Why do I need a QSP?

• A QSP provides the needed compliance training for work site management such as BMP installation. They verify the SWPPP plan is being implemented correctly and is compliant. Compliant worksites require a monitoring and inspection system in place to help identify BMP’s that are inadequate or malfunctioning. Inspections must be an ongoing process especially when new trades and activities are present on the jobsite.
• Along with regularly scheduled inspections, jobsites must be inspected before, during, and after the storm event if there is a 50% chance of precipitation. QSPs monitor the site to ensure compliance with Weather & Rainfall Tracking, Sampling Services and laboratory analysis, REAP (Rain Event Action Plan)
• The QSP prepares regulatory reports witch must include any non-compliance issues along with corrective actions.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Q: How often does the QSP need to inspect the site?
A: Depending on the risk level category of 1-3 it could be weekly or as required for special events, such as a qualified rain event, which require sampling for pH and turbidity NAL/NEL. BMPs should be inspected regularly to ensure they are compliant with the SWPPP.

Q: What is the difference between a QSD and a QSP?
A: A QSP implements a SWPPP plan while a QSD prepares it. A QSD can perform the same functions as a QSP except a QSP cannot perform the QSD certification items.

Q: What kind of training is required for our company’s site management? Can we hire one QSD/QSP to train all of them?
A: Yes, one QSD/QSP can provide training. However, the Regional Water Board inspectors may ask to meet and/or conduct an inspection with the QSP responsible for a particular project/site, and that individual should be accessible.

Helpful Tips

1. Rain event:
   To verify if a project qualifies for REAP go to National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration website www.NOAA.gov. Any rain predicted over 50% requires a Rain Event Action Plan within 48 hours prior to the rain event.
2. Construction activities and storm water quality:
   Stormwater runoff consists of rainwater and melted snow that runs off the land and enters surrounding surface waters. Construction activities—like clearing, grading, and excavation – expose soil surfaces and change natural water runoff patterns, which increase soil erosion.

   Stormwater runoff carries loose particles (i.e., sediment) from construction projects to lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds. Gradually, layers of clay and silt build up in the streambeds and cover areas where fish spawn and aquatic plants grow. Thus, NDEP (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit) considers sediment a pollutant. In addition, some construction activities require the use of toxic chemicals, metals, oil, and other materials that may contaminate the storm water running off a job site.

3. What to do at the end of the construction project:
   When you have completed the project, met the site stabilization requirements and have removed the BMPs from the site, then you can file a Notice of Termination (NOT) with the NDEP. We will send out an inspector to ensure that the site stabilization requirements have been met. If the inspector approves the NOT, the permit will be terminated and you will no longer have to keep the permit open.