Question 1

What does SWPPP Stand For?

Accepted Answer

SWPPP stands for a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.

To make it easier to say, many pronounce it as a “Swip”. Some other used pronunciations include “Swippy” or “SWP3”

Question 2

Why is a SWPPP required for my project?

Accepted Answer

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) are mandated by federal legislation stemming from the Clean Water Act of 1972 to reduce pollution entering our waterways.

Additionally, many state and local environmental laws and regulations have been added over the years . 
You'll need a SWPPP if your project will be disturbing one acre or more or if it is part of a common plan of development. Most states have instituted fines and/or shut down procedures for projects that ignore their regulations.

Question 3

What are the key components or information included in a SWPPP?

Accepted Answer

A short and simple answer is a SWPPP contains details about the project site, the potential pollutants (such as soil erosion or chemical spills), measures known as Best Management Practices (BMPs) that will be used to prevent pollutants from leaving the site (such as silt fences or sediment basins), inspection schedules for the site, and a map of the BMP locations.

A SWPPP is a living document that needs to be updated throughout the life of the project. Municipal inspectors frequently look at the map upon beginning an inspection and will take action if the map is not updated and amendments have not been made to the SWPPP to reflect the site’s current circumstances.
For a more comprehensive list of what is included in a SWPPP, click here.

Question 4

What exactly is a SWPPP?

Accepted Answer

It's a written plan that shows how a construction site, industrial facility, or municipality will prevent polluted rainwater from running off a site and into a storm drain or local waterways.

The top pollutants are soil, silt, and clay. Also causing problems are:
 • trash
 • litter 
 • building materials
 • packaging
 • sanitary waste
 • concrete washout 
 • paint and stucco washout

A SWPPP identifies these potential causes of pollution and spells out the controls to prevent that pollution from running off the site.

Question 5

What are Best Management Practices (BMPs)? Can you give some examples?

Accepted Answer

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are the practices and devices utilized to prevent stormwater pollution. Some of them are:
 • Installing barriers to capture soil, silt, or clay before it leaves the site. Examples include curb cutbacks, silt fence, wattles, and berms.
 • Protecting stormdrains using techniques such as geotextile fabric coverings, drain insert bags (sometimes called “Witches Hats”), sediment logs, or gravel bags. Some products may be more expensive initially but save money over the life of the project.
 • Applying mulch or vegetation to inhibit soil erosion or avoiding scraping existing vegetation is often preferred by the regulators.
 • Providing designated areas for washing out concrete truck chutes including digging lined pits, bins, or washout bags.
 • Keeping a spill kit on-site for chemical, gas, or oil cleanup
For a more comprehensive list of SWPPP BMPs, click here.

Question 6

Who is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the SWPPP on a project?

Accepted Answer

Federal, state, and local regulators hold the owner or principal operator (such as the general contractor at a construction site) responsible to develop and implement the SWPPP.

Frequently, these responsibilities are not within the core business or expertise of the contractor and they will hire out SWPPP services to a third-party company such as Accena SWPPP Services just like they do for the concrete, drywall, electrical, and plumbing subcontractors.

Expenses are then calculated into the overall project budget.

Question 7

How often do I need to inspect my site and update the SWPPP?

Accepted Answer

Operator Inspections: Stormwater pollution prevention permits mandate routine on-site inspections by the Operator to facilitate compliance and self-enforcement by the responsible party for the construction work (the operator, who may be the owner, general contractor, or both). 
The aim is to confirm that the SWPPP is actually being adhered to as required, that BMPs are properly installed and maintained, and that sources of stormwater pollution are controlled.
Frequency of Operator Inspections: The Stormwater Permit requirements are to inspect at least every 7 or 14 calendar days and within 24 hours of the occurrence of a trigger rainfall event (e.g., 0.25 or 0.5 inches or more).
Regulator Inspections: In addition to operator inspections, the City, County, State, or EPA inspects construction and development sites for enforcement, verification, and oversight of stormwater regulations and permit compliance. The purpose is to ensure that construction or excavation activity is not degrading local water quality.
Frequency of Regulator Inspections: Regulators inspect Less frequently than Operators due to budgets and the number of construction sites they have in their jurisdiction. Inspections can be on a routine schedule (e.g., monthly, quarterly), complaint response, or risk assessment basis for the site (e.g., proximity to sensitive waters, site size, violation history).
Updating the SWPPP: The SWPPP is a "living" document and must be revised whenever there are project modifications that might have a potential to impact stormwater pollution or if inspections find that the measures taken are found to be insufficient. Permits also typically have renewal periods of one to five years.
For a more comprehensive explanation of Stormwater Inspections, click here.(https://www.accenaswpppservices.com/services/inspections)

Question 8

What are the potential penalties for not having a SWPPP or not following it correctly?

Accepted Answer

Lacking a proper SWPPP and Permit or not complying may result in huge EPA, state, or local government fines. The fines range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per day and even jail time in cases of gross or negligent noncompliance.

