Across much of the U.S., July and August can bring the highest risk of flash flooding, with sudden, high-intensity storms that can overwhelm both natural and manufactured drainage systems. For industrial facilities, especially those with outdoor operations, tanks, sumps, or containment areas, these storms can turn a manageable wastewater system into a compliance risk very quickly.
At Valicor, we’ve supported customers through storm seasons in nearly every region. What we’ve seen again and again is that the key to staying compliant during summer storms comes down to three things: planning, containment, and rapid response.
1. Understand How Stormwater Can Interact With Your Wastewater
The first step is recognizing how rain events may affect your site’s water flows. Even if your plant’s wastewater is fully contained during normal operations, sudden stormwater intrusion can mix with:
Once contaminated with oils, surfactants, metals, or process chemicals, that stormwater becomes industrial wastewater. This type of water cannot be legally discharged to storm drains or surface water unless proper permits and treatment are in place.
EPA Guidance on Stormwater Discharges from Industrial Activities
2. Inspect and Maintain Containment Systems Ahead of Storm Season
Preventative maintenance goes a long way. We always recommend that facility teams:
If your facility has outdoor tanks, bins, or loading docks, it is also important to check whether covers, berms, or diversion systems are in place and working as intended.
3. Have a Response Plan in Place Before You Need It
Stormwater events don’t always happen during business hours. Having an emergency wastewater response plan in place before a rain event occurs is essential.
At Valicor, we work with customers to prepare for:
Being proactive helps your team avoid scrambling to find a solution after the damage has already been done.
4. Document Everything
In the aftermath of a major storm, documentation becomes critical. It supports internal accountability and provides information for local or state regulators. We recommend:
Even if there was no discharge, documenting your stormwater management efforts shows due diligence and helps during compliance reviews.
5. Choose a Wastewater Partner That Can Respond Quickly
Not all wastewater service providers are able to respond quickly or process large volumes of stormwater. At Valicor, we’ve helped customers handle everything from routine storm-related washouts to major flooding emergencies. Our network of treatment facilities, vacuum trucks, and experienced field teams allows us to respond with speed and scale.
If you already work with a waste management partner, now is the right time to review your emergency plan together. Make sure they understand your layout, tank capacities, and the types of waste you may be dealing with during a storm.
Summer storms can turn a low-risk operation into a high-risk situation very quickly. The interaction between stormwater and industrial materials creates compliance challenges that require fast, informed action.
If your facility’s emergency plan is outdated, or if you have recently experienced a close call, this is the right time to take a fresh look. Our team is here to help with containment strategies, tanking options, and collection planning before the next storm hits.
Need to prepare your site for storm-related wastewater challenges?
Contact Valicor to discuss your site needs, schedule a consultation, or request support for your emergency response planning.