Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does SWPPP stand for? SWPPP is an abbreviation for Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.
2. What is a SWPPP? The SWPPP is a document that outlines how a construction project will minimize stormwater pollution. Construction sites are a well-known source of sediment and other pollutants which can cause significant harm to rivers, lakes, coastal waters, and flood control facilities. The SWPPP describes the contractor's activity to prevent pollution for the specific project. The SWPPP should be kept on the construction site and updated frequently to reflect changes at the site. 3. How do you pronounce "SWPPP" In California, SWPPP is often pronounced "swip," "sweepy," "shwep," or by it's official name - Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.
4. When is a SWPPP required?: Typically, SWPPPs are only required for construction projects that disturb more than 1 acre of developed or undeveloped land. Additionally, the California Green Building Code (CalGreen) requires SWPPPs for projects that disturb less than 1 acre.
5. What is the purpose of the SWPPP?: The purpose of the SWPPP is to develop a strategy for construction projects to comply with Federal and State stormwater regulations. These regulations are put in place to minimize sediment and other pollutants in stormwater runoff commonly associated with construction activities.
6. What if I don't comply with SWPPP?:There are significant penalties for not complying with the SWPPP or State regulations. Any person who violates these regulations may be subject to fines of $37,500 per day of violation or imprisonment.
7. Who is responsible for the SWPPP compliance?:A good contractor will follow the SWPPP requirements. However, ultimately the property owner is the Legally Responsible Person (or LRP).
8. What is included in the SWPPP? - BMPs to minimize erosion and sediment (i.e. gravel bags, silt fence, straw wattle, sediment basin, soil stabilizers, etc...)
- BMPs to minimize non-stormwater discharges (i.e. concrete waste management, material waste management, good housekeeping practices, etc...)
- Site inspections and BMP maintenance
- Laboratory sampling and analysis
9. What are BMPs (Best Management Practices)? BMPs are procedures or engineered controlled devices used to reduce stormwater pollution from the construction site. BMPs for construction sites are generally temporary but need to be maintained regularly.
10. Who is qualified to prepare and implement the SWPPP for your site?
11. How often are SWPPP Site Inspections required? BMPs are required to be inspected weekly at minimum by a QSD or QSP.
12. What is NPDES?:The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is federal program for addressing discharges which adversely affect the quality of our nation's waters. NPDES stormwater permits are what regulate the implementation of controls designed to prevent harmful pollutants from being washed by stormwater runoff into local water bodies. Most states, including California, are authorized to implement the NPDES program and issue their own permits for stormwater discharges associated with construction activities. These permits, generally, can be thought of as umbrella permits that cover all stormwater discharges associated with construction activity for a designated time period. Operators of individual construction sites then apply for coverage under the state's General Permit. In California, the General Permit ( Order No. 2009-0009-DWQ) was issued by the SWRCB and went into effect on July 1, 2010.
13. What is the SWRCB?:The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is a five-member Board that sets statewide water quality protection policy in California. As stated above, the SWRCB issues stormwater permits for discharges associated with construction activity.
- How do I know if I need this
permit?
Construction activity resulting in a land disturbance of one acre or more,
or less than one acre but part of a larger common plan of development or
sale must obtain the Construction Activities Storm Water General Permit (2009-0009-DWQ
Permit). Construction activity includes clearing, grading, excavation,
stockpiling, and reconstruction of existing facilities involving removal
and replacement. Construction activity does not include routine
maintenance such as, maintenance of original line and grade, hydraulic
capacity, or original purpose of the facility.
Storm water discharges in the Lake Tahoe Hydrologic Unit are
regulated by a separate construction permit(s) adopted by the respective
California Regional Water Quality Control Board, and may not seek coverage
under the State Water Resources Control Board's General Permit. Storm
water discharges associated with construction activity on Indian lands
will be regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- Are
there other requirements I should be aware of when applying for this
permit?
There may be other permits or requirements in addition to the
2009-0009-DWQ Permit. For example, you may also need a streambed
alteration agreement from the Department of Fish and Game,
a Water Quality Certification (Clean Water Act Section 401) as
administered by the State and Regional Water Quality Control Boards,
and/or Clean Water Act Section 404 permit administered by the U. S. Army
Corp. of Engineers. Contact the appropriate Regional Water Quality Control
Board to determine if other permits are required for your construction
activity.
- Who
should apply, and who is the proper signatory?
