A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is a written document created for contractors to show their plans for sediment and erosion control. These documents are site-specific and identify potential sources of stormwater pollution. SWPPPs include a description of construction activity, erosion control measures (permanent and temporary), stormwater management, and Best Management Practices (BMPs) for developers/contractors as they navigate their project. SWPPPs are open documents and can be edited at any time as plans change.
Who needs a SWPPP?
If a construction project will disturb an acre or more of land, a SWPPP is required by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). SWPPPs are needed to apply for an NPDES/SDS Construction Stormwater permit. Additionally, if the project has less than one acre of soil disturbance but that activity is part of a larger “common plan of development or sale” that covers more than one acre, a SWPPP is also required. If you’re unsure whether your project will require a SWPPP or not, contact us.
Benefits of a SWPPP
SWPPPs are beneficial as they can help identify erosion and stormwater concerns before construction begins. Construction projects frequently have unidentifiable or unexpected setbacks, so to have a written plan with possible solutions, and is adaptable to those problems, is essential. This can help keep a project on track. SWPPPs also identify soils and Special/Impaired waters within the project area to highlight locations that may need additional prevention methods. Effective stormwater management provides protection of waterways and wetlands, improved quality of waterbodies, conservation of water resources, protection of public health, and flood control.
Who creates a SWPPP?
Typically the Widseth civil or environmental department prepares SWPPPs and identifies potential stormwater runoff concerns. Our civil team provides construction plans, square footage impacts, tabulated quantities, impervious surface calculations, and more to help create SWPPP documents.
SWPPPs for Recent Projects
- Just for Krypto – Access Road Construction with Stormwater System Installation
- Waseca County Highway Department – Bridge Replacement
- City of Breezy Point – Shoreview Lane Damage Assessment
- City of Alexandria – Westbrook Estates Plan
