Contractors and Developers that engage in construction activities disturbing one or more acres of soil through clearing, grading and grubbing must prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). “Swips” are a site specific plan detailing structural and non-structural measures that will be implemented, on-site, to prevent erosion and control sediment transport from the site.

Once the SWPPP is prepared Contractors and Developers must file a Notice of Intent (NOI) requesting coverage under the GP-02-01 SPDES Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities for the project named in the SWPPP. Depending on the SWPPP, applicants whose SWPPP meets DEC requirements by utilizing the NYS Guidelines for Urban Erosion and Sediment Control (the “Blue Book”) should receive coverage in 5 business days. Applicants that do not specify that they have utilized the Blue Book must wait 60 business days. Either way, applicants should begin to develop a SWPPP early in the development process and be prepared to file the GP-02-01 NOI with ample time to receive permit coverage before construction commences (clearing & grading).

Contractors & Developers have a special responsibility...preventing erosion and sediment transportation in Saratoga County are key aspects of better stormwater management and better watershed health. “My job is only one acre...what could it hurt...?!” QUICK FACTS: From 1980 to 2000 the County population grew by 30.5%. Today the County continues this trend. In any one year there may be as many as 1,200 or more new project-starts. An un-managed site can produce up to 2,000 times the sediment-laden runoff as an undeveloped parcel. All those projects add up.

When the project adds up to a little more Contractors & Developers must have included a “Post-Construction” runoff control plans. If you are unsure if your project requires Post-Construction Runoff Control measures contact the regional DEC Division of Water personnel. 

Not only do the post-construction stormwater treatment practices (STP) have to manage the quantity of flow they must treat the runoff with a proven method of accomplishing A) a percent removal of pollutants of concern and B) attenuating or slowing the flow of runoff into Federal, State, & Local Waters. These types of practices help mitigate pollution into our lakes and streams and prevent flooding and streambank erosion during a large storm event (2-5 inches).

Contractors & Developers can find many of the resources that they need to apply for and obtain a SPDES GP-02-01 Permit on-line. Please use the links below to find more information about the Permit and better Stormwater Management.