5 Things to look for when hiring a SWPPP consultant
In California, we pray for rain. Rain is a frequent topic of conversation due to the years of drought the state has suffered. And while rain can be a blessing for California residents, rain can be an unwelcomed visitor on a construction job site.
Rain runoff can wreak havoc during construction if a proper plan has not been developed. The EPA states, “Stormwater runoff is generated from rain and snowmelt events that flow over land or impervious surfaces, such as paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops, and does not soak into the ground. The runoff picks up pollutants like trash, chemicals, oils, and dirt/sediment that can harm our rivers, streams, lakes, and coastal waters. To protect these resources, communities, construction companies, industries, and others, use stormwater controls, known as best management practices (BMPs). These BMPs filter out pollutants and/or prevent pollution by controlling it at its source.”
This is where longtime California stormwater specialists Kaz & Associates comes in.
Construction projects in California may require a NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit, in addition to other permits required by the state to protect stormwater runoff. This helps to prevent harmful substances from entering California’s waterways. One facet of the NPDES permit is developing and maintaining a site specific SWPPP, which stands for Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan.
With over three decades of expertise spanning construction, engineering, and stormwater industries, we provide holistic solutions tailored to individual job site requirements. Our specialization lies in water quality management, encompassing various facets such as Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs), Water Pollution Control Plans (WPCPs), training initiatives, permit adherence, site evaluations, Erosion Control, and stormwater sampling services.
When hiring a SWPPP Consultant there are 5 core competencies to look for.
Number 1: NOI Filing
At Kaz and Associates, we handle filing of the Notice of Intent along with the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, which is requirement of the construction general permit in California. The NOI application must also be submitted to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) located in Sacramento, CA. Don’t forget, a site map to scale and a fee must also be submitted. Kaz & Associates can take care of this necessary step to ensure construction is not delayed due to inaccurate filing.
Number 2: BMP (best management practices) Experience
When hiring a SWPPP consultant, look for their experience with BMP’s. When construction takes place, and the ground is disturbed, this can cause unwanted runoff into the waterways. BMPs are used to ensure runoff is controlled and to limit the quantity of sediment eroding from or leaving any jobsite. BMPs have several classifications including Erosion Control, Sediment Control, Water Quality Control, etc. Kaz & Associates will provide a “tool box” of BMPs or recommendations designed to abate erosion and ensure compliance with your SWPPP. For a free BMP handbook, visit casqa.org to download.
About The Construction BMP Handbook | California Stormwater Quality Association (casqa.org)
Number 3: QSD/P Inspections
Only State certified individuals are permitted to conduct stormwater management services and write SWPPP plans. A Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) is a certified individual who is authorized to develop and revise SWPPPs. A QSD is required to have an underlying certification (CPESC, engineering degree or equivalent), and must attend a state sponsored training course, and pass a state exam.
A Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) is a certified professional who is responsible for monitoring your project site. A QSP is the “boots on the ground” individual who will provide guidance and recommendations to ensure your project is compliant throughout all phases of construction, while also handling all reporting requirements (stormwater sampling, filing of Annual Report, conduct close out services, etc.).
The Kaz & Associates team has certifications as both QSDs and QSPs. Our team will provide full service inspections for your project.
Construction General Permit Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) and/or Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) should be retained for your construction project. We recommend validating your QSD/P from the csus.edu database where qualifications are listed.
Number 4: Notice of Termination (NOT)
Paperwork is a necessary chore for all construction projects. Ensure your NOT is filed correctly and accurately by partnering with Kaz and Associates. Within 90 days of completing your construction project, or if the ownership is changed/modified, the Notice of Termination (NOT), a final site map, and photos through the State Water Boards SMARTS system must be filed. As stormwater specialist, Kaz & Associates can manage all the forms associated with filing the notice of termination as part of our scope of work.
Number 5: Annual Reports
All things stormwater report related will leverage the SMARTS database in California. Per the www.actenviro.com website, all dischargers regulated under the California Stormwater Industrial General Permit (IGP) are required to submit an Annual Report online by July 15th of each year. Discharges of storm water associated with industrial activity are regulated pursuant to Clean Water Act section 402(p)(3)(A). All Annual Report must be submitted through the “Stormwater Multiple Application and Report Tracking System” (SMARTS). Kaz & Associates can write and manage the submission of your annual report. We also handle annual report amendments.
Kaz & Associates provide expert SWPPP, stormwater and environmental services for all California construction projects. Contact us today to learn how we can support your SWPPP needs.
Email: Info@KazAndAssoc.com
Phone: (707) 747-1126