Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)

Produces a construction SWPPP covering site characterization, BMP selection, inspection schedules, recordkeeping, and operator certification under the Clean Water Act NPDES program.

Prerequisites

1. Project details — name, location (coordinates or legal description), total disturbance acreage, timeline
2. Operator identification — entity with day-to-day operational control
3. Site characterization — soil types, topography, drainage patterns, existing vegetation
4. Receiving waters — all water bodies receiving discharge, distance/direction, 303(d) or TMDL status
5. Environmental features — wetlands, endangered species habitat, historic properties within or adjacent to site
6. Existing permits — NPDES permit number, state CGP, MS4 requirements
7. Site plans / grading plans — if available

Output Structure

1. Cover Page & Certifications

2. Site Description

• Project narrative (scope, phases, timeline)
• Total site area vs. disturbance area
• Soil types (reference NRCS Web Soil Survey)
• Pre- and post-construction drainage patterns
• Receiving waters table:

• Endangered species / historic preservation eligibility determination

3. Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Organize into three categories. For each BMP, specify location, install timing, design spec, and maintenance requirement.

Erosion & Sediment Controls — silt fence, sediment basins (3,600 cf/acre or state requirement), inlet protection, stabilized construction entrances (min 50 ft × 20 ft, 6" stone), temporary seeding for areas inactive >14 days.

Good Housekeeping & Pollution Prevention

Stabilization Practices

4. Inspection & Monitoring

Schedule

Inspector: Qualified person with SWPPP/BMP/CGP knowledge. States may require CPESC or equivalent.

Each inspection must document:

• [ ] All BMPs operational and maintained
• [ ] No off-site sediment discharge
• [ ] Slopes and disturbed areas assessed
• [ ] Sediment levels at basins/traps
• [ ] Construction entrances functioning
• [ ] Material storage properly contained
• [ ] New discharge points identified
• [ ] Prior corrective actions completed

Corrective actions: Initiate within 24 hours; complete before next storm or within 7 days, whichever is sooner.

5. Recordkeeping

6. Amendments

SWPPP is a living document. Amend when:

• BMPs prove ineffective
• Site conditions change (new phases, redesign)
• Inspections reveal new pollutant sources
• Agency directs changes or operator changes

Log each amendment with date, description, and responsible party.

7. Personnel & Training

• Identify SWPPP administrator by name and contact
• All BMP personnel: initial training + annual refresher
• Topics: SWPPP requirements, BMP installation/maintenance, spill response, reporting obligations

8. Appendices

• A: Site maps (existing conditions, grading, BMP locations, drainage areas)
• B: BMP detail drawings
• C: NPDES permit / state CGP authorization
• D: Notice of Termination (when filed)
• E: Inspection report forms (blank + completed)
• F: Subcontractor certifications
• G: Endangered species / historic preservation documentation

Guidelines

• State tailoring — CGP varies by state; confirm BMP design standards, inspection frequencies, stabilization deadlines, and reporting thresholds [VERIFY]
• 303(d) / TMDL waters — trigger enhanced BMPs and potentially numeric effluent limits; flag prominently in site description
• MS4 permits — check for local requirements beyond the CGP
• Multi-operator sites — each operator needs own SWPPP or clearly defined responsibilities in shared plan
• Do not certify — include signature blocks but operator (not drafter) must sign
• Linear projects (roads, utilities) — use phased approach with separate BMP plans per active segment
• Federal citations: 40 CFR § 122.26, 40 CFR § 450.21, CWA § 402 [VERIFY CGP version year against current EPA issuance]
• Mark all state-specific citations with [VERIFY] unless user provides applicable state CGP