Current Topics

MPCA Industrial Stormwater Permit
On April 5, 2010 the MPCA released its revised Industrial Stormwater Multi-Sector General Permit with the aim of reducing pollution of groundwater and surface water throughout the state.  The permit requires that industrial facilities within specifically defined sectors apply for and obtain coverage under the permit or the "No Exposure" exclusion (if applicable) by June 7, August 6, or October 5, 2010 (due date is industry specific).  Permit requirements include mapping of the facility and nearby water bodies, development of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), assessment of industrial materials, identification of stormwater BMPs, and development of a pollutant monitoring program and training plan, among others.  For a lump-sum flat rate with no hidden fees, Hydromethods, LLC can assist in preparing and submitting all necessary application materials, while minimizing future permit costs for your facility. 

Learn more about the permit requirements here:  MPCA Industrial Stormwater Permit

Pond/BMP Maintenance
Stormwater treatment ponds, rain gardens, underground treatment structures and other BMPs require periodic maintenance to ensure their continued function.  Sediment from construction and street sanding operations, trash, oils and grease from vehicles, and nutrients from fertilizer, decaying vegetation and animal waste all work to clog and reduce the operational life of installed BMPs.  Various metals and chemical compounds are collected, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a potentially carcinogenic compound from street sealants known to be present in some stormwater treatment ponds.

Maintaining BMPs includes proper planning, inspection and maintenance procedures designed to minimize impact to the natural systems the BMPs are intended to protect.  In addition, the maintenance must include proper disposal of the collected waste materials, which can often be toxic and require special disposal measures.  The engineers at Hydromethods, LLC are familiar with the intended function and design of a multitude of BMPs, and can assist owners in maintaining that function and ensuring peak performance and environmental protection.

Shoreline & Streambank Restoration & Stabilization
The erosion of streambank and shoreline areas, while often caused by natural processes, can be aggravated by the activities of adjacent property owners or development within the watershed.  When such activities alter the frequency, volume, and velocity of erosive stream flows, they can lead to the transport of sediment from the shoreline to downstream waters, and ultimately to the damage or loss of valuable property.

Inhibiting erosion begins upstream, through the mitigation of the volume and rate of runoff draining from impervious areas within the watershed.  However, these preventive measures are not suitable for stopping erosion once the process has begun.   Shoreline stabilization requires site-specific improvements to counteract erosive forces while maintaining the natural look and feel of the shoreline.

At Hydromethods, LLC we understand that shoreline stabilization is a balance of structural support and aesthetic integration, and our engineers work with both bioengineering practices and traditional "hard armoring" stabilization techniques in order to provide this balance.  With this approach, we can find the best path to protecting your shoreline, preventing erosion, and avoiding further property loss and degradation of downstream waters.

Proprietary Treatment Unit Selection
Development of small sites, redevelopment of existing areas, or retrofitting of treatment measures into existing conveyance systems can often involve space limitations, making the installation of traditional ponds or infiltration practices difficult.  Recent years have seen an explosion in the type and variety of devices available for the underground treatment of stormwater, including settling chambers, hydrodynamic separators, filtration units and many more.  The task of reviewing manufacturer literature and selecting an appropriate unit can be quite cumbersome for owners or engineers, due to the wide array of sampling procedures and lack of a standard testing protocol.

The proper selection of a proprietary treatment unit must balance capital cost, treatment goals and effectiveness, site limitations and ongoing maintenance needs and costs.  At Hydromethods, LLC we have a comprehensive and detailed understanding of the various treatment units available, and can quickly review with our clients the costs and benefits associated with each device.

Stormwater Harvesting & Reuse
As regulations on stormwater treatment and volume reduction become more and more restrictive, cities are continually evaluating new and economical methods of reducing their discharge.  While used more substantially in other states and countries out of conservation necessity, the reuse of stormwater for urban irrigation is gaining traction in Minnesota.  Not only can stormwater harvesting and reuse reduce the runoff discharge volume and improve downstream water quality, but with nearly 30% of municipal water consumption nationwide going to irrigation, it also conserves potable water sources.

The design of stormwater collection and reuse projects depends upon ultimate needs, goals and site-specific variables.  The primary areas of engineering consideration include: collection, storage, treatment and distribution.  Hydromethods engineers have experience with surface pond and underground cistern storage design, multi-level treatment, and climate-controlled irrigation systems.  Contact us now for discussion of your stormwater reuse needs. 

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