Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans for NPDES Construction Sites

This online engineering PDH course introduces the reader to the development of construction site Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP). A SWPPP is required for coverage under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction Site General Permit.

Development inevitably causes some degree of disturbance and compaction of the soil, the loss of vegetation density, impacts to natural habitats and the creation of impervious surfaces.  All too often ordinances requirements result in a site layout that does not take into consideration the most valuable aspects of a site.  Water quality, habitat, and critical ecological features can be lost if sites are fit to a development, rather than fitting a development to a site.

The most critical requirement of the NPDES permit is the preparation and implementation of a SWPPP. The NPDES program has specific requirements for items that must be addressed in a SWPPP. Understanding the requirements for the creation and implementation of a SWPPP is essential to staying in compliance with the law. The SWPPP serves many functions: NPDES permit conditions require it, it provides documentation of compliance, and ultimately if properly designed and implemented it provides the direction to reduce water quality impacts.

This 5 PDH online course is applicable to practicing engineers, contractors, developers, regulators, and all other personnel involved with construction sites.