The John Deere Ottumwa Works (JDOW) facility is responsible for avoiding water quality degradation through polluted stormwater. Due to the large amount impervious area at the facility, a massive amount of stormwater runoff is generated with each rainfall event. Pollutants can all have adverse environmental impacts on local aquatic life and water quality. JDOW’s proximity to the Des Moines River, located within 1,000 feet the waterway, is of special concern.

The JDOW facility encompasses 120 acres, with approximately 82 acres associated with industrial activities. Industrial facilities are required, as part of the Clean Water Act’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, to develop and adhere to a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The SWPPP dictates that the facility must collect and analyze stormwater runoff from 6 defined drainage areas. Impact7G staff created a standard operating procedure for collecting stormwater samples in each respective drainage area at least 72 hours after rainfall events totaling at least 0.1 inches. The procedure includes directions for environmental personnel to collect grab and composite samples, and how to complete required documentation.