Storm Water Thoughts...Caltrans changes SWPPP template again, and I like it.

Caltrans has been at it again updating the template, and I think they might have gotten it right this time. Originally the Tahoe SWPPP Template used an Access Data Base for input and that was a little challenging because it felt like a beta version of the template...but ultimately we got through it. Now the non-Tahoe SWPPP and WPCP Template have also been updated with an Access Data Base for filling in the template, and it worked. Well in fact it worked really well, and didn't feel like a temperamental beta version, but a smooth functioning application. The only problem so far, apparently the reviewer on a recent SWPPP project didn't get the memo on the new template and based his evaluation on one of the 2012 template. Now I know that this may sound like a complaint, but it is in fact an ironic moment, in that Caltrans is extremely prescriptive with their templates forbidding all comers from deviating from the boilerplate language in the template. In fact the reviewers are often less than helpful in interpreting the latest nuance and often wonder why anyone outside of Caltrans doesn't find their arcane interpretation of the moment "intuitively obvious". So, I am now waiting to see if this reviewer wishes to have me rewrite the SWPPP using a template from 2012, or do as I have learned to do prior to each new Caltrans project, go to their website.. anyone including Caltrans that needs the the link, here it is: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/construc/stormwater/

http://www.estormwater.com/inspector-general-0

 

Storm Water Thoughts...Are compromised inspection standards the new norm?

We spend a great deal of our time working with many different owners, general contractors and agencies performing storm water compliance inspections. The surprising thing is that there appears to be at least one organization out there that is promising to pencil whip QSP reports on a monthly basis, after providing the contractor with token training. The CGP clearly states that a QSP can delegate the inspection to a properly trained individual. I don't have a problem with this approach when we control the site, i.e. we are both employees of the general contractor. I don't understand how an outside QSP Inspector can claim to have control over a contractor if the site is not inspected weekly by the contract Inspector. As an organization, our approach is to not delegate to the contractor ensuring that there is a clear line between the Inspector and the contractor, i.e. the inspector inspects and the contractor implements the fixes identified by the inspector. To approach inspections in any other way, is to deviate from the original spirit of the regulation and potentially puts your LRP at risk. One of my inspectors came to me today and told me of a conservation with a contractor who had recently completed a project using one of these fly-by-night QSP services. The contractor stated that this QSP service had told him not to sweat the pencil whipped reports, as the State wasn't paying attention anyway.