Closing Out SWPPPs in New York State

By Jonathan Spurr, PE

As part of New York State’s Construction General Permit, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) inspections are required on all construction projects where land disturbances are greater than 1-acre. SWPPP inspections must begin at the onset of construction and continue until all land disturbance activities have ceased and all lawn areas have been established. Although land disturbance activities in New York State commonly cease at the end of Fall, final lawn establishment may not occur until the following Spring. As we enter the Spring season, school Districts looking to terminate SWPPP inspections should refer to the following list of criteria to understand what is required prior to closeout:

• No exposed dirt or soil on-site

• All lawn areas established to a minimum of 80% germination

• All stormwater management practices (SMPs) have been constructed in conformance with project plans and SWPPP

• All erosion controls removed

• No further exterior site disturbance planned as part of project

• Long term operation and maintenance procedures for SMPs provided to Owner

If the criteria has been met, the Owner’s Engineer or SWPPP inspector may file the project Notice of Termination (NOT) with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) after obtaining signatures from the SWPPP Inspector, Owner, and if applicable, the MS4 official. After the NOT is filed, the Owner may assume all maintenance of the stormwater management practices. Our designers at LaBella are well versed in this process and are always available to guide clients through specific situations, so please feel free to reach out!