There are a few terms or acronyms that are important within the world of stormwater management, and implementation of best management practices - or BMPS - is at or near the top of any such list. What exactly are BMPs, why are they important, and what are some effective ways to implement them and maintain suitable stormwater management for any site?
At Cearley SWPPP, we're proud to offer an extensive range of stormwater management practices for clients around Utah, including innovative BMP solutions and BMP implementation services. Here are some basics on BMPs in stormwater management, including some basics and the environmental benefits of BMPs, plus some simple implementation strategies that our team will be happy to assist you with.
For those just learning about stormwater management, BMPs refer to a series of techniques or practices that are implemented within a given site to control and reduce the amount of stormwater runoff. This runoff can be contaminated with pollutants like sediment, chemicals, and debris, all of which could harm local ecosystems if left unchecked.
BMPs range from small-scale solutions such as rain barrels or green roofs to larger systems like detention ponds or filtration structures. These practices are designed to mimic natural processes in order to manage and treat stormwater on-site before it enters water bodies.
Implementing BMPs is crucial for maintaining healthy waterways and ecosystems. Without proper controls, stormwater runoff can cause erosion and flooding, destroy habitats, and harm aquatic life. BMPs help prevent these negative impacts by treating stormwater on-site, reducing the amount of pollutants that reach local water bodies.
Furthermore, many states and municipalities have regulations requiring the implementation of BMPs for any construction or development project. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant fines and penalties.
The rest of this blog will go over some top BMPs to consider from a sustainability standpoint, plus how to implement them.
One of the most important steps in implementing BMPs is to involve them early on in the site planning process. This allows for more effective integration of BMPs into the overall design and can help reduce costs.
During the initial planning stages, our team at Cearley SWPPP works closely with clients to identify potential sources of stormwater runoff and determine which BMP practices will be most effective for each specific site.
Two of the most common and crucial BMPs for stormwater management are erosion and sediment control practices. These include techniques such as silt fences, sediment basins, and vegetative buffers to help prevent soil erosion and reduce the amount of sediment entering local water bodies.
For instance, silt fences are temporary barriers that help contain sediment and prevent it from leaving the construction site. Sediment basins, on the other hand, are large containment structures that collect runoff and allow sediment to settle out before clean water is released.
Because stormwater runoff can be filled with pollutants, it's important to control the amount of runoff that leaves a site. One effective way to do this is through the use of green infrastructure, which includes techniques such as rain gardens, permeable pavement, and vegetative roofs.
Green infrastructure helps absorb and filter stormwater on-site, reducing the amount of pollutants entering water bodies. Additionally, incorporating these practices can also help reduce energy costs and improve air quality.
There are a number of structural BMPs that can be implemented to manage stormwater runoff, such as detention ponds, rainwater harvesting systems, and bioretention cells. These systems are designed to capture and treat stormwater before it leaves the site, preventing pollution and improving water quality.
Detention ponds, for example, are large basins that temporarily store stormwater runoff and allow sediment and pollutants to settle out before clean water is released back into local water bodies. Rainwater harvesting systems collect rainwater from roofs or pavement surfaces for later use in irrigation or toilet flushing.
Another major component of successful BMP implementation is proper training and education for all site workers. This includes providing information on the purpose and benefits of BMPs, as well as how to properly install and maintain them.
At Cearley SWPPP, we offer comprehensive training programs for clients to ensure that everyone involved in a project understands their role in implementing and maintaining BMPs.
BMPs play a crucial role in stormwater management, helping to protect local water bodies and ecosystems from pollution. By involving these practices early on in the planning process and working with experienced professionals, like our team at Cearley SWPPP, you can effectively implement BMPs and maintain compliance with regulations while creating a more environmentally friendly site. Contact us today to learn more about our BMP solutions and services around Utah!
