The State of California Water Resources Control Board has modified the General Permit for Storm Water Discharges Associated with Construction Activity. Up until now, this permit has applied to projects disturbing 5 acres or more. This has changed. Effective Monday, March 10, 2003, all projects disturbing one acre or more must obtain coverage under the General Permit. This applies to new projects as well as projects in progress as of March 10, 2003.

How do I obtain coverage under the General Permit?

	Go to http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/stormwtr /construction.html and download copies of the General Permit and related forms, including the Notice of Intent (NOI) form.
	Complete and certify the NOI form, and submit it to the State Board along with the required $700 fee and other required project information. Mail the NOI via certified mail.
	The State will issue your project a unique Waste Discharge Identification (WDID) number.
	Complete s Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for your project as required by the General Permit.

Why do I need coverage under the General Permit?

	Effective March 10, 2003, you will need to show proof of NOI to the County before a grading permit will be issued for your project. They will accept your NOI certified mail receipt or your WDID letter from the State.
	You will need to submit your SWPPP for review by the County, and this review must be completed, before a grading permit will be issued. The SWPPP may be submitted at any time during the grading plan review process, however, allow at least three weeks after submittal of your SWPPP for County Review time.

The County will be checking to verify that your SWPPP includes the following items: detailed vicinity and site maps, list of potential pollutant sources, type and location of erosion and sediment control BMPs, name and phone number of qualified person responsible for the SWPPP, and certification by the project owner.

How will this affect the construction of my project?

	Beginning July 1, 2003, County inspectors will inspect all construction projects disturbing one acre or more at frequency of at least monthly, and in some cases, twice a month. The frequency will depend on various factors, such as the proximity of the project to a local creek or other sensitive waterway.
	The County inspectors will take enforcement action against any project that is violating the County's Stormwater Ordinance (your County's website for a copy).
	For projects not covered under the Construction General Permit, which the County inspectors believe should be covered, the County will provide written notification to site personnel that proof of general permit coverage needs to be supplied to the County within 5 business days. Otherwise, the County is required to refer non-NOI filers to the State within 5 business days.

What other changes will affect my construction project?

Effective March 10, 2003, County plan checkers will begin using new erosion and sediment control improvement standards and details. For more information, contact Kathryn Hubbard at 562-961-3494 or email khubbard@justiceassociates.com