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Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program ( SWPPP )

For decades, the was not such thing as SWPPP. Construction jobsites simply pushed much of their waste into the curb and hosed it down. Few realized how contaminates in paint, concrete, glues, fuels, waste etc flowed down curbs and into our reserviors, damaging our water. SWPPP's or Stormwater Pollution Prevention Programs have been required of larger builders for several years. Until recently, enforcement of existing laws was minimal. That has changed.

Hefty fines have put the construction industry on notice and have sent builders scrambling to get their personnel trained. Companies are now required to have an official SWPPP and can face citations simply for not having the proper paperwork. It is unlikely the owner builder will come under the same scrutiny as a production builder but it is important you know the basics and how to prevent adding to the problem.

SIX SIMPLE RULES FOR OWNER BUILDER SWPPP

There are several simple ways to reduce the flow of contaminated material into our stormwater.

1

- Set rockbags in the curb on the downflowing side of your property. If mud or material does end up in the curb, it will be filtered through the rockbags before flowing down the street. After it dries it can be shoveled and swept up.

2

- Require that any subcontractor that stages material in the street protect it with strawbale or some other approved filter if left overnight.

3

- Insist on daily cleaning of the curb and street. This is especially important for excavation, stucco, and concrete. There is a tendency for these contractors to leave mud and material in the street and expect someone else to deal with it. Clean up of their material is their own responsibility and should be detailed in their contract.

4

-Run the pushbroom through the curb 2-3 times a week to keep it clear of loose debris.

5

- If you live in a wet area and have erosion from your lot, put up a silt fence where there is run off.

6

- Do not allow workers, especially painters, to wash tools or buckets in the street or curb.

The basic rule is, if it isn't water, it doesn't belong in stormwater channels. Adhering to your SWPPP is important for your foundation contractor.