcontractorsincreases):
Owner as sole permittee.Thepropertyownerdesignsthestructuresorthesite,
developsandimplementstheSWPPP,andservesasgeneralcontractor(orhasanon-siterepresentativewithullauthoritytodirectday-to-dayoperations).Theownermaybetheonlypartythatneedspermitcoverageunderthesecircumstances.Everyoneelseonthesitemaybeconsideredsubcontractorsandmightnotneedpermitcoverage.Fgure . Use sgnage to help educate constructon sta.
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Eroson Control vs. Sedment Control
When developing a SWPPP, it is important to understand the dierence
between erosion control and sediment control. Erosion control measures
(e.g., mulch, blankets, mats, vegetative cover) protect the soil surace and
prevent soil particles rom being dislodged and carried away by wind or
water. Sediment control measures remove soil particles ater they have been
dislodged (typically through settling or ltration). It is usually easier and less
expensive to prevent erosion than it is to control sedimentation.
Take a Closer LookWhat does this mean to me?You should try to use erosion control
BMPs as the primary means o preventing
stormwater contamination, and sediment
control techniques to capture any soil
that does get eroded. Because no one
technique is 100 percent eective, a
good SWPPP will use both kinds o BMPs
in combination or the best results.
Contractor as sole permittee.Thepropertyownerhiresonecompany(i.e.,acontractor)todesigntheprojectandoverseeallaspectsotheconstructionproject,includingpreparationandimplementationotheSWPPPandcompliancewiththepermit(e.g.,aturnkeyproject).Here,thecontractorwouldlikelybetheonlypartyneedinga
permit.Itisunderthisscenariothatanindividualhavingapersonalresidencebuiltorhisownuse(e.g.,notthosetobesoldorproftorusedasrentalproperty)wouldnotbeconsideredanoperator.However,individualpropertyownerswouldmeetthedefnitionooperatorandmayrequirepermitcoverageitheyperormgeneralcontractingdutiesorconstructionotheirpersonalresidences.
Owner and contractor as co-permittees.Theownerretainscontroloveranychanges
tositeplans,SWPPPs,orstormwaterconveyanceorcontroldesigns;butthecontractorisresponsibleoroverseeingactualearthdisturbingactivitiesanddailyimplementationoSWPPPandotherpermitconditions.Inthiscase,whichisthemostcommonscenario,bothpartiesmayneedtoapplyorpermitcoverage.
However,youareprobablynotanoperatorandsubsequentlywouldnotneedpermitcoverageioneotheollowingistrue:
Youareasubcontractorhiredby,and
underthesupervisiono,theownerorageneralcontractor(i.e.,ithecontractordirectsyouractivitieson-site,youprobablyarenotanoperator)
TheoperatorothesitehasindicatedintheSWPPPthatsomeoneotherthanyou(oryoursubcontractor)isreponsibleoryouractivitiesastheyrelatetostormwaterquality(i.e.,anotheroperatorhasassumedresponsibilityortheimpactsoyour
constructionactivities).Thisistypicallythecaseormany,inotmost,utilityservicelineinstallations.
Inaddition,ownertypicallyreerstothepartythatownsthestructurebeingbuilt.Ownershipothelandwhereconstructionisoccurringdoesnotnecessarilyimply
thepropertyownerisanoperator(e.g.,alandownerwhosepropertyisbeingdisturbedbyconstructionoagaspipeline).Likewise,itheerectionoastructurehasbeencontractedor,butpossessionothetitleorleasetothelandorstructuredoesnottooccuruntilaterconstruction,thewould-beownermaynotbeconsideredanoperator(e.g.,havingahousebuiltbyaresidentialhomebuilder).
Transerring Ownership
Inmanyresidentialdevelopments,an
overalldeveloperappliesorthestormwaterpermitcoverage,conductsgradingactivities,andinstallsthebasicinrastructure(e.g.,utilities,roads).Individuallotsarethensoldtobuilderswhothenconstructthehouses.Unlessthedeveloperisstillresponsibleorstormwaterontheseindividuallots(whichistypicallynotthecase),itislikelythatthebuilderwillneedtoapplyorNPDESpermitcoverageorstormwaterdischargesduringhomeconstruction.
Subcontractors
Itistypicallyagoodideatoincludespecifccontractlanguagerequiringsubcontractorstoimplementappropriatestormwatercontrols.SubcontractorsshouldbetrainedonappropriateBMPsandrequirementsintheSWPPPandshouldnotdisturborremoveBMPs.SomecontractorswillincludespecifcpenaltiesinsubcontractoragreementstoensuresubcontractorsdonotdamageorremoveBMPs.
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C What Elements Are Required in aSWPPP?
TheSWPPPlaysoutthestepsandtechniquesyouwillusetoreducepollutantsinstormwaterrunoleavingyourconstructionsite.Thereore,properdevelopmentandimplementationoyourSWPPPiscrucial.
Firstandoremost,yourSWPPPmustbedevelopedandimplementedconsistentwiththerequirementsotheapplicableNPDESstormwaterconstructionpermit.Theollowingdiscussiondescribesrequirementsthatarecontainedinmostothesepermits.
YourSWPPPisusedtoidentiyallpotentialpollutionsourcesthatcouldcomeintocontactwithstormwaterleavingyoursite.ItdescribestheBMPsyouwillusetoreducepollutantsinyourconstructionsitesstormwaterdischarges,anditincludeswrittenrecords
oyoursiteinspectionsandtheollow-upmaintenancethatisperormed.
YourSWPPPshouldcontaintheollowingelements:
Cover/titlepage
ProjectandSWPPPcontactinormation
Siteandactivitydescription,includingasitemap
Identifcationopotentialpollutantsources
Descriptionocontrolstoreducepollutants
Maintenance/inspectionprocedures
Recordsoinspectionsandollow-upmaintenanceoBMPs
SWPPPamendments
SWPPPcertifcation
Chapters36othisguidedescribehowtodevelopaSWPPPromsiteevaluationanddatacollectiontoselectingappropriateBMPsandassigningmaintenanceandinspectionresponsibilities.
D SWPPP Roles and ResponsibilitiesTheoperatorhastheleadordevelopingandimplementingtheSWPPPandcommitingresourcestoimplementtheBMPs.Stormwaterpollutioncontrolistypicallythejobomorethanasingleperson;theSWPPPdevelopmentprocessprovidesagoodopportunityto
defnerolesandresponsibilitiesoeveryoneinvolved.RolesandresponsibilitiesaretobedocumentedclearlyintheSWPPPandsubcontractoragreementsasnecessary.YourSWPPPshoulddescribe:
Whoisonthestormwaterpollutionpreventionteam?
Whowillinstallstructuralstormwatercontrols?
Whowillsuperviseandimplementgoodhousekeepingprograms,suchassitecleanupanddisposalotrashand
debris,hazardousmaterialmanagementanddisposal,vehicleandequipmentmaintenance,andsoon?
WhowillconductroutineinspectionsothesitetoensureallBMPsarebeingimplementedandmaintained?
WhowillmaintaintheBMPs?
WhoisresponsibleordocumentingchangestotheSWPPP?
WhoisresponsibleorcommunicatingchangesintheSWPPPtopeopleworkingonthesite?
Whenyouapplyoryourstormwaterpermit,theapplicationmayaskoraSWPPPcontact.Thiscouldbetheconstructionsiteoperator,butinmanycasesitsastaperson(e.g.,projectsuperintendent,feldmanager,constructionmanager,stormwatercomplianceofcer)attheconstructionsitewhoisresponsibleorconductinginspections,ensuringBMPsareinstalledandmaintained,andupdatingtheSWPPPwhennecessary.
