SWPPP
What does SWPPP stand for?
SWPPP stands for Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.
What is SWPPP?
► The SWPPP is a site-specific written document that should identify industrial operations, and should identify pollution control practices that the site is implementing to prevent and minimize pollutants from reaching Stormwater runoff. The SWPPP (sometimes referred to as SWP3 or SWP2 or SWPP) is required by Stormwater Permits pursuant to local permitting authority’s adopted NPDES program (authorized by Clean Water Act). Thus, the SWPPP is required under California’s Industrial General pursuant to California’s NPDES program. Among other things, the SWPPP requires BMPS (Best Management Practices) to prevent or minimize Stormwater pollution. Do I Need a SWPPP?
► If your business is defined as Industrial and your facility operations contribute to Stormwater runoff, you may be required to apply for California’s Industrial General Permit pursuant to the EPA’s NPDES (authorized by the CWA of 1972). Among other things, a SWPPP is required for an Industrial General Permit holder to discharge Stormwater.
When should I prepare the SWPPP?
► The SWPPP should be prepared by the Discharger before submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) or General Permit application.
When should I implement the SWPPP?
► The SWPPP should be implemented by the start of industrial operations.
If I am certifying for NEC Permit Coverage, do I need a SWPPP?
► No. Dischargers that qualify for an NEC are exempt from the SWPPP requirements, sampling requirements, sampling requirements, and visual observation requirements. If your facility operations have no exposure to Stormwater, you should certify for NEC General Permit Coverage.
How should I submit the SWPPP?
► Some jurisdictions may require the discharger(s) to file electronically. In California, the SWPPP is required to be submitted electronically through SMARTS (Stormwater Multiple Application and Report Tracking System).
Who should submit the SWPPP?
► Within the SMARTS program, Dischargers are required to certify and submit Permit Registration Documents (PRDs). PRDs include NOIs, NECs, SWPPPs, Annual Reports, NOTs, Level 1/2 ERA Reports. The Discharger must assign a LRP (Legally Responsible Person). The LRP is required to submit PRDs related to NOI permit coverage and NEC permit coverage via SMARTS. All other documents are to be submitted by the LRP or designated Duly Authorized Representative (DAR). For NOI General Permit coverage, SWPPPs should be submitted by the LRP, since the SWPPP is one of the PRDs for NOI coverage. For NEC General Permit coverage, a SWPPP is not required.
How often do I need to revise the SWPPP?
► SWPPPs for each site should be revised whenever it is necessary. The SWPPP is considered a living document and should be updated as necessary to reflect any changes in industrial operations and its pollution prevention practices. The SWPPP requires an Annual Comprehensive Facility Compliance Evaluation. SWPPP Implementations and Revisions must be submitted electronically via the SMARTS database.
What are the Requirements for a SWPPP?
► The requirements for SWPPP vary by jurisdiction. In California, the Discharger must provide the following things:
Facility Name and Contact Information
Site Map
List of Industrial Materials
Description of Potential Pollution Sources
Assessment of Potential Pollutant Sources
Minimum BMPs
Advanced BMPs, if applicable
Monitoring Implementation Plan
Annual Comprehensive Site Evaluation, also called Annual Comprehensive Facility Compliance Evaluation (Annual Evaluation); and
Date that SWPPP was initially prepared and date of each SWPPP amendment
Signed Certification
What are the standards for a SWPPP?
► Identify Pollutant(s)
► Identify BMPs for Pollutants
► Identify and anticipate future changes in circumstances that will require changes in SWPPP
► Record Keeping: A copy of SWPPP needs to be at site.
What other elements should the SWPPP consider with regard to planning and organization?
► Identification and Description of Pollution Prevention TeamExisting Facility Plans, Procedures or Regulatory ComplianceRegular and Irregular Operating Hours
SWPPP Site-Specific Facility Name and Contact Information
Facility: Name, WDID, Review Date
Facility Contact: Name, Title, Company, Street Address, City, State, Zip
Consultant Contact: Name, Title, Company, Street Address, City, State, Zip
SWPPP Site Map
Legible and clear map of site including legends and notes
Facility boundaries
Drainage areas
Direction of flow
On-site water bodies
Areas of soil erosion
Nearby water bodies
Municipal storm drain inlets
Points of discharge
Structural control measures
Impervious areas such as paved areas, buildings, covered areas, roofed areas
Location of directly exposed materials
Locations of significant spills and leaks
Storage areas / Storage tanks
Shipping and receiving areas
Fueling areas
Vehicle and equipment storage and maintenance
Material handling / Material processing
Waste treatment / Waste disposal
Dust generation / Particulate generation
SWPPP List of Industrial Materials
List of industrial materials
Storage Location of materials
Receiving and shipping location
Handling location
Normal quantities
Normal frequency of handling
SWPPP Description of Potential Pollutant Sources (likely or occurred within previous 5 years)
Industrial Processes
Material handling and storage areas
Dust and Particulate Generating Activities
Significant Spills and Leaks and list of toxic chemicals or industrial materials
Non-storm water discharges
Erodible Surfaces
SWPPP Assessment of Potential Pollutant Sources
Areas of likely sources of pollutant(s)
Pollutant(s) likely present
Quantity of pollutant(s)
Degree of exposure
Direct and indirect pathways
Sampling, inspection records, visual observation
BMP effectiveness to address pollutant
Relation to pollutants of state declared impaired water bodies and its TMDLs
Inadequacies of any BMPs
No Exposure situations
Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Minimum BMPs
Advanced BMPs
Temporary Suspension of Industrial Activities; Discharge not required to:
BMP Descriptions
BMP Summary Table
Design Storm Standards for Treatment Control BMPs
Monitoring Implementation Plan
Designation of assigned Pollution Prevention Team members to monitor
Description of discharge locations, monthly visual observation procedures and responses
Justifications for alternative locations, sampling reduction, or qualified combined samples
Procedures for monitoring equipment used in the field
Chain Custody form example
Annual Evaluation of:
Site Map
Control of all potential pollutants
Sampling data and visual observation records
BMPs and needed equipment
Effectiveness Assessment
Prior Year Records