The Clean Water Act (CWA), through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, requires that any industrial facility discharging into the waters of the US must obtain a permit for that specific discharge, including storm water or waste water. These permits authorize facilities to discharge into waters of the US provided that they follow the requirements for pollution prevention plans, discharge sampling and monitoring, reporting, and other recordkeeping stipulations. We work with facilities to determine their applicability regarding programs under the CWA, providing the following items needed for permit compliance and ensuring effective implementation of their permits for their operations and employees:
Development & Implementation of Storm Water Pollution Prevention PlanS
The NPDES program requires industrial facilities covered by the multi-sector storm water permit as well as managers of various construction activities to develop and implement storm water pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs). These plans include facility-specific information such as potential pollutant sources and drainage locations. Additionally, the plan will include information on employee training, forms used to document compliance, and management personnel responsible for program implementation that prevents pollution to storm water discharges.
Development & Implementation of Spill Prevention, Control and CountermeasureS Plans
Originally published in 1973 under the authority of the CWA, the Oil Pollution Prevention regulation sets forth requirements for the prevention of, preparedness for, and response to oil discharges at specific non-transportation-related facilities. The goal is to prevent oil from reaching navigable waters and adjoining shorelines, and contain discharges. The regulation requires these facilities to develop and implement a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan which establish procedures, methods, and equipment requirements prevent oil spills and/or mitigating their effects.
Creation & Submission of Permit Applications for Water Discharges
Whether it's a Notice of Intent (NOI) to gain coverage under the multi-sector storm water permit, or a permit application for waste water discharges (direct and indirect), we provide permitting assistance and strategic planning to facilities needing coverage or implementing new processes that affect these various types of discharges.
Development & Delivery of Pollution Prevention Training Courses
Many permits require periodic training for all employees and contractors with job functions that potentially affect the environment. We create courses that enforce why pollution prevention is important in protecting the environment by conserving and protecting natural resources through more efficient production in industry. Additionally, courses will clearly outline permit requirements & responsibilities, which ultimately reduces environmental liabilities and financial costs incurred by improper water & waste management.