FAQ’s

Stormwater

When is a SWPPP required in California?

A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is required for:

• Construction projects disturbing 1 acre or more

• Industrial facilities covered under the Industrial General Permit (IGP)

The SWPPP outlines Best Management Practices (BMPs) and monitoring requirements to prevent pollution.

What is the difference between QSD, QSP, and QISP?

• QSD (Qualified SWPPP Developer): Prepares the SWPPP for construction projects

• QSP (Qualified SWPPP Practitioner): Implements and inspects construction sites

• QISP (Qualified Industrial Stormwater Practitioner): Manages industrial stormwater compliance

Each role is required for different types of stormwater permits in California.

What happens if a site exceeds stormwater limits?

If sampling results exceed Numeric Action Levels (NALs), facilities must complete Exceedance Response Actions (ERA Level 1 or 2), which include investigation, corrective actions, and additional reporting.

When do I need a Construction Stormwater Permit in California?

You need a Construction Stormwater Permit in California when your project disturbs one acre or more of soil, or is part of a larger common plan of development that collectively disturbs one acre or more.

This requirement falls under the State Water Resources Control Board Construction General Permit (CGP), which regulates stormwater runoff from construction sites to prevent pollution of surface waters.

Typical projects that require coverage include:

• Residential and commercial site development

• Road and infrastructure construction

• Grading and land clearing activities

To comply, you must:

• Prepare a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)

• Implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) to control erosion and sediment

• Conduct inspections and stormwater sampling

• Submit required documentation through the SMARTS system

Even smaller sites (less than one acre) may require a permit if they are part of a larger phased development project.

Early evaluation is important, as permit coverage must be obtained before construction begins.

When do I need an Industrial Stormwater Permit in California?

You need an Industrial Stormwater Permit in California if your facility is classified under one of the industrial categories regulated by the State Water Resources Control Board’s Industrial General Permit (IGP) and stormwater may come into contact with industrial materials or activities.

This typically applies to facilities such as:

• Manufacturing and processing plants

• Warehousing and distribution centers

• Recycling facilities and scrap yards

• Transportation yards and maintenance facilities

• Certain agricultural and food processing operations

If your site exposes materials like raw materials, equipment, waste, or industrial byproducts to rain or runoff, you are likely required to obtain permit coverage.

To comply with the Industrial General Permit, facilities must:

• Develop and implement a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)

• Perform regular stormwater sampling and monitoring

• Submit reports through the SMARTS database

• Take corrective actions if results exceed regulatory limits

In some cases, facilities may qualify for:

• No Exposure Certification (NEC) (if all materials are fully sheltered)

• Notice of Non-Applicability (NONA) (if no industrial stormwater discharge occurs)

Because requirements depend on your operations, exposure conditions, and SIC/NAICS classification, it’s important to evaluate your site early to determine if permit coverage is required.

What happens if a site exceeds stormwater limits?

If sampling results exceed Numeric Action Levels (NALs), facilities must complete Exceedance Response Actions (ERA Level 1 or 2), which include investigation, corrective actions, and additional reporting.

Monitoring & Sampling

How often is environmental sampling required?

Sampling frequency depends on permit conditions but is often:

• Monthly

• Quarterly

• Annually

Sampling is required for stormwater, groundwater, and wastewater compliance programs.

What is groundwater monitoring?

Groundwater monitoring involves measuring water levels, flow direction (gradient), and water quality to track environmental conditions and ensure regulatory compliance.

SPCC & Tanks

When is an SPCC Plan required?

An SPCC Plan is required under EPA regulations (40 CFR §112) for facilities storing certain quantities of oil. It outlines procedures to prevent and respond to spills.