Storm Water Tips for Visual Assessments and Training

​​SRM is based in West Michigan and is focused on providing sound guidance on safety and environmental requirements.

Schneider Risk Management has prepared some time-proven tips to improve your storm water pollution prevention program (SWPPP) and we are starting with these concerning Visual Assessments and Employee Training. 
 
Visual Assessments

For some companies conducting Visual Assessments (VA) is a new requirement.  The main theme to remember when performing VA is consistency. 

When you prepare your storm water VA procedures make sure to include a description of the supplies and apparatus that will be used to make your observations and make sure the same apparatus is available each time you collect a VA sample. ​

​For example, a clear colorless jar or beaker should be used to collect storm water samples – every time.  Something else to consider is making sure there is consistent lighting and a white backdrop is available when making your observations.  When you keep your apparatus consistent from sample to sample and from sample event to sample event, then it will be easier to demonstrate that your samples have been evaluated in the same way every time. 
 
Maintaining consistency in using your sample collection procedure is also very important.  For example, if a specific sample location requires you to lower a glass jar using a strap or rope down to the water to collect a sample, then put a description of that activity, including the specific jar and specific strap used, in the procedure.  Don’t let sampling staff figure it out for themselves.  Each sampler should follow the same procedure using the same apparatus - every time.
 
Include safety considerations for the various sample points in your procedure as well.  Some locations may be slippery when wet or have some traffic issues to contend with.  Some locations may be hard to climb down to.  Others may have thick vegetation that needs to be cleared during certain times of the year before a sample can be collected.  Ask your maintenance or grounds keeping staff to help make each sample location accessible and safe.  Consider installing wooden or cement platforms and railings to help your staff stay safe and make it easier to collect samples.  
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Annual Employee Training
 
We always want annual training to be interesting so that employees will get something out of it.  With that in mind, training content will depend greatly on the knowledge level of your current staff involved in storm water compliance.  You can make the annual storm water training more interesting and productive by discussing topics like:

• Challenges sampling staff encountered during the past year
• Discussing the parts of the Storm Water program that are going well and those that are not going so well and why; 
• Areas of the facility or operations needing particular attention; 

 
Getting input on these topics from the SWPPP staff provides them an opportunity to become engaged in the program evaluation and improvement process, and we know that compliance programs have better longevity when workers are engaged in the program.  Getting feedback from SWPPP staff also provides insights and opportunities for improvement that the Certified Operator can explore during the comprehensive site inspections.  

If you have any questions, call us today!

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​SRM would love to talk with you if you have any questions about your storm water permit.  Our Certified Operator has many years of experience and will guide you through regulatory requirements.

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