Storm Water

Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)

• Sample SWPPPs

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Before construction begins, the DNR requires a storm water discharge permit

(NPDES  General Permit No. 2) and a plan to develop and implement Best

Management Practices (BMPs) that address pollution prevention and reduction

measures for the construction site, or SWPPP.  

Some jurisdictions may have additional local requirements for storm water

discharges. For more information on requirements in your area, contact your

local government agency.

Before submitting the Notice Of Intent (NOI) to the Department of Natural Resources, a SWPPP identifies potential sources of pollution that may affect the quality of storm water discharges at your business. The plan also describes and ensures the implementation of best management practices (BMP), which reduce the pollutants in your storm water discharges. The five major steps in developing a SWPPP include the following:

1. Planning and Organization

2. Source Assessment

3. BMP Selection

4. SWPPP Implementation

5. SWPPP Evaluation

 

STEP 1

Planning and Organization Requirements

To initiate the development of your SWPPP, you should:

• Form a pollution prevention team that will develop, implement, maintain, and revise your SWPPP when necessary.

• Review existing environmental management plans that your business may have and determine which, if any, sections of these plans can be used to develop your SWPPP.

STEP 2

Source Assessment Requirements

To identify potential sources of pollutants to your storm water discharges, you should:

• Create a map of your facility to locate pollutant sources, such as waste or raw material storage areas, and determine storm water management opportunities.

• Conduct an inventory of the types of materials that are handled, stored, or processed at your facility.

• Provide a list of spills and leaks of toxic or hazardous wastes that have occurred from your facility in the past 3 years.

• Test or evaluate non-storm water discharges that are discharged to a storm sewer, ditch, or stream. Examples of non-storm water discharges include water used directly in the manufacturing process (process water) and vehicle wash water.

• Collect or evaluate existing storm water sampling data.

• Summarize the findings of your assessment to help determine opportunities to address sources of storm water pollution.

STEP 3

Best Management Practices Selection Requirements

Proper BMPs must be selected to address sources of storm water pollution. SWPPP's typically include the following BMPs:

• Good housekeeping

• Preventive maintenance

• Visual inspections

• Spill prevention and response

• Sediment and erosion prevention

• Traditional storm water management practices

• Employee training

Good Housekeeping Practices

Good housekeeping involves maintaining a clean, orderly work area. Examples of good housekeeping practices include the following:

• Improving operation and maintenance of facility machinery and processes to prevent leaks and spills

• Implementing careful material storage practices

• Maintaining an up-to-date material inventory

• Scheduling routine cleanup operations

Preventive Maintenance Practices

Preventive maintenance practices include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Inspections and maintenance of storm water management devices such as retention basins and oil-water separators

• Routine inspections of facility operations to detect faulty equipment before fluid leaks occur

• Regular checks of equipment such as tanks, containers, and drums for signs of deterioration

Visual Inspection Practices

Visual inspection practices should include the following:

• Designating qualified and trained plant personnel to regularly inspect your facility's equipment and areas, track inspection results, make necessary changes, and maintain records of all inspections

• Ensuring that inspection records note when inspections were done, who conducted the inspections, areas inspected, problems found, and steps taken to correct any problems

Spill Prevention and Response Practices

Examples of spill prevention and response practices include the following:

• Identifying areas where significant materials can spill into or enter your storm water discharge systems

• Ensuring that employees are aware of emergency response procedures, including material handling and storage

• Ensuring that appropriate spill cleanup equipment is accessible

Erosion and Sediment Prevention Practices

Erosion and sediment prevention practices are methods for limiting areas at your facility that have a high potential for significant soil and sediment erosion. These practices may include covering areas that have recently been excavated.

 

Traditional Storm Water Management Practices

Traditional storm water management practices include the following:

• Covering fueling operations and materials manufacturing and storage areas to prevent contact with storm water

• Containing pollutant storage areas with berms or other containment devices to prevent leaks and spills from storm water

• Using oil-water separators, booms, skimmers or other methods to minimize oil-contaminated storm water discharges

• Reducing debris and sediment in storm water discharges with screens, booms, or detention ponds

• Diverting storm water away from areas of potential storm water contamination

STEP 4

SWPPP Implementation Requirements

To implement your SWPPP, you must:

• Implement the storm water BMPs that you selected

• Develop a training program to educate your employees about the components and goals of your SWPPP and BMPs

STEP 5

SWPPP Evaluation Requirements

To keep your SWPPP up-to-date, you must:

• Conduct compliance evaluations at least once a year

• Revise your SWPPP based on major changes in design, construction, operation, or maintenance at your facility

• Maintain records of spills, leaks, inspections, and maintenance activities

Where do I go for more Information?

Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Stormwater Resources Webpage or contact Joe Griffin at 515-281-7782