The 2009-0009-DWQ Permit states the Legally Responsible Person (LRP) or a
person legally authorized to sign and certify on behalf of the LRP is
responsible for obtaining permit coverage.
- What
are the fees associated with the Permit?
The annual fees are based on total disturbed area of the construction
project in acres. See Construction fees for a list of fees
by acres. You will continue to receive an annual invoice until your
project is complete and a Notice of Termination is
electronically submitted and approved by each Regional Water Quality
Control Board that your project resides in.
Projects continuing from the 99-08-DWQ Permit into the 2009-0009-DWQ
Permit will pay the annual fees based on their current billing cycle.
- Who
do I contact for questions regarding an invoice?
If you have questions regarding outstanding invoices or payments please
contact our Fee Unit at (916) 341-5247.
- How
do I apply for coverage?
For new projects commencing on or after July 1, 2010, an LRP must
electronically submit Permit Registration Documents (PRDs) prior to
commencement of construction activities in the Storm water Multi-
Application Report Tracking System (SMARTS). PRDs consist of the Notice of
Intent, Risk Assessment, Post-Construction Calculations, a Site Map, the
SWPPP, a signed certification statement by the LRP, and the first annual
fee.
- How
long will it take for me to get my WDID number after I submit my PRDs to
SMARTS? Is there a staff or public review process before the WDID is
issued?
PRDs consist of the Notice of Intent, Risk Assessment, Post-Construction
Calculations, a Site Map, the SWPPP, a signed certification statement by
the LRP, and the first annual fee. Once these components have been
submitted and are deemed complete by the SMARTS system, a WDID number will
automatically be emailed to the LRP.
- How
long are PRDs available online after the WDID number is terminated?
PRDs and other reports will be available to the public to view for 5 years
after the NOT approval date.
- How
can I find out the status of my permit?
LRPs can log into the SMARTS system to obtain the status, or can download
or search the construction storm water database on the Storm Water Program Database.
- Will
SMARTS track enforcement data as well?
Yes. Regional Water Boards will enter their inspection and enforcement
data into SMARTS.
- When
will the SMARTS system be available?
The SMARTS system will be available by July 1, 2010 for electronic filing
of PRDs. It is anticipated that the system may be available prior to July
1st to allow for early submission of PRDs.
- How
long is my permit in effect?
Your coverage under the 2009-0009-DWQ Permit remains in effect until a Notice of Termination (NOT) is
submitted in SMARTS and approved by each Regional Water Board that your
project resides in. If the Regional Water Board denies the NOT, you are
responsible for any missed or outstanding invoices. For outstanding
invoices, a complete NOT must be received by the Regional Water Board 90
days from the original invoice date in order to cancel the invoice. If a
complete NOT is received after 90 days, the invoice is deemed valid and
payable.
- Can
I terminate or sell a portion of my project?
Yes, the 2009-0009-DWQ Permit allows a discharger to terminate portions of
a construction project if those portions have been sold to another owner.
The permit is not transferable, so the responsibility to obtain permit
coverage, update the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), and
comply with permit requirements becomes that of the new owner. The seller
must notify the new owner about his/her responsibilities concerning the
permit, and must notify the State Water Board by submitting the new
owner's name, address, and phone number on the Change of Information (COI)
form for the termination to be processed. The seller must also disclose
the state of construction, primarily if construction activity is ongoing,
or if the post-construction requirements are completed.
- What
if I sell the property prior to completing the construction?
The new owner must submit new PRDs within 30 days of the date of change of
ownership. For ongoing construction activity involving a change of
ownership, the new owner must review the existing Storm Water Pollution
Prevention Plan (SWPPP), determine if it is appropriate for the
construction activity being undertaken. If it is not in compliance, then
the SWPPP must be amended, or a new SWPPP developed.
- When
do I have to implement post-construction requirements?
The post-construction requirements become mandatory on September 2, 2012.
On a case by case basis, dischargers may request an extension from the
Executive Officer of the local Regional Water Board.
- If
my site is still active after September 2012 but I file a Change of
Information to reduce my acreage, do the post-construction requirements
apply to the completed portion?
No. If you file a COI to reduce your acreage prior to September 2012, then
only the remaining disturbed acreage would need to comply with the post
construction requirements.
- After
a project is grandfathered into coverage under the new CGP at risk level 1
(type 1), can the State Water Board or Regional Water Board change that
project's risk level?
