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Stormwater outreach programs, maintenance agreements.
The board of the Stormwater Equipment Manufacturers Association (SWEMA) announced in a May 14 press release that the organization’s 2013–2014 initiatives will focus on expanding its outreach program to help communities attain the goals of the Clean Water Act.
“SWEMA seeks to provide scientifically based technical guidance to help government officials develop their own protocols,” said Gene LaManna of Terre Hill Stormwater Systems and president of SWEMA. “It is also our goal to encourage our members to provide information about best management practices, data from laboratory studies, and actual installations, plus consultation and advice to any municipality.”
The press release noted a recent SWEMA initiative—a Model Maintenance Agreement that can be used by state and local government agencies to enact an ordinance governing the maintenance of all stormwater best management practices, including manufactured treatment devices and non-proprietary, land-based BMPs. The Model Maintenance Agreement includes templates and checklists for documentation of inspection, maintenance activities, and disposal of captured pollutants.
Formed in 2008, SWEMA includes stormwater-related companies and industry experts who volunteer their time to develop educational programs, standards, guidelines, and best management practices for stormwater treatment and management.