The most common SWPPP objectives

All those who work on an industrial site know that a SWPPP should outline the steps taken by the site manager to comply with the terms and conditions of the general permit of the construction. To this extent, these are the main objectives that anyone should keep in mind when developing their stormwater plan or at least what their plan should contain if it is developed by a dedicated company:

The site should be stabilized as soon as possible

All bare soil areas should be temporarily or permanently stabilized as soon as possible. You will have to keep in mind germination times for the grasses or other vegetation that will help stabilize the area, especially on areas that are more prone to erosion such as drainage ways and slopes. Don’t forget about seasonal limitations such as cold temperatures during winter or summer droughts and make sure that the areas which are not showing enough vegetation are permanently reseeded until the expected results are obtained. The areas that will be needed for construction should be temporarily stabilized while everything else should be covered with as much vegetation as possible in order to prevent soil erosion.

Promote infiltration and reduce impervious surfaces

If it is possible to promote infiltrations, you should always divert any runoff from rooftops to vegetated areas. When you reduce impervious areas, you considerably reduce the amount of runoff that will leave your site. Any storm water pollution plan should include this measure as it is vital for any site.

Convey stormwater around your site

In order to minimize the amount of stormwater that comes on your site, you should control the perimeter very well and divert it safely either around or under it. this way you will minimize any pollution and affect the surrounding environment as little as possible.

Protect natural slopes and channels

All slopes should be stabilized as soon as possible and any stormwater runoff should be conveyed around the top of the slopes with the help of slope drains. Natural channels and any vegetation around them should be protected as much as possible.

Minimize the area and duration of exposed soils

By only clearing the area that will be under construction in the near future, the soil will be minimally exposed to any possible pollution. This measure is called construction phasing and it is known to reduce off-site sediment loads by up of 36%.

Take the necessary pollution prevention measures

All construction companies should invest in proper waste containers for the site. When potentially hazardous materials are safely stored and not exposed to stormwater, the risk of pollution is lowered considerably and the SWPPP is that much more effective.

To conclude, these are the measures the most common objectives that any storm water pollution prevention plan should contain. Whether you are planning to develop this plan yourself or you will leave this task to a dedicated company, these objectives should be clearly detailed in the plan and carefully followed by everyone working at the site.

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