Frequently Asked Questions

About SWPPP, PRDS, SMARTS system, QSD, QSP, and beyond.

  1. What does SWPPP address?
  2. What are Permit Registration Documents (PRDs)?
  3. When is the Annual Report due?
  4. When should the Notice of Termination (NOT) be submitted?
  5. What is a qualifying rain event?
  6. What does a QSD do?
  7. What does a QSP do?

1. What does SWPPP address?

  • Identify and control potential pollutants and their sources, most importantly sediment associated with construction activities.
  • Identify, eliminate, control or treat all non-stormwater discharges from a construction site.
  • Ensure that selected BMPs (Best Management Practice) are effective in reducing/eliminating pollutants in stormwater and non-stormwater discharges from a construction site.
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2. What are Permit Registration Documents (PRDs)?

PRDs include the following and shall be submitted to the State Water Board via the Stormwater Multi Application and Report Tracking System (SMARTS) by the Legally Responsible Person (LRP) or approved signatory:

  1. Notice of Intent (NOI)
  2. Risk Assessment
  3. Site Map
  4. Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
  5. Annual Fee
  6. Signed Certification Statement
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3. When is the Annual Report due?

All dischargers shall prepare and electronically submit an Annual Report no later than September 1 of each year. Back to Top

4. When should the Notice of Termination (NOT) be submitted?

The NOT shall be submitted within 90 days of completion of construction and must include a final site map and representative pictures of the project demonstrating final stabilization. Back to Top

5. What is a qualifying rain event?

Any event that produces 0.5 inches or more precipitation with a 48 hour or greater period between rain events Back to Top

6. What does a QSD do?

This General Permit requires the development of a site-specific SWPPP. The SWPPP must include the information needed to demonstrate compliance with all requirements of this General Permit, and must be kept on the construction site and be available for review. The discharger shall ensure that a Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) develops the SWPPP. Back to Top

7. What does a QSP do?

To ensure proper site oversight, the General Permit requires a Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) to oversee implementation of the BMPs required to comply with this General Permit. Back to Top