Step 4. Writing a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
At this point you should know your SIC code (Step 1) and have confirmed that you need a permit (Step 2).
If you can claim No Exposure (Step 3), you DO NOT need to prepare a SWPPP.
Applying for the VT Multi-Sector General Permit
What is a SWPPP?
A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is your written plan describing how you will keep pollutants from entering surrounding waters.
How Do I Write a SWPPP?Download the SWPPP Template from the Vermont
Stormwater Section Web Page
The template is easy to use. Some sections only require you to fill in the blanks!Requirements are already outlined.Draft forms for monitoring and inspections are included.The common format will make it easier for Regulators to review your SWPPP.
How Do I Write a SWPPP?
Planning & Organization
Site Assessment
BMP Identification
Evaluation & Monitoring
Implementation Rev
ise
Plan
This presentation will walk you through the 5 steps of SWPPP creation
Planning & Organization
Form a Pollution Prevention TeamChoose a person (or group) to write and carry out your SWPPP.Team members should be familiar with the facility operations.Your team must consider other federal, state, and local codes and regulations that may affect the SWPPP. You must comply with all applicable regulations.
Planning & Organization Site Assessment BMP Identification Evaluation & MonitoringImplementation
Site Assessment
Receiving Waters: Know where water from your site will end up and how it will get there. Some water bodies have known pollution problems, and what you can discharge is restricted.
Your SWPPP must describe conditions at your site that could affect stormwater runoff, including:
Site Assessment BMP Identification Evaluation & MonitoringImplementationPlanning & Organization
Industrial Areas and Activities: Materials that are handled, processed or stored outside can be washed or blown into streams. Equipment used onsite can also be a source of pollution.
Your SWPPP must describe conditions at your site that could affect stormwater runoff, including:
Site Assessment
Site Assessment BMP Identification Evaluation & MonitoringImplementationPlanning & Organization
Site Assessment
Precipitation: Consider how the weather in your area (storm events, spring snowmelt) will affect your site.
Non-Stormwater Discharges: Process water, wash-water, or wastewater should not be discharged to streams as they contain pollutants.
Site Assessment BMP Identification Evaluation & MonitoringImplementationPlanning & Organization
Spills & Leaks: Accidental releases of liquids or solids can end up in streams if not handled properly.
Existing Sampling Data: If your facility has it, great! You may already have an idea of potential pollutant sources at your site.
Oil spilled on the ground violates other DEC Regulations as well.
Site Assessment
Site Assessment BMP Identification Evaluation & MonitoringImplementationPlanning & Organization
You will need to create a Site Map that shows the location of all materials, stock piles, past spills, discharges, and receiving waters at your facility.
Site Assessment
Site Assessment BMP Identification Evaluation & MonitoringImplementationPlanning & Organization
BMP IdentificationOnce you know what the potential pollutant sources at your facility are, you need to choose appropriate Best Management Practices (BMPs). BMPs are measures that you will take to prevent pollutants from leaving your site.Additional information and suggested BMPs can be found on-line at the Vermont Stormwater Section Web Page
Site Assessment BMP Identification Evaluation & MonitoringImplementationPlanning & Organization
BMP Identification
Focus on keeping pollutants out of the water. It is easier, and usually cheaper than trying to clean up dirty water.
There are a couple things to keep in mind when choosing BMP’s:
Site Assessment BMP Identification Evaluation & MonitoringImplementationPlanning & Organization
If a treatment system is necessary (e.g. an oil/water separator or sedimentation pond) be sure to include scheduled maintenance in your SWPPP.
Poorly maintained systems can end up creating more pollution.
Oil / Water Separator
BMP Identification
Site Assessment BMP Identification Evaluation & MonitoringImplementationPlanning & Organization
Implementation
Create a Schedule:
Set goals for putting BMP’s in place.
The SWPPP needs to be implemented by May 15, 2007
Site Assessment BMP Identification Evaluation & MonitoringImplementationPlanning & Organization
Train Employees: Make sure employees know how to keep the facility clean and prevent pollution.
Regular Inspections: Check BMPs frequently to insure they are maintained and that pollution is not occurring.
Implementation
Site Assessment BMP Identification Evaluation & MonitoringImplementationPlanning & Organization
Evaluation & MonitoringPerforming water quality monitoring and site
evaluations will tell you if your SWPPP is working
Site Assessment BMP Identification Evaluation & MonitoringImplementationPlanning & Organization
Monitoring: Your monitoring requirements will depend on your SIC code. Your SWPPP should include a plan for collecting samples and getting them processed.
Site Assessment BMP Identification Evaluation & MonitoringImplementationPlanning & Organization
Inspections
Compliance Evaluation: In addition to regular inspections, you must examine your entire site at least once a year to determine if you are in compliance with your permit.
A Final Note
KEEP THE SWPPP UP TO DATE! Keep a record of all monitoring, inspections, and revisions with your plan.As you facility changes and grows, your SWPPP should change and grow also. Don’t put it on a shelf and forget about it! Keep it up to date!
