Stormwater Program for Industrial Activity: Steps to Compliance

Step 9: Inspect monthly, report annually

Step 9a: Conduct monthly inspections:

All facilities will have to perform monthly inspections of their facility. Inspections must include the following:

• An evaluation of the facility to determine that the SWPPP accurately reflects site conditions as described in Part IV.B.1-4. At a minimum, inspect storage tank areas, waste disposal areas, maintenance areas, loading/unloading areas, and raw material, intermediate product, by-product and final product storage areas
• An evaluation of all structural and non-structural BMPs to determine effectiveness and proper function
• An evaluation of the facility to determine whether new exposed significant materials or activities have been added to the site since completion of the SWPPP
• During an inspection conducted during a runoff event, an evaluation of the stormwater runoff to determine if it is discolored or if other contaminants are visible in the runoff (e.g. oil and grease).

NOTE: At least one inspection must be performed during a runoff event.

Step 9b: Document inspections

All inspections shall be documented and the following information shall be stored with the SWPPP and contain the following:

• Inspection date, time, and weather conditions
• Inspector name
• Inspection findings
• A description of any necessary corrective actions and a schedule for corrective action completion

For more information and guidance, check out the Site Inspection Form (PDF Version) (wq-strm3-56)  (4/11)

Step 9c: Fill out the annual report

How do I fill out and submit the annual report?

With annual reports, not only does the information help MPCA understand what is going on at specific facilities, but it gives you an understanding of what’s happening at your facility in regard to industrial stormwater.

What is required of the 2012 Annual Report?

NOTE:  There are no major changes to the content if the 2012 annual report compared to previous years.  However, one big change is that it should be emailed electronically to the Industrial Stormwater Program. Read the newsletter below for instructions on how to email it to the Program.

Each Annual Report needs to cover those portions of the previous calendar year that the facility was authorized to discharge industrial stormwater. The Annual Report needs to include the following information:

• A summary of inspection dates, findings, and any BMP maintenance conducted by the Permittee
• If applicable, the results of inspection requirements involving oil and grease
• A confirmation that the SWPPP accurately reflects facility conditions
• A confirmation that newly-exposed significant materials (if any) have been identified and that the SWPPP has been modified to address them
• A confirmation that the Permittee has conducted a review of impaired waters and that the SWPPP has been modified to address applicable permit requirements of Benchmark Monitoring Requirements, if necessary
• A confirmation that the Permittee has conducted a review of USEPA approved TMDLs that may apply to the facility and that may require the Permittee to comply with TMDL requirements
• A description of any SWPPP modification made including any information supporting the use of a monitoring waiver
• A list of all spills and leaks that occurred at the facility
• If applicable, a summary of all mobile industrial activities conducted by the facility. The summary shall include a description, locations where the mobile industrial activity occurred, and length of time the mobile industrial activity operated at each location

Annual Report Form - NPDES/SDS General Stormwater Permit for Industrial Activity, MNG610000 form (wq-strm3-55)  (1/13). To be filled out for the previous calendar year. Annual Report is due March 31, 2013.

Tip: BMP maintenance is important and should be documented within your SWPPP and noted on the Annual Report. Examples of BMP maintenance include: remove debris and litter, vegetation management, Structural BMP maintenance, repair mechanical components, etc.

Step 9d: Conduct impaired waters assessment

Every year, Permittees should assess whether or not the water(s) they discharge to is impaired.  No later than 180 days following the approved listing of the impaired water, a facility shall begin the additional monitoring for the pollutant(s) of impairment or its appropriate surrogate.  See part V of the Multi-Sector General Permit for more information about monitoring requirements relating to impaired waters and visit the Maps of Impaired Waters search tool for more information on impaired waters.

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