Stormwater runoff from industrial activities can carry pollutants into nearby water bodies, potentially harming aquatic ecosystems and public health. The EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requires facilities that discharge stormwater to obtain a permit and implement practices to minimize pollution.
Common Challenges:
Determining if your facility needs a stormwater permit.
Developing a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) that meets permit requirements.
Conducting regular inspections, monitoring, and reporting to stay compliant.
How We Can Help:
Our stormwater compliance consulting includes:
Permit Identification: We assess your facility to determine if an NPDES stormwater permit is required and assist with the application process.
SWPPP Development: We create a tailored Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) that outlines best practices, control measures, and monitoring procedures to reduce pollutants in stormwater discharges.
Implementation Support: We provide on-site assistance for implementing stormwater controls and BMPs (Best Management Practices).
Training: We offer training sessions for your team on stormwater management, inspections, and reporting.
Monitoring and Reporting: We handle regular inspections, sampling, and submission of required reports to keep your facility compliant.
By entrusting us with your stormwater permitting needs, you can focus on your core business activities while knowing that environmental compliance is effectively managed.
Navigating environmental regulations can be complex and time-consuming. At Watkins Group, LLC, we simplify compliance by offering tailored solutions for Tier II reporting, TRI reporting, stormwater permitting, SPCC plan development and more.
Office:
888-582-9292
Email:
support@watkinsgroupllc.com
Industry Credentials:
ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System Lead Auditor
CESCO - Certified Environmental and Safety Compliance Officer (NREP)
CSRP - Certified Sustainability and Resilience Professional (NREP)
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER 40) OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA 30 - 1910)
A stormwater permit is a regulatory authorization that allows facilities, construction sites, and municipalities to discharge stormwater runoff into local water bodies while managing pollutants to minimize water contamination. Stormwater permits are part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which is overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state environmental agencies.
A stormwater permit requires the permit holder to implement best management practices (BMPs) to control the runoff of pollutants from rainwater or snowmelt that flows over land and impervious surfaces (roads, rooftops, etc.).
Facilities must create and follow a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) that outlines how they will minimize pollutants in stormwater discharges and comply with permit requirements.
Stormwater runoff often carries pollutants such as oil, chemicals, sediment, and trash, which can harm rivers, lakes, and coastal waters if not properly managed.
Industrial Facilities
Facilities in certain industrial sectors (e.g., manufacturing, mining, oil and gas extraction, landfills, transportation) that have stormwater discharges associated with their operations.
Facilities must obtain an NPDES Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) or individual permits if they discharge stormwater directly into U.S. waters.
Construction Sites
Construction activities disturbing 1 acre or more of land require a Construction General Permit (CGP). This includes sites that disturb less than 1 acre but are part of a larger plan of development.
The permit requires measures to control erosion, sediment, and other pollutants from stormwater.
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s)
MS4s (local governments or public entities that operate storm sewer systems) need permits to discharge stormwater to U.S. waters.
Permits are categorized as Phase I (for larger systems serving populations over 100,000) and Phase II (for smaller systems).
Annual Reports
Facilities with stormwater permits are often required to submit annual reports to the EPA or state agency. These reports summarize compliance activities, including inspections, monitoring data, and any corrective actions taken.
Routine Inspections and Monitoring
Depending on the permit type, facilities may be required to perform routine inspections, monitoring, and reporting on the quality of stormwater discharges throughout the year.
Inspection frequency varies based on the facility's operations and potential environmental impact but can range from monthly to quarterly.
Permit Application Deadlines
Before Construction or Operation: Facilities or construction sites must apply for stormwater permits before starting operations or land-disturbing activities. The SWPPP should be developed and approved before any discharges.
Permit Renewal: Stormwater permits typically have a 5-year duration and must be renewed before expiration to continue legal discharges.
SWPPP Development: Each facility must prepare and maintain a SWPPP to identify potential sources of stormwater pollution and describe practices to reduce pollutants.
Inspections and Maintenance: Regular site inspections and maintenance of stormwater control measures are required to ensure the effectiveness of BMPs.
Sampling and Monitoring: Some facilities must conduct stormwater sampling and analysis to monitor pollutant levels in discharge.
Recordkeeping and Reporting: Facilities are required to maintain detailed records of inspections, monitoring data, and corrective actions, and submit reports to regulatory authorities.
Failure to obtain or comply with stormwater permits can result in fines, enforcement actions, and legal liabilities for environmental damage. Facilities or sites that discharge pollutants without a valid permit are subject to penalties under the Clean Water Act.