Since the implementation of the NPDES Phase II regulations, the management of stormwater has become an increasingly critical issue. With its implementation has come a diverse array of methods for attaining compliance. The Stormwater Equipment Manufacturers Association (SWEMA) was established to work as an industry organization in setting forth consistent protocols for the effective operation of stormwater management systems, with particular attention to the long-term benefit of all stakeholders in the drive for clean water.
Through the ingenuity and entrepreneurship of many individuals and organizations from both the public and private sectors, various measures have been created to manage the effects of stormwater runoff. SWEMA aims to bring these groups together to work toward ensuring practical, effective, and sustainable solutions through the development of consistent evaluation standards throughout the regions, and through education and outreach to all stakeholders regarding the ongoing requirements for managing stormwater runoff solutions.
By channeling the efforts of industry professionals and organizations in the pursuit of this mission, the group seeks to make a lasting difference in the protection of America's waterways. There are many ideas and concepts to achieve this goal and working together will produce the most significant impact.
Recently, the association has been drafting new testing protocols for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Members of the association are working together to create a scientifically defensible methodology the can equitably assess the performance of Manufactured Treatment Devices (MTDs). Those who wish to contribute to this effort are encouraged to join the association and get involved in this process.
The Stormwater Equipment Manufacturers Association was founded on the following core values:
- Improving the quality of stormwater run-off is essential to the prosperity, health and welfare of everyone.
- Manufactured products have an important place in the systematic treatment of the water entering oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams.
- Designers and manufacturers of stormwater technologies, proprietary or otherwise, must encourage independent third-party testing in the public arena.
- Evaluation of all stormwater technologies, proprietary or otherwise, must use the same standards and protocols.
- Emerging technologies must have a path for acceptance through testing and pilot projects.
- Consistent standards must be followed to ensure the appropriate sizing of all stormwater practices.
- Excessive testing must be eliminated by the promotion of reciprocal test data acceptance.
- Any stormwater technology, proprietary or otherwise, must be required to have supporting documentation, in all situations, before it is rated or assumed to have a uniform removal percentage.
Anyone who would like to be involved in the work the association is doing is invited to join one of its three membership classifications. More information about the association can be found at www.stormwaterassociation.com.
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