When it comes to stormwater pollution prevention on any kind of construction or similar site, there are several site components that require careful monitoring and protection. Due to their role in facilitating the movement of stormwater away from a given site, storm drain inlet protection is a top example for many sites.
At Cearley SWPPP, we're here to offer a huge range of SWPPP compliance services to clients around Utah, from SWPPP documentation and inspections to important best management practices (BMPs) like inlet protection devices and storm drain inlet protection. Here are some basics on exactly what stormwater drainage systems are and why they're important to any SWPPP setup, plus some tips on the protection and importance of storm drain inlet protection from our professionals.
If you're just learning about SWPPP compliance or have a new construction site for which you need to set up a stormwater pollution prevention plan, an important early area of focus should be the property's stormwater drainage system. This is what will help remove excess water from storms and precipitation events, thus limiting the amount of runoff and pollutants that enter local bodies of water.
Within this drainage system, one vital component is the storm drain inlet. This refers to openings in the ground that allow stormwater to enter underground pipes, ditches or other channels that direct it away from a given site. These inlets are typically located along curbs or parking lots and are often found near catch basins, which can further filter out debris before water enters the drainage system.
With such a key role in stormwater management, it's easy to see why protecting these inlets is critical to overall SWPPP success. Without proper inlet protection, stormwater can enter the system with high levels of sediment and debris, which can clog pipes and cause flooding or other issues. Additionally, pollutants like oil, grease and chemicals from construction activities can also enter through unprotected inlets, negatively impacting local water sources.
That's where our team at Cearley SWPPP comes in. We offer a range of BMPs for drain inlet protection, including silt fences, straw wattles and sediment traps that are designed to filter out sediment and debris before it enters the drainage system. These devices can also be used in combination with other BMPs, such as erosion controls, to further prevent pollutants from entering stormwater.
There are several direct and indirect benefits to implementing effective storm drain inlet protection on your construction site. These include:
There are a few important best practices to keep in mind when it comes to storm drain inlet protection:
By following these best practices, you can maximize the benefits of storm drain inlet protection and maintain compliance with SWPPP regulations.
Storm drain inlet protection may seem like a small aspect of SWPPP compliance, but its importance cannot be overstated. By recognizing the role these inlets play in stormwater management and implementing proper protection, you can ensure your construction site is doing its part to prevent stormwater pollution and protect the environment.
Contact us at Cearley SWPPP for more information on our services and how we can help keep your site in compliance with all necessary regulations. We're here to help with SWPPP compliance around Utah!
