If your next solar project requires a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) as part of the permitting process, getting it right the first time is essential for staying on schedule and keeping the budget in check. Failing to comply with SWPP requirements—either by not submitting an SWPPP, submitting a non-compliant plan, or not following your plan—can result in lawsuits, hefty fines, and damage to your reputation.
By being proactive, you can protect the environment and keep your project in compliance. Follow these tips to get your SWPPP in place and stay compliant for the duration of the project:
If you’re new to SWPPP requirements, start your research on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website. Here, you can find guidance documents, example SWPPPs, and easy-to-read brochures that cover the basics.
An SWPPP is a regulatory document that has serious implications for your business. This is not a project for the new intern but rather a critical process that requires experienced professionals. If you don’t have this expertise in-house, outsource it to a qualified consultant.
The EPA and other agencies provide SWPPP templates to help you get started. Find the one that best matches your regional requirements and project specifications. A template will ensure that you include all the necessary information so that your SWPPP gets approved quickly.
Your SWPPP will feature information unique to your site, including:
The site assessment is the foundation of your SWPPP, so it must be as accurate as possible. Work with a qualified professional to perform a site assessment that results in a site map showing:
Based on the site assessment, develop a plan for mitigating stormwater pollution that your activities might cause. On a solar project that includes clearing and grading, it’s common for soil to be disturbed on large swaths of land. Your SWPPP must outline your plans and timelines for:
The SWPPP must also include a detailed description of your maintenance and inspection plan to ensure the controls you are putting in place will be effective. Additionally, outline who will be responsible for implementing each pollution mitigation measure you have described in the plan.
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An SWPPP is a living document, not just paperwork that sits in a regulatory office after it is submitted. To stay compliant, train your crews on the requirements of the SWPPP and their responsibilities for implementing the plan. Follow the inspection and maintenance practices you outlined in your SWPPP, and as new information comes to light, update the plan and retrain crews accordingly.
Getting your SWPPP in place is half the battle. Once you have developed a plan, site crews are responsible for compliance.
YAK ACCESS has decades of experience training crews and implementing SWPPPs for construction, utility, and clean energy projects. When you work with YAK ACCESS to prepare your solar site, you can be confident that the erosion control practices and monitoring procedures outlined in your plan will be followed.
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