SWEMA to accelerate initiatives to provide Clean Water Act guidance

ST. PAUL, MINN. — The board of the Stormwater Equipment Manufacturers Association (SWEMA) announced that the organization’s 2013-1014 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 governmental officials develop their own protocols," said Gene LaManna of Terre Hill Stormwater Systems, 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."

One recent SWEMA initiative is 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 (BMPs); 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.

LaManna commented, "SWEMA will continue to develop documents and research that will assist municipalities in obtaining “fishable and swimmable waters.” We will continue to provide scientifically supported advice to the stormwater industry.”

Formed in 2008, SWEMA is comprised of industry experts who volunteer their time to develop educational programs, standards, guidelines and best management practices for stormwater treatment and management. Additional information is available at www.stormwaterassociation.com.