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What Utah Contractors Should Know About Uncontaminated Dewatering Regulations

Dewatering can be an essitial part of SWPPP and  is subject to specific regulations and permitting requirements that contractors must be familiar with. Discharging uncontaminated water from construction sites into public drains, water bodies, even the sewers require strict monitoring and reporting. Discharging without proper permit coverage or failing to meet water quality standards can result in significant fines, corrective actions, and additional regulatory penalties.

At Cearley SWPPP, we're here to help with a wide range of SWPPP services for clients around Utah, from SWPPP inspector solutions to a variety of best management practices (BMPs) - including dewatering solutions. Here are the regulations on uncontaminated dewatering within the SWPPP world, it's regulations in states like Utah, and how to ensure your site is compliant.

Preparing for Dewatering

Before dewatering, contractors  need to prepare a  Dewatering Control Plan (DCP) outlining the receiving water, discharge location(s), treatment methods (such as dewatering bags, settling tanks, or filtration systems), and monitoring procedures.

 A Notice of Intent (NOI) must also be submitted to the Utah Division of Water Quality to obtain permit coverage

Discharges Covered by Dewatering Permit

  • In-stream dewatering
  • Surface area dewatering
  • Groundwater dewatering
  • Hydrostatic Testing

Discharges NOT  Covered by Dewatering Permit

  • Discharges Covered by Dewatering Permit
  • Discharge of contaminated water
  • Discharges from dewatering activities of hazardous waste sites
  • Permission to discharge into municipal or private storm drains, lands and waterways

At Cearley SWPPP Management, we help contractors stay compliant with Utah’s dewatering and stormwater regulations by preparing site-specific plans, permits, and inspection programs tailored to project needs.

Inspections, Monitoring and Reporting

Inspections, Monitoring, and Reporting

All sites discharging dewatering water must be inspected regularly during active operations. Operators should check for sediment, pH, or any visible signs of pollution to ensure proper control and compliance with water-quality standards. Failure to maintain permit coverage or meet these standards can result in fines and corrective actions.

Daily and Weekly Inspections Should Include:

  • Flow rate and discharge conditions
  • Visual or grab sample results
  • pH and total suspended solids (TSS) readings
  • Presence of oil, grease, or other pollutants
  • Observations listed in the site’s Dewatering Control Plan (DCP)
  • Any problems identified and corrective actions taken

Reporting Requirements:

  • Results from daily and weekly inspections must be submitted to NeT DMR each month for every discharge point.

Risks of Noncompliance

There are several key risks present with noncompliance for Utah's dewatering regulations:

  • Fines: Failure to comply with dewatering regulations can result in significant fines and penalties from state regulatory agencies.
  • Legal action: Noncompliance can also lead to legal action, including lawsuits from affected individuals or organizations.

Environmental damage: Improper dewatering practices can cause serious harm to the environment, including erosion, sedimentation, and contamination of water sources. This not only impacts aquatic ecosystems but also poses a threat to public health.

Value of Working With an Expert Partner

For your dewatering compliance needs around Utah, it’s essential to have a reliable and knowledgeable partner by your side. An expert partner can not only provide you with the right equipment and solutions for your specific project, but also ensure that all regulations and permits are met.

Working with an expert partner can save you time and money in the long run. They have extensive knowledge and experience in handling dewatering projects, which means they can anticipate any potential issues or challenges that may arise. This allows them to develop effective strategies to overcome these obstacles and keep the project on track.

Additionally, an expert partner will have a thorough understanding of local regulations and permitting processes. This is crucial as compliance with environmental laws is essential for avoiding costly fines and penalties. With their expertise, they can ensure that all necessary permits are obtained and regulations are followed, providing peace of mind for both the contractor and client.

Cearley SWPPP is Here to Help

At Cearley SWPPP, we understand the challenges that contractors face when it comes to dewatering on construction sites. That's why our team of experts is dedicated to providing top-quality dewatering solutions and services.

From preparing dewatering plans to obtaining necessary permits and ensuring compliance with regulations, we are here to help streamline the process for you. We have years of experience in the industry and a deep understanding of the complexities involved in construction dewatering.

Contact us today to learn more about our dewatering services and how we can assist you on your construction site. Let us take the stress out of dewatering so that you can focus on completing your project efficiently and safely.