The NEWSLETTER this month pertains to the need for land owners to produce a time sensitive Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3) as mandated by the Federal EPA in the Clean Water Act and outlined in guidelines in OEPA Supplemental Specifications 833. Prior to March 10, 2003 an owner could disturb 5 acres of land before being involved with OEPA regulations. Since March 10, 2003 if you develop a site that results in ONE ACRE or more or land disturbed through grubbing, clearing, excavation, filling or regarding, you will be required to produce a SWP3 as part of your Best Management Practices activities outlines by OEPA. The owner is responsible for developing the plan themselves, though their Engineer or other agent and in all cases the plan will need to be reviewed, sealed and signed by an Ohio Engineer.

The Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan will need to be complete and implemented at the time the owner breaks ground on the project because construction operations contribute a significant amount of pollutants to storm water runoff and will encompass storm water erosion limitation measures such as bale filter dikes, construction fences, filter fabric ditch checks, inlet protection, rock channel protection, sediment basins, slope drains and other devices to reduce soil erosion. The drawings and documents outlining the SWP3 must be on file at the site for review. The SWP3 requires inspection and maintenance of the erosion prevention items by the owner or his agent, normally the site contractor, with documented logs showing the inspection procedures.

Violation of SWP3 requirements can result in the delay of a project and in some cases result in fines from the OEPA, therefore the owner would be wise to secure a reliable Engineering firm with experience in SWP3 preparation to completely handle the erosion prevention needs.

You can count on McSteen and Associates, a second-generation multi-faceted family business that has been serving Northeast Ohio since 1970 to complete your SWP3 and secure approvals from OEPA..

The management team consisting of Terry Feller, President and Registered Professional Engineer and Surveyor, Tim Feller, Vice President and Registered Professional Surveyor and Debbie Feller CFO and Certified Public Accountant and the 50 employees in the offices in Cuyahoga, Lake, Summit, and Franklin counties will handle your surveying and engineering needs. Local knowledge of the area regulatory agencies and access to soil maps and local records will result in an approvable and comprehensive SWP3.

Joke of the month:
How many Soil Conservation District employees does it take to change a light bulb? (assuming class C soils with a silty clay loam consistence AASHTO A-4, A-6 Liquid Limit 30% and Plasticity Index of 8)

Six –One to put up the silt fence, two to install the temporary erosion drive, one to bring in the straw bales, one for water monitoring and one to reseed. Of course it takes two more to send out the violation letter because the SWP3 was never filed; and then one more to lose that paperwork; and two more to write the report that the bulb was in a wetlands and should not have been replaced; and then there is the delineation report and the soil borings and the….

Toll Free: 800-250-3451 Fax: 440-585-9801 or 9802

For additional information see www.mcsteen.com