SW

Stormwater Directory

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

TN(3 more)

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Field
TN
Tennessee
NPDES ProgramState-Delegated
Permitting AgencyTennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC)
Permit NameNPDES 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 TimeNOI 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 MethodOnline 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 FeeOne-time application fee (e.g., 1 to < 5 acres: $250; 5 to < 20 acres: $1,000) plus annual maintenance fees for projects exceeding one year (e.g., 1 to < 5 acres: $125/year; 5 to < 20 acres: $500/year)
SWPPP RequiredYes
PE Certification RequiredNo
SWPPP Template AvailableYes
Inspection FrequencyAt 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
Rain Inspection TriggerWithin 24 hours of any storm event producing ≥ 0.5 inches of precipitation
Inspector QualificationInspector 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
Inspector CertificationsNo state-specific mandatory cert; inspector must be 'qualified personnel'; CPESC, CESSWI accepted; municipalities under Phase II MS4 permits may impose additional local requirements
Post-Construction RequiredYes
Turbidity StandardNo 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