Here at Silver Leaf SWPPP, it’s our job to help Utah builders create construction stormwater pollution prevention plans to comply with Environmental Protection Agency and Utah Department of Environmental Quality regulations. SWPPP plans can get complicated, and we have an entire department devoted to best management practices for operating a SWPPP-compliant construction site. Today, we want to share with you the Utah DEQ’s top 10 best management practices construction companies should follow to avoid polluting our waterways.
Preserve Vegetation
Many construction projects call for clearing land, but leaving as much vegetation as possible helps prevent the soil from washing away and polluting the waterways.
Do Construction in Phases
Rather than dig up the entire site and then begin construction, instead plan to dig and build in stages so large areas of earth do not remain disturbed for long periods.
Follow Construction Entrance BMPs
Install gravel at construction entrances or plan to clean the wheels of vehicles exiting the site onto the main roadway to avoid contamination.
Maintain Silt Fences
Silt fences help prevent soil erosion at your construction site. Installation of silt fences at the right positions can make a big difference — consult Silver Leaf SWPPP on BMPs for silt fence installation.
Protect Storm Drains
This can be accomplished by installing sediment traps under the grates or surrounding drains with berms. Both these erosion control solutions can stop waste and sediment from washing into the storm drain.
Install Vegetative Buffers
Any type of grass or bush may qualify as a vegetative buffer. These help filter stormwater runoff as it heads downhill toward a drain or body of water.
Stabilize the Site
When your construction project is complete, stabilize the site by hydroseeding, planting grass or trees, or putting down mulch.
Take Care with Refueling
Try to refuel vehicles offsite. If this isn’t possible, take care not to overfill to avoid spillage. Gas, oil and other chemicals and contaminants from construction sites can also pollute the area’s waterways.
Manage Waste Properly
Your SWPPP plan should include steps for disposing of trash and other debris daily in a manner that does not allow it to be blown about by the wind. Secure all items and use trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
Suppress Dust
Whenever possible, cover open areas of dirt with tarps or heavy plastic to avoid the wind blowing dust into waterways. Depending on where your project is, this can also reduce friction with neighbors.
Depend on Silver Leaf SWPPP
Stormwater pollution prevention plans are complex, and many Utah construction companies turn to Silver Leaf SWPPP for help However, learning more about the BMPs helps you understand the laws better as well as comply with them.
Trust Silver Leaf SWPPP to help with all your stormwater pollution prevention plans.
