Contents
Stormwater Program for Construction Activity
Overview
When stormwater drains off a construction site, it carries sediment and other pollutants that harm lakes, streams and wetlands. According to the 1996 National Water Quality Inventory, stormwater runoff is a leading source of water pollution. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 20 to 150 tons of soil per acre is lost every year to stormwater runoff from construction sites.
Many studies indicate that controlling erosion can significantly reduce the amount of sedimentation and other pollutants transported by runoff from construction sites. To keep Minnesota’s valuable water resources clean the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issues permits to construction site owners and their operators to prevent stormwater pollution during and after construction.
Site owners and their construction operators must sign off on a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)/State Disposal System (SDS) Construction Stormwater General Permit. As part of the application for this legal document, the owner and operator must create a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) that explains how they will control stormwater.
Once they complete their stormwater pollution prevention plan, applicants may choose to apply online in order to receive quicker permit coverage and prevent errors in their application.
Who Needs an NPDES/SDS Permit
You need an NPDES/SDS permit if you are the owner or operator for any construction activity disturbing:
- One acre or more of soil.
- Less than one acre of soil if that activity is part of a "larger common plan of development or sale" that is greater than one acre.
- Less than one acre of soil, but the MPCA determines that the activity poses a risk to water resources.
Most construction activities are covered by the general NPDES stormwater permit for construction activity, but some construction sites need individual permit coverage. Owners and operators are both responsible for submitting the permit application.
How to Apply for a NPDES/SDS Permit
Owners and operators of construction activity must complete several steps before completing a permit application and beginning construction. Owners and operators determine their eligibility for coverage under the general NPDES permit by following these steps:
General Stormwater Permit for Construction Activity (MN R100001), issued on August 1, 2008
Online Stormwater Permit Application
Click here to log into the e-Services then once logged in, click on Construction Stormwater General Permit Application
A General Stormwater Permit is necessary for owners and operators of construction activities disturbing:
- One acre or more of soil
- Less than one acre of soil if that activity is part of a “larger common plan of development or sale” that is greater than one acre
- Less than one acre of soil, but the MPCA determines that the activity poses a risk to water resources
If the project is owned by a Tribal unit you must obtain permit coverage from the US Environmental Protection Agency instead of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Visa, Master cards or checks are accepted for the $400 fee payment.
A project is NOT eligible for online processing and must complete a paper form if:
- The project will disturb 50 or more acres AND has a discharge point within one mile of an impaired or special water listed in Appendix A of the construction stormwater general permit AND the discharge flows to these waters. Applications are due 30-days before the anticipated construction start date.
Construction Program FAQ
If your project must complete a paper form or if you are unable to use the online application, contact the MPCA at CSW.pca@State.mn.us or call the MPCA Stormwater Hotline at 651-757-2119 or 800-657-3804. For instructions on how attain a copy of the paper form.
Notice of Termination/Permit Modification Form
Use the Notice of Termination application to terminate permit coverage of the original Stormwater Permit number or the Subdivision Registration permit number.
How to Use the Notice of Termination/ Permit Modification Form (wq-strm2-60i)