At Cearley SWPPP, we're proud to serve clients around Utah with any kind of stormwater management or control need. This includes numerous areas, from SWPPP plans and SWPPP inspection to specific best management practices (BMPs) that may be a key part of your stormwater pollution prevention plan.
What are BMPs, and why are they so vital within the world of stormwater control? Let's take a look at some basics, examples and benefits of quality BMPs for any stormwater pollution prevention plan, ensuring you're properly informed on this vital part of the stormwater management realm.
For those just learning about stormwater management, the acronym "BMP" stands for Best Management Practice. These are defined as various measures designed to control and manage water quality runoff from developed urban areas.
Because of ongoing urban development in modern times, impervious surfaces have replaced pervious (permeable) land cover, such as woodlands or open fields. This means that when it rains, instead of the excess water being absorbed into the ground, it runs off of these impervious surfaces and collects pollutants along the way before discharging into nearby bodies of water.
This is where BMPs come in - they are used to mimic natural processes and help mitigate the negative impacts of this increased runoff on several related environmental issues, including water quality, erosion control services, and flooding. They are vital for ensuring that any kinds of contaminants or pollutants that are picked up by stormwater runoff are removed or reduced before the water reaches our natural waterways.
BMPs are also crucial for legal compliance, both for individuals and businesses. In many areas, there are strict regulations in place that require the implementation of BMPs to manage stormwater runoff effectively. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and penalties for individuals and legal action for businesses.
Here are some common examples of BMPs found and used within the stormwater management world:
Some of the most common BMPs that you will find on construction sites are silt fences. These are barriers made of geotextile fabric that help to filter out sediment and other pollutants from stormwater runoff. They are typically placed around the perimeter of a construction site, along with other types of erosion control measures like straw wattles and sediment basins.
Silt fences help to prevent sediment from leaving the site and entering local waterways, which can harm aquatic life and degrade water quality. They are relatively inexpensive to install and maintain, making them a popular choice for construction projects.
Another key erosion control measure used on construction sites is straw wattles. These are long, tubular structures made of compressed straw or hay and encased in a biodegradable fabric. They are placed along the contour of slopes and other areas where water may flow, helping to slow down and filter sediment-laden runoff.
Straw wattles not only help prevent erosion, but they can also assist with vegetation growth by trapping moisture and providing nutrients as they break down. They are also commonly used in restoration projects to stabilize bare soils and promote native plant growth.
Because construction site entrances can often be risks when it comes to erosion and sediment control, proper stabilization measures are crucial. Stabilized construction entrances involve using an impermeable material, such as gravel or geotextile fabric, to cover the ground where vehicles enter and exit the site. This prevents soil from being tracked onto roadways, reducing the amount of sediment that can potentially pollute nearby water sources.
Additionally, stabilized construction entrances often include a bermed area around the entrance to help trap sediment and prevent it from leaving the site. These measures not only protect surrounding areas from erosion and sediment runoff during construction, but they also make for safer and more stable entry and exit points for vehicles on the site.
Another vital component of erosion and sediment control on construction sites is inlet protection. Inlets are the points where stormwater runoff enters the site's drainage system, such as catch basins, culverts, and manholes. These areas can easily become clogged with sediment during construction activities, leading to flooding or water pollution.
To prevent this from happening, inlet protection measures such as above-ground top guards, undergrate filter bags, and fiber rolls are often installed for these structures. These barriers help trap sediment before it reaches the inlets, allowing for cleaner runoff to enter the drainage system.
For many construction sites, erosion control blankets are essential for preventing soil erosion. These blankets are made of biodegradable materials such as straw, coconut fiber, or wood excelsior and are used to cover exposed soil areas.
The blanket helps stabilize the soil by reducing water runoff velocity and providing a barrier against wind and rain. It also promotes vegetation growth by retaining moisture and protecting seedlings from harsh weather conditions.
If you're in need of assistance with any kind of SWPPP best management practice around Utah, Cearley SWPPP is here to help. Our team of experts can provide you with the necessary resources and guidance to ensure your project is in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations. We tailor your BMPs based on local conditions, compliance regulations and the specifics of your project.
We offer a wide range of services, including sediment and erosion control services, stormwater management planning, and installation of erosion control products like straw blankets. Our goal is to help you minimize environmental impact while maximizing project efficiency. Contact us today to learn more or get started!
