Stormwater season is upon us! Under the current Industrial General Permit (IGP) permit holders are required to collect and analyze stormwater samples from each discharge location for two Qualified Stormwater Events (QSEs) within the first half of each reporting year (July 1 to December 31), and two (2) QSEs within the second half of each reporting year (January 1st to June 30th). 

QSE is defined as a precipitation event that produces discharge from any industrial drainage area proceeded by 48 hours with no discharge. QSE discharges can start the night before, within 12 hours of facility operational start time. Stormwater sampling requirements under the IGP instruct that all samples be collected within the first 4 hours of discharge.

All Dischargers are required to submit and certify all reports electronically via the Storm Water Multiple Application and Report Tracking System (SMARTS). After receiving data from the lab, the Discharger has 30 days to submit all analytical results to SMARTS.

If you haven’t looked at your stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) recently or are unsure of the monitoring parameters required under your Standard Industrial Code (SIC) with the current IGP, now is a good time to review your monitoring responsibilities. Monitoring locations are identified in the SWPP and tests are typically specific to your industry and dictated by your SIC code. It is always advisable to review your SWPP so that you can make certain your organization stays in compliance with your region’s stormwater program. 

To ensure preparedness, you can order stormwater sampling kits in advance! If you would like to order a kit or confirm the types of stormwater testing required of your organization, contact your project manager today.