California Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
What’s an SWPPP?
A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan is a plan to describe a process whereby a facility evaluates potential pollutant sources at a site and selects and designs appropriate measures to prevent or control the discharge of pollutants in storm water runoff.
The regulatory entity responsible for such plans is the NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES)
In California the regulatory body responsible for implementing the system is the California State Water Resources Control Board.
There are 2 permits that might be necessary for construction activity or industrial activity. 1) Construction General Permit. 2) Industrial General Permit.
The Construction General Permit has to do with construction projects that have the potential to affect the watershed. The Industrial General Permit guidelines are in the process of being finalized in California.
Do I need an SWPPP?
If you are building in California & your construction site is 1 acre or more you might need an SWPPP. Sites less than 1 acre don’t need one and sites from 1 to 5 acres may qualify for an exemption.