The Environmental Compliance and Management (EC&M) section of the Division of Environmental Quality conducts Light, Heavy, and Recycling Industrial Stormwater inspections to ensure compliance with state regulations, local ordinances, and the Clean Water Act. The goals of the Stormwater inspection process are:
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To prevent and eliminate pollutant sources from being discharged to storm water conveyances
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To protect Denver’s rivers, streams, and surface water bodies
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To promote public water quality awareness through education, outreach, and enforcement as needed
Each permitted industrial facility is required to establish and implement a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP)
which details how potential pollutant sources are being managed to prevent any commingling with stormwater
(snow, rain, hail, all forms of precipitation, etc.).
The inspection is a 4 or 5 step process:
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Review of the Stormwater Management Plan to verify that all required components of the SWMP are identified and addressed appropriately as required by the stormwater discharge permit, and review of required records
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Facility walk-through inspection to verify all items addressed in the SWMP are being implemented on site and that there is no potential for any pollutants to be discharged offsite or to waters of the state
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Inspection report write-up documenting all deficiencies found during the inspection and what the required actions are to get into compliance with all relevant regulations and permit requirements by the given compliance deadline
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Review of correspondence and follow-up visit if necessary to determine if the facility has reached compliance with their stormwater discharge permit
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Follow-up/referral to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for enforcement action if required
For additional stormwater information check out the following links: