Uh-Oh! Here’s How to Avoid Improper Stormwater Management

Stormwater management may sound straightforward, but even small oversights can lead to serious issues. Improper stormwater management not only disrupts your project but can also result in the illegal discharge of pollutants into our water systems—a situation we all want to avoid.

From forgetting to maintain your BMPs to neglecting regular inspections, improper practices can create significant environmental and legal risks. Here’s a rundown of what improper stormwater management entails, some common mistakes to watch out for, and ways to keep your stormwater management on the right track.

Road and Utility Construction

What is Improper Stormwater Management, and Why is It a Problem?

At its core, improper stormwater management refers to inadequate or poorly executed practices for controlling runoff. This can range from failing to document and track stormwater outfalls to missing scheduled inspections or failing to implement essential Best Management Practices (BMPs).

When stormwater management falls short, it leads to unintended consequences, including the illegal discharge of pollutants into local water bodies, soil erosion, sedimentation, and the spread of contaminants. The primary goal of stormwater management is to prevent these pollutants from entering our waterways, where they can harm ecosystems, disrupt habitats, and degrade water quality.

Inadequate stormwater management also has potential financial and legal consequences, as regulatory agencies often impose hefty fines for non-compliance. Moreover, poor practices can damage your reputation, complicate future projects, and result in delays as you address violations. That’s why a proactive approach to stormwater management is not just recommended—it’s essential.

Examples of Improper Stormwater Management

Here are some common missteps in stormwater management that can easily be avoided with attention and care:

1. Failure to Maintain BMPs

Even if you have installed your BMPs correctly, they need to be routinely maintained. Unmaintained BMPs will not perform their appropriate function and this could lead to pollutants entering nearby storm drains or water bodies. It is critical to regularly inspect and maintain your BMPs to make sure they are doing their job.

2. Failure to Update the SWPPP

Your SWPPP should be a living document that reflects any changes to your site, BMPs, or environmental conditions. Failing to update this document can mean missing critical adjustments in response to new challenges. For example, if you add new storage areas for materials on-site, your SWPPP should be updated to include measures for preventing pollutants from entering stormwater runoff. Site personnel can change at any time, so making sure your SWPPP is up-to-date is critical to ensuring proper stormwater pollution control.

3. Poor Material Management

Improper storage and handling of materials can be a major source of pollution. Leaving materials like chemicals, fuels, or construction debris exposed to rain increases the risk of contamination. It’s essential to cover or contain these materials properly, ensuring they’re kept away from stormwater pathways. One example of this is the failure to put drip pans under machinery. It's a simple step that is often overlooked, leading to drips and leaks polluting soils and getting into waterbodies.

4. Failure to Properly Install BMPs

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are the foundation of effective stormwater management. We've already discussed maintaining your BMPs, but that won't make much of a difference if the BMPs are improperly installed. Silt fences need to be trenched and backfilled or they won't filter sediments and pollutants out of stormwater. Fiber rolls must be in contact with the ground and staked down along the entire length. Portable toilets need to be located away from stormwater conveyances and properly secured. Inlet covers need to be secured to the inlets so function correctly. Ensuring your BMPs are properly installed is the first step to making sure you are compliant with stormwater regulations.

5. Failure to Conduct Inspections and Maintain Records

Regular inspections are essential to catch issues before they become bigger problems. Failure to perform these inspections on schedule—or failing to keep records of them—can lead to oversight and non-compliance. Accurate records provide a history of your stormwater management efforts, demonstrating compliance and helping identify any patterns or recurring issues.

6. Lack of Training

Everyone on-site needs to understand their role in stormwater management. Without proper training, employees and contractors may inadvertently contribute to pollution or miss crucial maintenance tasks. Training sessions provide team members with knowledge on BMPs, spill prevention, and the importance of compliance, ensuring everyone understands their part in protecting the environment.

Key Ways to Ensure Proper Stormwater Management

With the risks of improper stormwater management in mind, here are some essential tips for keeping your project compliant and environmentally responsible:

1. Regularly Update the SWPPP

Your SWPPP isn’t a one-and-done document. Review and update it whenever changes occur on-site or in the surrounding environment. Adding a new storage area, changing the site layout, or encountering unusual weather conditions should all prompt a review. Keeping your SWPPP current is one of the simplest ways to stay compliant and effective in your stormwater efforts.

2. Perform Frequent Inspections

Routine inspections help catch potential issues early. Inspectors can spot sediment buildup, BMP failures, or any improperly stored materials before they lead to contamination. Conduct inspections after major storms as well, since rain events can create new runoff paths and reveal weak points in your stormwater defenses.

3. Train Your Team

Everyone on-site should know the basics of stormwater management. Provide regular training sessions to educate employees on BMPs, spill prevention, and their responsibilities. Knowledgeable team members are better equipped to identify and prevent potential issues, keeping your stormwater management practices strong.

4. Implement and Maintain BMPs

BMPs are your first line of defense. Make sure they’re installed correctly, maintained, and updated as needed. BMPs like silt fences and sediment traps should be checked frequently to ensure they’re effective, especially after heavy rains or significant site changes.

5. Keep Comprehensive Records

Detailed record-keeping is vital for proving compliance and tracking stormwater management performance over time. Maintain records of inspections, training sessions, SWPPP updates, and any corrective actions taken. Not only does this provide a complete history for regulatory agencies, but it also helps identify recurring issues or areas for improvement.

Conclusion

Proper stormwater management isn’t just about avoiding fines or keeping up appearances; it’s a commitment to protecting local water quality, complying with environmental regulations, and ensuring a safe project site. By staying proactive—updating your SWPPP, implementing BMPs, conducting inspections, and training your team—you can avoid the pitfalls of improper stormwater management and make a positive environmental impact.

Remember, it takes attention to detail and ongoing effort to manage stormwater effectively. With the right steps, you’ll keep your site compliant, protect surrounding water bodies, and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.