Construction stormwater

Final 2018 general permit for Construction

The MPCA has finalized the 2018 construction permit. You can view the permit and associated documents below. The permit will not become effective until August 1, 2018. If you are applying for the permit before August 1, 2018, you will be covered under the 2013 permit. Those permittees will either need to complete the project within 18 months of the issuance date of the new permit or revise the stormwater pollution prevention plan for the project to reflect the new requirements.

Individuals applying for coverage on or after August 1, 2018, will receive a copy of the permit along with a coverage letter. The MPCA will no longer be providing a coverage card.

Permit and associated documents

Online permitting

This permitting service was redeveloped in October 2015. You will need to create a new account if you used the older version of this service.

For assistance, refer to the fact sheet Getting started with MPCA e-Services, visit the e-Services webpage, or email us at onlineservices.pca@state.mn.us.

A stabilized construction exit, made of rock keeps mud from vehicle tires off public roads When stormwater drains off a construction site, it carries sediment and other pollutants that harm lakes, streams, and wetlands. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 20 to 150 tons of soil per acre are lost every year to stormwater runoff from construction sites. Controlling erosion can significantly reduce the amount of sediment and other pollutants transported by runoff from construction sites.

To keep Minnesota’s valuable water resources clean, the MPCA issues permits to construction site owners and their operators to prevent stormwater pollution during and after construction.

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)/State Disposal System (SDS) Construction Stormwater General Permit authorizes stormwater runoff from construction sites. This permit was reissued on August 1, 2018.

Who needs an NPDES/SDS permit

You need an NPDES/SDS permit if you are the owner or operator for any construction activity disturbing:

One acre or more of soil.
Less than one acre of soil if that activity is part of a "larger common plan of development or sale" that is greater than one acre. See: Common Plans of Development for more information.
Less than one acre of soil, but the MPCA determines that the activity poses a risk to water resources.

How to apply for a NPDES/SDS permit

Owners and operators are both responsible for submitting the permit application. Owners and operators of construction activity must complete several steps before completing a permit application and beginning construction.

Steps to construction

Permit and program forms

Permit/application	Summary	Instructions and fact sheets
2018 NPDES/SDS permit for construction activity: Final permit (wq-strm2-80a)	Permit Number: MN R 100001, issued on August 1, 2018.	Construction Stormwater Permit Overview
Online Stormwater Permit Application	The online General Stormwater Permit Application can be completed and submitted electronically. Permit coverage will begin 1 business day after submitting a complete application.	For assistance, refer to the fact sheet Getting started with MPCA e-Services (p-gen1-17), visit the e-Services webpage, or email us at onlineservices.pca@state.mn.us. If the project is located in a Tribal Reservation, you will need to obtain permit coverage from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Notice of Termination/Permit Modification Form	Use this form to terminate permit coverage or to transfer ownership of the entire site or portions of the site (Subdivision Registration)	How to Use the Notice of Termination/ Permit Modification Form
Construction Stormwater Permit Search	View the status of your permits online.

Developing the 2018 general permit

Minnesota NPDES/SDS Construction Stormwater General Permit (wq-strm2-68a) (2013)

Special waters and impaired waters

NPDES/SDS permits for construction sites with a discharge point that flows towards, and is within one mile (aerial radius measurement) of specially protected and impaired waters require additional controls and conditions as outlined in Appendix A of the General Stormwater Permit.

Special and impaired waters search

Use this tool to identify if your construction site is within one mile of a special or impaired water.

Compliance guidance

Best management practices (BMP) guidance

Topic-specific guidance

General stormwater management guidance

Minnesota Rules

Links to additional information

Report a complaint: Report observed pollution problems to your regional inspector (see map below) or submit a complaint online at the Citizen Complaints page.
Technical assistance: Contact your regional inspector (see map below).
Permit application questions: Refer to the fact sheet Getting started with MPCA e-Services, visit the e-Services webpage, or email us at onlineservices.pca@state.mn.us.
General program questions: Contact the Statewide Compliance Coordinator, Brian Green, at 507-206-2610.