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While storms surely wreak havoc anywhere they strike, the biggest threat they might pose is when overflowing water accumulates on surfaces like asphalt roads, curbs, and driveways. Stormwater runoff is generally directed into drainage systems to be inevitably released into streams, rivers, and lakes. The problem with storm overflow released into these natural water sources is they could contain contaminants, which threaten the quality of the water. To minimize the discharge of contaminants into natural water sources, a storm pollution prevention plan must be prepared. This plan is especially important in construction sites where erosion is highly possible due to water overflow. Construction professionals are, therefore, encouraged to take a stormwater training course to learn a combination of preventative and control measures to manage stormwater. A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) training program trains and certifies individuals to prepare SWPPP plans. This course is open to civil engineers, environmental engineers, architects, landscape architects, and construction estimators. There are companies that offer SWPPP online courses which can be completed in 18.5 hours. This web-based online course has been reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to ensure it is compliant with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System or NPDES permit program. Once an individual obtains his SWPPP certification, he will be able to make well-informed decisions in implementing a compliant SWPPP. He will also be able to understand proper installation, maintenance, and inspection of best management practices. For an SWPPP to be efficient, he must evaluate the site in full detail to know its size in acres, the number of buildings, and the number of catch basins on site. A catch basin is a component of a storm drain or sewer system designed to collect debris to prevent it from entering the drainage pipes where it could cause clogs. The SWPPP should also include the location of drainage systems, storage areas, and areas vulnerable to water overflow from adjacent properties. If preventative measures are to be initiated, these should be detailed in the SWPPP as well. An example of a preventative measure is the use of permeable concrete instead of impenetrable concrete so water can easily pass through it and into a water reservoir under the pavement. For more information, visit wisegeek.com/what-is-stormwater-control.htm.
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