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Industrial stormwater permittees must create and implement stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs) to manage stormwater runoff and prevent stormwater contamination at their facilities. SWPPPs must be created or updated before applying for permit coverage or permit modification. The SWPP must include:

  1. a facility description
  2. facility map(s)
  3. personnel responsible for implementing and managing the SWPPP
  4. personnel responsible for conducting inspections
  5. how you train employees on permit compliance
  6. an assessment of the facility's industrial activities and materials, including any mobile activities
  7. how you will comply with stormwater control measure requirements
  8. how you will maintain stormwater control measures
  9. records of all inspections conducted
  10. your spill prevention and response plan
  11. sector-specific SWPPP requirements
  12. mercury minimization plan, if applicable
  13. documentation of the elimination of unauthorized non-stormwater discharges

Other requirements

  • Review SWPPP annually and document modifications.
  • Make the SWPPP available to the MPCA upon request.
  • Provide annual reports that reflect current conditions and changes.

Guidance

Best management practices (BMPs)

There are 3 different types of BMPs you may choose to implement at your facility:

  • non-structural BMPs (good housekeeping, moving products/wastes indoors, etc.)
  • “off-the-shelf” structural BMPs (simple, easy-to-install BMPs)
  • structural BMPs (more complex, may take time and/or money to install)

Things to keep in mind as you review the suggestions:

  • Are the BMPs appropriate for my facility size/industrial activity/significant material?
  • Are the BMPs I’ve chosen the most cost effective to install?
  • Is there another BMP that is simpler/cheaper to get the job done?
  • Does the BMP have to be maintained and do I have the staff/time to maintain it?
  • Is there something I can do to eliminate (prevent) precipitation from coming into contact with my industrial activity/significant material in the first place?

Start with the simple BMPs first, such as moving materials indoors or under cover.

Many of the recommendations in Step 2: Certifying for no exposure are non-structural and simple structural BMPs. Remember, non-structural BMPs must be implemented before applying for permit coverage; facilities have the first full year after applying to implement structural BMPs.