I'll never forget the sinking feeling when I got the call from the lab and construction managers. I was managing the SWPPP for a large commercial construction site, and we had just experienced a heavy rainstorm. They informed me that extremely high pH levels were detected in the stormwater discharging from our site, violating our wastewater permit.
After reviewing the situation, it became clear that a recent concrete pour had caused the issue. Heavy rains had washed away concrete dust and debris into the stormwater system, leading to high alkalinity and soaring pH readings. This violation required us to report the exceedance to the State agency and on our next Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR).
This incident taught me the importance of an effective SWPPP. Addressing common violation areas can help keep your construction site in compliance and proactive rather than reactive. It's a cautionary tale about not becoming complacent with environmental permits and obligations.
One major issue inspectors encounter is an inadequate or missing SWPPP document. A thorough, site-specific plan that accounts for local regulations is critical. The SWPPP should outline all necessary Best Management Practices (BMPs) to control erosion, sediment, and pollution from stormwater runoff. Without this plan, compliance is impossible.
Improper installation and maintenance of BMPs is another frequent violation. Silt fences, inlet protection, stabilized construction entrances, and concrete washout areas need proper deployment and upkeep. Regular inspections and maintenance of these control measures are vital.
Failing to conduct regular site inspections is another common violation. SWPPP documents often require weekly (or more frequent) walkthroughs to verify BMPs are functional and identify new issues. Skipping these inspections means problems go unnoticed until it's too late.
Your site staff are the front-line defense against SWPPP violations, but they need adequate training. All personnel should understand erosion and sediment control requirements, potential pollutant sources, and how to respond to spills or maintenance needs. Investing in training pays off.
Finally, improper management of construction materials and waste can create pollution hazards leading to violations. Concrete washout, paints, solvents, fuels, and building materials need designated storage, handling, and disposal practices to avoid contaminating stormwater. Sloppy housekeeping can be a costly compliance mistake.
I learned my lesson about the importance of an effective SWPPP the hard way. Addressing common violation areas can get your construction site back on track for full compliance before an inspection occurs.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure in avoiding expensive penalties and environmental damage.
Want to discuss your stormwater compliance (or perhaps, lack thereof)? Feel free to get some time on my calendar to chat!