Water quality and the correct implementation of stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP) are critical for a successful project. The KeishEnv team specializes in implementing requirements of the Construction General Permit (CGP) and offers complete SWPPP support, including writing SWPPPs, performing reviews of contractor SWPPPs, performing field stormwater compliance inspections, and pH and turbidity sampling.
The KeishEnv team is experienced with the NPDES Stormwater permit requirements that may affect infrastructure projects, as well as site-specific permits such as dewatering required for specific activities. Our experts can help navigate the complex water quality NPDES regulatory environment, with overlapping jurisdictions including:
We are highly experienced in preparing NPDES permit applications and SWPPPs using city, CASQA, and Caltrans standard formats. We strive for a ‘No Exceptions Taken’ disposition on the first review so work can start more quickly.
The NPDES permitting environment is getting more complex and stringent. For construction projects, it is more critical than ever to provide clients with knowledgeable technical staff to train and assist in compliance with the many NPDES permits, such as the Construction General Permit for Storm Water, Phase 1 and Phase 2 Municipal Storm Water permits, and Dewatering permits for Structures and VOC impacted groundwater. With one of approximately 150 CASQA Trainers of Record and several QSD/Ps on staff, KeishEnv can guide agencies and assist contractors in staying in compliance with regulations.
Our staff has also assisted clients when they are affected by new NPDES permits, such as the 2022 CGP which took effect September 1, 2023, and the upcoming Phase II MS4 permit update. KeishEnv has completed Design Criteria Manuals for Non-Traditional Phase II permittees and runs MS4 programs as seconded staff. Our staff has also applied for and obtained authorization to discharge groundwater under the RWQCB Structural Dewatering Permit, and we are aware of the stringent monitoring required for that as well as the VOC impacted groundwater discharge permit.
On a typical project, contractors are much more willing to implement SWPPP BMPs and environmental mitigation measures with a unit price wherever a quantity is physically measurable, such as: linear feet of fiber rolls/silt fence, individual construction entrance/exits, and linear feet of wildlife exclusion fence. Omission of separate pay items can leave owners exposed and contractors searching for ways to efficiently construct the project. KeishEnv ensures that adequate quantities of BMPs are included in PS&E packages so that the contractor will be equitably paid for compliance work to fully implement the NPDES requirements.
The KeishEnv staff focuses on customizing specifications to require the preferred format for the SWPPP when it is generated by the contractor. Our detailed specifications outline the requirements to ensure a quality submittal is received the first time. This speeds up the SWPPP review process and enables faster coverage under the CGP. With extensive capabilities in this area, Keish Environmental understands how agency staff, designers, planners, regulators, and contractors need to communicate to be effective on a project.
KeishEnv experts can assist with compliance inspections for correct best management practice (BMP) implementation as required by the CGP. This includes inspections weekly, before storm, each day during rain, and after storms. We also provide non-stormwater inspection and required pH and turbidity sampling. Most construction projects will be classified as traditional, Risk Level 1 or Risk Level 2 depending on local watersheds and soil types. For many projects, pH and turbidity sampling must be performed by a Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) or a trained person at every point where stormwater discharges from a project – and this can be very time consuming.
Once collected, all data must then be individually entered into the State Water Resources Control Board’s Stormwater Multiple Application and Report Tracking System (SMARTS) and summarized in an Annual Report. KeishEnv can support data management in SMARTS, assisting the Contractor, Authorized Signatory, or Legally Responsible Person with project compliance under the CGP.
The KeishEnv team boasts one of approximately 150 CASQA Trainers of Record in the state of California. With our expertise in construction stormwater, the firm offers the state-mandated, 2- and 3-day training sessions to help your team members become Qualified SWPPP Practitioners/Developers.
KeishEnv offers complete SWPPP training either formally for Qualified SWPPP Practitioners/Developers or informally with lunch-and-learn and tailgate-type presentations. Our training sessions can be provided offsite or at client facilities, and we offer group rates.