Storm water drain covers are ideal for construction sites, industrial work areas, or any setting where contaminated liquid could enter a storm drain.

The storm drain cover from Basic Concepts is available in a variety of different materials and can be custom-fitted to match your sizing specifications. The storm drain cover requires no assembly, and its lightweight design makes it easy to transport. 

The Clean Water Act requires companies and individuals to take steps to prevent runoff from entering storm drains on job sites. The storm drain cover will enable you to comply with EPA guidelines so you can have peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you Properly Install a Storm Water Drain Cover?

To install a storm drain cover, place the drain cover over the center of the storm drain and ensure that no part of the storm drain is left exposed. Ensure that the storm drain cover is lying flat with no air pockets trapped underneath the drain cover. 

In order to provide an effective seal, the storm drain cover must be placed squarely over the storm drain so that no water or runoff is able to seep through cracks or poorly sealed portions of the storm drain cover.

Is a Berm as Good as a Cover?

Storm drain berms are frequently seen on construction sites, industrial work areas, or any job site where runoff could potentially enter a storm drainage system. Berms are an adequate countermeasure for preventing pollutants from entering storm drains but there are a few advantages to using a storm drain cover over a storm drain berm.

Storm drain berms are placed around the perimeter of a storm drain and can prevent runoff or pollutants from entering the drain. However, since a berm does not seal the top of the drain, a berm can only prevent runoff from entering the storm drain up to a certain level. Once the height of the runoff exceeds the height of the berm, the runoff will enter the storm drain, potentially polluting the environment. 

The advantage of using a storm drain cover instead of a berm is that a storm drain cover completely covers the storm drain which prevents runoff from entering a storm drain regardless of the water level.

What are the Fines for Violating the Clean Water Act?

The penalties for violating the Clean Water Act by failing to prevent runoff from entering a storm drain depends on if the violation was committed negligently or knowingly. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a negligent violation of the clean water act can result in 1 year of jail time and/or $2,500-25,000 per day in fines. A knowing violation could result in three years of jail time and $5,000-50,000 per day in fines.

Criminal prosecution of those who violate the Clean Water Act by allowing runoff to enter storm drainage systems does happen. Every year the EPA reports dozens of cases where companies or individuals are sentenced to prison or made to pay hefty fines for violating storm water runoff guidelines.  

What is the Environmental Impact From Spills Entering Storm Drains?

Water that travels down the drain in a sink, toilet, or shower goes through the sewer system and ends up at a water treatment plant. That is not the case with storm drains. Whatever substance happens to flow into a storm drain does not go to a treatment center, but ends up in the nearest body of water. This means that oil from vehicles, soap from car washes, and whatever debris is swept into a storm drain by rainwater ends up in the ecosystem.

The EPA reports that storm drain runoff is the leading cause of water pollution in the U.S. If companies, organizations, and individuals do not take the necessary steps to prevent pollutants from entering a storm drain, it will continue to negatively impact the environment.