What must an airport operator develop in relation to the NPDES permit process?

The requirement for an airport operator to develop a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is crucial in relation to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit process. The SWPPP is designed to identify potential sources of pollution that may affect the quality of stormwater discharges from the airport and to outline practices that will be implemented to reduce these pollutants.

Airports often handle various materials—fuels, chemicals, and de-icing agents—that can contaminate stormwater runoff and pose a risk to the environment. By creating a SWPPP, the airport demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship and compliance with federal regulations. This framework ensures that appropriate control measures are in place, and it documents the monitoring and maintenance of those measures, which is vital for maintaining compliance with the NPDES requirements.

These plans are specifically tailored to address stormwater management and are a key component of the NPDES permit application process, helping authorities track and mitigate the impact of stormwater runoff. This is why the development of a SWPPP stands out as the essential requirement for airport operators in this context.