SW

Stormwater Directory

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Compare state-level permit requirements side-by-side (up to 4 states)

MD(3 more)

Rows with an amber indicator differ across selected states.

Field
MD
Maryland
NPDES ProgramState-Delegated
Permitting AgencyMaryland Department of the Environment (MDE)
Permit NameNPDES General Permit for Stormwater Associated with Construction Activity (Permit No. 12-SW)
Construction Threshold≥ 1 acre of land disturbance (or < 1 acre if part of a larger common plan of development or sale); sites disturbing < 5,000 sq ft in certain Priority Protection Areas may also require coverage
NOI Lead TimeNOI must be submitted and MDE must issue permit coverage before land disturbance begins; MDE typically processes NOIs within 7–14 days, but applicants should plan for up to 30 days; no grading may begin until written authorization is received
Application MethodOnline submission through MDE's Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) / MDE Online Permitting portal; paper NOI also accepted; local Approving Authority (county or municipality) approval of grading and sediment control plan is a prerequisite
Permit Fee$1,600 base fee for sites disturbing ≥ 1 acre but < 5 acres; $2,900 for 5–9.99 acres; $5,100 for 10–19.99 acres; $7,000 for 20–49.99 acres; $9,600 for ≥ 50 acres; fees are paid to MDE at time of NOI submission
SWPPP RequiredYes
PE Certification RequiredNo
SWPPP Template AvailableYes
Inspection FrequencyEvery 7 days and within 24 hours after any storm event producing ≥ 0.5 inches of rainfall; stabilized areas may be inspected every 14 days; local erosion and sediment control inspectors from the county or municipality also conduct compliance inspections throughout the project
Inspector QualificationMaryland requires that SWPPP inspections be conducted by a person with Erosion and Sediment Control certification; Maryland's state certification program is the Erosion and Sediment Control Inspector certification administered by MDE in coordination with local jurisdictions; all inspectors on covered sites are required to be trained
Post-Construction RequiredYes
Turbidity StandardNo numeric NTU effluent limit in the construction general permit; narrative standard requires discharges to meet Maryland's water quality standards; discharges must not cause or contribute to a violation of the antidegradation policy