Storm water Engineering

---

 On September 2, 2012 - any active construction site in California can be held accountable to the requirements of California's new construction storm water pollution laws.  The laws are called the "Construction General Permit" or CGP.  It is California's implementation of the Federal Clean Water Act also known as NPDES.  This may be new to you as it can be a bit confusing.  The point of importance to you is that if your project is not completed by 9/2/2012, and you are not currently covered under the CGP - you will be required to be on that date.  It can be a serious matter, so you should not put it off.  Our company has state certified QSD's (certified to prepare SWPPP documents and BMP plans) as well as QSP's (required by the state for inspection of BMPs and preparation of other on-site reports and plans) to assist you in clarifying whether or not your site needs coverage under the CGP. 

 How do you find out if your project falls under the provisions of the CGP?  Here are some facts that will be helpful.

• Exemption from the CGP - Is the disturbed area of your project under 1 acre?  If so, you may be able to get a small site exemption.
  When considering this know that "disturbed areas" include any level of soil disturbance on your site including things like: material handling areas, access roads,  and storage areas.  (Anything associated with your project that changes the ground.)  Also understand that if the project is part of a larger project (a phased project) the CGP considers your land the size of the total project.
• Soil Erosivity Waiver - Is the disturbed area between 1 and 5 acres?
  You may be able to obtain a waiver, based on the having an R-factor of less than 5.  You must do or have done for you, a calculation of the project's R-factor.  You should use the RUSLE2 soil erosion equation.  If you can obtain this waiver, your compliance with erosion prevention will be greatly simplified.

KAPPA Surveying and Engineering has staff trained and certified with the State of California for preparation of CGP implementation documents as well as inspections that may be required.  You can contact KAPPA at (619) 465-8948.

If your project does need coverage under the CGP, then KAPPA can prepare your Project Required Documents (PRDs).  Our company has state certified QSD's (certified to prepare SWPPP documents and BMP plans) as well as QSP's (required by the state for inspection of BMPs and preparation of other on-site reports and plans).

Call KAPPA Surveying and Engineering for your storm water compliance needs.  And of course, KAPPA has been a trusted professional for surveying, mapping and construction staking since 1979.  Now with our Civil Engineering and Storm Water experts, we can bring great benefit to your project.