Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs)
What is a SWPPP?
A Storwmater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is a fundamental part of stormwater permits. SWPPPs are documents that identify potential sources of pollution which may affect the quality of storm water discharges, describes erosion control practices, sediment and velocity control practices, and good housekeeping practices to be used to reduce pollutants in storm water discharges, and helps assure compliance with the terms and conditions of the permit.
What’s in a SWPPP?
SWPPPs can vary widely in scope and detail but there are several core components that should be considered for all construction projects.
- Description of site conditions and type of construction work
- Descriptions of erosion, sediment, and velocity controls, including a erosion control site plan
- Sequence and timing schedule for BMP installation and removal
- Post construction stormwater management features
- Waste disposal procedures
- Approved state or local plans relevant to construction project
- Good housekeeping practices for pollution prevention
- Handling of non-stormwater discharges
SWPPPs are “living documents”, which means that any changes to the original SWPPP plan based on the results of weekly inspections need to be recorded. Other construction activities such as new contractors or subcontractors working onsite and stabilization should also be formally noted.
SWPPP Certification Statement for Owners, Contractors, and Subcontractors
The owner of the construction project, and thus the owner of the SWPPP, is responsible for signing a Certification Statement, which acknowledges the terms and conditions (design, placement, and maintenance of erosion and sediment control BMPs) approved in the SWPPP. In addition to the owner, all contractors and subcontractors involved with land disturbing activities on the construction site must also sign the certification statement.
All co-signers agree to the terms and conditions stated in the SWPPP and become co-permittees under the owner’s IDNR Notice of Intent and Letter of Authorization for stormwater discharge. Signed certification statements must be kept with SWPPP and retained for at least 3 years after final stabilization is achieved and the Notice of Discontinuation has been filed.
SWPPP Template
ISWEP has created a SWPPP template that includes all applicable sections for a standard SWPPP. You can download the template below, or refer to EPA’s SWPPP template.