Keeping track of the evolving world of storm water regulations can be daunting tasks for industries that must adhere to these changing regulations. Adapting storm water programs and products that are approved to address specific area of pollution is an ongoing operational requirement.
The statues on the municipal level might impose stricter standards and schedules for industrial and municipal storm water control that are geographically specific.
However the national standard is consistent and is known as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The permitting program controls pollutants discharged into surface water such as lakes, ponds, streams and even the ocean.
Phase I of NPDES was designed for cities with populations of more than 100,000. The NPDES also targeted large industrial and construction sites. The statues required that industries and construction sites begin treating storm water runoff from their locations.
Phase II of NPDES was announced in December 1999 and required that more than 5,000 municipalities and all new developments one acre or larger implement BMP’s for stormwater treatment to the maximum extent that was practical. Specialty products are available that help companies comply with NPDES statues.
Storm Drain Products
Oil leaks from vehicles in parking lots can be managed effectively with drain filters and drain covers. Drain filters and covers are simple devices designed to remove waste from storm water before it can become a problem in the water system. Filter inserts and storm drain covers help companies comply with NPDES, 40 CFR 122.26 (1999) when used within the Best Management Practice stipulated in Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans.
These types of product are useful for:
- Industrial Facilities – keep oil and other contaminants from entering storm drains.
- Construction Sites – capture eroded soil and wind-blown debris.
- Parking Lots – collect oil, fuel and other contaminants that drip from cars.
Held in place by a metal grate, filter products can effectively remove coarse sediments, oil, grease, litter and debris from storm water. Parking lots tend to be sources of oil, hydrocarbons and other water pollution. Cars and trucks drip oil and grease on to the surface of the cement or asphalt and is carried into the catch basins by rainwater.
Most of these catch basins ultimately drain into streams, lakes, or ground water aquifers. A drain filter works great for parking lots, vehicle storage/service areas, construction sites and industrial plants. Because these areas produce large amounts of sediments, oil, and other pollutants, the EPA has very stringent requirements that are imposed on these types of sites.
