Top BMPs for Industrial Stormwater Management

Stormwater best management practices (BMPs) protect industrial properties from flooding while preventing pollutants from entering streams, lakes, and the Puget Sound. Many industrial facilities have specific stormwater considerations and requirements, including storing of pollutants, SWPPP management, spill protocols, and more. So what do BMPs for industrial stormwater systems look like?

Managing Stormwater Runoff Must be Customized for Your Facility's Unique Needs

Effective stormwater management must address the situations presented by your specific location. Examples include the proximity to lakes, the presence of pollutants, and the storage setup the industrial facility currently uses. With this information, the initial most effective stormwater BMPs for industrial runoff management must focus on mitigating damages.

• Develop pollution storage practices that prevent materials from entering the stormwater. If these storage practices are already in place, check to see that they are still being followed. Moreover, are they still realistic and functional for the facility's needs?
• Analyze day-to-day operational practices and change them as needed, keeping water quality in mind. These plans must remain fluid as your system's needs change.
• Control stormwater by keeping management systems in excellent working order.
  

A Closer Look at Structural BMPs

The control measures we have already discussed are considered non-structural BMPs. In contrast, structural BMPs involve stormwater management and pollution prevention infrastructure.

Retention Ponds

These manmade ponds store runoff and allow pollutants to settle on the bottom. Gradually, the water filters through into groundwater. Sediment buildup reduces pond effectiveness and can even lead to flooding or overflows.

Bioswales

As opposed to retention ponds, bioswales have a shallower design. What makes it effective is the combination of system length and the presence of vegetation. Certain plant species reduce runoff speed, allowing the stormwater to filter naturally. These systems need some upkeep because if anything minimizes the system depth or kills off the vegetation, adequate filtering and slowdown of runoff will no longer be possible.

Storm Drains

There is a good chance that the storm drains on your property are the most visible structures of the stormwater management system. These drains, or catch basins, collect the runoff from your paved surfaces and direct it to waterways or other structures in your stormwater system.

Oil Water Separators

As the name suggests, these separators capture oil and grease pollutants in stormwater, preventing them from traveling further. The system's upkeep is essential to continuously remove the contaminants. Neglect results in likely pollution of local waterways because the system is overwhelmed, clogged, or simply no longer functional.

Of course, any of these structural systems are only as good as the drainage system maintenance and similar upkeep you undertake.

Evaluating Current and Planned BMPs for Stormwater Runoff

At this point, you understand the problems and have noted some of the solutions. But how are you managing stormwater right now at your facility? Your answer determines the practices you may adopt to prevent or reduce pollution from entering local waterways. It also pinpoints areas of change your facility has undergone since it was initially put into use.

Understand the Current Stormwater Management System

Do you know what is under your facility? Most stormwater systems operate out of sight and out of mind until there is an issue. Periodically reviewing permits, service records, and as-builts will give you a good understanding of what the facility uses to prevent pollution during periods of stormwater runoff. Most importantly, have a stormwater service provider inspect your system. A quality vendor will provide a map of your stormwater system, ensuring you know what structures are on your property and how they are supposed to operate.

Determine the Adequacy of Pollutant Storage Systems

If you have a system for managing pollutants on-site, ensure your team follows proper protocols. Over time, both workers and management may have had to make adjustments to standard operating procedures, which can impact how pollutants interact with your stormwater system. Perform regular physical inspections of storage facilities such as sheds, vaults, dumpsters, containers, and more. Watch for leaks, spills, or signs that your pollutant storage systems are failing, and make corrections as needed.

Create a Schedule for Regular Stormwater Infrastructure Inspections

When was the last time that your stormwater system underwent a complete inspection? The most effective stormwater BMPs for industrial runoff management largely depend on the findings of regular inspections.

Working With Specialists on the Development of Stormwater Management Practices for Your Industrial Facility

Erosion and sedimentation, cracked drains, and vegetation management are just some problems you can encounter. Working with a qualified stormwater service provider will ensure you become aware of issues immediately and can take the necessary steps to remediate them.

Work with your facility's management team to develop stormwater pollution prevention plans for the various departments. The goal is to reduce pollutants that eventually make it into the runoff. Here, best practices may require changes in habits and employee retraining.

Industrial and residential storm drain cleaning experts will help you keep your stormwater management system functional.

The team at CatchAll Environmental routinely assists industrial facility managers and owners with stormwater management.

• It starts with a risk assessment of your current setup, which is based on an inspection using a camera and additional technology as needed.
• If an effective stormwater management plan is not in place, the team can assist you with establishing BMPs that are functional for your facility and can be implemented with benchmarks showing progress.
• Experts will be your trusted go-to specialists for scheduled maintenance appointments and system cleanings.
  

Connect with the CatchAll Environmental team today to learn more about developing BMPs for your industrial facility's stormwater management!