Erosion Control Certifcation
Several programs promote the training and
certication o individuals in erosion and sediment
control. Some states have developed certication
programs and require construction sites to have a
certied individual on-site at all times. The Soil and
Water Conservation Society and the International
Erosion Control Association sponsor a national
certication program, the Certied Proessional in
Erosion and Sediment Control (www.cpesc.org)
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E Common SWPPP ObjectivesTheSWPPPoutlinesthestepsyouwilltaketocomplywiththetermsandconditionsoyourconstructiongeneralpermit.KeepingtheollowingobjectivesinmindasyoudevelopyourSWPPPwillhelpguideyouinaddressingyourpermitrequirementsandinprotecting
waterquality. Stabilize the site as soon as possible.Getyoursitetofnalgradeandeitherpermanentlyortemporarilystabilizeallbaresoilareasassoonaspossible.Takeintoconsiderationgerminationtimesorthegrassesorothervegetationselected,andprovideadditionalstabilization(mulches,matrices,blankets,soilbinders)onerosion-proneareassuchasslopesanddrainageways.Alsoconsiderseasonallimitationstoplantestablishmentandgrowth,suchasdroughtorcoldtemperatures,andmakeaneorttoensurethatareasthatarenotshowingadequatevegetationestablishmentarereseededormulchedimmediately.Areasneededorutureroads,construction,orotherpurposesshouldbetemporarilystabilized(seeyourpermitorrequirementsrelatedtoareasothesitenotcurrentlyunderactiveconstruction).Establishingavegetatedcoveronasmuchothesiteaspossiblewillhelptominimizeerosionandsedimentproblems.Perimetercontrolsshouldremaininplaceuntilfnal
stabilizationhasbeenachieved. Protect slopes and channels.Conveyconcentratedstormwaterrunoaroundthetoposlopesandstabilizeslopesassoonaspossible.Thiscanbeaccomplishedusingpipeslopedrainsorearthenbermsthatwillconveyrunoaroundtheexposedslope.Avoiddisturbingnaturalchannels
andthevegetationalongnaturalchannels,ipossible.
Reduce impervious suraces and promoteinfltration.Reducingimpervioussuraceswillultimatelyreducetheamountorunoleavingyoursite.Also,divertrunoromrootopsandotherimpervioussuracestovegetatedareaswhenpossibletopromoteinfltration.
Control the perimeter o your site.Divertstormwatercomingontoyoursitebyconveyingitsaelyaround,through,orunderyoursite.Avoidallowingrun-ontocontactdisturbedareasotheconstructionsite.Fortherunoromthedisturbedareasothesite,installBMPssuchassiltencestocapturesedimentbeoreitleavesyoursite.RememberDivertthecleanwater,trapthedirtywater.
Protect receiving waters adjacent to yoursite.Erosionandsedimentcontrolsareusedaroundtheentiresite,butoperatorsshouldconsideradditionalcontrolsonareasthatareadjacenttoreceivingwatersorotherenvironmentallysensitiveareas.Remember, the primary purposeo erosion and sediment controls is toprotect surace waters.
Follow pollution prevention measures.Providepropercontainersorwasteandgarbageatyoursite.Storehazardous
materialsandchemicalssothattheyarenotexposedtostormwater.
Minimize the area and duration o exposedsoils.Clearingonlylandthatwillbeunderconstructioninthenearuture,apracticeknownasconstructionphasing,canreduceo-sitesedimentloadsby36percentoratypicalsubdivision(Claytor2000).Additionally,minimizingthedurationosoilexposurebystabilizingsoilsquicklycanreduceerosiondramatically.
Incentves to preserve open space
It should be the goal o every construction
project to, where possible, preserve open
space and minimize impervious suraces
through practices such as clustering houses.
Open space preservation can provide
signicant water quality and economic
benets to property owners.
Take a Closer LookWhat does this mean to me?From a marketing perspective, studies have shown that lots abutting
orested or other open space are initially valued higher than lots with
no adjacent open space, and over time their value appreciates more
than lots in conventional subdivisions (Arendt 1996). For example, lots
in an open space subdivision in Amherst, Massachusetts, experienced
a 13 percent greater appreciation in value over a comparable
conventional development ater 20 years even though the lots in the
conventional development were twice as large (Arendt 1996).
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0 Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan: A Guide or Construction Sites
Chapter 3: SWPPP DevelopmentSite
Assessment and Planning
ThischapterdescribesanumberostepsthatwillhelpprovideagoodoundationoryourSWPPP,including:
Assessingcurrentconditionsatthesite
Establishingpollutionpreventionandwaterqualityprotectiongoalsoryourproject
Developingarameworktohelpyoumeetthosegoals
A Assess Your Site and Proposed ProjectThefrststepindevelopingyourSWPPPistoevaluateyourproposedconstructionsite.YourSWPPPshoulddescribethe
undevelopedsiteandidentiyeaturesothelandthatcanbeincorporatedintothefnalplanandnaturalresourcesthatshouldbeprotected.UnderstandingthehydrologicandothernaturaleaturesoyoursitewillhelpyoudevelopabetterSWPPPand,ultimately,tomoreeectivelypreventstormwaterpollution.
Visit the Site
ThepeopleresponsibleorsitedesignanddratingtheSWPPPshouldconductathoroughwalk-throughotheentireconstructionsitetoassesssite-specifcconditionssuchassoiltypes,drainagepatterns,existingvegetation,andtopography.
AvoidcopyingSWPPPsromotherprojectstosavetimeormoney.EachconstructionprojectandSWPPPisunique,andvisitingthesiteistheonlywaytocreateaSWPPPthataddressestheuniqueconditionsatthatsite.
Assess Existing Construction Site Conditions
Assesstheexistingconditionsattheconstructionsite,includingtopography,drainage,andsoiltype.Thisassessment,sometimescalledfngerprinting(seetextboxonpage11)istheoundationorbuildingyourSWPPPandordevelopingyourfnalsiteplan.Inthisassessment,useorcreateatopographicdrawingthat:
Indicateshowstormwatercurrentlydrainsromthesite,andidentiythelocationodischargepointsorareas
Identifesslopesandslopelengths.Thetopographiceaturesothesiteareamajoractoraectingerosionromthesite
Identifessoiltype(s)andanyhighlyerodiblesoilsandthesoilsinfltrationcapacity
Identifesanypastsoilcontaminationatthesite
Identifesnaturaleatures,includingtrees,streams,wetlands,slopesandothereaturestobeprotected
The rst step in
developing a SWPPP
is assessing the
site and identiying
measures to protect
natural eatures
A SWPPP is a detailed plan that:
Identies potential sources o stormwater
pollution
Describes the practices that will be used
to prevent stormwater pollution. These
should include: erosion and sediment control
practices, good housekeeping practices,
conservation techniques, and inltration
practices (where appropriate), and
Identies procedures the operator will
implement to comply with all requirements
in the construction general permit
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Inmostcases,thesitedesignercancompileallthisinormationonadigitizeddrawingthatcanthenbeadaptedtoshowtheplannedconstructionactivity,thephasesoconstruction,andthefnalsiteplan.
TopographicmapsarereadilyavailableontheInternet(e.g.,www.terraserver.comorwww.mapquest.com)orbycontactingtheU.S.GeologicalSurveystore(http://store.usgs.gov).Iyouneedhelpdeterminingyoursoiltype,contactyourlocalNaturalResourceConservationService(NRCS)ofceorextensionserviceofce.TofndtheNRCSofcenearesttoyoursite,visittheU.S.DepartmentoAgriculturesServiceCenterLocatorwebsite(http://oces.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app).SoilinormationisalsoavailableonlineromNRCS(http://soils.
usda.gov).
