Stormwater management is one of the most important focuses for facilities managers. The complex web of federal, state, and county regulations regarding the protection and treatment of stormwater around commercial sites can be difficult to navigate - at its worst, it can be a logistical nightmare.
Shield Engineering offers a full array of stormwater management services. Here’s what we industrial facility managers need to know about permitting, pollution, and more.
Stormwater Permitting Requirements
Permitting for both public and private stormwater projects should be your first priority. Filing the correct applications (and, in some cases, Notices of Intent) and setting quality benchmarks for everything from TSS to metals is critical for future inspections and measurements. It’s imperative your staff be properly trained before the project gets off the ground so that no detail goes unnoticed when it comes to runoff and drainage.
Erosion and Sediment Control
What can happen if stormwater is improperly managed or routed? Erosion. Soil erosion doesn’t just compromise your worksite, it stretches timelines and budgets. Serious erosion can have sustained impacts on the local wildlife and ecology, and fines levied for erosion caused by improper stormwater handling can be costly. Sediment, too, can have a large impact on the build site, and must be managed carefully.
Modeling and Design
When included as part of a holistic building plan, stormwater management can set your worksite up for decades of minimal maintenance and successful runoff. Hydraulic modeling software, used to predict both insufficient and proper drainage, is a fantastic tool to use before any dirt is ever moved. The proper software can be used on any scale watershed, from bridges to dams to culverts.
Pollution Prevention (SWPPP)
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans that follow the minimum set of standards outlined by the EPA are a critical part of the construction planning phase. An effective SWPPP can help your project avoid fines, elude erosion, and keep your team and adjacent wildlife safe. For industrial facilities that plan to produce excessive amounts of controlled waste, having a complete SWPPP in place before operation is both critical and, in most cases, is required.
Shield Engineering is your resource for up-to-date information on construction planning and permitting. For help with the management, planning, or execution of an effective stormwater management plan for your industrial facility, contact our team today.
