Exposed Dirt + Rain = Muddy Water in the Storm Drain (and Big Fines)
Construction sites generate sediment. Lots of it. Grading exposes bare soil, rain hits that soil, and suddenly you've got muddy runoff flowing into streets, storm drains, and eventually into creeks, bays, and the ocean. The state of California takes this seriously, and if you're disturbing more than 1 acre of land, you need a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
A SWPPP is the document that shows how you'll prevent sediment and other pollutants from leaving your construction site. It identifies erosion control measures (silt fences, fiber rolls, inlet protection), specifies inspection schedules, and assigns responsibilities to the contractor, owner, and site supervisor.
This isn't optional. Projects that disturb 1+ acres must obtain a General Construction Permit from the State Water Resources Control Board, and the SWPPP is the centerpiece of that permit. Get caught without one, or with inadequate erosion controls, and you're looking at fines starting at $10,000 per day.
What's in a SWPPP
A complete SWPPP addresses erosion and pollution control from site mobilization through final stabilization:
Site Map
Shows drainage patterns, construction entrances, material storage areas, and locations of all erosion control measures.
Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Specifies which erosion control measures will be used — silt fences, fiber rolls, gravel bags, inlet protection, stabilized entrances, etc.
BMP Installation & Maintenance
Describes when each BMP must be installed, how it's maintained, and when it can be removed.
Inspection Schedule
Requires weekly inspections during dry weather and within 24 hours of any rain event. Inspection reports must be kept on-site.
Responsible Parties
Identifies the Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD), Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP), and contractor responsibilities.
Spill Prevention
Addresses storage of fuels, oils, chemicals, and concrete washout — all potential pollutants that must be contained.
Need SWPPP Preparation & Compliance? We serve all of Southern California.
When You Need a SWPPP?
Common project types and triggers:
Sites ≥ 1 Acre
Required. You must file a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the State Water Board and prepare a SWPPP before grading.
Sites < 1 Acre (Part of Common Plan)
If your project is part of a larger development that totals 1+ acres, even small phases require SWPPP coverage.
Linear Projects (Roads, Utilities)
Any linear project (pipeline, road widening) that disturbs 1+ acres requires a SWPPP, even if the right-of-way is narrow.
High-Risk Sites
Sites near sensitive habitats, impaired waterbodies, or steep slopes face additional scrutiny and may need enhanced BMPs.
Common Questions
What clients typically ask about a swppp?:
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