Identiy Receiving Waters, Storm Drains, andOther Stormwater Conveyance Systems
YourSWPPPshouldclearlyidentiythereceivingwatersandstormwatersystemsthroughwhichstormwaterromyoursitecouldow.Manystatesrequireplanningoraspecifcstormeventorstormevents.Thesestormeventsarereerredtobytheirrecurrenceintervalanddurationsuchas1-year,6-hourstormora100-year,24-hour
storm.Theseeventsthentranslateintoaspecifcrainallamountdependingonaverageconditionsinyourarea.
Iyoursitesstormwaterowsintoamunicipalstormdrainsystem,youshoulddeterminetheultimatedestinationothatsystemsdischarge.Thismaybeobviousandeasytodocument.However,insomesystems,youmayhavetoconsultwiththelocalagency
responsibleorthestormdrainsystemtodeterminethewaterbodytowhichyouaredischarging.
Iyoursitesstormwaterrunsotoareasnotconnectedtothestormdrainsystem,
youshouldconsideryourlandstopographyandthenidentiythewaterbodiesthatitcouldreach.Manysiteswilldischargesomestormwatertoastormdrainsystemandsometootherareasnotconnectedtothesystem.Iyoursitesstormwatercouldpotentiallyreachtwoormorewaterbodies,notethatinyourSWPPP.Remember,stormwatercantravellongdistancesoverroads,parkinglots,downslopes,acrossfelds,andthroughstormsewersanddrainageditches.
Describe Your Construction Project
YourSWPPPshouldcontainabriedescriptionotheconstructionactivity,including:
Projecttypeorunction(orexample,low-densityresidential,shoppingmall,highway)
Projectlocation,includinglatitudeandlongitude
Estimatedprojectstartandenddates
Sequenceandtimingoactivitiesthatwill
disturbsoilsatthesite
Sizeotheproject
Estimatedtotalareaexpectedtobedisturbedbyexcavation,grading,orotherconstructionactivities,includingdedicatedo-siteborrowandfllareas
Percentageoimperviousareabeoreandaterconstruction
Fngerprntng Your Ste
When you evaluate your construction site, you should clearly identiy
vegetation, trees, and sensitive areas, such as stream buers, wetlands,
highly erodible soils, and steep slopes at your site. You should protect theseareas rom disturbance. Inventorying a sites natural eatures is a technique
called ngerprinting. Fingerprinting identies natural eatures that you can
protect rom clearing and heavy equipment by signage or physical barriers.
Take a Closer Look
What does this mean to me?Fingerprinting your site will help
ensure that you dont damage natural
eatures such as waterways or wetlands.
Conducting construction activity in a
waterway or wetland without the proper
permits can result in signicant penalties.
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1 The runo coefcient is the partial amount o the total rainall which will become runo. Runo coe fcients generally range rom 0.95 (highly impervious) to 0.05 (vegetated surace that
generates little runo ). For more inormation on calculating the runo coefcient or your site, see Appendix C.
Runocoefcient1beoreandaterconstruction
Soiltypes
Constructionsitelocationandanynearbywatersorwetlands
Describeandidentiythelocationo
otherpotentialsourcesostormwatercontamination,suchasasphaltandconcreteplants,stuccooperations,paintandconcretewashout,andsuch
Identiy Pollutants and Pollution Sources
Identiythepollutantsandsourcesthatarelikelytobeoundonthesite.Theprinciplepollutantoconcern,ocourse,issediment.Thereare,however,otherpollutantsthatmaybeound,usuallyinsubstantiallysmalleramounts,instormwaterrunorom
constructionsites.Thesecanincludenutrients,heavymetals,organiccompounds,pesticides,oilandgrease,bacteriaandviruses,trashanddebris,andotherchemicals.Ateridentiyingthepollutantsandsources,beasspecifcaspossibleinyourSWPPPabouttheBMPsyouwillusetoaddressthem.Thetableattheletliststhesourcesopollutantsatconstructionsites,includingsediment,theprimarypollutantandotherpollutantsthatmaybepresentatconstructionsites.
Fgure . Make sure storm dran nlets
are protected.
Constructon Ste Pollutants
Areas o Consderaton
Prmary
Pollutant
Other Pollutants
Nutrents
Heavymeta
ls
pH
(acds&
bases)
Pestcdes&
herbcdes
Ol&
grease
Bactera&
vruses
Trash,
debr
s,solds
Othertoxc
chemcals
Sedment
Clearing, grading,
excavating, and
unstabilized areas
Paving operations
Concrete washout and
waste
Structure construction/
painting/cleaning
Demolition and debris
disposal
Dewatering operations
Drilling and blasting
operations
Material delivery and
storage
Material use during
building process
Solid waste (trash and
debris)
Hazardous waste
Contaminated spills
Sanitary/septic waste
Vehicle/equipment ueling
and maintenance
Vehicle/equipment use
and storage
Landscaping operations
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Non-Stormwater Discharges
Mostpermitswillrequireyoutoidentiyanynon-stormwaterdischargesinyourSWPPP.Certainnon-stormwaterdischargesmaybeallowedunderthetermsandconditionsoyourpermit,however,youshouldmakeeveryeorttoeliminatethesedischargeswhere
possible.YoushouldidentiythesesourcesinyourSWPPPandidentiypollutionpreventionmeasurestoensurethatpollutantsarenotintroducedtothesedischargesandcarriedtonearbywaterbodies.
EPAsCGPidentifestheseallowablenon-stormwaterdischarges:dischargesromfre-fghtingactivities,frehydrantushings,watersusedtowashvehicles,buildings,andpavementswheredetergentsarenotused,waterusedtocontroldust,potablewater(includinguncontaminatedwaterline
ushings),uncontaminatedairconditioningcondensate,uncontaminatedgroundwaterorspringwater,amongothers.Thepermitgoesontosaythatnon-stormwaterdischargesshouldbeeliminatedorreducedtotheextenteasibleandthattheSWPPPshouldidentiyandensuretheimplementationoappropriatepollutionpreventionmeasuresorthesedischarges.Morediscussionopollutionpreventionmeasuresorsomeothesenon-stormwatersourcescanbeoundinChapter5.
Permanent Stormwater Controls
(Post-Construction)Thetopicodesigning,installing,andmaintainingpermanentorpost-constructionstormwatercontrols,althougharequirement,isbeyondthescopeothisSWPPPguide.ASWPPPcompiledinsupportocoverageunder
EPAsConstructionGeneralPermit,however,needstoincludeadescriptionoallpermanentstormwatercontrolsthatwillbeconstructedalongwiththebuildings,roads,parkinglots,andotherstructures.YoushouldincorporatesedimentanderosioncontrolsintoyourSWPPPorareaswherepermanentstormwatercontrols,suchaswetponds,swales,and
bioretentioncellsaretobeconstructed.
