A stormwater outfall is discharging visibly to a stream during a rain event. What immediate action should you take?

• A. Ignore the discharge if it stops soon.
• B. Notify only the DEQ, and take no internal action.
• C. Document the discharge, assess BMPs, notify the site supervisor and DEQ according to procedures, and begin corrective actions.
• D. Wait for the next inspection to record it.

Answer: (C)

When a stormwater outfall is visibly discharging to a stream during rain, treat it as an actionable water-quality concern that needs prompt response. Start by documenting what you observe—the time, exact location, flow characteristics, rainfall conditions, and any noticeable indicators like color or odor—to create a clear record. Next, quickly assess the BMPs in place: confirm they are installed correctly, functioning, and sufficient to control the discharge, and identify any failures or gaps that allowed the outfall to overflow. Communicate with the site supervisor and follow internal procedures to notify the DEQ as required, ensuring both internal and regulatory awareness. Then begin corrective actions immediately to stop the discharge and prevent recurrence. This can include repairing or adjusting BMPs, fixing leaks or faulty outlets, enhancing stabilization and erosion controls, removing contaminated material, and implementing interim measures to keep polluted water from reaching the stream. Acting with documentation, assessment, notification, and rapid correction aligns with permit requirements and SWPPP practices. Delaying action or relying on a single step (like only notifying the regulator or waiting for the next inspection) would fail to protect water quality and comply with procedures.