Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan

The Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is a document which details the activities on your site which could cause potential contamination after storm events.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the owner and sometimes General Contractor to make sure these measures are being implemented and their job site remains clean from potential contaminated storm water discharges. Any changes to the SWPPP or the site should be stated in the SWPPP such as any major grading and land disturbing activities. The City actively visits construction sites to make sure owners and general contractors are implementing these rules on their construction sites.

Potential Contaminants

Concrete & Mortar

Concrete and mortar are considered caustic and could potentially dry out the skin. Both can contain high levels of alkaline which when mixed with water can raise the pH up to 12. Discharges on-site should be isolated and marked. Contained by some means and should not pose a risk to contaminating ground water. Discharges should only occur on the job site unless permission is granted and stated in the SWPPP.

Construction Debris

Construction debris should be disposed of in trash receptacles. Construction debris includes:

  • Bolts
  • Brick
  • Cut Pieces of Lumber
  • Electrical Wire
  • Nails
  • Nuts
  • PVC
  • Screws
  • Tile
  • Washers
  • Welding Rods
  • Etc.

They may remain on site in a pile or piles for 2 to 3 weeks if trash receptacles are not available.

Fuels & Oils

Vehicles and fuels parked on site or on the street should be monitored daily for leaks. Sand and dirt can be placed on small spills and placed on the lot in thin layers. For larger spills contact a local disposal facility for proper disposal methods. For more information on how much is a reportable quantity and who to contact, visit the Reportable Quantities page of the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality website.

Spills & Discharges

What to do if you have a spill?

Personal Trash

Personal trash must be disposed of in trash receptacles. Personal trash includes:

  • Bottles
  • Cans
  • Grocery bags
  • Paper bags
  • Plastic and cardboard from food containers and utensils

If this is not possible, trash bags should be used on the job site and removed daily.

Potential Wastewater Discharges

Wastewater discharges occur when water mixes with:

  • Asphalt
  • Caulk
  • Concrete Dust
  • Dry Bags of Mortar
  • Dry Wall
  • Glues
  • Paint
  • Stains
  • Stucco
  • Tar
  • Thinners
  • Etc.

These items should be covered or disposed of before rain events. When cleaning tools used to apply these items, it must be done in an area that will not discharge onto the ground.

Soil & Rocks

Soil and rocks eventually ends up in low spots, culverts, or storm sewer pipes taking away from the overall volume. These can pose very dangerous isolated flooding and slipping conditions. Rocks in the right-of-way could also damage the concrete and asphalt after being run over repeatedly.