Board Converting News, November 6, 2023

Understanding Stormwater Management Regulations BY CHASE KAMMERER

trial activity, including the Corrugated Box industry, must obtain NPDES permits for their stormwater discharges un- less explicitly excluded. These permits outline discharge limits, monitoring requirements, and other conditions to ensure that stormwater discharges do not harm the en- vironment. To better understand how these regulations apply to your plant, refer to the proper sections within the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR). You can work with an environmental consultant or regulatory agency to navi- gate the permitting process effectively. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) are a cornerstone of effective stormwater management. Indus- trial plants are often required to develop and implement a SWPPP, a comprehensive document outlining procedures and Best Management Practices (BMPs) for controlling stormwater runoff and minimizing pollution. A well-craft- ed SWPPP should include practices such as site drainage design to direct stormwater away from potential sources of contamination; containment measures for chemicals and wastes to prevent spills from entering stormwater systems; spill prevention measures to address potential hazards; completing regular inspections and maintenance activities to ensurebthe effectiveness of BMPs; and good housekeeping, not storing outside near stormwater drains. The SWPPP is not just a static document; it requires regular updates to reflect operations and regulatory re- quirements changes. It serves as a roadmap for preventing CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

A Stormwater runoff is commonly transported through municipal drains and often discharged, untreated, into lo-

cal water bodies, compromising the quality of water sources if polluted. This industry (and others like it) faces the challenge of managing stormwa- ter discharge to protect the environ- ment and comply with regulatory re- quirements. One of the fundamental regulato-

ry tools for managing stormwater discharge is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Industrial facilities, including box plants, may require an NPDES permit. The Clean Water Act mandates this permit, which regulates the industrial discharge of pollutants into navigable waters. The permit typically includes specific requirements for stormwater management and pollution prevention measures. Industrial facilities with their materi- als and activities protected by a storm-resistant shelter to prevent precipitation exposure and runoff are eligible for an Exemption Certificate from NPDES industrial stormwa- ter permit requirements. Under federal regulations, specific categories of indus- Chase Kammerer

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November 6, 2023

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