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The lack of replies to this topic started by pro/admin may suggest that there are a lot of viewers that either have little or no knowledge on this subject or perhaps have little time to discuss issues related to Storm Water Pollution Prevention.
Over the years thousands of documents have been issued and regulations have been set as guidelines for all to follow.
Many of the regulations follow the Clean Water Act passed in congress and reviesed several times since concept.
Enforcement typically is seen through the EPA at federal level with little enforcement at the local level (city or county)
It would be a mis-conception to think that only large construction projects must comply with policies of the Clean Water Act and Storm Warter Pollution Protection.
In recent years the EPA directed their attention on construction sites less than 5 acres.
In an attempt to reduce pollution, local government would be required to introduce policies , rules, regulations and enforcement methods that follow federal guidelines.
Enforcement was typically directed at large companies and little attention was directed to individual home owners, small contractors participating on remodel projects etc. etc.
Recycle programs were introduced at local levels and many home owners participate in those programs, thus reducing some of the pollution.
Re-directing the attention to construction sites less than 5 acres tells us that there is a need for reduction of storm water pollution.
Any item that can enter downstream waters such as trash, debries, mud from vehicles leaving a construction site or residence and deposited on a oadway or street is a form of pollution.
There are countless items that are used in our homes and yards, on construction sites, landscape projects etc etc that add to the overall pollution of our waters.
As an example a couple years ago I was constructing hotels, offices, stores etc on a major development.
We sold a parcel of land to another developer, transfered all of required permits related to Storm Water Pollution Prevention and directed that developer to comply with all requirements.
Erosion protection such as silt fencing, inlet protection, covered trash containers,concrete wash out areas were established.
Unwanted trash from workers on the site, such as lunch bags, ash trays that were emptied from vehicles etc. were picked up on a daily basis.
The entire development was clean and free of trash and debies.
Late into the summer months that contractor discharged construction water onto one of our new streets. That water entered into a one acre detention pond through an inlet.
The detention pond was carefully engineered with restrictor structures, landscape etc.
Along came the EPA. Even though that contractor and developer was under permit to comply with all Storm Water Pollution Prevention, had in place BMP's etc we received a fine in excess of $100,000.00 for his actions.
The bottom line to all of this is that every person has a responsibility to prevent any pollution from taking place.
This would include but not limit to dust. wind blown trash or debries, vehicle tracking, chemical spills (to include gas, oils, antifreeze etc) paint, solvents etc.
We all play a part in the prevention of pollution.
There are several thousand documents that can be viewed. Contact your local building departments, state and federal environmental agencies for additional information.
A little common sense and an understanding of all requirements will add to the reduction of storm water pollution.
We all enjoy clean lakes and streams.
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