Q. Throughout our construction project, we have amended our SWPPP several times. What are our obligations now that we have altered our SWPPP?
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A. The SWPPP is like a road map of how you will manage stormwater on your site. The SWPPP identifies all potential sources of pollution that may reasonably expected to affect the water quality discharging from the construction site. As we all know, construction projects evolve, and your SWPPP should too. Think of it as a living document that needs to be revised as things change.
You will have a deadline to make revisions to the SWPPP. Usually, this is a 7-calendar day turn around, but states may differ on this. You are also required to keep records showing the specific dates of all modifications. The records most likely require you to include the name of the person authorizing each change and a summary of all the changes.
The SWPPP may need to be authorized by an individual with specific responsibilities, such as an operator or site manager – someone with overall responsibility for environmental matters for the company.
And, you will have to update and keep a current copy on-site that is at an easily accessible location.
Some states may require you to notify the state agency. The federal construction stormwater permit requires you to notify other operators that the SWPPP has been modified.