On Long Term Stormwater Maintenance Plans (LTSMP)

There are several precautions within the management of construction sites and processes that must be considered in both the short- and long-term, and a great example here is stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) management. While many of the most notable parts of SWPPP arrangements take place during actual construction, there are also many long-running needs that must be consistently applied - and the use of Long Term Stormwater Maintenance Plans (LTSMPs) is common here.

At Silver Leaf SWPPP, we're here to provide a wide range of SWPPP services to clients around Utah, including SWPPP inspections, dewatering solutions, documentation and more. Here are some basics on LTSMPs - what they are, the kinds of buildings and projects they're required for, and the sorts of elements that typically comprise them. 

Defining Long Term Stormwater Maintenance Plans

Managed by both the EPA and various local and state governments, LTSMPs are documents that provide a detailed playbook for how stormwater systems should be managed and maintained over the long term. This includes measures for preventing the discharge of pollutants into water resources, controlling erosion and sedimentation during construction and protecting habitats from damage.

These plans are created to detail the sorts of inspections and maintenance required after construction of a given project is completed, such as the inspection of “best management practices” (BMPs) onsite periodically. This ensures that any pollutants are properly contained even after construction has ended.

LTSMP Recording and Maintenance

In Utah, and in many other states, LTSMPs will be recorded at the county level. This will typically involve a report of the permanent stormwater management practice being maintained on-site, as well as an inspection and maintenance schedule.

In terms of maintaining the LTSMP, including for any changing conditions or updates, the property owner tends to be required to undertake all or most of the tasks themselves - or to arrange their handling. This includes regular water quality testing, setting up a system for tracking changes or sediment accumulation and other environmental factors. This will be the case for the life of the property, or until it changes ownership.

Buildings and Projects Where LTSMPs Are Typically Required

While this is not necessarily an exhaustive list, here are some of the project and building types where LTSMPs will typically be required following construction:

• Commercial buildings: Any kind of commercial building, from a small office space to large retail locations, will typically require an LTSMP. If the building includes parking areas, these may need to be incorporated into the plan as well.

• Multi-family projects: This is especially true for larger multi-family complexes that may contain multiple buildings and a great deal of land, with parking lots or other public spaces. 

• Any HOA: Homeowners associations that include a range of individual properties will need to create an LTSMP to ensure stormwater quality is maintained.

• Private units: For private units built after 2011 that include stormwater drains or mitigations on-site and have not been turned over to any municipality, an LTSMP will typically be required. 

Common Elements of LTSMPs

While this again is not an exhaustive list, and can vary depending on the site and several other factors, here are some of the common elements included for inspection on LTSMPs:

• Any storm drains on-site: Some of the most important parts of LTSMPs are the regular inspections of storm drains, ditches or other features that can be used to direct water away from buildings. 

• Dumpster and trash areas: Areas where trash or other debris is stored can be a source of pollutants, and routine inspections are needed. 

• Open space: This includes any areas such as fields or parks that the development may include, such as for recreational use or landscaping purposes.

• Parking lot drainage: As we noted above, parking lots will commonly be part of LTSMPs, as these areas can quickly become sources of pollutants.

• Landscaping: If any landscaping is a part of the property, such as lawns or shrubs, it will need to be inspected regularly according to the LTSMP.

• Permeable pavers: For sites that include permeable pavers, these will need to be regularly inspected and any sediment accumulation adequately addressed.

• Underground LID devices: Short for low-impact development devices, these will need to be inspected for proper function.

These are just a few of the elements that may be included in an LTSMP, and it's important to consult with an experienced SWPPP provider like Silver Leaf to ensure all required elements are properly taken into account. 

At Silver Leaf SWPPP, we're here to provide detailed and reliable LTSMPs for clients in Utah, ensuring that stormwater management is properly handled over the long term. Contact us today to learn more about our work and how we can help your property pass all relevant inspections with confidence.