Cut the Chaos
Stormwater Compliance Tip
Each week we share a quick, actionable stormwater compliance tip, something you can put into practice right away to keep inspections smoother, BMPs stronger, and your SWPPP audit-ready.
Don’t forget to date your inspection logs.
It sounds simple, but missing dates are one of the most common issues we see during audits. An undated log might as well not exist, inspectors can’t verify when the check happened, and it leaves your whole program looking sloppy.
Quick Fix: Make it standard practice to add the date before you even start an inspection. One small habit keeps your logs defensible, your SWPPP current, and your team inspection-ready.
Takeaway: No date = no proof.
Best Pick of the Week
Pick of the Week: Stormwater in Focus
Sometimes stormwater compliance is serious business. And sometimes it’s… well, this. Each week we feature a photo or overheard quote that made us laugh, groan, or say ‘yep, been there.
We made the SWPPP, its in the binder over there, what more do you want?
Got a gem of your own? Send us your BMP bloopers, odd inspection finds, or best ‘did they really just say that?’ quotes. You might see it featured here next week.
This vs. That
Document of it didn’t happen.
Trainer’s Note
Compliance in Practice
Here’s a hard truth: your memory isn’t a compliance strategy.
I’ve been on sites where someone swore, “We checked the silt fence last week.” Maybe they did, but how could i know for sure? But without an inspection log, it doesn’t matter. If you didn’t document it, it didn’t happen.
Logs = proof. Memories = excuses. That’s the difference between chaos and confidence.
Documentation isn’t just paperwork, it’s a showcase for your skills and competency. Every checklist, every inspection log, every corrective action note builds the skills that separate a stormwater professional from someone just “getting by.”
Next time you’re tempted to go with your gut, pause and ask: “Can I prove this tomorrow if an inspector shows up?”
Poll of the Week
Stormwater Benchmark
Help us track the biggest sticking points in stormwater compliance, from SWPPP documentation and BMP maintenance to inspections and sampling. Your input doesn’t just guide this poll, it helps shape the competencies and training resources we’re building for stormwater professionals.
Which part of stormwater compliance feels like the biggest challenge at your site?
Upcoming Events
Stormwater Training & Webinar Schedule
Explore upcoming stormwater compliance events, BMP training sessions, and SWPPP workshops designed to keep you inspection-ready.
CPESC
Oct 3rd 2025 - One-Day Virtual CPESC Review
$375 registration fee per person.
We’re taking CPESC preparation to the next level. This session will now integrate the official EnviroCert-approved CPESC Sample Question document, giving participants both knowledge review and practical application to strengthen exam readiness.
Registration closes September 30th 2025
Student/Lunchtime Special
October 15, 22, 29, November 5 - 12pm-2pm CST
$375 registration fee per person.
$275 for Students, Recent Graduates (within 2 years) and Young Professionals (35 and under).
We’re taking CPESC preparation to the next level. This session will now integrate the official EnviroCert-approved CPESC Sample Question document, giving participants both knowledge review and practical application to strengthen exam readiness.
Registration closes October 10th 2025
Stormwater Awareness Week Webinars
Am I a Qualified Inspector? Depends…
Sep 23, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CST
SWAW Online Workshop
To be a qualified stormwater inspector, you need to meet three key metrics.
Understand EPA and State-specific regulations
Understand the stormwater practices, concerns, and maintenance for the sites you are responsible for.
Understand, implement, and maintain a site's Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.
The thing is each state and region has its own set of regulations, reporting measures, and timelines for maintenance. Not to mention, each region has varying climates and best management practices.
In this workshop, we present infographics and guides to each state's stormwater regulations, qualified personnel requirements and provide region and state-specific resources to clear up the confusion.
Registration closes Sep 23, 2025 -12:00 PM
Basics in Industrial Stormwater Management
Sep 25, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CST
SWAW Online Workshop
Industrial Stormwater tends to be the forgotten step-child in the stormwater world. Which is unfortunate as there are more more regulations, reports and headaches when it comes to industrial stormwater.
For this presentation we will go over the top 10 common violations seen at an industrial facility and provide resources to help any facility make steps towards compliance.
Registration closes Sep 25, 2025 - 12:00 PM
Deep Dive
Stormwater Compliance Insights
We’re preparing our next stormwater compliance deep dive — covering the tools, training, and strategies you need to stay ahead of inspections and avoid costly mistakes
Sign up for our The Compliance Compass Newsletter to stay ahead on stormwater compliance, BMPs, and SWPPP best practices. You’ll get updates first, plus practical resources to cut the chaos and build confidence in your program.
That’s it for this week.
Keep your records sharp, your checklists simple, and your compliance stress-free.
The Compliance Compass
P.S. First time here? Grab the Stormwater Basics Kit to get grounded in the essentials.
