Understanding Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Requirements in Louisiana

Effective stormwater management is essential for preventing pollutants from construction and industrial activities from contaminating vital water resources. In Louisiana, compliance with the Louisiana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (LPDES) permit is mandatory for construction operators disturbing an acre or more of land. Requirements include the creation of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and the formal filing of a Notice of Intent with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). This blog will guide you through the requirements of the LPDES General Permit for Construction Activities, the related SWPPP components, and the process for submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) in Louisiana.

What is a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)?

A SWPPP is a comprehensive, site-specific plan that outlines best management practices (BMPs) and strategies to reduce or eliminate pollutants in stormwater runoff. The primary objective is to ensure that stormwater discharges from construction or industrial sites do not adversely impact Louisiana’s water quality.

Who Needs a SWPPP in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, a SWPPP is required for any construction activity disturbing one acre or more of land. Additionally, smaller projects that are part of a larger common plan of development, which cumulatively disturb one acre or more, must also develop a SWPPP and obtain coverage under the LPDES General Permit for Construction Activities.

The requirements differ based on the size of the project:

Projects Under 5 Acres

Must prepare and implement a SWPPP in compliance with LPDES requirements.

• Post at the site entry a Construction Site Notice in accordance with LPDES requirements.

• Conduct regular inspections at least once every 14 days and after significant rainfall events (0.5 inches or more).

• Use appropriate Best Management Practices (BMPs) to control erosion and sediment to prevent offsite discharge of sediment or pollutants.

• Submit a Small Construction Activity Completion Report to the LDEQ at the conclusion of construction once the site has achieved final stabilization.

Projects Over 5 Acres

In addition to the requirements for smaller projects, sites over 5 acres must:

• Submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to LDEQ to obtain permit coverage.

• Potentially implement advanced BMPs, such as sediment basins or equivalent measures, to control runoff from larger disturbed areas.

• Maintain detailed records of all inspections, maintenance activities, and corrective actions for up to 3 years after the completion of construction.

• Submit a Notice of Termination to the LDEQ once the construction site area has achieved final stabilization.

Key Components of a SWPPP

To comply with LPDES requirements, a SWPPP must include the following elements:

1. Site Description

   • Detailed information about the project location and size.

   • Description of the construction activities and timeline.

   • Identification of potential pollutant sources.
     

2. Best Management Practices (BMPs)

   • Erosion and sediment control measures, such as silt fences, inlet protection barriers, rock-check dams, and stabilized construction entrances.

   • Runoff management techniques to prevent water contamination.
     

3. Good Housekeeping Measures

   • Procedures for proper waste disposal, material storage, and spill prevention to minimize stormwater pollution.
     

4. Inspection and Maintenance Procedures

   • Conduct inspections at least once every 14 days and after rainfall events of 0.5 inches or more.

   • Ensure all BMPs are maintained in working order and address any issues within 7 days of inspection findings.
     

5. Record keeping Requirements

   • Maintain records of inspections, maintenance, and corrective actions for at least three years.

LPDES General Permit Requirements

The LPDES General Permit for Construction Activities is issued by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). Operators must comply with specific conditions outlined in the permit to prevent water pollution. These requirements include:

1. Preparing a SWPPP prior to starting construction activities.
   

2. Submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) to LDEQ for permit coverage for sites over 5 acres of land disturbance.
   

3. Implementing the SWPPP on-site to control stormwater runoff.
   

4. Conducting Routine Inspections based on project size and ensuring proper maintenance of BMPs.
   

5. Submitting a Notice of Termination (NOT) or Small Construction Activity Completion Report once construction is complete and final stabilization has been achieved.

Notice of Intent (NOI)

A Notice of Intent filing is the formal process of obtaining permit coverage under the LPDES General Permit. The process involves:

1. Completing the NOI Form

   • Provide essential project details, including location, type of activity, and operator information.
     

2. Submitting the NOI

   • NOIs can be submitted electronically or by mail to LDEQ. Ensure that all required information is accurate to avoid delays in processing.
     

3. Paying the Applicable Fee

   • A permit application fee is required when submitting the NOI. The permit fee is based on the desired years of coverage.
     

4. Receiving Permit Coverage

   • Once the NOI is reviewed and approved by LDEQ, the operator will receive confirmation of permit coverage. This notice is to be posted at the site.

Compliance and Enforcement

Non-compliance with LPDES requirements, such as failing to develop a SWPPP or obtain the necessary permit coverage, can result in enforcement actions, including fines and work stoppages. Routine inspections by LDEQ ensure that operators remain compliant throughout the duration of the project.

Final Thoughts

By tailoring your SWPPP and inspection procedures to the size of your project, you can ensure compliance with LPDES permit requirements and contribute to the preservation of Louisiana’s waterways.

Unsure or need further guidance on preparing a SWPPP or submitting an NOI, give us a call at Eco Permit Pros today! Leave the permitting to us and get back to doing the things that make you money!

Connect with a Louisiana Stormwater Expert

Or reach out directly at: info@ecopermitpros.com | (404) 858-8728