Construction Storm Water Program

Background

Construction sites impact Ohio's waters by: adding pollutants, especially sediment, to rainwater running off of construction sites during construction; and making long-term land use changes that alter the hydrology and pollutant loading of local streams.

	To limit the negative impacts of construction projects on Ohio's waters, Ohio EPA administers a permitting program designed to document construction activity in the state and require practices that keep pollutants out of the streams. The permitting program is mandated in the Clean Water Act and is part of the NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) program.

Who needs a permit?

As of March 10, 2003, if your project disturbs 1 or more acres of ground, you must get a permit to discharge storm water from your site. If your project disturbs less than 1 acre but is part of a larger plan of development or sale, you also need a permit to discharge storm water from the site.

How do I get a permit?

Most sites may get permit coverage under the general permit for discharge of storm water associated with construction activity. To get permit coverage, follow these steps, in order:

• Develop a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3) for the construction site;
• Submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) requesting coverage for your discharges under the general permit;
• Wait until you receive the Ohio EPA approval letter stating that you are covered under the general permit;
• Ensure that contractors, subcontractors and staff understand their roles in carrying out the SWP3;
• Implement the SWP3;
• Proceed with construction, including regular maintenance and inspection [PDF 32K] of sediment and erosion controls and storm water management facilities.

Potential Waivers for 1 to 5 Acre Site Disturbances

• Erosivity Waiver
• Routine Maintenance Exclusion from Small Construction Activity Permitting

Information and Permit Compliance Materials

• ODNR's 2006 Rainwater and Land Development Manual
• Storm Water Post-Construction Questions & Answers
• Storm Water Program Forms and Permits
• Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3) Check List
• Construction Site Inspection Checklist [PDF 103K]
• Construction Storm Water Permit Requirements for Agricultural Projects [PDF 24K]
• Oil & Gas Exemption
• Chagrin River Watershed Partners, Inc. (CRWP) has developed a model agreement that a municipality may use to ensure the long-term operation and maintenance of post-construction best management practices (BMPs). This language may need to be modified to reflect local requirements and should be reviewed by the municipality's legal council. The link below will redirect you from Ohio EPA to CRWP's website.
  • CRWP Model Long-Term Post-Construction BMP Maintenance Agreement [PDF 36K]

Construction General Permits

• Construction Site Storm Water (OHC000003)
• Construction Site Storm Water in the Big Darby Creek Watershed (OHCD00001)
• Construction Site Storm Water in the Olentangy River Watershed (OHCO00001)

For Additional Information:

See the Storm Water Program Contacts page.

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