Stormwater Compliance Services for California Stamping Plant

Overview:

In 2015, KERAMIDA was retained by a stamping plant in the Los Angeles industrial area to assist with its stormwater compliance program in order to comply with California’s Industrial General Permit (IGP). KERAMIDA collaborated with the facility to determine which Best Management Practices (BMPs) would be most cost-efficient and effective at reducing impacts to industrial stormwater runoff.

Project Details:

After conducting several site visits, it was determined that the site contained legacy pollutants from previous operations conducted under a different operator, which can impact sample results. KERAMIDA also determined that the site’s geographic location also makes it susceptible to acid rain, further increasing potential impacts to the facility’s sample results that would not be indicative of its stormwater compliance efforts. KERAMIDA suggested to the client that they take a sample of rain falling from the sky, and the pH results confirmed the presence of acid rain.

While the presence of legacy pollutants and acid rain could not prevented, basic BMPs could be implemented to try and offset the effects of the aforementioned phenomenon. KERAMIDA suggested that the facility remove the storage of outside materials and conduct a deep clean of its scrap container storage area.

The most recent sample results show a marked improvement in all of its parameters, with none of the average concentrations above the IGP’s Numeric Action Levels. These results are a testament to the facility’s commitment to its stormwater compliance program.

Facility staff sweep the outside storage area to reduce potential impacts to storm water.

Facility staff sweep the outside storage area to reduce potential impacts to storm water.

KERAMIDA’s Key Actions:

  • Developed a stormwater training plan to be updated annually and presented on-site to 15-20 staff members.

  • Worked with the CEO and plant manager to ensure BMPs were worked into existing staff schedules for maximum efficiency.

  • Communicated to the Water Board the presence of legacy pollutants and acid rain on-site. Respective stormwater compliance documents, such as the Level 2 Action Plan, were also created to communicate to government agencies and third parties about the facility’s situation.

  • Maintained consistent communication with the president and management staff throughout the rainy season and conducted site visits at the request of the facility.

  • Produced comprehensive IGP-required reports that illustrated the efforts the facility was taking to comply with the program and minimize impacts to stormwater.

Vice President, Ron Hayes, observes the stormwater discharge process at one of the facility's sampling points.

Vice President, Ron Hayes, observes the stormwater discharge process at one of the facility's sampling points.

Value to the Client:

  • A successful investigation into unknown effects on the facility’s sample results that determined the presence of legacy pollutants and acid rain will save the facility about $400/year in not having to collect additional samples.

  • Implementing a compliance program that best fits the facility and its staff saves about $500/year in reduced training frequency.

  • About $500/year in savings from a reduction in the need for frequent site visits, as the stormwater compliance program has been effectively implemented.

Learn more about our California Stormwater Services › 

Keramida staff inspects the facility's stormwater sample point that includes a well-kept wattle which maximizes the ability of the media to filter stormwater.

Keramida staff inspects the facility's stormwater sample point that includes a well-kept wattle which maximizes the ability of the media to filter stormwater.

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