Compliance Guide

Industrial sites are divided up into sectors (i.e. recycle, automotive, plastics). Each sector has specific parts that should be included in a Stormwater Pollutant Prevention Plan. This large document (200-350 pages) provides action steps for spill response, time table for inspections and monitoring, maps of the campus that include topography and points of discharge, known stormwater risks on site, and other information specific for your facility. These documents are written by stormwater professionals and then uploaded for approval by SC Department of Environmental Services. The process is simple if you follow the steps.

Commercial properties do not have as rigorous of a process. A simple guideline is sufficient to have on file once you have become familiar with it. This document is not site specific, but lays out general expectations and provides one document highlighting stormwater guidelines. Often, the local MS4 provides their regulations which should accompany your Commercial Property Compliance guide. Find a list of stormwater pages for Carolina counties and cities in our E-Resource Page.

Residential communities, must comply with their local regulators. While local standards must comply with SC-DES and EPA, rarely do private or residential sites communicate with state or federal offices. Each municipality has their own guidelines and you can check our E-Resource Page to find your local stormwater office. Typically, an HOA Boad has an appointed committee or member that deals with landscaping. This person or committee should be familiar with guidelines and communicate with your stormwater professional who implements the plan. We recommend that community managers and HOA boards use a general stormwater guide to communicate expectations with neighbors

Stormwater Inspections Checklist

Your property should be inspected quarterly by a stormwater professional. It is then inspected once every five years by either the county (MS4), or by the state (DES). Beyond this, a member of your stormwater pollutant prevention team should walk the property within 24 hours after a rain event. Do you know what to look for? We can email you a checklist to help with your walk through. The printable PDF can be printed and used to check off that these have been checked and then store the document in your file. During audits, these dated and signed checklists show that you take your stormwater pollutant prevention plan seriously and actively insuring full compliance. This gives auditors the peace of mind that you will catch problems as they arise and the regulated inspection can run more smoothly.

How often to perform inspections?

Stormwater inspections should be conducted by a member of your stormwater pollutant prevention team after every major rain event. This can be as simple as a quick walk through with the INSPECTION CHECKLIST. Once per quarter, you will need to have a stormwater professional conduct an official inspection. This inspection is more in-depth and should include a walk through inside the plant. Occasionally, you may receive an audit from the state or your local MS4. Such an inspection generally takes place every five years (each MS4 is different). When the audit is scheduled, is not the time to gather your records. They should already be in neatly filed and ready for presentation. Like with any audit, the more organized you are, the less complicated the audit is. With that in mind, we have a PDF that we can send titled, DOCUMENTS TO KEEP FOR STORMWATER AUDITS.

What is required for SWPPP training on industrial site

The general permit is somewhat vague on requirements for SWPPP training. Many companies will bring in an engineer into a conference room a couple times a year to have their employees go through the required training. However, our clients go a little different route. We provide training videos that can be used in a way that limits disruption to production. Our consultants can introduce you to these videos and create a plan that keeps the facility running.

How to File NOI & SWPPP with DES

SC Department of Environment Services has made communication with the office simple. However, like with many things, if you do not file often, it can get a little tricky. The first step is to register for an E-Signature with the department. Once you are registered you will be able to upload your NOI and SWPPP online. Use our step-by-step process to make your job easier.

Who Should complete the E-Signature & upload files?

You need to have a member of your Stormwater Pollutant Prevention Plan team complete these tasks. You may get outside help from an engineer or stormwater professional, but you want to maintain ownership of the procedures. Typically, the job to communicate with SC-DES is either the Facility manager or Director of EHS.

What are the requirements for Stormwater Sampling

Sampling is typically based on your industry sector and location. The most popular stormwater sampling is for e. Coli. Typically a benchmark is set with three separate samples from each discharge at your facility. If the benchmark falls within tolerance levels samples are not needed for three more years. Your SWPPP has a section which sets out the requirements for sampling on your property.

Samples are to be drawn from a discharge immediately after a rain event. The sample should be placed in a container provided by your local lab. Once the container is filled, you have a short window of time to provide those containers back to the lab. Make sure you ask your lab what their time frame is for the specific tests you are completing. Often the lab will email you the results, which you need to cross reference to your SWPPP to confirm they are within the tolerance levels. Your SWPPP should outline the reporting process for these tests if they are outside of the standard.

What is the SC Department of Environmental Services

Often referred to as DES, the state department sets standards in line with NPDES and EPA on the federal level. These regulations and enforcement flow out of the Clean Water Act.

What is the NC Department of Environmental Quality

Often referred to as DEQ, the state department sets standards in line with NPDES and EPA on the federal level. These regulations and enforcement flow out of the Clean Water Act.

What is International Stormwater Standards

ISO 14001 is the international standard set forth for environmental sustainability. While these standards are non-governmental, the organization is made of one representative from 167 countries. As a committee, they establish uniform standards for process in production around the world. Many companies, such as BMW, not only holds themselves to these standards but requires their suppliers to also adhere to them. Many companies in the automotive industry, pharmaceuticals, energy production, and other companies follow ISO very closely. ISO 14001 certification unlocks financial benefits, including eligibility for green financing, tax incentives, and government grants aimed at sustainability. It acts as a risk mitigation tool for investors, lowers insurance premiums, and can even reduce costs through increased energy and resource efficiency. Companies that follow these strict standards should use environmental agencies that are familiar with the expectations for maintaining their certification.