6 Key Parameters of Industrial Stormwater Pollution and Their Common Pollutants
Last Updated on January 9, 2025 by Stormwater Compliance Solutions
Industrial stormwater pollution affects both ecosystems and water quality. To comply with regulatory standards and manage pollution, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of these parameters. Read on below to learn more about sources of industrial stormwater pollution and how to fix the problem.
Dissolved Oxygen (BOD, COD) and Nutrients
The health of aquatic life depends upon dissolved oxygen levels in the water. This is part of why stormwater management is important. There are two metrics used to measure oxygen consumption in water: biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD).
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
Chemical oxygen demand (COD) measures the oxygen required to chemically oxidize organic and inorganic matter in water. A high COD in water means a high level of pollutants, which leads to depleted dissolved oxygen. How does stormwater runoff affect dissolved oxygen? This threatens aquatic life, primarily fish, which need a high oxygen concentration.
What causes COD? COD pollution parameters include:
- Organic waste: Decomposing organic materials, such as food waste and plant matter
- Chemical spills: Accidental spills of chemicals, including solvents and oils
- Improper disposal: Improperly dumping waste into the environment
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)
In contrast to COD, biological oxygen demand (BOD) measures the amount of dissolved oxygen consumed by microorganisms. High BOD levels could mean excessive organic material, which can often lead to oxygen depletion.
Common pollutants in stormwater runoff that include high BOD in stormwater can be caused by
- Wastewater and sewage
- Animal waste
- Fertilizers or nutrients
Total Suspended Solids (TSS)/Turbidity
TSS, or total suspended solids, refers to particles that are suspended in the water. This includes organic debris, soil, and silt. If an area has high TSS, this can lead to turbidity, which harshly affects photosynthesis by reducing light penetration in the water.
Pollution from Construction Sites
One of the primary contributors of high TSS is construction sites. Construction can disrupt soil, thereby allowing particles to wash into nearby bodies of water.
Storm Drains
Storm drains, mainly when not maintained properly, can carry sediment, litter, and debris into local waterways.
Secondary Containment
To prevent industrial stormwater pollution, industrial facilities can prevent spills and leaks with secondary containment, keeping sediment and pollutants from contributing to high TSS.
Concrete Cutting
Manual concrete cutting creates a lot of dust that can contribute to TSS in local areas. By using wet cutting, and containing slurry, companies can mitigate this issue.
Dewatering
Dewatering is the process of removing excess water from excavation or construction sites, but it can also cause high TSS levels. The method of dewatering must be performed carefully to avoid industrial stormwater pollution.
Hydrocarbons, Oil, and Grease
Hydrocarbons, oil, and grease (O&G) are all common industrial stormwater pollutants. They are introduced into the environment via various sources, such as fuel spills, vehicle maintenance, and improper disposal of waste.
O&G – How Does Oil and Grease Affect the Environment?
Even minute amounts of grease and oil in stormwater runoff can be detrimental by causing a small film on top of the water’s surface. This film can harm aquatic life and limit oxygen. Hydrocarbons are also an issue, which can affect both human and wildlife health.
Best Practices for Designated Areas Include
To prevent industrial stormwater pollution, companies should implement best management practices (BMPs), such as
- Secondary containment systems: Containment devices around fuel storage areas
- Designated fueling areas: Specific locations for fueling operations
- Regular maintenance: Stormwater contamination can be fixed before spills and leaks arise
Metals in Stormwater
Heavy metals in stormwater can significantly contribute to industrial stormwater pollution, and this occurs because of construction, manufacturing, and automotive maintenance, among other things.
Common Metals Found in Stormwater Include
The most common metals found in stormwater are:
- Lead, often from urban areas or construction
- Zinc, often from industrial processes
- Copper, found in vehicle brake lining and roofing materials
Other harmful metals include arsenic, iron, and mercury, among others. Regular monitoring and filtration systems can significantly reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff.
BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylene) Chemicals
The acronym BTEX refers to volatile organic compounds: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene, and BTEX is most associated with petroleum products. When BTEX chemicals are part of industrial stormwater pollution, they can affect both ecosystems and human health. BTEX makes its way into stormwater through several processes:
- Fuel spills
- Industrial emissions
- Urban runoff
As with other types of industrial stormwater pollution, implementing BMPs can help mitigate the problem.
Temperature
The temperature of the water can also negatively affect ecosystems. Higher temperatures result in reduced dissolved oxygen levels and can harm aquatic organisms.
Industrial processes, such as cooling water discharges and runoff, can affect water temperature. Detention ponds and vegetated swales can assist in keeping stable temperatures.
Minimizing and Maintaining
It’s nearly impossible to eliminate industrial stormwater pollution; however, effective BMPs can significantly reduce its impact. Some strategies for minimizing industrial stormwater pollution include
- Regular inspections: This finds problems early and allows time to adjust accordingly before runoff water pollution is released into the environment.
- Employee training: Ensuring all employees are well-trained in BMPs and stormwater pollution prevention plan training allows for fewer mistakes that could harm ecosystems.
- Recordkeeping: Keeping records of BMPs keeps companies compliant but also leaves a full paper trail over what strategies have been implemented.
How SWPPPs Prevent Pollution from Industrial Stormwater Pollutants
To manage industrial stormwater pollution, it’s wise to have a Stormwater Pollution Protection Plan (SWPPP) in place. An SWPPP lists procedures and practices industrial facilities must internally follow to minimize contaminants in stormwater runoff. Some key components of an SWPPP plan include
- Site assessments
- Best management practices (BMPs)
- Monitoring and reporting
A solid SWPPP permit and plan helps you stay compliant while also addressing the needs of the local ecosystems.
Contact Us
For more information on stormwater pollution solutions and how to draw and implement a SWPPP, feel free to reach out to us. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve compliance while protecting precious water resources.
