SWPPP: How do you deal with it? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

buckleyclan · 10-16-2009, 04:57 PM

Howdy Ya'll,

I am wondering how different folks deal with SWPPP. Do you install the BMP's from a prepared SWPPP plan? Do you sub the work out?
What's enforcement like where you are?

My curiousity was piqued after reading some updates on the NDPES and SWRCB sites.
It seems that in CA, since the development money dried up, SWPPP enforcement will be rising sharply as a 'quasi' revenue stream is needed.

Anti-wingnut · 10-16-2009, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckleyclan

howdy ya'll,

i am wondering how different folks deal with swppp. Do you install the bmp's from a prepared swppp plan? Do you sub the work out?
What's enforcement like where you are?

My curiousity was piqued after reading some updates on the ndpes and swrcb sites.
It seems that in ca, since the development money dried up, swppp enforcement will be rising sharply as a 'quasi' revenue stream is needed.

what the hell are you talking about. Use more proper english, and less gibbering acornyms

CookeCarpentry · 10-16-2009, 08:25 PM

SWPPP = Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans

Anti-wingnut · 10-16-2009, 08:40 PM

I actually knew that

CookeCarpentry · 10-16-2009, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anti-wingnut

what the hell are you talking about. Use more proper english, and less gibbering acornyms

And I do agree!

Kgmz · 10-16-2009, 09:14 PM

Around here you have to have the permit, and the BMP's installed and inspected before you can start working on the site. And they do drive by often and check you. Also all testing and paperwork must be turned in every month. And you have the have a CESCL (Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead) to inspect, install, manage the site, and do the testing and paperwork. We have to test any runoff from the site for turbidity and pH at least once a week if there is a discharge and right after a high discharge.

A lot of companies are doing this in house like we do, and I am the certified CESCL. There are some that are subbing it out, and the one thing almost all sub out is the chemical or chitosan sand filtration treatment of high turbidity, etc. water. And these people also must be certified, CESF (Chitosan Enhanced Sand Filtration).

The main thing is doing all the paperwork and in a timely manner. And doing any notifications of high turbidity, pH, etc, promptly like right now. they have a phone number you have to call to report this immediately. Also applying for modifications of the original plan for alternate BMP's or a change in the scope of work on the site, and if you have a high turbidity problem applying for the request to use chemical treatment.

Willie T · 10-16-2009, 09:58 PM

It's that National Elimination gig that throws me. And I figure any BMP's are up to my discretion.

buckleyclan · 10-16-2009, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anti-wingnut

what the hell are you talking about. Use more proper english, and less gibbering acornyms

Sorry about my offensive use of acronyms. You'll have to forgive me as I am a product of the convoluted Khalifornia system of making it impossible to make a living as a builder. Furthermore, the Bureaus, agencies, Boards, and commissions in this Socialist state, make sport of coming up with new and exicting acronyms to *piss off* and confuse the average Joe W. Builder.

What I meant to say was: "How do ya'll deal with Erosion Control in ya'lls neck of the woods...?"

Upchuck · 10-17-2009, 04:10 AM

Here in Mass. I am very careful about the swppp. I worked on a subdivision where the EPA was called on us twice and we weren't fined at all. My best advice is to install everything as is stated in swppp. Also keep good records of what is going on. I would do weekly reports on Mondays visually inspecting all erosion control and taking pictures. Twice during big storms we had silt fence fail. We fixed it and documented with pictures.

From what I have heard the EPA understands there may be failures in erosion control. They want to make sure it is addressed and there is proper documentation. I'm doing a condo project for the same developer. On this project he is doing all the reports & inspections. His engineer put the swppp together for both projects. I think it cost a few thousand to get a swppp put together. Nothing is cheap anymore.

While bidding a different condo project a few years ago I asked about the swppp. The developer didn't know what I was talking about. When I told him there was a daily fine for a project w/o a swppp he said he didn't care and wasn't doing one. Needless to say I didn't get that job.

jtpro · 10-17-2009, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckleyclan

What I meant to say was: "How do ya'll deal with Erosion Control in ya'lls neck of the woods...?"

HEY!!!! You lost the "Ya'll" privelages and southern dialect references when Ya'll left the south!

NWBuilder · 10-17-2009, 10:05 PM

I have add it to my earthwork contractors scope. I am in western Washington, the local inspection agency (county/city) does the inspections. As others have said everything is in place before the dirt moves.

buckleyclan · 10-17-2009, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtpro

HEY!!!! You lost the "Ya'll" privelages and southern dialect references when Ya'll left the south!

Hey now! You know what they say?: "You can take the boy out of the South, but...."

Steve Manning · 10-19-2009, 08:09 AM

From one of my favorite Skynyrd songs All I can do is write about it, You can take a boy out of ole dixie land but you'll never take ole dixie from a boy. If you ain't heard it look it up.

SWPPPs around here and there enforcement are getting tougher but Tennessee is a little behind the norm as usual. Or so we would seem to the average eye.