The development of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP - pronounced "S-W-I-P") is critical in a business’ efforts to reduce pollutants in its stormwater discharges. The primary purposes of the SWPPP are to:

• Identification of pollutant-generating activities
• Select and implement BMPs to address these activities
• Review and modification of the plan to ensure effective implementation

BMP Objective
The purpose is to develop a plan that is used by your business to prevent pollutant generation and discharge of the pollutants to the storm drain system. 

Implementation
There are many guidelines and templates available for SWPPP development. It is important to understand what is necessary for your business. Some businesses are regulated by agencies and required to develop a SWPPP that contains specific regulatory information. If you are unsure if you need to develop a SWPPP under these regulations, please check with your local jurisdiction (city or county) or at the State of California website: http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/stormwtr/industrial.html

A SWPPP should be customized to fit your business’ needs. The following website has guidelines and guide sheets available to help you through the process. http://www.cabmphandbooks.com/Documents/Industrial/Section_2.pdf (see Section 2.4)

IMPORTANT: Use only what you need – it is not necessary to create a plan that does not pertain to your business.

Your businesses SWPPP should:

• Identify pollutant-generating activities (for example - hosing down parking lots, trash areas, drive-thrus, outdoor areas)
• Identify pollutants at your facility that may be discharged to the storm drain system (for example – detergents, grass clippings, fertilizers, pesticides)
• Select and implement BMPs to address these activities and prevent release of pollutants
• Review and modification of the plan to ensure effective implementation

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