Storm Water Regulation: State

The State Water Resources Control Board, a division of the California Environmental Protection Agency, requires that construction sites over one acre obtain a storm water permit in order to discharge runoff into a city’s storm drain system or a local waterbody. This storm water permit mandates that regulated construction sites must develop and implement various programs to prevent the contamination of storm water. Additional information about the state construction activities storm water permit is listed below.

Statewide Construction Activities Storm Water General Permit

Construction sites greater than one acre are required to obtain coverage under the Statewide Construction Activities Storm Water General Permit. You cannot obtain a grading permit in the City of Oceanside without demonstrating proof of coverage and compliance to the Permit requirements. Much of the information you will need to guide you through the process of obtaining coverage under this Storm Water Permit can be found on the State Water Resources Control Board website page for construction activities. To help you locate the correct page and information, a summary of information and links are available for you below.

Before embarking on the complex voyage of compliance, read the Construction Activities Storm Water General Permit Order No. 99-08-DWQ.

Step 1: You must fill out a Notice of Intent (NOI) if your construction site is greater than one acre. NOIs are sent to the State Water Resources Control Board. This form is intended to: declare your intent to begin constructions activities, identify the responsible party(ies), identify the location of construction site, identify the type of operations to be covered, and document your knowledge of the Permit requirements. A copy of the State Water Resources Control Boards’ receipt of the NOI is required when submitting project plans to the Engineering Department for a grading permit.

Step 2: Develop a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The two objectives of a SWPPP are to assist in locating potential pollutants that could affect storm water and preventing storm water pollution through the development and use of Best Management Practices (BMPs). As stated in the Permit Order No. 99-08 the “required elements of a SWPPP include: (1) site description addressing the elements and characteristics specific to the site, (2) descriptions of BMPs for erosion and sediment controls, (3) BMPs for construction waste handling and disposal, (4) implementation of approved local plans, (5) proposed post-construction controls, including description of local post-construction erosion and sediment control requirements, and (6) non-storm water management.” The State Water Resources Control Board has a Checklist to assist in the preparation of a SWPPP which can come in handy. A copy of the SWPPP is required when submitting project plans to the Engineering Department for a grading permit.

Step 3: Prepare site maps that identifies areas with the potential to discharge pollutants to the storm drain system or receiving waters, and the appropriate Best Management Practices to prevent storm water pollution. Make sure to include this map in your SWPPP.

Step 4: As you begin the development process, implement your BMPs and educate your construction crew about the SWPPP guidelines.

Step 5: Evaluate the effectiveness of your BMPs and make changes as necessary to be in compliance.

Step 6: Conduct routine water quality monitoring of runoff leaving your construction site.

Step 7: Retain records of monitoring logs, water quality analysis, and other data used for three years after the commencement of construction activities.

Step 8: Submit annual report to the State Water Resources Control Board of SWPPP implementation and effectiveness.

Step 9: When the project is completed, you may apply for a Construction Notice of Termination to discontinue coverage under the Storm Water Permit.

If you still have any questions about the Construction Storm Water Permit, you can read the State Water Resources Control Boards Frequently asked questions section or drop them an email for further clarification.

Inspections

Both the Regional Water Quality Control Board and the City of Oceanside will be conducting inspections at all construction sites regulated under the Statewide General Constructions Activities Permit or considered high to medium threat to water quality. All construction sites considered high threat will be inspected on a weekly or monthly basis, whereas those sites considered medium threat to water quality will be inspected twice a year. Inspections are typically conducted without notice. You may download a sample inspection forms (484 KB) in order to understand areas the inspector will concentrate on during the visit. Be sure to have your site’s NOI and SWPPP readily available on site for the inspector, if applicable.