Questions

General.
Questions

Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans, commonly referred to as SWPPP's, arose from requirements that were being imposed on construction site builders by municipalities, counties, states and the EPA. The Clean Water Act mandated several specific requirements that would maintain and improve the quality of US waterways and aquifers.

A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is a site-specific document that identifies potential sources of pollution due to storm water runoff at construction sites and industrialized facilities. It describes best management practices (BMP's) to reduce pollutants and sediment in storm water discharges from the sites. The SWPPP identifies BMP's the operator must implement to comply with the terms and conditions of the EPA NPDES Permits.

The EPA NPDES storm water regulations and most state, county, and local government authorities require that a SWPPP be developed for every construction site disturbing more than 1 acre and for industrialized facilities.What is the EPA NPDES?


The Environmental Protection Agency's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System is a national permitting program designed to control pollutants discharged into the surface waters of the United States such as lakes, ponds, and streams. It is the governing authority for elimination of pollution due to storm water run off and has multiple components; Phase I, Phase II and the Construction General Permit.

Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control is a certification from CPESC, Inc. and recognized by the International Erosion Control Association. To become CPESC certified you must have at least 7 years of proven experience in the erosion and sediment control profession and pass an in depth exam based on calculations, field experience and knowledge of the rules and regulations.

SWPPP designed and certified by a CPESC are prepared by professionals with proven experience and knowledge in storm water erosion and sediment control. As an example, the Ohio Department of Transportation requires that SWPPP be prepared by professional engineers that are also CPESC certified (ODOT Supplemental Specification 832).

ODOT Supplemental Specification 832, Temporary Sediment and Erosion Control, dated October 19, 2018, states that if a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is required for a project, it must be designed and sealed by a Professional Engineer that is a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC). It further states that inspections must be performed by the Professional Engineer who signed and sealed the SWPPP or a CPESC certified inspector, under this Engineer's supervision.  These inspection utlize the SWPPPTrack inspection software application to complete each inspection. 

The EPA NPDES permits require that a construction site must be inspected every 7 days and within 24 hours of a ½" or greater rain event. A copy of the inspection report as well as a copy of the EPA NPDES permit must be kept onsite at all times. Any deficiencies noted during the inspection must be repaired within 3 days of the inspection report.

The EPA NPDES permits require that SWPPP be developed and inspections performed for construction sites greater than 1 acre. The SWPPP and inspection reports do not have to be sent to the EPA but must be made available to them upon request. If a problem develops on your site that causes sediment to hinder a nearby stream and/or waterbody you would be liable for the clean up and potential fines. The Ohio EPA and the US EPA have imposed strict fines upon companies not in conformance to the storm water erosion and sediment control regulations.

Coyle Construction Services, Inc. DBA Coyle SWPPP Professionals, have designed and certified SWPPP's and provided the required inspection services for numerous projects. We understand the regulations and have a strong working relationship with state and local regulatory agencies. We are professional engineers and CPESC certified. Your SWPPP will be done properly, have all the required seals and documentation and will be done on time. You will save time and money with us.


With Coyle SWPPP Professionals as your project partner, you can rest assured that your project will conform to EPA NPDES, state, county, and local storm water erosion and sediment control regulations. Needed repairs to BMP's can be included with the inspection services to keep sites in compliance.