Whether you have a large or small construction site, understanding SWPPP compliance and SWPPP regulations will help you make a more informed prevention plan and help you know how to protect the environment while maneuvering through your construction needs. In Texas, the local laws regulate the construction general permit requirements. Knowing that the Environmental Protection Agency spells out what considerations and prerequisites are required gives each state a guideline to supply their construction companies SWPPP requirements that have to be met. They also give SWPPP training on how to write an SWPPP plan and institute proper erosion control SWPPP. They also give the ability for individuals to monitor and deliver sound SWPPP inspections to each construction site to make sure that they are properly removing storm water discharge.
The Construction General Permit
The need to understand who needs to be regulated and who does not depends on size of the disturbed ground. Where construction activities disrupt surface ground which could potentially make storm water run-off into any local ground or surface water is directly under strict violation of proper erosion control SWPPP guidelines according to the EPA.
Whether you have a large construction project covering a total of five or more acres of land disruption or a smaller construction activity that only covers one to five acres, does not matter. Under the construction general permit regulations provided by the EPA, a construction site must obtain a permit to be in accordance with proper SWPPP compliance. If the ground that is disrupted covers less than one acre, then it is not regulated under the same terms and is not considered a part of a common plan of development.
Needing an NOI
An NOI or Notice of Intent is actually a form submitted to let the EPA know that you are filing for an SWPPP construction general permit. It usually takes seven days after the EPA gets your NOI before you can obtain your permit. They will look at the SWPPP plans, any potential impact to endangered species in the local region of construction and make sure you fully understand the guidelines and implemented the EPA requirements correctly. The NOI should be posted at the construction site in plain view, and it also needs to be had for any construction activity disrupting over one acre of land.
Understanding all that is involved with SWPPP regulations and being in SWPPP compliance is very important to protect our environment from waste water pollution. When making storm water pollution protection plans understanding all the elements that need to be within it so if you are asking yourself how do I write a SWPPP, then look no further than the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality website or visit the EPA’s website.