ESS SWPPP Tips! January 2013
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Tip #4: Follow Best Management Practices
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What are BMPs?
Control measures that prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants to stormwater runoff are known as Best Management Practices or BMPs. Some of these controls are structural, like catch basins and drainage systems. Other BMPs are nonstructural and can be implemented with relatively little cost or disruption to operations to quickly improve stormwater conditions on your site. Below are ten BMPs for stormwater control that you can incorporate into your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP). Implement them now to help your facility meet its effluent limits per the 2008 Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) and comply with the state rules and permitting programs that apply to your facility in lieu of the EPA program.
Update! RIDEM is holding a public hearing on its new draft MSGP on January 31st. Find out more about the MSGP.
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Minimize Exposure
Prevent contact between stormwater runoff and your facility’s industrial activities and polluting materials. Implement controls that are geared toward reducing pollutants at the source. (Example Action: Relocate industrial activities and materials to covered or contained areas.)
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Maintain Your Control Features
Maintain all control measures implemented at your facility in effective operating condition. (Example Action: Establish a routine schedule for removing sediment from catch basins.)
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Prevent Spills
Have questions? Need help evaluating or updating your SWPPP? Contact Erica Uriarte at 781.419.7726 for more information.
Implement control measures to minimize spills, leaks, and other releases that may come in contact with stormwater at your facility, and provide effective cleanup responses to these spills. (Example Action: Follow procedures for material storage and handling.)
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Control Erosion & Sediment
Stabilize exposed areas at your facility and contain runoff to minimize on-site erosion and potential off-site discharges of sediment. (Example Action: Install silt fence, wattles, sediment traps, etc.)
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Tip #4 (continued): Follow Best Management Practices
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Reduce Runoff with Vegetation
Use landscaping to divert, infiltrate, re-use, or otherwise reduce stormwater runoff and its associated pollutants. (Example Action: Install vegetative swales or perimeter landscaping.)
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Train Your Employees
Stormwater training is required for all employees who work in areas where industrial activities or material handling activities are exposed to stormwater or who are responsible for implementing activities necessary to meet the conditions of the 2008 MSGP. (Example Action: Customize employee training to the issues at your facility, and ensure that employees are trained on the control measures they are expected to implement.)
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Don’t Overlook Non-stormwater Discharges
The 2008 MSGP also covers certain non-stormwater discharges. Review the list of ALLOWABLE non-stormwater discharges, and make sure all unauthorized nonstormwater discharges are eliminated. (Example Action: Plug an unauthorized floor drain, etc.)
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Manage Waste & Garbage
Implement control measures at your facility to prevent waste/garbage from combining with stormwater runoff. (Example Action: Establish a routine schedule for street sweeping. Put lids on dumpsters.)
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Minimize Dust & Vehicle Tracking
Minimize the generation of dust and deposit of raw, final, or waste materials on roadways. (Example Action: Provide sprinkling/irrigation. Cover dust generation areas with vegetative cover, mulch, and/or stone.)
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Have questions? Need help evaluating or updating your SWPPP? Call Erica Uriarte at 781.419.7726.
IKeep Your SWPPP Up to Date
Know the stormwater general permit regulations specific to your industry and the activities on your site that have the potential to pollute stormwater. If conditions or operations on your site change, your BMPs may need to change too. (Example Action: Re-evaluate conditions at your facility, and update your SWPPP annually.) ESS will provide more about monitoring requirements and other stormwaterrelated topics in upcoming monthly SWPPP Tips. Subscribe!
Need help monitoring your facility’s stormwater runoff? Want to know if your facility qualifies for the No Exposure Exemption? Contact Erica Uriarte at 781.419.7696 for more information.
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