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What Do Inspectors Need To Know About BMPs?
Tim Zimmerly, Terrill Lemke
Los Alamos National Laboratory
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Background
• Los Alamos National Laboratory
• 40 sq. mi. DOE facility
• High altitude
– 6500-7300 ft asl
• Semi-Arid Climate
– 19” annual precipitation
– 45% in Jul-Sept
• High UV
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Background
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• Steep topography• Mountain & high desert vegetation
BackgroundLos Alamos National Laboratory Inspection Program
• NPDES Construction General Permit & Multi-Sector General Permit (Industrial) Sites
• Energy Independence & Security Act (EISA) requirements– > 5000 sq ft: maintain or restore pre-development hydrology
• Not an MS4• Year-round, ongoing construction
– Linear projects, new facilities, D&D, environmental monitoring & remediation
• Over last 5 years:– Avg. 600 inspections per year
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Fundamentals
To establish a well-functioning inspection program:
1. Inspectors need to both identify issues and work with others as a team to solve problems.
2. The basis for a successful teamwork approach is solid technical background in BMPs.
3. Inspectors must use BMP knowledge to effectively work with designers, contractors, and owners
So…
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Fundamentals
What do inspectors need to know about BMPs and how do they use this knowledge?
– Roles & Responsibilities
– Technical Background
– BMP Issues
– How to Interact with Others
– Elements for Continued Success
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Roles & Responsibilities• Designer:
– Develops site design and possibly SWPPP
– Designs drainage features, BMPs, and stabilization measures
– Works to design standards/criteria
– Communicates with the contractor and possibly with the inspector through the contractor
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Roles & Responsibilities
• Contractor:– Implements project design and SWPPP
– Maintains day-to-day control of the site
– Implements schedule and performs field changes
– Installs and maintains BMPs
– Communicates directly with the designer and inspector
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Roles & Responsibilities
• Owner:– Plans and executes facility budget
– Implements new BMPs
– Maintains existing BMPs
– Implements preventative maintenance program
– Adapts processes to new regulations
– Communicates directly with the inspector
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Roles & Responsibilities
• Inspector:– Assesses and reports on SWPPP implementation and
regulatory compliance
– Identifies compliance problems in the field
– Evaluates construction and post-construction BMPs
– Works with contractor to solve problems and identify issues to be resolved by designer
– Communicates directly with the contractor or owner and may communicate directly with designer
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Working Together
Designer
ContractorInspector
Redesign BMPs if inspection shows not effective
Interact to ensure BMPscorrectly implemented
Communicate BMP design changes and needs
All three work together to ensure proper design and effectiveness
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Technical Background
• In-depth understanding of regulations
• General knowledge of hydrology
• Knowledge about the erodibility of soil types
• Understand vegetation establishment concepts
• How to read design drawings and details associated with the installation of BMPs
• Professional certification (i.e., CISEC, CMS4S)
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Technical Background• Knowledgeable about BMP product types and features
– Function, operational limitations, and maintenance requirements for BMP categories
• Staying abreast of new products and technology
• When learning about and evaluating BMPs, inspectors need to identify and consider the following:– Where was it developed?
– Under what conditions was the performance data generated?
– Has this product been used or applied under the site and climate conditions similar to my locale or site?
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BMP Issues
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• Designers lack knowledge and experience for adequate BMP design
• Designers not on site and aren’t aware of the field conditions.
• Maintenance requirements aren’t factored into the design
• Design drawings only identify final site conditions and BMPs at that phase
BMP Issues• Contractors may have
inexperience or indifference toward BMP installation and maintenance
• Contractors may be innovative with BMPs where no BMPs are specified or designed
• Designed or constructed BMPs are incorrect or inadequate
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BMP Issues
• Design-build projects can facilitate construction activity before grading, drainage, and BMP designs are fully finalized.
• Temporary BMPs are specified and utilized where permanent BMPs could be used.
• Communication can be a challenge with both contractors and designers.
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How to Interact with Others
• Be an effective communicator– Listen (2 ears & 1 mouth)
• Be able to identify deficiencies and problems with BMPs
• Specify or design BMPs only if you are qualified to do so
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How to Interact with Others
• Meet with contractors and designers to help correct problems
• Be used as a resource and work with others as a team
• Understand the contractor, owner, and designer’s perspective
– Listen (2 ears & 1 mouth)
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How to Interact with OthersWhat do you do when the specified BMPs are inappropriate or ineffective?
• Identify and report the issue • Don’t redesign the BMP or
mandate a specific alternative• Identify the type of replacement
needed • Discuss the issues and
alternatives with the contractor or owner and possibly the designer
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How to Interact with Others
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How can you recommend, design, or redesign BMPs?
• Discuss potential options with the contractor/owner
• Assist the contractor with the Request For Information
• Has long-term maintenance been considered?
• Work with the designer to help identify solutions.
• Provide product and vendor information and data
How to Interact with Others
If asked which specific BMPs should be used, what type of information should you provide?
• Specific BMP information if you know how it will perform with the site climate and conditions
• BMP options compatible to available contractor resources and product availability.
• Alternative BMPs if modifications cannot be implemented within the permit timeframes.
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How to Interact with Others
If you have the qualifications to design BMPs, can you make recommendations to change a design without being liable?
• Work with the designer and contractor as they have been hired to complete their job within a set of conditions.
• Follow proper design protocol.
• Avoid designing in the field with little or no documentation.
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Elements for Continued Success
• Qualified inspectors
• Training – stay current
• Function as part of the team
• Establish & practice good communication
– Listening (2 ears, 1 mouth)
– Writing/documentation
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Summary
At LANL we have learned that an inspection program is most successful when inspectors:
• Possess appropriate technical knowledge of BMPs
• Effectively interact and communicate with designers, contractors, and owners
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