Eectivelymanagingstormwateroverthelong-termlongatertheactualconstructionprocessisoverisasignifcantchallenge.Manycommunities(andaewstates)haveoraredevelopingcomprehensiverequirementstobettermanagepermanent(orpost-construction)stormwaterruno.Tobemosteective,youshouldconsiderintegratingyourdesignprocessoryourpermanentstormwatercontrolsintoyouroveralldesignoryoursite.Planningoryourpermanentstormwater
controlscouldaectyourdecisionsaboutsitedesign,locationobuildingsandotherstructures,grading,andpreservingnaturaleatures.Bypreservingnaturaldrainagepatterns,trees,nativevegetation,riparianbuers,andwetlands,youmightneedtoconstructewerorsmallerstructuralstorm-watercontrolstocopewithrunoromyoursite.Permanentstormwatercontrolsshouldbedesignedwithtwoimportantgoalsinmind:(1)reductionothevolumeandvelocityoruno,and(2)reductionothepollutantsinthestormwaterthatdoesleaveyoursite.
Techniques,suchasLow Impact Development,BetterSiteDesign,orConservation
Development,whichemphasizeaddressingstormwaterwhereitalls,infltratingit,preservingnaturaldrainagepatterns,and
Specmen Trees and Natural Vegetaton
Beore a site plan is prepared, identiy and
clearly mark existing trees and vegetation you
want to preserve. Some communities have tree
preservation ordinances, and local extension
service oces and oresters will oten provide ree
advice on tree and plant preservation. Remember
to notiy all employees and subcontractors about
trees and areas you intend to preserve and mark
them clearly.
Take a Closer Look
What does this mean to me?Large trees and other native vegetation can represent signicant value
in the long term to property owners and the community at large.
Many studies document that the presence o trees on residential and
commercial sites provide many benets including improved aesthetics,
habitat or birds and other wildlie, and energy savings (shade) that
ultimately enhance the economic value o the site. Trees also provide
shade and act as windbreaks, which can reduce energy costs over the
long term. By protecting existing trees, you can reduce landscaping
costs and improve the appearance o a newly developed property.
According to the National Arbor Day Foundation, trees around a home
can increase its value by 15 percent or more.
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preservingnaturalvegetationoerthebestopportunitytoprotectnearbyrivers,lakes,wetlands,andcoastalwaters. Incorporatingthese ideas and concepts into the design oryour project beore it is built also oers the
opportunity to reduce capital inrastructureand long-term maintenance costs.
Attheneighborhoodorevenatthewatershedscale,Smart Growthtechniquescanhelpusdesignneighborhoodsthatminimizeimpactsonwaterquality,reduceairpollution,andimprovethegeneralqualityolieorresidents.In theResources list in AppendixD, you will nd a list o suggestions on this
topic, including how to incorporate SmartGrowth and Low Impact Developmenttechniques into the design o your site.
B Identiy Approaches to Protect Natural
ResourcesPreservationonaturalareas,waterbodies,andopenspacehasnumerouseconomic,aesthetic,community,andenvironmentalbenefts.Preservationeortsalsootenincreasethevalueolotsandhomesandhelptoreduceoverallexpendituresoninrastructure.Specifcally,thesekindsoconservationeortscanhelptosignifcantlyreducethevolumeandvelocityostormwaterrunoandthepollutantsthatmaybecarriedwithit.
Protect Nearby Waters
YourSWPPPshoulddescribehowyouwillpro-tectandpreserveanystreams,wetlands,pondsorotherwaterbodiesthatareonyourpropertyorimmediatelyadjoiningit.Riparianareasaroundheadwaterstreamsareespeciallyim-portanttotheoverallhealthotheentireriver
system.Manystatesandcommunitieshavebuerorshorelineprotectionrequirementstopreservesensitiveareasaroundwaterbodies.
Manystatesapplyspecialdesignationstohigh-valueorhigh-qualitywaters.Checkwithyourstatewaterpollutioncontrolagencytodetermineiyourprojectcoulddischargetooutstandingorspecialprotectionwaters(suchaswetlands,orsalmonandtroutstreams).Youmightbesubjecttoadditionalrequirementstoprotectthesewaterbodies.
Wetlandareas,includingbogs,marshes,
swamps,andprairiepotholesmaybeoundinareasadjacenttorivers,lakes,andcoastalwatersbutmayalsobeoundinisolatedplacesarromothersuracewaters.ManytypesowetlandsareprotectedundertheCleanWaterActandconstructionactivitiesinandaroundtheseareasmayrequireanadditionalpermitromtheArmyCorpsoEngineers.Constructionsiteoperatorsshouldmakeeveryeorttopreservewetlandsandmustollowapplicablelocal,state,andederalrequirementsbeoredisturbingthemorthe
areasaroundthem.Toensuretheprotectiononaturalareasduringtheconstructionperiod,youshoulduseacombinationotechniques,includingtemporaryencing,signage,andeducatingstaandsubcontractors.
Assess Whether Your Project Impacts anImpaired Waterbody
UndertheCleanWaterAct,statesarerequiredtodetermineirivers,lakes,andotherwatersaremeetingwaterqualitystandards.When
awaterbodydoesnotmeetwaterqualitystandardsbecauseooneormoresourcesopollution,thestateliststhewaterasimpaired.Whenawaterisdeterminedtobeimpaired,thestateorEPAdevelopsaplanorcorrectingthesituation.ThisplaniscalledaTotalMaximumDailyLoad(TMDL).IstormwaterromyourprojectcouldreachanimpairedwaterwithorwithoutanapprovedTMDL(eitherdirectlyorindirectlythroughamunicipalstormdrainsystem),yourpermit
Tree Preservation Resources
For more on tree preservation, contact your
local extension service oce or orester. Also,
American Forests has useul inormation and
tools at their website,
www.amercanorests.org/
resources/urbanorests. The
Center or Watershed Protection
in cooperation with the U.S.
Forest Service has developed
a series o manuals on urbanorestry. Part two, titled
Conserving and Planting Trees
at Development Sites will be o
particular interest. You can nd
these manuals at www.cwp.org
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mayincludeadditionalrequirementstoensurethatyourstormwaterdischargesdonotcontributetothatimpairmentandyourstormwatercontrolsareconsistentwithplanstorestorethatwaterbody.YourSWPPPshoulddescribethespecifcactionsyouwilltaketocomplywiththesepermitrequirementsorimpairedwaters.
Youshoulddetermine,beoreyoufleorpermitcoverage,ithereceivingwatersoryourprojectareimpairedandiso,whetheraTMDLhasbeendevelopedorthiswaterbody.VisitEPAsEnviromapperwebsite(www.epa.gov/waters/enviromapper)orcontactyourstateenvironmentalagencyormoreinormation.
Assess Whether You Have Endangered Plant orAnimal Species in Your Area
The ederal Endangered Species Act protectsendangered and threatened species and their
critical habitat areas.(Statesandtribesmayhavetheirownendangeredspecieslaws.)Indevelopingtheassessmentoyoursite,youshoulddeterminewhetherlistedendangeredspeciesareonornearyourproperty.Criticalhabitatareasareotendesignatedtosupportthecontinuedexistenceolistedspecies.Youshouldalsodeterminewhethercriticalhabitatareashavebeendesignatedinthevicinityoyourproject.ContactyourlocalofcesotheU.S.FishandWildlieService(FWS),
NationalMarineFisheriesService(NMFS),oryourstateortribalheritagecenters.TheseorganizationsotenmaintainlistsoederalandstatelistedendangeredandthreatenedspeciesontheirInternetsites.Formoreinormationandtolocatelistsoryourstate,visitwww.epa.gov/npdes/endangeredspecies
Additionally,yourstatesNPDESstormwaterpermitmayspecifcallyrequirethatyouaddresswhethertheactivitiesandthestormwaterdischargedbyyourconstructionsitehavethepotentialtoadverselyaect
threatenedorendangeredspeciesorthecriticalhabitatareas.YoumightneedtoconductabiologicalinvestigationorassessmentanddocumenttheresultsotheassessmentinyourSWPPP.Thestatemayreerenceederal,state,ortribalendangeredspeciesprotectionlawsorregulations.
