What is the primary function of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)?

The primary function of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is to prevent stormwater pollution. SWPPPs are essential legal guidelines used primarily in construction and development projects to protect water quality by reducing the potential for pollutants in stormwater runoff. These plans outline best management practices (BMPs) that construction sites must implement to control erosion and manage the quality of stormwater discharges. By effectively identifying potential sources of pollution and strategizing on how to mitigate them, SWPPPs help to ensure that sediments, chemicals, and other harmful materials do not contaminate nearby waterways, ultimately protecting the environment and public health.

While energy consumption, soil efficiency, and plant growth are important considerations in landscape architecture, they do not pertain directly to the primary aim of a SWPPP, which is specifically focused on controlling stormwater pollution.