Stormwater Analyses
Babcock Labs has provided for the collection and testing of stormwater samples since the inception of the stormwater runoff program. Our laboratory and its partners provide complete analytical services for the NPDES programs administered by the State Water Resources Quality Control Board for industrial stormwater, construction activities, municipalities, and Caltrans.
Industrial Stormwater
Under the new Industrial General Permit (IGP) issued by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, the permit holder is required to collect and analyze storm water samples from each discharge location for two Qualified Stormwater Events (QSEs) within the first half of each reporting year (July 1 to December 31), and two QSEs within the second half of each reporting year (January 1st to June 30th). As detailed in each IGP holder’s Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), the tests required for all facilities include:
Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
pH (in the field)
Oil & Grease
Additional tests are determined by the category of the industry (SIC) and the contaminants most likely to be found in runoff from the location. All Dischargers are required to submit and certify all reports electronically via the Storm Water Multiple Application and Report Tracking System (SMARTS).
We can provide stormwater sampling kits and recommend orders be placed in advance. To order a sampling kit, please send your list of analytes to our Client Services Manager, Marian Fahim, or your Project Manager.
Construction
Dischargers whose projects disturb one or more acres of soil or whose projects disturb less than one acre but are part of a larger common plan of development that in total disturbs one or more acres, are required to obtain coverage under the General Permit for Discharges of Storm Water Associated with Construction Activity (Construction General Permit Order 2009-0009-DWQ). Construction activity subject to this permit includes clearing, grading and disturbances to the ground such as stockpiling, or excavation, but does not include regular maintenance activities performed to restore the original line, grade, or capacity of the facility.
Babcock Labs offers laboratory testing to meet the requirements of the Construction Storm Water Program. Please contact your Project Manager for more details.
Municipalities & Caltrans
Our laboratory also works with many cities, counties, and the transportation department to meet the monitoring needs of their respective stormwater programs. We provide compositing and maintenance of automated sampler equipment in conjunction with the analytical reporting required.
For additional stormwater information from the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, visit their website. You may also contact the local Regional Water Quality Control Board Office in Riverside, California (Region 8) at 951-782-4130.