Yes, the Regional Water Boards have the authority to require a risk
determination be performed on grandfathered projects that have a history
of non-compliance with the 99-08-DWQ, 99-06-DWQ, and 2003-0007-DWQ
Permits, or where the project poses a significant threat to water quality
without the implementation of the additional Risk Level 2 or 3
requirements.
- Will
grandfathered construction projects need to have their SWPPPs developed by
a Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD)?
Yes, after July 1, 2010 all SWPPPs and SWPPP updates entered into the
SMARTS system must be certified by an individual holding one of the
certifications/registrations listed in Section VII of the 2009-0009-DWQ
Permit. Effective two years after the permit adoption (September 2, 2011),
the QSD must have also attended the State Water Board sponsored or
approved QSD Training Course.
- For
grandfathered projects, can existing SWPPPs be submitted during the PRD
process, or does the SWPPP need to be amended/adjusted to reflect the new
CGP?
The SWPPPs must be amended to meet the minimum criteria listed in Section
XIV, SWPPP Requirements, and Attachment C, Risk Level 1 Requirements, of
the CGP.
- Does
the Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) need to have the pre-qualifications
listed in Section VII of the 2009-0009-DWQ Permit by July 1, 2010?
No. Effective September 2, 2011, the QSP shall have one of the
pre-qualifications listed in Section VII of the 2009-0009-DWQ Permit and
shall have attended the State Water Board sponsored or approved QSP
Training Course. Between July 1, 2010 and September 2, 2011 anyone can be
a QSP.
- What
kind of training is required for our company's site superintendents? Can
we hire one QSP to train all of them?
Yes, one QSP can train all company superintendents. However, the Regional
Water Board inspectors may ask to meet and/or conduct an inspection with
the QSP responsible for a particular project/site, and that individual
should be accessible. The QSP is responsible for the implementation of
BMPs on each construction project, not the trained superintendents.
- Can
a QSD or QSP be an independent contractor?
Yes.
- Is
the QSD and/or QSP responsible for project compliance, or the project
owner?
The LRP is always ultimately responsible for project compliance. This
individual must certify the PRDs and will be the recipient of any Notices
of Violations (NOVs) or Administrative Civil Liabilities (ACL; fines) for
the project.
- How
can I become a Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD)/ Qualified SWPPP
Practitioner (QSP)?
Section VII of the 2009-0009-DWQ Permit lists pre-qualifications for the
QSD and QSP. In addition to meeting one of the listed pre-qualifications,
an individual must have attended a State Water Board sponsored or approved
QSD/QSP training course. Get information on this training
course.
- How
much will it cost to take the State Sponsored QSD/QSP Training course?
Costs will vary. Since private training vendors who have been selected/approved
to work as “trainers of record” and “specialized trainer” (through a
structured Request for Qualifications process) will offer their own
training courses. Each course will be required to be a certain length
(i.e., minimum training hours for each required module; likely 2-3 days
per designation) and follow prescribed standards, but training courses
will vary in specific content/approach and are expected to vary in cost.
- Where can I get information on
QSD/QSP pre-requisite programs to see if I am eligible?
Pre-Requisite
QSD/QSP Certifications/Registrations
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Type
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Website
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California Registered Professional
Civil Engineer
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QSD/QSP
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www.pels.ca.gov
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California Registered Professional
Geologist or Engineering Geologist
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QSD/QSP
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www.geology.ca.gov
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California Registered Landscape
Architect
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QSD/QSP
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www.latc.ca.gov
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Professional Hydrologist
registered through the American Institute of Hydrology
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QSD/QSP
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www.aihydrology.org
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Certified Professional in Erosion
and Sediment Control (CPESC) registered through Enviro Cert International
Inc.
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QSD/QSP
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www.envirocertintl.org
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Certified Professional in Storm
Water Quality (CPSWQ) registered through Enviro Cert International Inc.
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QSD/QSP
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www.envirocertintl.org
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Professional in Erosion and
Sediment Control registered through the National Institute for Certification
in Engineering Technologies – Level 3 (NICET)
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QSD/QSP
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www.nicet.org
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Certified erosion, sediment and
storm water inspector through Enviro Cert International Inc.
|
QSP
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www.envirocertintl.org
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Certified Inspector of Sediment
and Erosion Control registered through Certified Inspector of Sediment and
Erosion Control Inc. (CISEC)
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QSP
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www.cisecinc.org
|
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- What
is the role of the local municipality in reviewing/enforcing the SWPPP?
