Stormwater Compliance - Construction & Industrial

Construction Stormwater Compliance

Whitson CM specializes in managing, implementing, and understanding California’s stormwater standards, and has spent the last 15 years proving our dedication to maintaining environmental quality. As an expert in not only stormwater compliance but also construction operations, Whitson CM understands how the processes of construction can affect environmental quality. With that knowledge, we can not only ensure that any site remains in compliance with state or local regulations, but that it is done so in a cost-effective manner. As part of our mission, we have worked tirelessly with municipalities, districts, and LRPs to develop programs that are not only cost-effective but also attainable with minimal hassle or intrusion to our customers’ or partners’ operations. Furthermore, we have developed thousands of original pollution prevention plans (SWPPP, WPCP, etc.), as well as amended and implemented existing plans, to ensure environmental compliance.

Whitson CM prides itself on our ability to maintain a standard of excellence for our customers and partners and to ensure the protection of our environment, communities, and the public at large.

Worker on a hillside

California has revised the Construction General Permit 2022, and it took affect September 1, 2023. This new permit dramatically changes the compliance regulations, ties construction sites to receiving water’s TMDL, and contains multiple other significant changes. If you are interested in learning more about the new CGP, please schedule a free virtual training. Some of the more significant changes to the permit are as follows:

  • Implementation of TMDLs. (TMDLs are now required for impaired water bodies)
    • If exceedances occur, new actions are required if Numeric Action Levels are exceeded
    • Los Angeles and San Diego have implemented Numeric Effluent Limitations (automatic fines) for some pollutants entering into impaired waters
  • Implementation of Statewide Trash Policy
  • Requirements for Passive Treatment Technologies
  • Sufficiently Sensitive Test Methods
  • Sampling and Monitoring Requirements
  • Removal of Rain Event Action Plans
  • Confirmation of post-construction stormwater treatment systems implemented
    • Post construction monitoring and maintenance plans must be in-place prior to termination being issued
  • Notice of Termination Process
  • Removal of Post Construction Water Balance Calculator because it is now in SMARTS
  • Annual Reports Forms in SMARTS will be revised to be more condensed
  • Removal of Bioassessment Monitoring
  • Water Quality Control Plan for Ocean Waters
  • Notice of Non-Applicability

Industrial Stormwater Compliance

Our firm brings the same expertise developed in construction stormwater management to our partners in the industrial sector, ensuring environmental health despite the sometimes difficult task of minimizing pollution from such operations.

In 2015, the state of California adopted a new Industrial General Permit, implementing dramatic changes to the management and compliance of industrial properties across the state. Nonetheless, Whitson CM has maintained a solid track record of helping industrial customers maintain compliance, even with ever more stringent municipal and state regulations. Among other services, our team helps design and implement pollution or spill prevention plans, provides training for site staff on best practices and permitting requirements, and provides site inspections and sampling on a regular basis.

Specific Stormwater Compliance Services
  • Guarantee stormwater compliance for our customers and partners
  • Writing Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs), Water Pollution Control Plans (WPCPs), and other stormwater management plans
  • Developing NPDES Permit Programs
  • Updating or amending existing programs to ensure compliance
  • Regular (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) stormwater inspection services
  • Defensible stormwater inspection reports
  • Mitigation of existing stormwater violations
  • BMP Installation and Maintenance
  • Stormwater sample testing and analysis
  • NPDES Trainings and Education
Team Member Licenses and Certifications
  • QSP
  • QISP
  • QSD
  • Trainers of Record
woman with laptop computer, safety vest, and helmet

SWPPP Online

To further assist our customers in developing thorough and defensible documentation for their projects, Whitson CM has also developed a cloud-based SWPPP reporting and database program known as SWPPPonline.

SWPPPOnline allows inspectors to efficiently fill out inspection or reporting documents that conform to the permit requirements saving both time and money. The use of auto-populate options and pop-up menus reduces the time commitment of completing reports. Experienced stormwater professionals have spent years designing SWPPPOnline to be straightforward, user-friendly, and simple to assist operators in the management of stormwater reporting and in maintaining compliance of the Construction General Permit.

SWPPPOnline’s construction inspection system is reliable and simple; proving compliance activities have been implemented has never been easier. We offer a multitude of features to optimize the reporting process, such as:

  • NOAA Weather Data integration
  • Tracks Corrective Action Deadlines by Identification and Completion Date
  • Imports Photographs Simply with Automatic Sizing Functions
  • Speeds Up Responses with Drop Down Menus and Auto-Populated Cells
  • Assures Professional and Consistent Reporting Formats
  • Allows for Online Storage & Auditing by Permitted Parties (Owners/Legally Responsible Parties)