Time, money, and reputation are on the line when it comes to developing a stormwater prevention plan in Texas. Take a look at these questions to see if this fits your situation:
- Have you been tasked with developing a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for business activity in Texas, but you’re not sure where to begin?
- Do you require assistance obtaining permits from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)?
- Need help choosing among the many stormwater prevention plan companies in Houston, Texas?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, this guide is for you. Below, we will discuss how to find a great stormwater pollution prevention planning partner. We will also highlight traits that separate top options from your average firms.
Signs of a Good SWPPP Partner
If you’re searching for a reliable SWPPP partner that will align with your business objectives, then we recommend that you choose a firm that checks the following boxes.
1. Has Relevant Industry Experience
Creating a stormwater pollution prevention plan is hard. The plan must address many different pollution issues. A few examples include:
- Erosion control
- Potential pollutant sources
- Best management practices
- Water quality
- Stormwater runoff
- Surface water concerns
If your plan does not cover all of these topics, your company may incur fines. This could be extremely costly and may even ruin a project altogether.
That is why you need a firm that has plenty of experience. When seeking a partner to work with, we suggest that you ask questions such as:
- How long have you provided SWPPP services?
- What types of clients do you usually work with?
- What states do you operate within?
- Are you familiar with state and local regulations?
- Are you capable of providing training? (RSB Environmental certainly can.)
When you ask these questions, you can evaluate the level of expertise that your list of candidates offers. If their answers do not instill confidence, find another partner. Too much is at stake to settle on anything but a top SWPPP firm.
2. Understands NPDES and TPDES
Make sure any firm you consider understands the requirements of both the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES).
The NPDES is managed by the EPA at the federal level and the TPDES is managed by the TCEQ at the local level, with authority from the state of Texas to control the discharges of pollutants to Texas surface water.
For example, if you are engaging in industrial activities, then you will need to obtain a TPDES permit for Industrial Stormwater (known as MSGP):
- Regulates point source discharges of stormwater associated with industrial activities and certain non-stormwater discharges to surface water in the state.
- Industrial activities are determined by your primary Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code.
- Requires the development of a SWP3 (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan).
- You will need to implement BMPs (Best Management Practices).
3. Specializes in Houston Stormwater Management
Did you know that Harris County has its own stormwater compliance requirements? The City of Houston also has municipal permit requirements. This means that you will need a firm to help you navigate the permitting requirements from:
- TPDES
- Harris County
- The City of Houston
As you can imagine, this will require strong management to ensure that you satisfy all permitting requirements for industrial activity in Houston. Our team can guide you through the permitting process for industrial activity and help you obtain necessary permits to help you stay on track with your timeline.
4. Provides Training and Education
We also believe it’s important for stormwater prevention plan companies in Houston to help your company with training and education. As part of your SWP3 program, you should provide training and education to employees who are responsible for implementing or maintaining any activity regulated in the permit. Some of the suggested training and education topics include:
- Material management and handling practices.
- Spill reporting, control, clean up, and prevention.
- Sampling and inspections.
- Procedures and maintenance of site areas.
- Recordkeeping.
We can provide this training through our stormwater certificate training. Our experts can come alongside your team to support current training and education efforts. We will ensure that applicable employees are certified and capable of following your SWP3 program to adhere to local requirements.
Let RSB Environmental Assist with Your SWPPP Needs
Ready to work with a partner that exhibits all of the qualities outlined above? If so, then it is time to connect with RSB Environmental.
As one of the top stormwater prevention plan companies in Houston, we know how to help you navigate the permitting process and avoid stormwater pollution.
To learn more, contact our team today. We will provide you with a no-obligation consultation and a quote for services. We look forward to supporting your company’s needs!
