Why should I secure ACES Services?
One of the many requirements of a stormwater permit is the process of conducting weekly inspections to evaluate compliance with the terms and conditions of your permit. These self-audits are frequently reviewed by the regulatory community and failure to provide them as proof of performance can initiate an unpleasant enforcement action. By keeping ACES up your sleeve, you avoid this common mistake while also securing an accurate evaluation of your site performance.
Where is my information kept and how do I access my files?
ACES will manage your required documentation and other project files on our secure cloud-based server and provide quick and easy access so that you can worry about the project budget and milestones. We can also work with the regulatory community to provide them with the files upon your request. There are 2 quick and easy ways to access your files from anywhere at any time: ACES Website Login or QR Code we install on your permit sign onsite.
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What types of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are available for deployment?
Currently, ACES utilizes a DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 for site reconnaissance. Other options are available for advanced systems. Give us a call to see what an ACES flight can do for you. Everybody needs a good wingman on their side.
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What is stormwater runoff?
Stormwater runoff is rain or snow melt that flows over the land surface and depending on the site, can pick up contaminants and soil particles and discharge them onto a neighboring property or a nearby stream, pond or wetland. Construction activity on a site can expedite this process via accelerated erosion and threaten the natural resources with the deposition of sediments, raising treatment costs for drinking water, elevating the flood zone by filling in the channel, threaten the welfare of fish and benthic community, and exposing the responsible party to a variety of risks and liabilities.
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What is erosion and sedimentation?
Erosion is the powerful force of nature where the earth is worn away and transported by natural forces of wind and water. It forms the mountain landscapes and rich valley soils for crops, however, when large amounts of the earth is removed or displaced from a site and deposited in a waterway via manmade accelerated erosion, major problems can develop such as elevating the flood zone, smothering the benthic community, disrupting fish populations and raising costs for the treatment of drinking water. Sedimentation is the process of depositing sediments in a stream, pond or wetland where they eventually settle to the bottom of the water feature.
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What is a Stormwater Associated with Construction Activities Permit in WV?
Through a variety of actions enacted at the federal level, Congress amended the Clean Water Act to require a permit for certain stormwater related activities including earth moving construction sites. Much of these permitting activities have been delegated to state, local and tribal entities with strict requirements and oversite from the US Environmental Protection Agency. Most states and large municipalities have adopted their own programs to issue and enforce these permits and WV is one of many to do so.
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Do I need a permit for my earth moving activities?
If you are disturbing a total of one acre of ground or more, including areas where soil may be transported for fill, you will probably need a permit. A permit may also be required for smaller areas if it is located within a “Common Plan of Development” such as a planned residential community. There are some exemptions for specific industries where a permit is not required, and each state and municipality with permitting authority may have different requirements. The question does not have a specific “yes” or “no” response and the answer is based upon your location, your activity, and your intentions. Give us a call and let ACES navigate this labyrinth for you.
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What is a SWPPP?
The acronym is the shortened version for Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan and may be required as a component of your permit. The plan is a narrative description of your site and construction activities and describes the control methods to prevent pollutants, including soil sediments, from leaving the site. Although it may be generic in style and format, it will be specific to your site location, activities, topography, distance to sensitive watersheds, and other limiting factors.
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What is a BMP?
Another industry standard acronym for Best Management Practices and is a broad category of devices, structures, equipment, methods, practices, and plans to accomplish the task of keeping pollutants, including sediments, on your site and away from neighboring properties and water resources. Examples of BMPs include sumps, basins, silt fence, rocked construction entrances, vegetation, diversion of clean water, inspection systems, velocity dissipaters, and a variety of other measures. BMPs will be one component of your SWPPP.