Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs)
What is a SWPPP?
A Storwmater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is a fundamental part of stormwater permits. SWPPPs are documents that identify potential sources of pollution which may affect the quality of storm water discharges, describes erosion control practices, sediment and velocity control practices, and good housekeeping practices to be used to reduce pollutants in storm water discharges, and helps assure compliance with the terms and conditions of the permit.
What’s in a SWPPP?
SWPPPs can vary widely in scope and detail but there are several core components that should be considered for all construction projects.
- Description of site conditions and type of construction work
- Descriptions of erosion, sediment, and velocity controls, including a erosion control site plan
- Sequence and timing schedule for BMP installation and removal
- Post construction stormwater management features
- Waste disposal procedures
- Approved state or local plans relevant to construction project
- Good housekeeping practices for pollution prevention
- Handling of non-stormwater discharges
SWPPPs are “living documents”, which means that any changes to the original SWPPP plan based on the results of weekly inspections need to be recorded. Other construction activities such as new contractors or subcontractors working onsite and stabilization should also be formally noted.