M3L5Visual

Module III

Lesson Five: Baseline BMPs

Visual Inspections

A facility needs to designate qualified trained plant personnel to regularly inspect the facility’s equipment and areas, current stormwater BMPs, track results of inspections, make necessary changes, and maintain records of all inspections. These records should include: when inspections were done, who conducted the inspection, what areas were inspected, what problems were found, and what steps were taken to correct any problems. The information kept with the SWPPP plan. The EPA’s general permit requires that records be kept at least one year after coverage under the permit expires.

A visual inspection should include the following areas and equipment in a facility:

Areas around equipment listed under Preventive Maintenance
Areas where spills and leaks have occurred
Dust or particulate generating processes areas
Engine maintenance and repair areas
Material storage areas (tank farms, drum storage)
Outdoor material handling areas (e.g., loading, unloading, transfer)
Pressure washing, blasting, and painting areas
Waste generation, storage, treatment and disposal areas

The following are common seen signs that an area might be prone to a potential stormwater contamination problem:

Oil sheen on/in standing or running water
Improperly maintained, corroded, or damaged containers (e.g., drums, tanks)
Stains on ground or unusual discoloration of surface earth, outfall, or drainage areas
Stressed vegetation
Poor housekeeping areas