On this page
In this lesson
What you'll learn
- List the main sections a SWPPP must contain under the EPA CGP
- Identify what belongs on a SWPPP site map
- Explain the stormwater team and its training
- Know when the SWPPP must be modified and where it must be kept
A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) documents how a construction site will comply with its stormwater permit: what controls go where, who inspects, how problems get fixed. Under the EPA Construction General Permit, the SWPPP must be prepared before the NOI is submitted, kept current, and available on site. See our guide on what a SWPPP is for the basics, and how to prepare a SWPPP for the process.
The required contents (EPA CGP Part 7.2)
| Section | What it covers |
|---|---|
| All site operators | Every operator on the project and their areas of control |
| Stormwater team | Names and positions of team members, their responsibilities, and inspector qualifications |
| Nature of construction activities | Project description, size, disturbed area, phasing and schedule, and the receiving waters |
| Site map | Legible map(s) showing the features below |
| Non-stormwater discharges | Authorized non-stormwater discharges, such as uncontaminated dewatering water, and how they're controlled |
| Description of stormwater controls | Buffers, perimeter controls, track-out controls, stockpiles, inlet protection, basins, stabilization, pollution prevention and dewatering controls, with specs and maintenance |
| Inspection, maintenance and corrective action procedures | Who inspects, how often, the forms, and how corrective actions are handled |
| Dewatering turbidity monitoring | Procedures for turbidity benchmark monitoring, if dewatering |
| Compliance with other requirements | Endangered species, historic properties, and any state, tribal or local requirements |
| SWPPP certification | Signed and dated by the operator's authorized signatory |
What goes on the site map
The CGP lists many map features. The essentials:
- Boundaries of the property and of all areas of disturbance, with phasing where it applies.
- Drainage patterns and slopes, including steep slopes.
- Receiving waters and natural buffers, wetlands and storm drain inlets on or near the site.
- Locations of all stormwater controls: perimeter controls, inlet protection, basins and traps, construction exits, stabilization areas.
- Stockpiles, washout areas, fueling and material storage, waste containers and dewatering locations.
- Discharge points where stormwater leaves the site.
The stormwater team and training
Each operator assembles a stormwater team responsible for permit compliance, including the people who install and maintain controls, inspect, and take corrective actions. Before construction starts, the team must understand the permit's requirements and deadlines, where controls are and how they're maintained, the pollution prevention procedures, and how to inspect and take corrective action.
People who conduct inspections must be qualified persons. For EPA CGP coverage on or after February 17, 2023, that means completing EPA's construction inspection course for the permit and passing the exam, or holding a current, valid construction inspection certification or license from a program that covers the required topics. See our page on stormwater inspection training.
Keeping the SWPPP current
The SWPPP must be modified when:
- Construction or design changes affect the controls or the site map.
- Inspections or corrective actions show a control isn't working or needs to change. Under the EPA CGP, SWPPP changes resulting from corrective action must be made within 7 calendar days of completing the work.
- EPA, a state or a local authority finds the SWPPP inadequate.
- Operators, team members or responsibilities change.
Keep a log of modifications with dates.
Availability
Under the CGP, the SWPPP must be kept on site or at an easily accessible location so it can be made available at the time of an on-site inspection, and the operator must post a notice of permit coverage visible from the nearest public road that tells the public how to get a copy of the SWPPP. Keep the SWPPP, inspection reports and corrective action logs for at least 3 years after coverage ends.
Key takeaways
- The SWPPP lists operators, the stormwater team, the project, a detailed site map, controls, procedures and other requirements, and is signed.
- The map shows disturbance, drainage, waters, inlets, controls, stockpiles, washouts, storage and discharge points.
- Inspectors must be qualified persons, under the EPA CGP via EPA's course and exam or an equivalent certification.
- Update the SWPPP as the site changes, and within 7 days after corrective-action changes.
- Keep it accessible and retain records for 3 years.
Knowledge check
Lesson 4 quiz: 8 questions
Choose one answer for each question, then select Check my answers. Score 80% or higher to pass. Your answers stay in your browser and are never saved.
Sources and official references
Last reviewed: October 25, 2026 · Free general education based on the Clean Water Act, EPA NPDES rules and the EPA Construction General Permit. Your governing permit (EPA, state, tribal or local) controls. This is not legal advice, not EPA-approved, and not a California QSP/QSD or other state credential, and it does not issue a certificate. Nothing you enter on this page is saved or sent.