New CGP Coming!
The 2022 Construction Stormwater General Permit is set to go into effect on September 1st, 2023, bringing with it a range of changes. But don't worry, we're here to keep you informed. We'll highlight the key changes to this permit as well as important dates to keep in mind.
What’s new?
The 2022 Construction Stormwater General Permit introduces a number of significant changes intended to enhance environmental protection and stormwater management procedures. The following are some notable permit changes affecting monitoring and reporting:
Project-specific WDID (Waste Discharge Identification Number) must be posted in a public location
Tully Group will implement onsite posters that provide digital access to stormwater documentation
Stormwater personnel will be specifically designated for each separate role
Personnel changes will be noted on the plans and updated via amendment
QSDs (Qualified SWPPP Developers) are required to perform certain inspections, including…
General inspections twice per year (August-October & January-March)
Inspection within 30 days of the project start date (or COI acceptance)
Inspection within 14 days of a NAL Exceedance
Inspection prior to submittal of the Notice of Termination or for a Change of Information for acreage changes (or this can be by the QSP)
Inspection within a specific time period as requested by Waterboard staff
QSPs (Qualified SWPPP Practitioners) are required to perform certain inspections, including…
General inspections once every calendar month
Pre-Storm inspections within 72 hours (or 120 if forecast is available) prior to a qualifying rain event
Inspection within 14 days of a NAL Exceedance
Inspection prior to submittal of the Notice of Termination or for a Change of Information for acreage changes
A QSP has always been required, but the permit specifies some MINIMUM frequencies as noted above
COIs (Changes of Information) must be processed within 90 days of the anticipated end date if extending the project duration
NAL (Numeric Action Level) Exceedances will now be applicable for individual samples
Sampling at every discharge location is required too
Previously NAL Exceedances were determined using the average of all samples taken. Now any one sample that exceeds pH and turbidity limits will be an exceedance.
Photos are required for inspection reports
New rules established for what is considered a qualifying precipitation event
No more REAPs (Rain Event Action Plans)
New discharge limits will apply to sites within areas with Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) limits set forth by the local Regional Board
To summarize, the construction project would need to have the Designated QSD available to visit the site, a designated QSP that is fairly active on the project, and different stormwater inspections than the old permit (all pre-storm inspections must be done by a QSP).
Crucial Dates:
The following circumstances will trigger a project to fall under the requirements of the new Construction Stormwater General Permit…
New projects permitted on or after September 1st, 2023
COIs after September 1, 2023
All old projects with an active WDID that have not been terminated by Sept. 1, 2025
Grace period for existing permitted projects:
Projects all ready having active stormwater permit coverage, ie having a WDID, will have a 2 year grace period starting Sept. 1, 2023 for completing work under the 2009 permit. If a site Change of Information is needed to add acreage to the SWPPP between Sept. 1, 2023 and Sept. 1 2025, the new areas will be subject to the new permit.
The California Water Boards will be hosting a series of informational workshops held across the state about the 2022 Construction Stormwater General Permit. “This is a great opportunity for dischargers, municipalities, and stormwater professionals to discuss expectations for the new permit requirements, effective September 1, 2023, with State and Regional Water Board staff.”
We are committed to keeping you informed about all the latest CGP updates.
If you have any questions contact us at (707) 693-1926
Stay tuned for updates!
