Why you need envirotraxx
If you're managing a construction site, you need envirotraxx. envirotraxx software walks you through a step-by-step process that helps you:
- apply for the permits you need to work legally, in compliance with new amendments to the clean water act governing storm water runoff
- create an efficient, cost-effective water quality protection plan that works
- monitor and document the effectiveness of that plan as required by law
- avoid fines and lawsuits from local, state and federal regulators and private citizens
- save money on storm water quality assurance and site cleanup costs
- create a higher quality, higher-value project
- maintain a reputation as a good corporate citizen and neighbor
- protect the environment and water quality
In fact, if your construction site has the potential to generate any untreated storm water, you can't afford to be without envirotraxx. That's because recently-updated federal laws require you to apply for permits and have a detailed runoff water prevention plan that includes frequent monitoring, inspecting, and reporting. envirotraxx takes care of it all.
Here's a brief history the current law:
The Clean Water Act (CWA) and The Water Quality Act (WQA)
- 1972: Congress passes the CWA, designed to drastically reduce U.S. water pollution.
- 1987: the WQA adds provisions to the CWA that allows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to govern storm water discharges from construction sites. (According to the EPA, storm water runoff is the most common cause of water pollution).
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) and National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permits
- 1998: the EPA requires construction sites of 5 acres or greater to have completed SWPPPs before construction begins that follow Best Management Practices (BMPs) as outlined by individual states to minimize runoff water pollution and implement sediment and erosion control. You must have a SWPPP for any project where storm water runoff from construction will discharge into a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System* (MSSSS) or surface waters. Regulations require you to complete a SWPPP for your project before you file a notice of intent for National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. Once you've got the appropriate NPDES permits, the law says you must implement and monitor the SWPPP until your project is complete. Finally, you must file a Notice of Discontinuation to the local environmental agencies as required by state law.
- 2003 NPDES Phase 2: the EPA extends the above requirements to apply to construction sites of as small as one acre (or less, if they are part of a project of at least one acre).
*Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) include ditches, curbs, gutters, storm sewers, and similar means of collecting or conveying runoff that do NOT connect with a wastewater collection system or treatment plant owned or operated by a public agency such as a town, city, county, state or federal agency, municipal utility district or flood control agency.
IN SHORT: If your project's runoff water is NOT collected and treated by an official agency, you need to create a SWPPP, obtain a NPDES permit, and monitor and implement SWPPP. envirotraxx helps you do all those things quickly, easily and smoothly—so your project remains on schedule, on budget, and in compliance with the law.
Related services
In addition to envirotraxx software licensing, we also offer:
- SWPPP consultation to determine exactly what your responsibilities are to remain in compliance with all federal, state and local laws and to avoid fines and lawsuits.
- Consultation about erosion and storm water runoff control
- Design of erosion and storm water runoff controls
- Soil and water testing before, during, and after construction
- Seminars and training programs in storm water runoff and erosion control regulation, technology, and best management practices