The local municipal storm water programs and the CGP requirements
intentionally have some overlap/redundancy. However, the local
municipality has no authority to enforce the State's CGP requirements;
this is done by the Regional Water Board inspectors. Typically, the local
agency is responsible for ensuring compliance with local storm water
ordinance which prohibits sediment and other pollutants from entering the
municipal separate storm sewer system, and with a local grading ordinance
which typically requires an erosion and sediment control plan (typically a
sheet in the construction plan set) for projects with a grading permit. In
some cases, the local municipality may have a condition in their MS4 storm
water permit requiring the agency to check that certain items are included
in the SWPPP. This does not constitute approval of the SWPPP and the
review is typically conducted prior to issuing a grading permit.
- Who
is responsible for preparing and implementing the Rain Event Action Plan
(REAP)? Do you have to be a QSP?
The project QSP must develop and be in responsible charge of implementing
the REAP. A QSD may also implement the REAP if they are also in responsible
charge for implementing the SWPPP onsite.
The REAP is a living document specific to a project site. A new REAP must
be prepared/revised specific to each forecasted rain event (any likely
precipitation event forecast of 50% or greater probability). However, some
of the REAPs for an individual project might look similar for each
construction phase.
- When
do I need to develop a REAP
A REAP must be developed 48 hours prior to any likely precipitation event.
(NOAA – 50 percent or greater probability of producing precipitation) This
is determined by:
- Visit the NOAA
Website
- Enter your zip code or city
& state in the search box and click “go”
- Scroll down to the bottom
right hand of the page under “Additional Forecasts & Information”
- Click on “Forecast Weather
Table Interface” at the bottom of the section
- Where
can I get copies of inspection forms?
The 2009-0009-DWQ Permit lists minimum criteria required for an inspection
checklist. Dischargers may develop their own inspection forms, or may
contact their local Regional Water Board for an inspection form if one is
available.
- What
is a Sediment Sensitive Watershed?
A sediment sensitive watershed drains into a receiving water body (1)
listed on EPA’s approved CWA 303 (d) list for sedimentation/siltation,
turbidity with an approved TMDL or (2) designated with beneficial uses of
SPAWN, MIGRATORY and COLD.
- Once
a phase of my construction project has commenced, can I re-calculate my
risk level based on existing site conditions. If found to be different
from the initial risk, can I resubmit the new risk level with a Change of
Information (COI)?
No. The only scenario where risk can be recalculated based on existing
site conditions would be if there is a change in ownership or if a portion
of the project is sold. For all other projects, the initial risk
calculated during PRD submittal applies until the construction end date.
- How
does the 500 NTU turbidity NEL relate to the Basin Plan turbidity
standards for receiving waters? How will the local Regional Water Board
inspectors enforce this?
The 500 NTU turbidity NEL is a technology based effluent limitation that
applies to storm water discharges leaving the project boundaries. The
Basin Plan turbidity standards are water quality based effluent
limitations that apply to receiving waters. The Regional Water Boards will
continue to enforce their Basin Plan standards where projects are found to
discharge directly into a receiving water body.
- Where
can I obtain guidance for pH and turbidity sampling?
The Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) has a Guidance Compendium for Watershed Monitoring and
Assessment. Sections 3.1.4 and 3.1.5 of this Compendium contain
guidance for pH and turbidity sampling.
A SWAMP Field Methods Course training CD is also available for the public.
Please contact stormwater@waterboards.ca.gov to
request a copy.
- Where
can I obtain guidance for Bioassessment Monitoring?
SWAMP 2007 Bioassessment SOP includes standard operating procedures for
bioassessment.
- Please
clarify the meaning and use of the term “direct discharge”
The CGP glossary defines direct discharge as “a discharge that is routed
directly to waters of the US by means of a pipe, channel, or ditch
(including a municipal storm sewer system), or through surface runoff.
Discharges from a construction site to a MS4 where commingling with
upstream and/or downstream discharges can occur are not considered ‘direct
discharges’.”
- Will
local municipalities be revising their storm water quality development
standards to be consistent with the post-construction requirements in the
CGP?
Projects located within an area subject to post-construction standards of
an active Phase I or II MS4 permit that has an approved Storm Water
Management Plan are exempt from the post-construction requirements in the
CGP.
- What
are the training requirements to operate and maintain an Active Treatment
System?
Order No. 2009-009-DWQ requires that all Active Treatment System (ATS)
operators have training specific to using ATS’s liquid coagulants. By July
1, 2010, projects requiring the usage of an Active Treatment System (ATS)
are to be operated and maintained by Certified ATS operators.
o
Training shall be in a
form of a formal class with a certificate and requirements for testing and
certificate renewal.
o
Training shall include a
minimum of eight hours classroom and 32 hours field training.
