Civil engineering is a complex discipline, made even more complicated by a wealth of acronyms and jargon. To make matters more difficult, many of these acronyms refer to important regulations or industry certifications. Development of properties is made simplier by having help navigating the lingo. What is NPDES, and what does SWPPP mean? What is a CPESC? Below are explanations for these common acronyms and how they can impact your next project:

3 Common Engineering Acronyms Explained

1. NPDES

The National Pollution Discharge Elimination System, or NPDES, is a regulatory program designed to control pollutants entering America’s waterways. If building your facility means introducing sand, gravel, cellar dirt, or other waste products into rivers, streams, or estuaries, you’ll likely need an NPDES permit. Hiring a civil engineering firm with an in-depth understanding of the permit program will ensure that your construction site remains compliant — helping you avoid fines and potentially costly delays.

2. SWPPP

SWPPP/SWP3 stands for Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans, which are required for most construction sites. These plans meet the EPA’s minimum requirements for General Construction Permits, or GCPs, which are designed to prevent rainwater from carrying pollutants into surface waterways. Civil engineers often create new SWPPPs for construction sites and conduct inspections to ensure the site meets all state and federal requirements.

3. CPESC

A CPESC is a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control, a civil engineering professional with special training. These experts are the only group recognized by the EPA to evaluate and prepare SWPPPs, making them an invaluable part of any project that includes large-scale land development.

As one of Ohio’s premier civil engineering and land surveying firms, Abercrombie & Associates, Inc. has served construction and development professionals for over 40 years. Their staff includes CPESC-qualified experts with the skills and knowledge to ensure your project is compliant with all EPA rules and regulations. Visit their website to learn more about their broad range of services, get more insight and info on Facebook, or call (513) 385-5757 to discuss your project with an industry leader today.