When you ponder the word “compliance,” what springs to mind? If you’re anything like me, it evokes a sense of being bound by rigid rules that fail to accommodate individual circumstances. However, within the NPDES stormwater realm, demonstrating an “intent to comply” necessitates a flexible approach, where the stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) adapts to suit specific situations. In the context of Georgia NPDES Permitted sites, a SWPPP is denoted as the Erosion Sedimentation and Pollution Prevention Plan (ES&PC Plan).
It’s crucial to recognize that the quality of America’s water today heavily relies on NPDES permit compliance. This compliance has elevated America’s watersheds to global admiration. Despite the myriad challenges, the NPDES permit system remains the premier program for enhancing and preserving water quality. Its design is centered on safeguarding water resources and thwarting pollution. By adhering to an NPDES permit, owners/operators of stormwater treatment systems ensure that their practices genuinely enhance or uphold the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of our watersheds.