Basic things you should know about SWPPP

No matter what type of construction project you are planning to start, keep in mind that there are a number of conditions the site must fulfill. For this reason, you will have to make sure you get all the necessary permits and authorizations from competent institutions in charge with the area where you are about to build something. One of the most important things you will have to take care of is creating a clear SWPPP (storm water pollution prevention plan). Briefly, this confirms that in case of heavy rain falls or floods, your site does not represent a potential hazard for the environment and surrounding establishments. Few people are actually aware of the importance of this TCEQ Construction General Permit and consider it is not as useful as it seems, but this is not true. In reality, it is one of the most relevant measures of security you could implement in order to make sure in case of damage your construction will not cause additional harm to the environment.

The storm water pollution prevention plan is a mandatory requirement, through which both the authorities and the builder identify and become aware of the potential pollution sources, which may affect the quality of storm water discharges inside the construction site. In addition to this, the plan should also consist in clear instructions related to the strategies used to diminish pollutants from water discharges. Another important role played by the SWPPP is helping assure compliance with the terms and conditions imposed by the official construction permit. After a comprehensive evaluation, if the degree of risk reaches a reasonable level, the permit is offered and the builder can continue its project. SWPPP requirements vary from one state to another, so before starting to complete one, make sure you are informed about the conditions you must fulfill, depending on the area where you are planning to create a construction site. However, since in the past years most states have adopted the federal SWPPP requirements, the differences are fewer and fewer. If you want to know which the exact requirements for your state are, you should know that these are spelled in the storm water permit issued by the state agency. Generally, the basic elements of a SWPPP are: the industrial activities performed on the site, the industrial operations performed by the operator in order to prevent pollutants from expanding, and some other relevant information (spill prevention procedures, physical features of the site, inspections and employees’ training).

Another important aspect that you must keep in mind is that the SWPPP is not a fixed document, but rather a dynamic one. This means that it is mandatory for you to update it constantly, as soon as any change appears on the construction site. For instance, if you modify storm water control practices or replace industrial activities developed on the site, you must also mention this in the pollution prevention plan. Revise the document regularly, because it must accurately reflect what is happening with the site.

For more information about storm water pollution prevention plan and TCEQ construction general permit, please click on these links!