Stormwater Management Compliance

What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is the result of a heavy rainfall or snowmelt that accumulates on surfaces of the earth.

Why does Stormwater need to be Managed?

On its journey to the closest body of water, Stormwater will pick up and carry sediment and contaminants found on the grounds surface.

According to the EPA, “In developed areas, impervious surfaces such as pavement and roofs prevent precipitation from naturally soaking into the ground.  Instead, water runs rapidly into storm drains, sewer systems and drainage ditches and can cause:
 

• Downstream Flooding
• Stream Bank Erosion
• Increased Turbidity (muddiness created by stirred up sediment) from Erosion
• Habitat Destruction
• Combined Storm and Sanitary Sewer System Overflows
• Infrastructure Damage
• Contaminated Streams, Rivers and Coastal Water”

Management of this Stormwater is especially important in places where there is heavy car and/or foot traffic.  Cars can leak fuel and fluids that can contaminate larger bodies of water, which can lead to the contamination of a community water source.

Stormwater management systems can also help to alleviate flooding from houses, roadways, and other public structures.
 

PROPER PLANNING
 

What is a Stormwater Management Plan?

A Stormwater Management Plan is a plan put into place for businesses that have Stormwater Structures on their property.  Usually an engineer or an environmental consultant will create this management plan. This is referred to as a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan, (SWPPP).

A SWPPP will outline the structures necessary to prevent environmental stormwater pollution from runoff going into the nearest body of water.  However, the SWPPP is more than just a sediment and erosion control plan.  The SWPPP is a higher-level operational management plan to prevent stormwater contamination and ensure compliance with federal and local requirements. 

Tradebe’s Environmental Consulting team is here to assist you with all your SWPPP needs.  Contact our team now for a complimentary Stormwater Compliance Consultation.

What is a Sustainable Stormwater Management Plan?

Focusing on reducing the runoff and improving the water quality through use of Best Management Practices (BMPs) that include Low Impact Development, (LID) and/or “Green Infrastructure.”  

These BMPs reduce pollution, help to protect the environment and improves environmental compliance.  “Green infrastructure” focuses on sustainable methods and technologies that the EPA concludes will, “infiltrate, evapo-transpire, capture and reuse stormwater to maintain or restore natural hydrologies.”

As an example, the current Sustainable Stormwater Management practices used at EPA facilities are outlined in the EPA Green Infrastructure Plan.

Some of these include the use of:

• Green Roofs
• Rain Barrels and Cisterns
• Permeable Pavements
• Bioretention Areas
• Vegetated Swales/Dry Swales
• Curb and Gutter Elimination
• Vegetated Filter Strips
• Sand and Organic Filters
• Constructed Wetlands
• Riparian Buffers

INSPECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE

What is a Stormwater Inspection?

The EPA and other local authorities, depending on location of the country, conduct routine inspections of facilities subject to the stormwater regulations.  Prior to these formal inspections, pro-active businesses contract with an experienced environmental service provider to independently inspect and perform maintenance as needed. 

Annual Stormwater Inspections are integral to ensure Stormwater Structures are maintained and working properly to prevent flooding.  Property owners are responsible for the maintenance of these Stormwater Structures.  Notices of Violation may be issued to those businesses that are not properly maintaining their Stormwater Structures.

Have you had your Stormwater Structures Inspected this year?

Tradebe is a full-service Stormwater Maintenance and Inspection company with decades of experience.  Tradebe is licensed to service:

• Stormwater Inlets/Outlets
• Bio-retention Ponds
• Bio-detention Ponds
• Water Quality Units
• Pervious Pavement and/or Concrete

Tradebe’s Environmental Stormwater Technicians will inspect your Stormwater Structures, propose any necessary maintenance, and issue inspection reports for your maintenance records.  If maintenance is needed, we will provide a quote to conduct the required work on the structures to meet the required Stormwater compliance standards.

Contact our team now to schedule an Inspection, Maintenance, or for a complimentary Stormwater Compliance Consultation.