Compare Regulations
Compare state-level permit requirements side-by-side (up to 4 states)
TN(3 more)
Rows with an amber indicator differ across selected states.
| Field | TN Tennessee |
|---|---|
| NPDES Program | State-Delegated |
| Permitting Agency | Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) |
| Permit Name | NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities (Permit No. TNR100000) |
| Construction Threshold | ≥ 1 acre of land disturbance (or < 1 acre if part of a larger common plan of development or sale that will ultimately disturb ≥ 1 acre); all sites must also comply with Tennessee's Construction General Permit and the Stormwater Management Act |
| NOI Lead Time | NOI must be submitted to TDEC at least 7 calendar days before commencement of land-disturbing activity; construction may not begin until the 7-day waiting period expires or TDEC confirms coverage; for sites discharging to waters on the 303(d) impaired waters list, TDEC may require additional review time |
| Application Method | Online via TDEC's myTDEC online portal (available through the TDEC website); paper NOI submission is also accepted; annual fees and permit renewals managed through the same portal |
| Permit Fee | Annual permit fees apply based on acreage: sites 1–5 acres: $52/year; sites > 5 acres: $52 base plus $10.40 per additional acre above 5, up to a maximum annual fee of $500; fees are set under Tennessee's Water Quality Control Act and may be updated — verify current fee schedule with TDEC |
| SWPPP Required | Yes |
| PE Certification Required | No |
| SWPPP Template Available | Yes |
| Inspection Frequency | At least once every 14 calendar days during active construction and within 24 hours after any storm event producing ≥ 0.5 inches of precipitation; inspections must document BMP conditions, discharges, and corrective actions; during periods of extended inactivity, at least monthly inspections are required |
| Inspector Qualification | Inspector must be a 'qualified personnel' with training in construction stormwater management principles; Tennessee does not require a specific state license for construction site inspectors under TNR100000, but TDEC recommends certifications such as CPESC or completion of a recognized stormwater training program; municipalities under Phase II MS4 permits may require additional inspector qualifications under local ordinances |
| Post-Construction Required | Yes |
| Turbidity Standard | No numeric NTU turbidity limit in TNR100000; narrative water quality standards apply; however, Tennessee has a numeric turbidity criterion of 10 NTU above background for certain high-quality streams |