Our staff is experienced in the development of Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) as well as the monitoring necessary to ensure that the control measures identified in the SWPPP are functioning effectively. By coordinating with our in-house GIS department, our staff can prepare site-specific dynamic BMP plans that reflect the changing nature of construction sites. Our experience in hydrology and geomorphology impart an understanding of the principles of erosion and sediment control that allows us to quickly solve problems, and our water quality background facilitates rapid assessment the quality and implications of a site's runoff.

SWPPP Tip #1 — Impervious Surface Sediment Control
SWPPP Tip #2 — Landscape Early
SWPPP Tip #3 — Alternative Turnarounds
SWPPP Tip #4 — Tailgating
SWPPP Tip #5 — Scheduling

If soil adjoins an impervious surface, such as a sidewalk or street, and the soil will be left bare and unlandscaped, then fiber wattles should be properly installed to help reduce the movement of sediment into the storm system. To cut costs, consider grading the soil so that it is at least 3 inches below the top of the adjoining impervious surface. This can reduce the ability of sheet flow to move sediment onto the sidewalks or streets and does not require the installation of wattles. By planning ahead this can help save money by decreasing the number of wattles needed on a project site and reducing costs associated with installation and maintenance. For assistance with implementation, installation, and maintenance of storm water erosion and sediment control BMPs, Contact a Foothill Associates water resources or storm water specialist.

Landscaping for project sites is usually one of the last details to be completed before submitting a Notice of Termination. To help reduce erosion and sediment control problems during the construction process, consider installing landscaping earlier in the project schedule. Not only will landscaping help reduce erosion and clean storm waters, it will also reduce costs lost to sweeping streets and sidewalks. In addition, landscaping will help to keep your project site in compliance with the NPDES General Permit, reducing the chances of receiving a correction notice or fine from either State or local storm water inspectors. For assistance with landscaping designs that are environmentally friendly and storm water aware, Contact a Foothill Associates landscape architect.

In residential communities with cul-de-sacs or dead end streets containing turnarounds, instead of paving the whole turnaround consider installing a planter in the middle. Trees, shrubs, or flowers planted in this area will give it a more aesthetic feeling which can help increase the overall value of the development to prospective buyers. This will also decrease the impervious surfaces left by the project, which can demonstrate to regulatory agencies the developer’s proactive commitment to improved storm water management. For assistance with community planning that is environmentally friendly and storm water aware Contact Foothill Associates.

Though this often refers to pre-game activities, it is also an important way of keeping storm water BMPs in good condition and staying in compliance with the NPDES General Permit. Often SWPPP measures are seen as a burden or not completely understood by the site workers. Taking a small amount of time at the beginning of construction activities to explain the importance of the erosion and sediment control measures installed around the site can help curb costs associated with maintaining erosion and sediment control BMPs due to improper care and use. For assistance with conducting SWPPP tailgate meetings with subcontractors, Contact a Foothill Associates water resources or storm water specialist.

You can eliminate many SWPPP headaches by scheduling when different construction activities will take place. Planning activities that will disturb the soil to occur either during the dry season or in phases during the wet season to minimize the amount of disturbed soil during the wet season can play a major role in reducing the amount of sedimentation that occurs. It is also important to schedule these activities to allow time to seed any disturbed areas during the appropriate seeding time. This measure can not only help maintain the quality of runoff from a site but also aid in meeting any special needs for environmental constraints such as nesting seasons. For assistance in project scheduling, Contact a Foothill Associates water resources or storm water specialist.