EPAsConstructionGeneralPermitcontainsdetailedprocedurestoassistconstructionsiteoperatorsindeterminingthelikelyimpacto
theirprojectsonanyendangeredspeciesorcriticalhabitat.ConstructionsiteoperatorsinareascoveredbyEPAsConstructionGeneralPermitarerequiredtoassesstheimpactotheiractivitiesandassociatedstormwaterdischargesonspeciesandhabitatintheprojectareawhichmayextendbeyondthesitesimmediateootprint.
Assess Whether You Have Historic Sites thatRequire Protection
TheNationalHistoricPreservationAct,andanystate,localandtribalhistoricpreservationlaws,applytoconstructionactivities.Aswithendangeredspecies,somepermitsmayspecifcallyrequireyoutoassessthepotentialimpactoyourstormwaterdischargesonhistoricproperties.However,whetherornotthisisstatedasaconditionorpermitcoverage,theNationalHistoric
PreservationActandanyapplicablestateortriballawsapplytoyou.ContactyourStateHistoricPreservationOfcer(www.ncshpo.org/stateinolist/ulllist.htm)oryourTribalHistoricPreservationOfcer(grants.cr.nps.gov/thpo/tribaloces.cm).
C Develop Site MapsThefnalstepinthesiteevaluationprocessistodocumenttheresultsoyoursiteassessmentandyourplannedphasesoconstructionactivityonadetailedsitemap
ormaps.Thisincludesdevelopingsitemapsshowingplannedconstructionactivitiesandstormwaterpracticesorthevariousmajorstagesoconstruction,protectedareas,naturaleatures,slopes,erodiblesoils,nearbywaterbodies,permanentstormwatercontrols,andsoon.YoumustkeepyourSWPPPandyoursitemapsup-to-datetoreectchangesatyoursiteduringtheconstructionprocess.
Location Maps
Agenerallocationmapishelpultoidentiy
nearby,butnotadjacent,waterbodiesinproximitytootherproperties.Youcanuseanyeasilyavailablemapsormappingsotwaretocreatealocationmap.
Site Maps
Thedetailedconstructionsitemapsshouldshowtheentiresiteandidentiyanumberoeaturesatthesiterelatedtoconstructionactivitiesandstormwatermanagementpractices.
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Map of undeveloped or existing site.Formanysites,amapotheundevelopedorexistingsite,notingtheeaturesthatyouidentifedinSectionAothisChapter,willhelpyoudevelopyourSWPPPandidentiycurrentsiteeaturesthatyouwanttopreserve.Onthismapnotecurrentdrainagepatterns,stormdrains,slopes,soiltypes,watersandothernaturaleatures.Alsonoteanyexistingstructures,roads,utilities,andothereatures.
Map or series of maps for construction plans. Sitemapsshouldshowtheconstructionactivitiesandstormwatermanagementpracticesoreachmajorphaseoconstruction(e.g.,initialgrading,inrastructure,construction,andstabilization).Thesitemapsshouldlegiblyidentiytheollowingeatures:
Stormwaterowanddischarges.Indicateowdirection(s)andapproximateslopesatergradingactivities,aswellaslocationsodischargestosuracewatersormunicipalstormdrainsystems.
Areasandeaturestobeprotected.Includewetlands,nearbystreams,rivers,lakes,andcoastalwaters,maturetreesandnaturalvegetation,steepslopes,highlyerodiblesoils,etc.
Disturbedareas.Indicatelocationsandtimingosoildisturbingactivities(e.g.grading).Markclearinglimits.
BMPs.Identiylocationsostructuralandnon-structuralBMPsidentifedin
theSWPPP,aswellaspost-constructionstormwaterBMPs.
Areasostabilization.Identiylocationswherestabilizationpracticesareexpectedtooccur.Markareaswherefnalstabilizationhasbeenaccomplished.
Otherareasandroads.Indicatelocationsomaterial,waste,borrow,orequipmentstorage.
YoushouldcompleteyoursitemapsaterreviewingChapters4and5andanyapplicableBMPdesignmanualtoselectappropriateBMPsoryoursite.
Use Site Maps to Track Progress
Developandkeepup-to-datesitemapsshowingnon-structuralBMPsthatchange
requentlyinlocationastheworkonaconstructionsiteprogresses.YourpermitrequiresthatyoukeepyourSWPPPup-to-date,somarkupthesitemapwiththelocationotheseBMPs.Indicatethecurrentlocationotheollowing:
Portabletoilets
Materialstorageareas
Vehicleandequipmentuelingandmaintenanceareas
Concretewashouts
Paintandstuccowashouts
Dumpstersorothertrashanddebriscontainers
Spillkits
Stockpiles
Anyothernon-structuralnon-stormwatermanagementBMPs
AnytemporarilyremovedstructuralBMPs
AnychangestothestructuralBMPs
Iamarked-upsitemapistooulltobeeasilyread,youshoulddateandoldit,putitintheSWPPPordocumentation,andstartanewone.Thatway,thereisagoodhardcopyrecordowhathasoccurredon-site.
Constructionsitesaredynamic.Asconditionschangeattheconstructionsite,suchasthelocationsoBMPs,yourSWPPPmustreectthosechanges.
Fgure . Example ste map.
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Chapter 4: SWPPP DevelopmentSelecting
Erosion and Sediment Control BMPs
ThisdocumentisnotintendedasanengineeringordesignmanualonBMPs.Theengineerorotherqualifedpersonthatdevelopsthedetailsoyoursedimentanderosioncontrolplanshouldbeusingtheappropriatestateorlocalspecifcations.Thedescriptionsbelowprovideakindochecklistothethingstolookorandsomehelpulinstallationandmaintenancehints.
Erosionandsedimentcontrolsarethestructuralandnon-structuralpracticesusedduringtheconstructionprocesstokeepsedimentinplace(erosioncontrol)andtocaptureanysedimentthatismovedbystormwaterbeoreitleavesthesite(sedimentcontrol).ErosioncontrolskeepingsoilwhereitisaretheheartoanyeectiveSWPPP.YourSWPPPshouldrelyonerosioncontrolsastheprimarymeansopreventingstormwaterpollution.Sedimentcontrolsprovideanecessarysecondline
odeensetoproperlydesignedandinstallederosioncontrols.ThesuiteoBMPsthatyouincludeinyourSWPPPshouldreectthespecifccondi-tionsatthesite.TheinormationthatyoucollectedinthepreviousstepsshouldhelpyouselecttheappropriateBMPsoryoursite.AneectiveSWPPPincludesacombinationorsuiteoBMPsthataredesignedtoworktogether.
Ten Keys to Eective Erosion andSediment Control (ESC)TheultimategoaloanySWPPPistoprotectrivers,lakes,wetlands,andcoastalwatersthatcouldbeaectedbyyourconstruct ionproject.TheollowingprinciplesandtipsshouldhelpyoubuildaneectiveSWPPP.Keep in mind that there are many BMP
options available to you. We have selecteda ew common BMPs to help illustrate the
principles discussed in this chapter.
