Stormwater Consulting
From relatively straightforward NPDES permitting to developing and managing complex stormwater compliance programs, we bring unparalleled expertise to your stormwater concerns. With more than 30 years of stormwater consulting in Hawaiʻi, we have extensive knowledge of the State's stormwater permit programs. We develop comprehensive stormwater management programs for municipal and State entities subject to MS4 permitting, develop straightforward and practical stormwater Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans, and provide thoughtful and accessible training programs.
NPDES Permitting
The State Department of Health (DOH) regulates stormwater discharges under Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules (HAR) 11-55, Water Pollution Control. DOH has developed the program in compliance with the Clean Water Act Section 402. DOH has established General Permits under HAR 11-55 to regulate stormwater discharges from certain categories of industrial discharges (Appendix B), construction sites (Appendix C), and small municipal storm sewer systems (MS4s; Appendix K). Permitting applications are made through DOH's e-permitting web portal. We have provided NPDES permitting services for hundreds of projects and have a thorough understanding of DOH's permit programs. We strive to submit full and complete permit applications with all the information the agency needs to make a decision, typically resulting in no additional requests for information and having the permit granted within a few weeks of submittal.
MS4 Program Consultation
Our staff has consulted on several MS4 programs for State and municipal agencies. Our experience includes developing a Small MS4 program from the ground up, conducting permitting, developing the municipality's Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP), providing consultation during the municipality's implementation of the Plan, and preparing regulatory submittals. DOH referred to this program as "model." Our expertise can help you see your mature MS4 program in a new light in a comprehensive review, provide "a la carte" services such as SWMP updates or annual report preparation, or respond to regulator demands. If you are newly subject to MS4 regulations, we can help you navigate the complexities of getting started by providing comprehensive program planning and regulator advocacy.
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans
We prepare clear and concise SWPPPs that meet permit requirements. The SWPPP is prepared prior to submittal of the Notice of Intent for coverage under the State's general permit. We also prepare SWPPPs where permits are not required but where site owners require a SWPPP to guide site activities. One of our staff's recent projects was the preparation of SWPPPs for the contractor's fire debris removal activities in Lahaina and for the temporary landfill site at Olowalu.
Training
We provide training to construction contractors, industrial facilities, and municipal stormwater permittees to assist their staff in taking a proactive approach to their stormwater programs. We are adept at preparing simple but effective training programs that are easily understood and provide a roadmap for permittee compliance.