How a Facility Manager Protects Property: simple steps toward stormwater compliance
As a facility manager overseeing an industrial property, the integrity of your stormwater infrastructure plays a crucial role in environmental compliance and the overall well-being of your facility. To allow your stormwater infrastructure to fail welcomes an extreme rectifying expensive, causes a bad reputation in your community, potentially puts employees and guest at risk, and creates disastrous relationships with stockholders. Daily oversight is paramount, and this article aims to guide you through the essential steps for inspecting stormwater infrastructure effectively.
After each storm event, inspect your site for signs of erosion and sediment accumulation. Walk the premises and look for areas where soil may have washed away or sediment has settled. Addressing these issues promptly is key to preventing long-term damage to your stormwater infrastructure. Take a photo of any erosion and accumulated sediment to send to your stormwater specialist and keep for your records. Understand, neither erosion nor sediment is the problem. Rather, both indicate that a problem exists. Through an existing relationship with a stormwater specialist, a facility saves time and money for stakeholders. A stormwater specialist needs to be made aware immediately when signs are noticed. Communication is crucial, but in order to communicate issues, erosion and sediment need to be first recognized through routine inspections.
Monitor stormwater discharge points. Outdated monitoring practices require physical water collection from a source point, which is required to be completed within an hour after the rain event’s end. Assume that a rain event begins at mid night and finishes at two am. Is some one on the site who is honestly going to the outfall of the detention pond by three am? Too often inspections are performed at various levels of in-compliance. However, modern technology allows a purer test sample, which is easily collected. Utilize electronic monitoring systems to track water accumulation and pollutants. Then, regularly oversee the functionality of these monitors to ensure accurate data collection. Unusual readings may indicate potential issues that need immediate attention. A third-party contractor specializing in stormwater monitoring, such as Buck Outdoors, can assist in the calibration and maintenance of these systems.
Be aware of the drainage on detention ponds. A dry pond that continues to retain water in excess of 72 hours indicates the potential of problems. Regularly inspect the pond’s water levels and address any issues promptly. A qualified stormwater professional can conduct thorough assessments to identify and rectify potential concerns, ensuring your detention pond functions optimally. Should your detention pond hold water in excess of three days, provide photos for your stormwater consultant and keep records of the rain event to include time needed to completely drain.
Inspect stormwater infrastructure for trash and debris regularly. Accumulated debris can impede the flow of water, leading to blockages and potential flooding. When trash is noticed, be sure to look for the source. Is there a trash bin that a lid is not closed on or trash is not making it in. Perhaps a picnic table nearby is being abused with liter, or trash is blowing off of of trucks. Also consider landscaping debris. Look for pine straw, leaves, and grass clippings that have made there way into infrastructure. Really, drains need to be protected with filters. Over time, these components can become clogged with sediment and pollutants. A qualified stormwater professional can perform routine maintenance, ensuring that these systems operate at peak efficiency.
Engaging the services of a qualified stormwater professional, typically a third-party contractor, is crucial for thorough and expert oversight. These professionals possess the knowledge and experience needed to identify potential issues, implement effective solutions, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. By partnering with a qualified stormwater professional, sites greatly benefit. For instance, professionals bring specialized knowledge in stormwater management, ensuring comprehensive inspections and timely interventions. Another benefit is that a qualified contractor stays abreast of changing environmental regulations, helping your facility remain compliant with local and federal requirements. Furthermore, professional oversight enhances the efficiency of your stormwater management systems, reducing the risk of costly repairs and environmental impact.
In conclusion, daily inspection of stormwater infrastructure is a proactive measure that safeguards both your facility and the environment. By partnering with a qualified stormwater professional, you ensure that your industrial property adheres to best practices, environmental standards, and the principles of sustainability. Stay vigilant, stay compliant, and let your commitment to stormwater management reflect your dedication to a greener, cleaner future.