This chapter presents
a brie discussion o
erosion and sediment
control principles and
a discussion o some
commonly used BMPs
Erosion Control (keeping the dirt in place) andMinimizing the Impact o Construction
1 Minimize disturbed area and protect natural eatures and soil
2 Phase construction activity
3 Control stormwater fowing onto and through the project
4 Stabilize soils promptly
5 Protect slopes
Sediment Controls (the second line o deense)
6 Protect storm drain inlets
7 Establish perimeter controls
8 Retain sediment on-site and control dewatering practices
9 Establish stabilized construction exits
10 Inspect and maintain controls
BMPs n Combnaton
BMPs work much better when they are used in
combination. For instance, a silt ence should not be
used alone to address a bare slope. An erosion control
BMP should be used to stabilize the slope, and the silt
ence should serve as the backup BMP.
Take a Closer Look
What does this mean to me?Wherever possible, rely on erosion controls to keep sediment
in place. Back up those erosion controls with sediment
controls to ensure that sediment doesnt leave your site.
Continually evaluate your BMPs. Are they perorming
well? Could the addition o a supplemental BMP improve
perormance? Should you replace a BMP with another one
that might work better? Using BMPs in series also gives you
some protection in case one BMP should ail.
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Erosion Control and Minimizing the Impact oConstruction
ESC Principle 1: Minimize disturbed area
and protect natural eatures and soil. AsyouputtogetheryourSWPPP,careullyconsiderthenaturaleaturesothesitethatyouassessedinChapter3.Bycareullydelineating
andcontrollingtheareathatwillbedisturbedbygradingorconstructionactivities,youcangreatlyreducethepotentialorsoilerosionandstormwaterpollutionproblems.Limitdisturbedareastoonlythosenecessaryortheconstructionoyourproject.NaturalvegetationisyourbestandcheapesterosioncontrolBMP.
ProtectingandpreservingtopsoilisalsoagoodBMP.Removingtopsoilexposes
underlyinglayersthatareotenmorepronetoerosionandhavelessinfltrationcapacity.Keepingtopsoilinplacepreservesthenaturalstructureothesoilsandaidstheinfltrationo
stormwater.
ESC Principle 2: Phase constructionactivity. Anothertechniqueorminimizingthedurationoexposedsoilisphasing.Byschedulingorsequencingyourconstructionworkandconcentratingitincertainareas,youcanminimizetheamountosoilthatisexposedtotheelementsatanygiventime.LimitingtheareaodisturbancetoplaceswhereconstructionactivitiesareunderwayandstabilizingthemasquicklyaspossiblecanbeoneoyourmosteectiveBMPs.
ESC Principle 3: Control stormwaterfowing onto and through your project. Planoranypotentialstormwaterowscomingontotheprojectarearomupstreamlocations,anddivert(andslow)owstopreventerosion.Likewise,thevolumeandvelocityoon-sitestormwaterrunoshouldbecontrolledtominimizesoilerosion.
Example BMP: Diversion Ditches or Berms
Description:Diversionditchesorbermsdirectrunoawayromunprotectedslopesandmayalsodirectsediment-ladenrunotoasediment-trappingstructure.Adiversionditchcanbelocatedattheupslopesideoaconstructionsitetopreventsuracerunoromenteringthedisturbedarea.Ditchesorbermsonslopesneedtobedesignedorerosivevelocities.Also,ensurethatthedivertedwaterisreleasedthroughastableoutletanddoesnotcausedownslope
ordownstreamerosionorooding.
Installation Tips:
Divertrun-onandrunoawayromdisturbedareas
Ensurethatthediversionisprotectedromerosion,usingvegetation,geotextiles,orotherappropriateBMPs
Divertsediment-ladenwatertoasediment-trappingstructure
Usepracticesthatencourageinfltrationostormwaterrunowhereverpossible
Maintenance: Inspectdiversionsandberms,includinganyoutlets,regularlyandatereachrainall
Removeanyaccumulatedsediment
Fgure . Illustraton o a constructon berm to dvert
stormwater away rom the dsturbed constructon
area.
Fgure . Protect vegetated buers by usng slt ence
or other sedment controls.
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ESC Principle 4: Stabilize soils promptly.Whereconstructionactivitieshavetemporarilyorpermanentlyceased,youshouldstabilizeexposedsoilstominimizeerosion.Youshouldhavestabilizationmeasuresinplaceatergradingactivitieshaveceased(manypermitsrequirestabilizationwithinaspecifedtimerame).Youcan
provideeithertemporaryorpermanentcovertoprotectexposedsoils.TemporarymeasuresarenecessarywhenanareaoasiteisdisturbedbutwhereactivitiesinthatareaarenotcompletedoruntilpermanentBMPsareestablished.Topsoilstockpilesshouldalsobeprotectedtominimizeanyerosionromtheseareas.Temporary-coverBMPsincludetemporaryseeding,mulches,matrices,blanketsandmats,andtheuseosoilbinders(theremaybeadditionalstateandlocalrequirementsortheuseochemical-basedsoilbinders).Permanent-coverBMPsincludepermanentseedingandplanting,sodding,channelstabilization,andvegetativebuerstrips.Siltenceandothersedimentcontrolmeasuresarenotstabilizationmeasures.
Example BMP: Temporary Seeding
Description: Temporarilyseedinganareatoestablishvegetativecoverisoneothemosteective,andleastexpensive,methodsoreducingerosion.Thisapproach,asasingleBMP,mightnotbeappropriateon
steepslopes,whenvegetationcannotbeestablishedquicklyenoughtocontrolerosionduringastormevent,orwhenadditionalactivitiesmightoccursooninthearea.
Installation Tips:
Seedandmulcharea(themulchprovidestemporaryerosionprotectionbyprotectingthesoilsurace,moderatingtemperature,andretainingmoisturewhileseedsgerminateandgrow)
Waterregularly,ineeded,toensurequickgrowth
MaintainbackupBMPs,suchassiltenceorsettlingponds
ESC Principle 5:Protect slopes. Protectallslopeswithappropriateerosioncontrols.Steeperslopes,slopeswithhighlyerodiblesoils,orlongslopesrequireamorecomplexcombinationocontrols.Erosioncontrolblankets,bondedfbermatrices,ortur
reinorcementmatsareveryeectiveoptions.Siltenceorfberrollsmayalsobeusedtohelpcontrolerosiononmoderateslopesandshouldbeinstalledonlevelcontoursspacedat10-to20-ootintervals.Youcanalsousediversionchannelsandbermstokeepstormwateroslopes.
Example BMP: Rolled erosion control products
Description: Erosioncontrolproductsincludemats,geotextiles,anderosioncontrolblanketsandproductsthatprovidetemporarystabilizationandhelpto
establishvegetationondisturbedsoils.Suchproductshelpcontrolerosionandhelpestablishvegetationandareotenusedonslopes,channels,orstreambanks.
Fgure . Illustraton o eroson control blankets
nstalled on slope.
Wind Control BMPsIn areas where dust control is an issue, your
SWPPP should include BMPs or wind-erosion
control. These consist o mulching, wet
suppression (watering), and other practices.
Final Stabilization
Once construction activity in an area is
completed and the area is stabilized (typically
by achieving 70 percent permanent vegetative
cover), you can mark this area on your SWPPP
and discontinue inspections in that area. Bybringing areas o your site to nal stabilization,
you can reduce your workload associated with
maintaining and inspecting BMPs. For more
inormation on nal stabilization, see Chapter 9.
