![\"circular](\"https:\/\/www.absorbentsonline.com\/spill-containment-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/bigstock-181982860-300x200.jpg\")
Although it\u2019s true that \u201cApril showers bring May flowers,\u201d the spring season also significantly increases the possibility of stormwater runoff and pollution. Stormwater runoff occurs when snow melts and rain falls onto nonabsorbent surfaces, creating a body of water that picks up debris, dirt, and other pollutants before flowing into a sewer or natural body of water.<\/p>\n
Pollutants collected in runoff can adversely affect the environment, and they can also enter into groundwater systems used for drinking. Once there, pollutants can be almost impossible to remove. Runoff carries pollutants ranging from parking lot oils and greases to hazardous materials from construction sites or industrial facilities.<\/p>\n
To ensure they\u2019re doing their parts to minimize stormwater pollution, project managers should establish a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan for each site and keep each stocked with the proper prevention equipment.<\/p>\n
![\"water](\"https:\/\/www.absorbentsonline.com\/spill-containment-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/bigstock-141086561-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
According to the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) stormwater pollution prevention plan guide<\/a>, the Clean Water Act requires operators with \u201cdischarges associated with industrial activity\u201d to maintain water supply integrity. Therefore, they must establish Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) to mitigate possible environmental damage. An SWPPP is a document that identifies industrial activities at each site, including any structural control practices, which the site operator will implement to prevent pollutants from making their way into bodies of water via stormwater runoff.<\/p>\n The EPA requires site-specific SWPPPs. These written documents identify possible sources of pollution, control measures, and quick-response methods. Creating the most effective SWPPP requires several key steps:<\/p>\n After identifying all potential pollution sources, project managers can choose stormwater protection products such as storm drain covers<\/a> and drain filter inserts<\/a> to avoid stormwater runoff contamination. Used to block drains, grates, and manholes, these can help site managers avoid and remove runoff without posing pollution risks. As an alternative solution, managers can direct runoff away from potential containments using spill containment berm dikes<\/a>. If a storm drain or basin already contains runoff, site managers can use catch basin oil skimmers<\/a> to continuously absorb hydrocarbons such as diesel, oil, and hydraulic oil while repelling water.<\/p>\n With pollution prevention devices in place, educated employees, and a plan for avoiding future pollution, project managers can be well-prepared for protecting the environment \u2014 and protecting themselves against EPA enforcement actions.<\/p>\nSWPPP<\/h2>\n
\n