Preventing Stormwater From Getting Contaminated Without Hindering Development

By Author: Monica Barnes
Total Articles: 1
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Any rural or urban development project will surely have a significant impact on the environment, be it good or bad. While it may seem that mankind is better off leaving natural areas untouched, the need for a better life cannot be ignored. It is for this reason that any project should have the necessary protocols to mitigate any negative effect of the project to the environment.

For instance, water discharge will be significantly affected by the construction of a new building or row of houses. Planners must think of ways or methods to keep the discharge from the site from harming trees and wildlife nearby. Under federal law, planners are required to formulate a storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP). The document lists down practices to be done to keep nature safe despite rural or urban development.

Why you need it

Think about it: what if it suddenly rains and you’re in the middle of painting a wall in the building under construction? You may spill the can of paint by accident, blending in with the storm water which will bring the paint residue to a natural reservoir. You may end ...
... up dyeing a lake a specific color; such a simple accident may also threaten marine life.

Storm water pollution prevention requires the parties involved in the project to perform BMPs or best management practices. In other words, it pays to be careful and take your time coloring the wall according to the blueprints. While you may finish a bit later than expected, careful action can save the frogs and fish living in the lake nearby.

What it contains

Some of the contents of a stormwater pollution prevention plan include topographical data of the site and its surroundings – long story short, a map with some basic information. The plan may also have a list of the materials to be used in the project, especially those with potential hazards to nature. Planners are also required to plot the projected course of the storm water runoff for assessment of contamination risks. Also, a site inspection is required for a closer look.

As storm water ends up being reused for public consumption, it’s imperative that a development project doesn’t contaminate it. Devising a stormwater pollution prevention plan is a skill qualified personnel must learn to reduce the negative impact of progress on Mother Nature. Not only is it required by the law, but it’s for everyone’s sake.

For more information on stormwater pollution prevention plan training and details, you can read the brochure online made by Arizona’s Pima County Department of Environmental Quality. You can visit their website at deq.pima.gov.