What is a SWPPP? A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is a plan to prevent rainwater and snowmelt that washes off of a site from transporting pollution into storm drains, eventually ending up in our rivers, streams, and lakes.

What is the purpose of a SWPPP? The purpose is to plan how to and then prevent pollution from running off the construction site in the rainwater and/or snowmelt and into our waterways.Soil, sand and clay are considered pollutants. Polluted stormwater will poison fish, plants, and even humans. It clogs municipal drainage systems, increases the costs of providing clean water to citizens, and reduces recreation opportunities.

Who is in charge of creating, following, and maintaining the SWPPP? The owner and/or Operator (Excavator, Contractor, or Developer) is responsible for having a SWPPP prepared, installing and maintaining mitigations (BMPs), ensuring the plan is complied with, amending the plan as conditions change, and updating the site map. Many hire a third party stormwater management company, such as Accena SWPPP Services, to relieve them of these duties.

How is a SWPPP approved by the regulators? SWPPP approvals vary significantly by municipality and state. When you file your Notice of Intent, you have to self-certify that you have created a SWPPP and plan on following it. In some states, that's all that is required, with a SWPPP review only occurring if there is a problem. In other cases, your SWPPP will be reviewed at the state level before your Notice of Intent is approved. In some areas, such as Utah, each municipality is required to review and approve the SWPPP prior to issuing the building permit. No matter what situation your project falls into, it is critical that you have a SWPPP in place prior to starting construction. You could face major fines and even jail time if you fail to develop and implement a SWPPP on your project.

What is an NOI? NOI stands for “Notice of Intent”. It is a formal notification submitted to your state indicating that a particular project or activity will be applying for coverage under the State’s General Construction Permit for stormwater discharges. The term NOI is used for a lot of permits, not just stormwater permits.

What is the General Construction Permit? The term "General Construction Permit" refers to a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or a state environmental agency that covers the discharge of stormwater from a construction project.

How often does the SWPPP need to be updated? Your SWPPP and site map must show the current appearance of the site including what Best Management Practices (BMPs) are in use and where they are presently located. The site map should be updated every time something changes on site or during each inspection at a minimum. Several other changes require a SWPPP Amendment:

• Changes to the site plan

• Changes in construction activities

• Changes in chemicals or fuel  used or stored

• Changes in discharge points

• Changes in receiving waters

• Changes in ownership or operator

• New, moved, or removed BMPs

How do we show regulators where BMPs are located? There must be an accurate site map accessible to the regulators showing where all the Best Management Practices (BMPs) are located.

How does the SWPPP provide for spills of something like oil or chemicals? The SWPPP must include a plan for the cleanup of spills so they will not enter the rainwater. A spill kit needs to be located on-site.

How frequently does the NOI need renewed? Most states require the Notice of Intent (NOI) to be renewed annually along with paying a regulatory fee.

Where can I get a copy of the SWPPP? Accena SWPPP Services loads your plan, site map, inspection results, and training log in an online software that is easily accessible by link or a QR Code. This provides the Operator and Regulators instant access to the most updated SWPPP, inspection log, and site map.