RIDOT Phase II Storm Water Management

6) Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations

Permit Requirement:

The operator must:

• Identify all operations such as activities and facilities that have a point source or the potential for a point source discharge of storm water to an MS4 or waters of the State associated with activities or operations that have the potential to introduce pollutants to storm water runoff.
• Develop and implement a program to prevent and reduce pollutant runoff and runoff volumes from facilities owned and operated by the MS4 operator, and from the MS4 and structural BMPs. The program must include an employee-training component.
• Develop and implement a program to prevent and reduce storm water pollution from operations and maintenance activities that have the potential to introduce pollutants to storm water runoff.
• Develop inspection procedures and schedules for long-term operation and maintenance (O&M) of municipal facilities, municipal structural BMPs and the MS4.
• Develop and implement an employee-training program for good housekeeping, pollution prevention, and O&M of BMPs.
• Implement a site-specific

Best Management Practices:

RIDOT identified existing programs that met the requirements of the General Permit, and reviewed various methods to improve pollution prevention while adhering to a realistic schedule and dedication of resources. Proposed programs include source reduction initiatives such as more frequent sweeping and anti-icing management programs, and identifying the location, inspection and maintenance schedules of structural BMPs such as detention basins, swales and eroding road shoulders.

RIDOT maintains a winter training program that includes storm water management courses available for all RIDOT employees. Good housekeeping, pollution prevention, and maintenance protocols are integrated into all courses where feasible.

RIDOT Maintenance Facilities and Satellite Offices have had SWMPPs developed separately. These SWMPPs were prepared to provide guidance for the operators of those facilities on good housekeeping measures for operations. Documentation and training are components of the SWMPPs.

Storm Drain Retrofit Demonstration Project

A storm-drain retrofit is a Best Management Practice (BMP) that works to improve the quality of storm water discharging from the State’s Highways. Existing storm drains may be retrofitted with a structural BMP such as a swirl chamber to reduce sediment contamination, or a new system, such as a created wetland, may be installed. Since 1999, RIDOT has installed over 20 retrofits, and several more are in the Design Phase.

Links:

• RIDEM Fact Sheet