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What Are BMPs?
When it rains, it drains, and in industrial settings, that runoff can carry more than just water. BMPs, or Best Management Practices, are essential tools used by industrial facilities to control stormwater pollution. BMPs are a requirement under California’s Industrial General Permit (IGP) and other federal and state regulations. They’re a key component of your facility’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and play a central role in preventing pollutant discharges into the environment.
Types of BMPs for Industrial Stormwater
Non-Structural BMPs
These involve administrative or behavioral changes such as:
– Employee training
– Spill response procedures
– Good housekeeping practices
– Equipment maintenance
– Routine inspections
Structural BMPs
These are physical measures installed on-site, including:
– Storm drain inlet filters
– Media socks and boom barriers
– Vegetated swales or bioswales
– Sediment control barriers
– Filtration systems and advanced treatment units
* Using both types together gives your facility the best chance of achieving compliance.
Why BMPs Are Critical for Your Facility
Implementing effective BMPs isn’t just about ticking a regulatory box. It provides real, measurable benefits to your site and operations:
- Regulatory Compliance: Meet IGP benchmarks and avoid costly violations or enforcement actions.
- Lawsuit Protection: Prevent Clean Water Act citizen lawsuits that can result in expensive settlements.
- Cost Efficiency: Avoid the steep costs of remediation, fines, and ERA upgrades.
- Environmental Impact: Protect nearby waterways from industrial pollutants like heavy metals, oils, and suspended solids.
- Reputation Management: Show clients and communities that your facility is environmentally responsible.
When to Reassess or Upgrade Your BMPs
Make sure to evaluate your BMPs if:
- Your sampling results exceed benchmark values
- Your operations or materials change
- You’ve received an NOV or moved into ERA Level 1 or 2
- Your Annual Report is due
Timely BMP updates help you stay ahead of compliance issues and protect long-term operations.
