| Proper curb inlet protection is the right thing to do | | | | curb inlet protectors should be able to be cleaned |
| for the environment. Good curb inlet protection | | | | out and used time and time again, making them |
| helps to prevent sediment, chemicals and debris | | | | an even wiser investment. |
| from entering storm water systems and ending | | | | Of course, ensuring that curb inlet protectors are |
| up in our streams, rivers, lakes and oceans. These | | | | compliant with current laws is of paramount |
| types of pollutants are very common on | | | | importance, and this, again, is achieved most easily |
| construction sites, and when they're picked up in | | | | by relying on a reputable inlet protection company. |
| storm water runoff and washed through curb | | | | These companies make it their business to know |
| inlets that have not been filtered properly, they | | | | the laws and to manufacture products within |
| do significant damage to our environment. | | | | them, so seeking their guidance can save |
| Waterborne construction site pollution destroys | | | | construction professionals many hours - and |
| aquatic habitats, kills wildlife and can cause stream | | | | headaches - trying to find and comprehend the |
| bank erosion. It's a serious matter, and sites that | | | | most recent regulation developments. |
| don't employ inlet protection solutions face serious | | | | Provisions for proper inlet protection should be |
| fines. | | | | made before the ground is disturbed at any work |
| Professional inlet protection products, along with | | | | site. A detailed listing of inlet protection solutions, |
| invaluable, time-saving advice on laws concerning | | | | as well as other measures being taken to prevent |
| construction sites and the environment, are simply | | | | storm water runoff pollution, must be included in a |
| a phone call away. Developers and contractors | | | | construction company's storm water pollution |
| can rely on a reputable company specializing in | | | | protection plan (SWPPP). The SWPPP is a |
| inlet protection products to provide them with | | | | prerequisite to getting a National Pollutant |
| information and quality products that will help their | | | | Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) |
| sites run more efficiently and cost effectively | | | | construction storm water permit, which must be |
| while obeying laws and protecting the | | | | obtained prior to work beginning. |
| environment. | | | | NPDES permits are issued in the state where the |
| Products made for curb inlet filtration include rolls | | | | work is being done, except for in a handful of |
| that are placed in front of curb inlets without | | | | states and in most Indian territories, where the |
| storm grates, and bags and sacks that are | | | | Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the |
| anchored below grates. All of these products, | | | | issuing authority. Information on each state's |
| when professionally designed, should conform to | | | | permits and applications can be found at Details |
| curb shapes to properly guard against pollutants | | | | on SWPPP requirements can be found in the |
| making their way past them. | | | | Stormwater Resource Locator, which is part of |
| Rolls, bags and sacks are made of special | | | | the Construction Industry Compliance Assistance |
| materials that allow storm water to slowly seep | | | | Center's website. In addition, the EPA has |
| through them, while trapping sediment and debris | | | | published a free downloadable handbook explaining |
| for safe disposal. Some allow for the addition of | | | | how to create and implement an SWPPP. Entitled |
| absorbent filters that soak up oil, another | | | | Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention |
| common pollutant at construction sites. | | | | Plan: A Guide for Construction Sites, this book |
| All curb inlet protection products should eliminate, | | | | includes a two sample SWPPPs, a customizable |
| or at least reduce, the need to flush or clean | | | | SWPPP template and a sample inspection form. |
| inlets. When shopping for them, compare the | | | | These tools, combined with the right inlet |
| aforementioned features and look into how each | | | | protection company, can have you ready to |
| is installed, inspected and maintained. Ease of use | | | | break ground in no time. Getting compliant - and |
| counts for a lot on a construction site, where | | | | staying compliant - really isn't hard to do when |
| time is money. | | | | you know where to turn for help. |
| Make sure the products are reusable, too. Quality | | | | |