Aztec Environmental Services, Inc.: Frequently Asked Questions

Storm Water FAQ

Do I need a storm water pollution prevention plan?
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) are required for the following reasons:

- Disturbing more than 1 acre of soil
- Disturbing less than 1 acre of soil that is part of a larger development over an acre.

If your project meets one of those two criteria, you must have a SWPPP. Should you choose not to have a SWPPP you risk fines (to the tune of $32,500 per day per violation) and the possibility of having the site shut down.
What is a BMP?
BMP stands for Best Management Practice. This is either a device or a practice that helps manage stormwater and the pollutants that it carries. Silt fence is a BMP, but so is covering your dumpster. Anything that helps control pollution.
The civil plans have a SWPPP, do I still need to have one?
Per the EPA and the TCEQ, the civil sheet is not a SWPPP. There still needs to be a binder created that can be viewed by an inspector.
Who is liable should I be inspected and found out of compliance?
If you are the contractor or the owner, you are both liable! The owner and the contractor should each have a SWPPP or a shared SWPPP. This document outlines who is responsible for what portion of the SWPPP, but both entities are operating under the same permit.
But what if my subcontractors are damaging my BMP’s and allowing pollutants to leave the site? If caught, the subcontractors can be fined, but as the owner/operator, you are responsible for instructing your subcontractors and monitoring their activities. The project is operated and controlled by you, leaving you the responsible party.
Can I just install silt fence around the site and be done with it?
There are so many different ways to control erosion and sediment loss. That is why you should use Aztec Environmental for your stormwater management needs. Our extensive training from the International Erosion Control Association, North Central Texas Council of Governments, the City of Dallas and the Association of General Contractors (Quoin) make us an expert in your needs. Sometimes silt fence is enough, sometimes it isn’t even necessary! Let our expertise work for you.
What should I do if I am inspected?
- First, smile and provide your SWPPP binder, your inspections and your erosion control plan to the inspector.
- Second, call Aztec Environmental at 817-244-9393
- Third, take good notes when talking with the inspector.
- Take action immediately! If the inspector tells you to put up silt fence, call your silt fence provider ASAP!
- Thank the inspector, remember they are just doing their job, just like you. They don’t want to fine you or shut you down, they just want you in compliance. By making it difficult on the inspector, you just make it difficult on yourself.
So why should I be concerned with stormwater management?
There are several reasons, but first and foremost, the surface waters of the United States need to be kept clean for us, your children and your grandchildren! Construction sites are one of the largest sources of pollution. When sediment leaves the site, it takes other pollutants with it, such as fuel, oil, fertilizer and other chemicals. This gets in the water, kills our fish and makes the water unusable. Not to mention the additional costs to the taxpayer, for cleaning out the storm sewer system or dredging the lakes, streams, rivers and ponds in our cities. Keep the water clean!
How fast can I get a SWPPP?
If all the required information is available, Aztec Environmental can provide a SWPPP in 48 hours. Remember you must have a SWPPP and send in a Notice of Intent forty eight (48) hours prior to disturbing any soil on your site.
Who should I use for SWPPP, Inspections and BMP?
Aztec Environmental Services are your environmental experts. With over 15 years of experience of environmental consulting and a professional engineer with over 20 years in stormwater management and design we can service all of your environmental needs. Our SWPPP is site specific, not just a “boiler plate” that some intern changes a few numbers and names. Aztec Environmental’s SWPPP is an actual plan to keep your site compliant. Our plan is designed and sealed by a professional engineer, with over 30 years of stormwater experience. Your compliance is our mission for the duration of the project. Aztec Environmental is involved in the process from NOI to NOT. We are your consultant for the duration of the project, no matter who does inspections or BMPs, that is our commitment to you and why you should use Aztec Environmental.

1813 East Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76103 | 817.244.9393 - 1.800.687.1910 - Fax: 817.244.9188