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0 Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan: A Guide or Construction Sites
Installation Tips:
Userollederosion-controlproductsonslopessteeperthan3to1(horizontaltovertical)andinswalesorlongchannels
Trenchthetopotheblanketintotheground
topreventrunoromowingundertheblanket
Overlapthelowerendothetopmatoverthetopothedownslopemattoensurethatrunostaysontopotheblanketsandmats
Stapleblanketsandmats
accordingtospecifcations
Maintenance:
Periodicallyinspectorsignsoerosionorailure
Repairtheblanketormatinecessary
Continueinspectionsuntilvegetationisestablishedatthelevelrequiredtoqualiyasfnalstabilization
ESC Principle 6: Protect storm drain
inlets. Protectallinletsthatcouldreceivestormwaterromtheprojectuntilfnalstabilizationothesitehasbeenachieved.Installinletprotectionbeoresoil-disturbingactivitiesbegin.Maintenancethroughouttheconstructionprocessisimportant.Uponcompletionotheproject,stormdraininletprotectionisoneothetemporaryBMPsthatshouldberemoved.Stormdraininletprotectionshouldbeusednotonlyorstormdrainswithintheactiveconstructionproject,butalsoorstormdrainsoutsidetheprojectareathatmightreceivestormwaterdischargesromtheproject.Itherearestormdrainsonprivatepropertythatcouldreceivestormwaterrunoromyourproject,coordinatewiththeownersothatpropertytoensureproperinletprotection.
Example BMP: Storm Drain Inlet Protection
Description:Stormdraininletprotectionpreventssedimentromenteringastormdrainbysurroundingorcoveringtheinletwithaflteringmaterial.Severaltypesofltersarecommonlyusedorinletprotection:siltence,rock-flledbags,orblockandgravel.Thetypeoflterused
dependsontheinlettype(orexample,curbinlet,dropinlet),slope,andvolumeoow.Manydierentcommercialinletfltersarealsoavailable.Somecommercialinletfltersareplacedinrontoorontopoaninlet,whileothersareplacedinsidetheinletunderthegrate.
Installation Tips:
Installinletprotectionassoonasstormdraininletsareinstalledandbeoreland-disturbanceactivitiesbegininareaswithexistingstormdrainsystems
Protectallinletsthatcouldreceivestormwaterromyourconstructionproject
UseinconjunctionwithothererosionpreventionandsedimentcontrolBMPsremember,inletprotectionisasecondaryBMP!
Designyourinletprotectiontohandlethevolumeowaterromtheareabeingdrained.Ensurethatthedesignissizedappropriately.
Maintenance:
Inspectinletsrequentlyandatereachrainall
Fgure . Illustraton o a storm dran nlet wth
rock-flled bags flterng stormwater.
Fgure 0. Illustraton o a fber roll nstallatonalong a slope.
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Removeaccumulatedsedimentromaroundthedeviceandcheckandremoveanysedimentthatmighthaveenteredtheinlet
Replaceorrepairtheinletprotectioniitbecomesdamaged
Sweepstreets,sidewalks,andother
pavedareasregularly
ESC Principle 7: Establish perimeter
controls. Maintainnaturalareasandsupplementthemwithsiltenceandfberrollsaroundtheperimeteroyoursitetohelppreventsoilerosionandstopsedimentromleavingthesite.Installcontrolsonthedownslopeperimeteroyourproject(itisotenunnecessarytosurroundtheentiresitewithsiltence).Sedimentbarrierscanbeusedtoprotectstreambuers,riparian
Storm drain inlet protection should never be
used as a primary BMP! Use erosion control
techniques such as hydromulching or erosion-
control blankets to prevent erosion. Use inlet
protection and other sediment control BMPs as
abackup or last line o deense.
areas,wetlands,orotherwaterways.Theyareeectiveonlyinsmallareasandshouldnotbeusedinareasoconcentratedow.
Example BMP: Silt Fence and Fiber Rolls
Description:Asiltenceisatemporarysedimentbarrierconsistingoageotextileattachedtosupportingpostsandtrenched
intotheground.Siltencingisintendedtoretainsedimentthathasbeendislodgedbystormwater.Itisdesignedonlyorrunoromsmallareasandisnotintendedtohandleowsromlargeslopesorinareasoconcentratedow.Fiberrollsservethesamepurposeandconsistoanopenmeshtubularsleeveflledwithafbrousmaterialwhichtrapssediment.Fiberrollsaregenerallystakedtotheground.
Installation Tips:
DO:
Usesiltenceorfberrollsasperimetercontrols,particularlyatthelowerordownslopeedgeoadisturbedarea
Leavespaceormaintenancebetweentoeoslopeandsiltenceorroll
Trenchinthesiltenceontheuphillside(6inchesdeepby6incheswide)
Installstakesonthedownhillsideotheenceorroll
Curvetheendothesiltenceorfberrollup-gradienttohelpitcontainruno
DONT: Installasiltenceorfberrollsinditches,channels,orareasoconcentratedow
Installitrunningupanddownaslopeorhill
Usesiltencingorfberrollsaloneinareasthatdrainmorethanaquarter-acreper100eetoence
Maintenance:
Removesedimentwhenitreachesone-thirdotheheightotheenceorone-
haltheheightothefberroll Replacethesiltenceorrollwhereitisworn,torn,orotherwisedamaged
Retrenchorreplaceanysiltenceorrollthatisnotproperlyanchoredtotheground
Fgure . Illustraton o proper technques to use
n nstallng slt ence.
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ESC Principle 8:Retain sediment onsiteand control dewatering practices. SedimentbarriersdescribedinESCPrinciple7cantrapsedimentromsmallareas,butwhensedimentretentionromalargerareaisrequired,considerusingatemporarysedimenttraporsedimentbasin.Thesepracticesdetainsediment-ladenrunoora
periodotime,allowingsedimenttosettlebeoretherunoisdischarged.Properdesignandmaintenanceareessentialtoensurethatthesepracticesareeective.
Youshoulduseasedimentbasinorcommondrainagelocationsthatserveanareawith10or
moreacresdisturbedatanyonetime.Thebasinshouldbedesignedtoprovidestorageor
thevolumeorunoromthedrainageareaoratleasta2-year,24-hourstorm(or3,600cubiceetostorageperacredrained,whichisenoughtocontain1inchoruno,ithe2-year,24-hourcalculationhasnotbeenperormed).Checkyourpermitorexactbasinsizingrequirements.Sedimentbasinsshouldbelocatedatlow-lyingareasothesiteandonthedown-gradientsideobaresoilareaswhereowsconverge.Donotputsedimenttrapsorbasinsinorimmediatelyadjacenttoowingstreamsorotherwaterways.
Wherealargesedimentbasinisnotpractical,usesmallersedimentbasinsorsedimenttraps(orboth)whereeasible.Ataminimum,usesiltences,vegetativebuerstrips,orequivalentsedimentcontrolsoralldown-gradientboundaries(andorthoseside-slopeboundariesdeemedappropriateorindividualsiteconditions).
Dewateringpracticesareusedtoremovegroundwateroraccumulatedrainwaterromexcavatedareas.Pumpmuddywaterromtheseareastoatemporaryorpermanentsedimentationbasinortoanareacompletelyenclosedbysiltenceinaatvegetatedareawheredischargescaninfltrateintotheground.
Neverdischargemuddywaterintostormdrains,streams,lakes,orwetlandsunlessthesedimenthasbeenremovedbeoredischarge.
Keepinmindthatsomestatesandlocaljurisdictionsrequireaseparatepermitordewateringactivitiesatasite.
ESC Principle 9:Establish stabilized construction exits. Vehiclesenteringandleavingthesitehavethepotentialtotracksignifcantamountsosedimentontostreets.Identiyandclearlymarkoneortwolocationswherevehicleswillenterandexitthesiteandocusstabilizingmeasuresatthoselocations.Constructionentrancesarecommonlymaderomlargecrushedrock.Theycanbeurtherstabilizedusingstonepadsorconcrete.Also,steelwashracksandahose-downsystemwillremoveevenmoremudanddebrisromvehicletires.Divertrunoromwashareasto
asedimenttraporbasin.Nosystemisperect,sosweepingthestreetregularlycompletesthisBMP.
