Construction Stormwater Management
Construction stormwater management involves preventing sediment, debris, and pollutants from disturbed project sites from entering local waterways. Under federal Clean Water Act regulations, projects disturbing 1 acre or more require a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.
Construction General Permit (CGP)
The EPA Construction General Permit (CGP) is a federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit that authorizes the discharge of stormwater from construction sites. It requires site operators to control runoff pollutants and minimize environmental damage.
Most states administer their own stormwater CGPs, but the EPA acts as the permitting authority in select jurisdictions. This includes New Mexico
Core Compliance Requirements of the CGP include:
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan(SWPPP)
- Filing a Notice of Intent (NOI)
- Install & Maintain Stormwater Controls (BMPs)
- Conduct Routine Inspections
- File a Notice of Termination (NOT)
2022 Construction General Permit
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs)
A SWPPP is a site-specific, written document that outlines how a construction or industrial site will prevent stormwater runoff from carrying pollutants into local water bodies. They are required for any development disturbing one or more acres of land.
Key SWPPP sections include
Site Description & Map
This section must visually and textually outline the project's geography, potential pollution sources, and erosion control measures.
Pollutant Inventory
Comprehensive list of all potential pollutants and material sources on a site that could come into contact with stormwater
Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Operational, structural, and procedural controls to prevent pollutants, such as sediment and chemicals, from entering stormwater runoff and local waterways
Inspection & Maintenance
regularly evaluating and repairing a site's Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prevent stormwater pollution. Routine checks and prompt maintenance ensure regulatory compliance, protect local waterways, and prevent costly stop-work orders or fines.
Why are they needed?
Because storm drains typically lead directly to local waterways without being treated, contaminants easily disrupt aquatic ecosystems.
Additional Resources
Educational Materials
- Santa Fe MS4 Jurisdiction Map
- Reading and understanding a SWPPP document (Pending)