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Metal Mining SWMP Guidance Document <br /> Page 5 <br /> The description of the BMPs shall include: <br /> I) Stormwater diversion: Describe how and where stormwater will be diverted away from <br /> material handling and storage areas to prevent stormwater contamination. <br /> 2) Materials handling and spill prevention: Where materials can impact stormwater runoff, <br /> practices that reduce the potential for contamination shall be described and implemented. <br /> For example, materials should be stored and handled in covered areas to prevent contact <br /> with stormwater; chemicals should be stored within berms or secondary containment devices <br /> to prevent leaks and spills from entering stormwater runoff. <br /> 3) Sediment and erosion prevention: Describe practices that will be used to reduce erosion and <br /> prevent sediment delivery to State waters. These could include structural (such as silt <br /> fences, sediment ponds, drop structures, check dams) and non-structural (such as mulching <br /> and revegetation) methods. <br /> In each case where stormwater pollution potential exists, appropriate preventive measures must <br /> be identified and implemented. <br /> "Nonstructural" BMPs are mainly definitions of operational or managerial techniques. In addition, there are a <br /> multitude of "structural" BMPs which should be considered, depending upon the industrial activity. Structural <br /> BMPs include physical processes ranging from runoff diversion structures to oil/water separators to retention <br /> ponds. <br /> When selecting BMPs, the most important ones to evaluate first are those which limit the source of the <br /> pollutant. It is much more efficient, from both a cost and environmental standpoint, to prevent the pollution in <br /> the first place than to clean up contaminated stormwater. For example, a BMP requiring that any vehicle <br /> maintenance that involves fluid exchange must take place indoors, results in the removal of a pollutant source <br /> (i.e., oil/hydraulic fluids) from possible contact with stormwater. (Of course, the handling of the pollutant <br /> inside must still be addressed, though not necessarily in the SWMP.) <br /> Once source reduction BMPs have been evaluated, then more costly options, such as mitigation of impacts, or <br /> stormwater treatment through detention storage, should be considered if necessary. The BMPs selected are up <br /> to the judgment of the individual permittee. However, it is important to keep in mind that a fully implemented <br /> SWMP will constitute compliance with Best Available Technology (BAT) and Best Conventional Technology <br /> (BCT), as mandated under the Federal Clean Water Act. Basically, this means that, in order to comply with <br /> your permit, the appropriate measures must be taken in keeping with the pollutant(s) involved and the risk <br /> potential at the facility. <br /> BMPs applicable to the mining areas have long been standard under mining permits. Contact the Dept. of <br /> Natural Resources, Division of Minerals and Geology at (303) 866-3567 for more information. <br /> There are many other BMPs available as well. For more specific information, see the List of Available <br /> Documents, available from the Division. This includes ordering information for local and national BMP <br /> manuals. <br /> c. Preventive Maintenance - The SWMP shall identify a preventive maintenance program. This <br /> program shall involve maintenance of stormwater management devices (maintenance of dikes <br /> separating mine drainage from stormwater, cleaning oil/water separators, catch basins, etc.) as <br />