Failures to comply can also trigger stop-work orders until the shortcomings are remedied, causing expensive project delays.

Question 9

What is a SWPPP and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

A SWPPP, or Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, is a document that identifies potential sources of pollution to stormwater in construction, industrial, or municipal projects and outlines preventative measures to control pollution. It is important because it helps to protect our streams, lakes, and other watersheds from pollution, and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Accena SWPPP Service provides comprehensive consultation and expertise in developing, implementing, and maintaining effective SWPPP programs to a wide range of clients, including construction companies, developers, engineers, and municipalities. Our team of environmental consultants possess extensive knowledge in the fields of stormwater management, soil and erosion control, and water quality, and are committed to providing practical and cost-effective solutions to minimize environmental impact and mitigate risks associated with stormwater runoff.

Question 10

What is a SWPPP and how does it differ from a stormwater permit?

Accepted Answer

A SWPPP, or Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, is a document created by an environmental consultant like Accena SWPPP Service, that outlines a project's specific plans for preventing the discharge of pollutants into stormwater runoff. A stormwater permit, on the other hand, is a legally required permit issued by the local jurisdiction that allows for the discharge of stormwater or other regulated activities. While some jurisdictions require a SWPPP as part of the permitting process, the SWPPP itself is not a permit and cannot replace the need for a stormwater permit. The SWPPP serves as a comprehensive plan for preventing pollutants from entering stormwater and complying with regulatory requirements. Accena SWPPP Service works with clients to create customized SWPPPs that address their unique operational needs and regulatory obligations.

Question 11

What is a stormwater permit, and how do I file for it?

Accepted Answer

A stormwater permit is a permit required by law for any entity that discharges stormwater into the environment. The permit ensures that any stormwater discharged from your site meets specific quality standards to protect public health and the environment. To file for a stormwater permit, you will need to complete an application and provide specific information about your operations and the type of stormwater discharges occurring on your site. Accena SWPPP Service can help you navigate this process and ensure that you complete all necessary steps to obtain a stormwater permit. Our team of Environmental Consultants has experience working with permitting agencies and can provide expert guidance and assistance throughout the process, ensuring that your permit application is complete and that you remain in compliance with all applicable regulations. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your stormwater permit needs.

Question 12

What are Best Management Practices (BMPs) in regards to stormwater?

Accepted Answer

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are methods or practices used to reduce the amount of pollutants that enter stormwater runoff and ultimately end up in our waterways. BMPs include measures such as construction site sediment controls, erosion control blankets, permeable pavement, vegetative swales, detention basins, and bioswales. These measures aim to prevent soil erosion, capture pollutants and debris, and naturally filter stormwater before it enters our water bodies. At Accena SWPPP Service, we provide comprehensive BMP plans tailored to each project's uniqueness to ensure that our clients meet all local and federal regulatory requirements and manage stormwater effectively. Our team of experienced environmental consultants designs and coordinates the construction of BMPs that ensure the health and safety of our client's construction sites and the environment.

Question 13

How do you ensure accountability in BMP installation?

Accepted Answer

At Accena Group, we ensure accountability through clear identification of the overseeing team, detailed plans involving contractors and subcontractors, and regular inspections. This collaborative and efficient approach guarantees that each BMP is installed correctly and performs its intended function effectively.

Question 14

What is a SWPPP inspection and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

A SWPPP inspection is an evaluation of the stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) implemented on construction sites to minimize the impact of stormwater runoff on nearby streams, rivers, and lakes. The inspection is conducted by a qualified professional to ensure that the SWPPP measures are successfully controlling the pollutants and erosion from the construction site. The inspector will assess the proper implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) and other measures detailed in the SWPPP to identify any deficiencies that require corrective action. SWPPP inspections are crucial to maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, minimizing environmental impact, and avoiding potential penalties. At Accena SWPPP Service, we offer comprehensive SWPPP development, implementation, and inspection services to help our clients stay on top of their compliance responsibilities and protect our natural resources.

Question 15

Which SWPPP do I need for my construction project

Accepted Answer

The type of SWPPP you need for your construction project depends on various factors, such as the location, size, and scope of your project. Typically, you will need a Construction Stormwater General Permit (CGP) in order to stay in compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). At Accena SWPPP Service, our team of experienced environmental consultants can assist you in determining the specific requirements for your project and developing a customized SWPPP that meets all applicable regulations and guidelines. We take a comprehensive approach to SWPPP development and implementation, including site inspections, BMP selection and installation, and ongoing monitoring and reporting to ensure compliance throughout the project. Trust Accena SWPPP Service to help you navigate the complex regulations and requirements of stormwater management and SWPPP development.

Question 16

Do you address my location's specific challenges like erosion on hilly terrain?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Diverse landscapes demand specialized solutions. Accena SWPPP Service’s experts are well-versed in environmental intricacies, addressing challenges like erosion risks on slopes. We integrate site-specific strategies into your SWPPP, offering precise solutions tailored to your location.

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