Compare Regulations
Compare state-level permit requirements side-by-side (up to 4 states)
WI(3 more)
Rows with an amber indicator differ across selected states.
| Field | WI Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| NPDES Program | State-Delegated |
| Permitting Agency | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) |
| Permit Name | Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) Construction Site Stormwater General Permit (WI-S067831) |
| Construction Threshold | ≥ 1 acre of land disturbance; also applies to sites < 1 acre that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale disturbing ≥ 1 acre; Wisconsin additionally requires a Notice of Intent for sites disturbing ≥ 4,000 sq ft in certain MS4 areas under local ordinance (not state permit threshold) |
| NOI Lead Time | Notice of Intent (NOI) must be submitted to WDNR at least 14 days before land disturbance begins; permit coverage is not automatic — operators must receive written authorization from WDNR before disturbing land |
| Application Method | Online via WDNR's Surface Water Data Viewer / eBusiness portal (DNR Online Services); paper NOI also available; NOI must include the stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) certification |
| Permit Fee | No state-level NOI fee for the construction general permit as of the most recent permit term; local municipalities may charge separate fees under local stormwater ordinances |
| SWPPP Required | Yes |
| PE Certification Required | No |
| SWPPP Template Available | Yes |
| Inspection Frequency | At least once every 7 calendar days and within 24 hours of a rain event of 0.5 inches or greater within a 24-hour period; if site is undergoing final stabilization, reduced frequency of once per month is allowed; inspection records must be retained for 3 years after permit termination |
| Inspector Qualification | Inspections must be conducted by a Qualified Stormwater Management Inspector (QSMI) — Wisconsin requires completion of a WDNR-approved training program. The WDNR partners with organizations such as the University of Wisconsin-Extension for QSMI training. Certification must be maintained through periodic re-training. The QSMI must sign off on all inspection reports. |
| Post-Construction Required | Yes |
| Turbidity Standard | No specific numeric NTU limit in the construction general permit; discharges must not cause or contribute to violations of Wisconsin water quality standards (NR 102–NR 106) |