Everything You Need to Know about the Arizona SWPPP and NPDES Permit Requirements
- joeyruse
- Jan 1
- 3 min read
What is a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)?
A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is a document that outlines the measures and best management practices (BMPs) that a project or facility will implement to minimize stormwater pollution. These plans are required by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) and are aimed at reducing the risk of contaminants, such as oil, chemicals, debris, and sediments, from entering stormwater runoff and flowing into water bodies.
Key Requirements for a SWPPP in Arizona
Arizona requires SWPPPs for construction activities that disturb 1 acre or more of land. Below are the main requirements for creating a SWPPP:
Identify Sources of Pollution: The plan must identify potential sources of pollutants at the site, including chemicals, sediment, debris, and waste materials.
Implement Best Management Practices (BMPs): The SWPPP must include specific BMPs to control and prevent stormwater pollution. These may include silt fences, sediment basins, erosion control methods, and stormwater filtration systems.
Site-specific Plan: The SWPPP must be customized to the specific needs of the project site. This means addressing the unique characteristics of the site, such as its location, size, and construction activities.
Inspection and Maintenance Plan: Regular inspections must be conducted to ensure the BMPs are functioning as intended. Per the ADEQ inspections must be performed on one of the following schedules:
once within 7 calendar days, but not within 5 calendar days of the previous inspection; or
once within 14 calendar days, but not within 10 calendar days of the previous inspection, and within 24 hours of the occurrence of each storm event of 0.5 inch or greater in 24 hours; or
once per month, but not within 14 calendar days of the previous inspection and within 24 hours of the occurrence of a storm event of 0.25 inch or greater.
A maintenance plan should also be in place to address any needed repairs or improvements found necessary during the inspection process.
Employee Training: Workers on the site must be trained on stormwater pollution prevention measures and the importance of following the BMPs outlined in the SWPPP.
Notice of Intent (NOI) Requirements in Arizona
A Notice of Intent (NOI) is a critical step in the SWPPP process. It is a formal notification submitted to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to indicate the intent to discharge stormwater runoff from construction activities into a regulated waterway. Here's when and why the NOI is required:
When is an NOI Necessary?
In Arizona, an NOI is necessary when construction activities will disturb one acre or more of land. This threshold is consistent with federal regulations under the Clean Water Act (CWA), which mandates that projects disturbing this amount of land must comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. The NOI serves as a request for authorization to discharge stormwater off the construction site.
Key Components of an NOI
When submitting an NOI, the following details must be provided:
Project details: Name, address, and location of the project site.
Point of contact: Information for the individual responsible for ensuring the SWPPP is properly implemented.
Project schedule: Timeline for the start and completion of construction activities.
Receiving Waterbody: The name and impairment status of the nearest receiving waterbody that the stormwater runoff would drain to.
MS4 Operator: Name of the municipality that operates the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) nearby the project area.
SWPPP certification: A certification that the project will adhere to the SWPPP and its provisions and has been prepared by a qualified individual like a Licensed Engineer or Certified Professional in Erosion & Sediment Control (CPESC).
Submission Deadlines
The NOI must be submitted at least 48 hours before the start of construction activities that disturb one acre or more. It is essential to plan ahead and ensure the NOI is submitted on time to avoid delays or penalties.
Post-Approval Requirements
After ADEQ reviews and approves the NOI, a Notice of Coverage (NOC) will be issued, granting authorization to discharge stormwater runoff from the site. The construction team must then implement the approved SWPPP and adhere to its BMPs. A copy of the Notice of Coverage must be posted at the construction site entry.
Conclusion
Ensuring compliance with SWPPP and NPDES requirements is essential for protecting Arizona’s water resources and avoiding costly enforcement actions. By developing a comprehensive SWPPP, submitting the required NOI, and maintaining compliance throughout the project lifecycle, operators can ensure projects stay on time and budget.
Not sure if you have everything you need?
Contact the qualified stormwater compliance professionals at Eco Permit Pros today to check SWPPP off your to-do list!
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