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All projects covered under the construction stormwater permit must submit a notice of termination once construction activity is complete and permanent stabilization has been achieved. When closing out a construction site, the 2023 construction stormwater permit requires you to submit photographs showing that all construction activity is complete and permanent cover has been established. Vegetative cover must consist of a uniform perennial vegetation with a density of 70% of its expected final growth. The uniform perennial vegetative cover should be evenly distributed, without large bare areas. If specific locations have not reached adequate cover density, inspections and supplemental seeding must continue. It is not necessary to take pictures of the entire site, but the conditions in each picture must be substantially similar to unphotographed areas. Stabilization conditions that are substantially similar would include areas that are using the same type of stabilization measures and that have similar slopes, soils, and topography, and have achieved the same level of stabilization. Photographs must be clear and in focus and must include the date the photo was taken. The photographs can be ground or aerial. Vegetation is not required where it would interfere with the function of a specific area, such as impervious surfaces or the base of a sand filter.

This sand filter system is intended to have a non-vegetated surface. Photo courtesy of Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District.


Example Photos

The following photos show what can and cannot be counted as acceptable vegetative coverage for permit compliance.

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Picture 045.jpg


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The majority of these photos do not have dates included, but submitted photos should have dates associated with them.