- What
is the difference between the Legally Responsible Person (LRP), Approved
Signatory, and Data Submitter?
o
The LRP is
the person who possesses the title of the land or the leasehold interest of a
mineral estate upon which the construction activities will occur for the
regulated site. For linear underground/overhead projects, it is the person in
charge of the utility company, municipality, or other public or private company
or agency that owns or operates the linear underground/overhead project.
o
The Approved
Signatory is a person who has legal authority to sign, certify, and
electronically submit Permit Registration Documents and Notices of Termination
on behalf of the Legally Responsible Person.
o
The Data
Submitter is any individual authorized by the LRP or an Approved
Signatory to enter data on behalf of the LRP or Approved Signatory. A data
submitter may be other employees, contractors, labs, etc.
- What documents must be
submitted to the State Water Board and Regional Water Boards? (T)(C)
TRADITIONAL CONSTRUCTIONAL PROJECTS
|
Document
|
Developer/Certifier
|
Timeline
|
Annual Report
|
Discharger
|
September 1st
|
– Employee Training
Documentation
|
Discharger
|
In Annual Report
|
ATS Operation & Maintenance
(O&M) Plan
|
Discharger
|
Develop prior to implementation of
an ATS system
|
ATS Plan
|
Discharger
|
Submitted 14 days prior to
implementation of an ATS system
|
ATS QA/QC Plan
|
Discharger
|
Develop prior to implementation of
an ATS system
|
Construction Site Monitoring
Program (CSMP)
|
Discharger
|
In SWPPP as an appendix or chapter
|
NAL Exceedance Report
|
Discharger
|
Submitted upon request by the
Regional Board
|
NEL Violation Report
|
Discharger
|
Submitted within 24 hours after
NEL exceedance has been identified
|
Notice of Termination (NOT)
|
LRP
|
Upon completion of construction or
change in ownership
|
Permit Registration Documents
(PRDs)
|
LRP
|
Submitted for permit coverage
|
– Notice of Intent (NOI)
|
LRP
|
In PRD package
|
– Risk Assessment
|
LRP
|
In PRD package
|
– Site Map
|
LRP
|
In PRD package
|
– Storm Water Pollution
Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
|
QSD
|
In PRD package
|
– Certification Statement
|
LRP
|
In PRD package
|
– Post-Construction
Calculations
|
LRP
|
In PRD package (if applicable)
|
– ATS System Design
|
LRP
|
In PRD package (if applicable)
|
– Soil Particle Size
Analysis
|
LRP
|
In PRD package (if applicable)
|
– Annual Fee
|
Discharger
|
In PRD package
|
Rainfall Erosivity Waiver
Certification
|
LRP
|
In PRD package (if applicable)
|
- Do
all projects need to submit an Annual Report?
Annual Reports must be submitted by projects that are enrolled under
2009-0009-DWQ for more than one continuous three month period. The Annual
Reports will be submitted electronically in SMARTS. Annual
Reports are due to the State Water Board on September 1 of each year (The
first submittal will be on September 1, 2011) with a July 1 through June
30 compliance year.
For projects active for more than one continuous three month period, and
that complete construction prior to September 1, an Annual Report will
still be required and must be submitted electronically in SMARTS prior to
notice of termination (NOT) submittal.
- Where
can I get guidance for on-site rain gauge installation and reading?
The Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) has a Guidance Compendium for Watershed Monitoring and
Assessment. Section 5.1.1 of this Compendium contains guidance
for Rainfall Monitoring.\
- I
would like to design a sediment basin for my project. The 2009-0009-DWQ
permit requires sediment basins to be designed according to the method
provided in CASQA’s Construction BMP Guidance Handbook. Do I need to
purchase the handbook in order to design a sediment basin for my project?
No. It is not necessary to purchase CASQA’s Construction BMP Guidance
Handbook in order to design a sediment basin for a project. Get a free copy of the Sediment Basin
Fact Sheet (SE -2).
- At
what point will the Attachment F, Active Treatment System requirements
apply on my site?
The requirements in Attachment F only apply when an Active Treatment
System (ATS) is implemented on a project site. ATS is defined in the
2009-0009-DWQ permit as “A treatment system that employs chemical
coagulation, chemical flocculation, or electrocoagulation to aid in the
reduction of turbidity caused by fine suspended sediment.”
