As of March 10, 2003, all construction activities that disturb one acre or more of land, or disturb less than one acre but is part of larger common plan of development, must obtain permit coverage. Permit coverage requirements are individual stormwater permits or coverage under Statewide General Construction Activity Stormwater Permit (GCASP).
Most construction activities fall under GCASP requirements. Construction activities include, but are not limited to, soil disturbance, clearing, grading, stock piling or excavation. However, an individual permit may be issued at the discretion of the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
On June 18, 2003, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activity from Small Linear Underground/Overhead Projects (Small LUPs). Small LUPs that disturbs at least one acre but less than five acres of land during construction include but are not limited to:
PERMIT APPLICATIONTo apply for permit coverage under GCASP, individual permit or Small LUP, the owner or operator of the construction site is responsible to file:
Regular [U.S. Postal Service] mail: State Water Resources Control Board Division of Water Quality Attn: Storm Water Section PO Box 1977 Sacramento, CA 95812-1977 FedEx or other overnight mail: State Water Resources Control Board Division of Water Quality Attn: Storm Water Section 1001 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814
The SWPPP shall be completed prior to the submittal of the NOI. The SWPPP shall be amended whenever there is a change in design, construction, operation or maintenance which has a significant effect on the potential for discharge of pollutants. The SWPPP shall also be amended if it proves to be ineffective in significantly reducing pollutants from sources identified in the Permit. The SWPPP shall also be amended to indicate any new contractor and or subcontractor that will implement any measure of the SWPPP. All amendments shall be signed, dated and kept as attachments to the original SWPPP. The contents of the construction SWPPP consists of:
This first step in preparing a SWPPP is to define the characteristics of the site and the type of construction that will occur. This involves collecting site information, identifying natural features that should be protected, developing a site plan design, describing nature of construction activity and preparing pollution.
The second step is to assess the impact of the construction project on stormwater runoff.
The third step is to document the procedures to prevent and control polluted stormwater runoff. Site must be designed to infiltrate the stormwater into the ground and keep it out of the storm drains.
After the SWPPP is developed, the authorized representative must sign and keep the SWPPP on site so the staff can implement SWPPP measures.
The BMPs must be inspected regularly especially before and after rain events. Many BMPs are designed to handle a limited amount of sediment. If the BMPs are not maintained, the BMPs become ineffective and a source of sediment pollution. It is also important to keep records of BMP installation, implementation and maintenance.
Notice of Termination (NOT) is required when:
FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PERMITThe current fee is based on total size of the construction project in acres. See construction fees for a list of fees by acres. An annual invoice will continue to be sent until the project is complete and Notice of Termination is submitted to and approved by RWQCB.If you have questions regarding outstanding invoices or payments, please contact the Fee Unit at 916-341-5247.
NOTICE OF TERMINATION AND CHANGE OF OWNERSHIPThe permit will remain in effect until a Notice of Termination is submitted to and approved by RWQCB. The current permit allows a discharger to terminate portions of construction project if those portions have been sold to another owner. The permit is not transferable so the responsibility to obtain permit coverage, update the SWPPP and comply with the permit requirements becomes that of the new owner. The owner must submit a new NOI package within 30 days of the date of change of ownership.