Permits, Environmental & Compliance

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)

SWPPP preparation and permit coverage for construction sites disturbing 1 acre or more, as required under the Clean Water Act. Typical US fees run $1,000 to $15,000, and most projects take 1 to 3 weeks to prepare; coverage timing depends on the permitting authority. Our drawings, calculations and reports are sealed by a Professional Engineer (PE) licensed in the state where your project is located, ready for permit submission.

Typical US fee$1,000 to $15,000

Typical timeline1 to 3 weeks to prepare; coverage timing depends on the permitting authority

Permit drawingsSealed by a PE

What the work involves

Construction that disturbs 1 acre or more, or is part of a larger common plan of development that will, generally needs NPDES construction stormwater permit coverage from EPA or the state. A SWPPP describes erosion and sediment controls, pollution prevention, inspection schedules and responsible parties, and is filed with a Notice of Intent. Some states and localities require a registered engineer or certified professional to prepare it, and require periodic inspections during construction.

When you need it

Disturbing 1 acre or more of land
Smaller lot that is part of a larger subdivision or common plan
State or local permit requires a SWPPP
Inspector cited missing or outdated SWPPP

What you receive

SWPPP document and site maps
Notice of Intent filing
Inspection forms and schedule
Notice of Termination at project end

What drives the cost

Estimate. No authoritative national price survey was found. Small sites are commonly a few thousand dollars or less, while large multi-phase projects cost more; inspections during construction are usually billed separately.

Frequently asked questions

How much does stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) cost?

Across the US, stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) usually costs $1,000 to $15,000. Estimate. No authoritative national price survey was found. Small sites are commonly a few thousand dollars or less, while large multi-phase projects cost more; inspections during construction are usually billed separately.

How long does stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) take?

Plan on 1 to 3 weeks to prepare; coverage timing depends on the permitting authority from signed proposal to stamped deliverables, longer if a site visit, soil testing or a permit review cycle is involved.

Do I need a licensed PE for stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)?

In most US jurisdictions, yes. When the work needs a permit, the plans, calculations or report usually must be sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in the state where the project is located. Every deliverable we issue for permit is sealed that way.

Will I also need a certified erosion control inspector?

Sometimes. Depending on the site, stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) can also involve a certified erosion control inspector, environmental consultant or land surveyor. We tell you up front which other professionals your project needs and coordinate with them so the drawings agree.

Who do you provide stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for?

Most of our clients for this service are contractors, developers, municipalitys and business owners. Describe your project and one of our engineers will reply with scope, fee and schedule.

When is a SWPPP required?

Under the federal Clean Water Act program, when construction disturbs 1 acre or more, or less than 1 acre if part of a larger common plan that will disturb 1 acre or more. States may set additional requirements.

Who issues construction stormwater permits?

Most states are authorized to issue them. EPA's Construction General Permit covers areas where EPA is the permitting authority.

Is a SWPPP the same as an erosion control plan?

An erosion control plan is a set of drawings. A SWPPP is the broader document that includes those controls plus inspection, maintenance and pollution prevention procedures.

What happens if I skip it?

Operating without required coverage can bring enforcement and penalties under federal and state law. Inspectors can also issue stop work orders.