The application of chemicals on disturbed soil areas is not considered
ATS. This Best Management Practice (BMP) is used for the purpose of
erosion control.
- Will
a risk re-calculation be required if my project extends past the original
construction end date specified?
Yes, all projects that extend past their original construction end date
will be required to electronically re-calculate their risk level in
SMARTS.
- When
will effluent monitoring be required at my site?
Effluent monitoring is required for Risk Level 2 & 3 (LUP Type 2 &
3) project sites. The CGP requires effluent monitoring of discharges
resulting from a qualifying rain event (defined as one half inch or
greater). A rain event can only conclude when there is a minimum of 48
hours of dry weather. There will be some instances where a rain event may
not reach on half inch until days 2 or 3 (or later). Dischargers should
take grab samples any time there is a discharge observed, and then check
the rain event size at the conclusion. There will be some instances where
rain events larger than one half inch will not produce discharge.
Effluent Monitoring Results must be submitted electronically through the
SMARTS system. Click for Instructions.
- In
Appendix 3 - Bioassessment Monitoring Guidelines, various links are
outdated. How can I access the correct information/pages?
See the revised version of Appendix 3 -
Bioassessment Monitoring Guidelines with updated links.
- Attachment
D – Risk Level 2 (page 19) and Attachment E – Risk Level 3 (page 20) NAL
Exceedance Report requirements state, “In the event that any effluent
sample exceeds an applicable NAL, dischargers shall electronically submit
all storm event sampling results…” Is this correct?
This requirement applies to a daily average value not a single effluent
sample.
- What
is the requirement for a pre-storm event visual inspection? (T)(L)(C)
The CGP requires visual monitoring for Qualifying Rain Events of 0.5 inch
or more. The size of a rain event cannot be predicted so an adequate
trigger for a pre-storm event visual inspection would be same trigger for
the Rain Event Action Plan (REAP). 50 percent or greater probability of
producing precipitation based on the National Weather Service Forecast
Office (NOAA).
- Provision
XIII.A.4 of the CGP requires the discharger to “preserve the
pre-construction drainage density (miles of stream length per square mile
of drainage area) for all drainage areas within the area serving a first
order stream or larger stream and ensure that post-project time of
concentration is equal or greater than pre-project time of concentration.”
How does a discharger comply with these requirements? (T)
To meet the drainage density requirement, dischargers shall maximize sheet
flow and use an “open” drainage system (i.e., swales, ditches, vegetated
channels) for concentrated flows. Sheet flow areas, swales, ditches, and
vegetated channels are not considered streams for the purpose of
calculating drainage density.
To meet the time of concentration requirement, dischargers shall use the
recommended method in the applicable local hydraulic design or flood
control manual. If a recommended method does not exist, the discharger
shall use the time of concentration calculation method contained in the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Technical
Release 55: Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds.
- Will
daily average pH values be calculated linearly or through the logarithmic
method?
Daily average pH values must be calculated through the logarithmic method.
In order to calculate an average, you must: (1) Convert the pH
measurements from logarithms to real numbers; (2) Take the average of the
real numbers; and (3) Convert the average of the real numbers back to a
logarithm.
- Watershed
Sediment Risk is expressed in units of tons/acre. Why doesn’t project site
size factor into Watershed Sediment Risk?
The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) is used to calculate
watershed sediment risk. The RUSLE was originally developed to calculate
sheet and rill erosion rate in tons/acre/project duration. The Water Board
chose to keep with the original intent of the RUSLE and not introduce an
arbitrary project size threshold to develop risk categories expressed on
tons/project duration.
- Assuming
my project lasts at least one year, do I need to implement erosion and
sediment controls year round, even though a small percentage of my RUSLE
Rainfall-Runoff Erosivity Factor (R factor) occurs during the summer
months?
An effective combination of erosion and sediment controls, as defined in
the permit, must be deployed year round.
- My
local Regional Board is questioning the R-factor calculated for my project
using EPA’s erosivity index calculator. Can they do this?
The Regional Board has the authority to question any aspect of the
sediment risk calculation, including the R-factor used in determining
Watershed Sediment Risk. The RUSLE2 computer program can also be used to
calculate the R-factor and in many cases yields more accurate values than
those generated from the EPA Erosivity Calculator.
- Where
do I submit complaints about a Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) or a
Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP)? (T) (L) ( C )
Complaints may be submitted through the Cal/EPA Environmental Complaint
form .
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