Construction Stormwater General Permit

Who Needs Construction Stormwater Permit coverage?

Please answer the following questions:

1. Does your construction project disturb 1 or more acres of land through clearing, grading, excavating, or stockpiling of fill material? Remember to count the cumulative acreage of the entire project whether in a single or in a multiphase project.  This applies even if you are responsible for only a small portion [less than one acre] of the larger project planned over time.
2. Is there any possibility that stormwater could run off your site during construction and into surface waters or conveyance systems leading to surface waters of the state? In almost every case, the answer to this question is yes. However, if the topography and location of your site is such that there is no possibility that rainfall or snowmelt could leave the site or enter a waterway, you do not need permit coverage.

If you answered "yes" to both of these questions, your construction site needs a permit. Construction site operators must apply for a permit 60 days prior to discharging stormwater.

Permit Application and Forms

• Construction Stormwater General Permit Application Form (Notice of Intent, or NOI)
• Guidance document to assist with permit compliance - includes instructions for the permit application
• Transfer of coverage form - for partial or complete permit transfers
• Termination form and instructions - for canceling permit. Submit the termination request after the entire site has been stabilized (grass and other landscaping established and all paving complete).
• Erosivity Waiver Form - for certain low-risk, 1-5 acre sites
• Site Inspection Checklist - Microsoft WORD Format
• Site Inspection Checklist - Adobe PDF Format
• Request for Chemical Treatment Form - to request permission to use chemical treatment

General Permit and Fact Sheets

The Construction Stormwater General Permit and fact sheet are available for downloading. These are the new final general permit documents issued on November 16, 2005. These documents are for reference purposes. Applicants for coverage under the general permit will receive a signed copy of the permit when coverage is issued.  Contact us if you need assistance with the application or have questions about the permit.

• Construction Stormwater FINAL Permit (2005)
• Construction Stormwater FINAL Fact Sheet (2005)
• Response to Comments

High Turbidity Phone Reporting

This is a reminder that construction projects must report high stormwater turbidity results (greater than or equal to 250 NTUs) within 24 hours. If you get a high result, call your Ecology regional office stating, "I'm reporting a high turbidity construction stormwater discharge of (your sample result) NTUs." Include the following information:

1. Your Name / Phone Number
2. Permit Number
3. City / County of Project
4. Date / Time of Call
5. Date / Time of Sample
6. Project Name

Appeal of the Construction Permit

Four parties appealed the new, final construction stormwater general permit. The Pollution Control Hearings Board has issued a final decision.  Ecology will reissue a modified permit, per the board's decision.  You may read the conclusion here:

Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Order, PCHB No. 05-157, 158, and 159

Download copies of the appeals:

• Building Industry Association of Washington & Associated General Contractors
• Puget Soundkeeper Alliance
• Snohomish County

Contact Us for More Information