Example BMP: Stabilized Construction Exit
Description:Arockconstructionexitcanreducetheamountomudtransportedontopavedroadsbyvehicles.Theconstructionexitdoesthisbyremovingmudromvehicletiresbeorethevehicleentersapublicroad.
Fgure . Illustraton o a stablzed constructon
ext.
Fgure . Illustraton o a sedment basn.
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Youmightalsowanttoinstallawheelwashwhenmudisespeciallydifculttoremoveorspacedoesntallowsufcienttirerevolutions(ourorfveareneeded)beoreexitingthesite.Directwashwatertoasuitablesettlingareadonotdischargewashwatertoastreamorstormdrain!
Installation tips: Ensurethattheexitisatleast50eetlong(generally,thelengthotwodumptrucks)andgradedsorunodoesnotentertheadjacentstreet
Placeageotextileabricunderalayeroaggregateatleast612inchesthick.Thestonesoraggregateshouldbe36inchesindiameter
Trainemployeesandsubcontractorstousethedesignatedconstructionexits.Empoweryouremployeestoprovide
directionstosubcontractorsandothersthatarenotonthesiteeveryday
Maintenance:
Replenishorreplaceaggregateiitbecomescloggedwithsediment
Sweepthestreetregularly
ESC Principle 10: Inspect and maintain
controls. Inspectionandmaintenanceisjustasimportantasproperplanning,design,andinstallationocontrols.Withoutadequate
maintenance,erosionandsedimentcontrolswillquicklyail,sometimesaterjustonerainall,andcausesignifcantwaterqualityproblemsandpotentialviolationsotheNPDESconstructiongeneralpermit.YourpermitlikelyrequiresyoutomaintainyourBMPsatalltimes.Todothiseectively,youshouldestablishaninspectionandmaintenanceapproachorstrategythatincludesbothregularandspotinspections.Inspectingbothpriortopredictedstormeventsandaterwillhelpensurethatcontrolsareworkingeectively.Perormmaintenance
orcorrectiveactionassoonasproblemsarenoted.Inspection and maintenance o BMPsare addressed in more detail in Chapter 6.
Other Sediment and Erosion ControlTechniquesAsmentionedatthebeginningothischapter,therearemanyothererosionandsedimentcontroltechniquesthatcanbeusedeectively.TheBMPshighlightedinthischapterareamongthosemorecommonly
usedandhighlightmanygeneralerosionandsedimentcontrolprinciplesorwhichotherBMPsmaybeusedeectively.ChecktoseeiyourstateorlocalgovernmenthasdevelopedaBMPdesignmanualordetailedinormationonanyBMPyouareconsidering.AppendixDlistsseveralgoodBMPdesignmanuals.YoucanalsofndoutmoreaboutvariousBMPsbyvisitingEPAsMenuoBMPsatwww.epa.gov/npdes/menuobmps
TheollowingBMPsarealsocommonlyusedatconstructionsites.
Erosioncontrolmeasures:
Suraceroughening,trackwalking,scariying,sheepsootrolling,imprinting
Soilbioengineeringtechniques(e.g.,livestaking,ascines,brushwattles)
Composting
Sodding
Sedimentcontrolandrunomanagementmeasures:
Gravelbagbarrier
Compostberm
Rockorbrushflters
Baesorskimmersinsedimentbasinstoincreaseeectiveness
Loweringsoillevelsnearstreetsandsidewalkstopreventruno
Levelspreaders
Energydissipaters
Checkdams
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Chapter 5: SWPPP DevelopmentSelecting Good
Housekeeping BMPs
Six Key Pollution Prevention Principles or Good HousekeepingConstructionprojectsgeneratelargeamountsobuilding-relatedwaste,whichcanenduppollutingstormwaterrunoinotproperlymanaged.ThesuiteoBMPsthataredescribedinyourSWPPPmustincludepollutionprevention(P2)orgoodhousekeepingpracticesthataredesignedtopreventcontaminationostormwaterromawiderangeomaterialsandwastesatyoursite.ThesixprinciplesdescribedbelowaredesignedtohelpyouidentiythepollutionpreventionpracticesthatshouldbedescribedinyourSWPPPandimplementedatyoursite.
1.Provideorwastemanagement
2.Establishproperbuildingmaterialstagingareas
3.Designatepaintandconcretewashoutareas
4.Establishproperequipment/vehicleuelingandmaintenancepractices
5.Controlequipment/vehiclewashingandallowablenon-stormwaterdischarges
6.Developaspillpreventionandresponseplan
P2 Principle 1: Provide or waste management. Designpropermanagementproceduresandpracticestopreventorreducethedischargeopollutantstostormwaterromsolidorliquidwastesthatwillbegeneratedatyoursite.Practicessuchastrashdisposal,recycling,propermaterialhandling,andcleanupmeasurescanreducethepotentialorstormwaterrunotopickupconstructionsitewastesanddischargethemtosuracewaters.
Provideconvenient,well-maintained,andproperlylocatedtoiletacilities.Provideorregularinspections,service,anddisposal.Locatetoiletacilitiesawayromstormdraininletsandwaterwaystopreventaccidentalspillsandcontaminationostormwater.Treatordisposeosanitaryandsepticwasteinaccordancewithstateorlocalregulations.
Propermaterialuse,storage,wastedisposal,andtrainingoemployeesandsubcontractorscanpreventorreduce
thedischargeohazardousandtoxicwastestostormwater.Implementacomprehensivesetowaste-managementpracticesorhazardousortoxicmaterials,suchaspaints,solvents,petroleumproducts,pesticides,woodpreservatives,acids,roofngtar,andothermaterials.Practicesshouldincludestorage,handling,inventory,andcleanupprocedures,incaseospills(seetheollowingP2principles).
This chapter presents
a brie discussion o
good housekeeping
principles to consider
to ensure your
construction site
does not contaminate
stormwater runo
As noted in Chapter 3,
sediment is the
principal pollutant o
concern in stormwater
discharges rom
construction sites But,EPAs CGP and many
state construction
general permits
require that the
SWPPP describe good
housekeeping measures
or other pollutants
that might be ound
on construction sites
This chapter discusses
these measures
Fgure . Illustraton showng constructon materals
wth secondary contanment and overhead cover to
prevent stormwater contamnaton.
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Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan: A Guide or Construction Sites
P2 Principle 2: Establish proper building
material handling and staging areas.YourSWPPPshouldincludecomprehensive
handlingandmanagementproceduresorbuildingmaterials,especiallythosethatarehazardousortoxic.Paints,solvents,pesticides,uelsandoils,otherhazardousmaterialsoranybuildingmaterialsthathavethepotentialtocontaminatestormwatershouldbestoredindoorsorundercoverwheneverpossibleorinareaswithsecondarycontainment.Secondarycontainmentpreventsaspillromspreadingacrossthesiteandincludedikes,berms,curbing,orothercontainmentmethods.Secondarycontainmenttechniquesshouldalsoensure
theprotectionogroundwater.Designatestagingareasoractivitiessuchasuelingvehicles,mixingpaints,plaster,mortar,andsoon.Designatedstagingareaswillhelpyoutomonitortheuseomaterialsandtocleanupanyspills.Trainingemployeesandsubcontractorsisessential