Maryland Stormwater Management
Maryland State Overview
The state of Maryland and the Maryland Department of the Environment and its Water Management Administration’s (WMA) mission is to restore and maintain the quality of the State’s ground and surface waters, and to plan for and supervise the development and conservation of the state’s water bodies. In addition, the WMA oversees the approval of erosion/sediment control and stormwater management plans and documentation, as well as the issuance of permits and state regulatory standards. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) requires that Stormwater runoff (discharge) from Maryland construction sites are regulated under section 402 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Section 402 outlines the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program.
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) mandates that construction projects that disturb one or more acres (>1.0 acres) of land; and are underway prior to December 31, 2013, must obtain coverage under the current Maryland General Permit for Stormwater Runoff Associated with Construction Activity.
In addition, projects that disturb less than one acre (<0.1 acres) but are part of a plan that will disturb one acre or greater (<0.1 acres) must also obtain a general or individual permit authorizing compliance with state standards for stormwater discharge.
Projects impacting 150 acres or more of land and which discharge into a body of water considered “impaired” by Maryland’s 303 (d) water quality standards must apply for individual permits.
*Note, All applicants may use the same form when applying for a general permit or an individual permit, if necessary.
To learn more about stormwater management check out the Stormwater Management section of this website and enroll in one of our online certificate programs.
DISCLAIMER: This program has not yet been approved by the Maryland Department of the Environment.
The state of Maryland and the Maryland Department of the Environment and its Water Management Administration’s (WMA) mission is to restore and maintain the quality of the State’s ground and surface waters, and to plan for and supervise the development and conservation of the state’s water bodies. In addition, the WMA oversees the approval of erosion/sediment control and stormwater management plans and documentation, as well as the issuance of permits and state regulatory standards. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) requires that Stormwater runoff (discharge) from Maryland construction sites are regulated under section 402 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Section 402 outlines the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program.
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MD MDRC General Permit (CGP)
MD General Permit Fact Sheet
MD Response to Public Comments
MD Subscriber Agreement Template ePermits
MD Notice of Final Determination
MD Standards and Specifications for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control
MD General Permit Construction Activity Inspection Form
MD Construction Inspection Checklists
MD General Permit Certification of Plan Approval l
MD SIC and NAIC Code Reference
MD Industrial Notice of Final Determination
MD Transfer Request for Industrial General Permit
MD Quarterly Visual Monitoring Form
MD Fact Sheet for General Permit for Discharges from Stormwater Associated with Industrial Activities
MD Nutrient Reduction Progress Report Form
MD General Permit for Discharges from Stormwater Associated with Industrial Activities MDR0000
MD No Exposure Certification Form
MD Notice of Intent (NOI) for Industrial General Permit
MD SWPPP Template for Industrial General Permit
MD Response to Comments for Modification
MD Industry Specific Sectors General Discharge Permit No. 12-SW Appendix A
MD Notice of Termination (NOT) for Industrial General Permit
MD No Exposure Guidance Manual
MD MS4 Notice of Intent (NOI)
MD General Permit for Small MS4s Fact Sheet
MD General Permit for Federal and State MS4s
MD NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permits Facts Phase I and II
MD Discharge Monitoring Report Form OMB 2040-0004
MD Waiver Form FAQs
MD Notice of Intent (NOI) FAQs
MD General Permit for Small MS4s
MD Waiver Form
MD Wastewater Capacity Management Guidance
MD Phase II MS4 Database and Guidance
Prior to commencement of any land disturbing activities within a given construction site, qualified personnel must have coverage under an approved Notice of Intent (NOI) authorizing the discharge of stormwater runoff within the regulations of the NPDES and in compliance with restrictions of the Maryland Department of the Environment.
A compliant ESC Plan should contain sufficient information, drawings, computations, and notes to describe how soil erosion and off-site sedimentation will be minimized. The ESC Plan is mandated to serve as the basis for all subsequent grading and stabilization that will take place on the construction project site.
Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) Plans and Stromwater Management Plans must contain the following critical points:
(1) Environmental site design to be utilized throughout all stages of the construction project.
(2) Best Management Practices (BMPs) to alleviate total land disturbances caused by related construction activities.
(3) Control of vehicles and construction equipment entering and exiting the site.
(4) Evaluations and Inspection records throughout the duration of construction.
(5) Identification of disturbed or high risk locations within the construction site.
(6) Final and Temporary Stabilization methods to remedy all environmental site disturbances.
(7) Protective measures to ensure all discharges into the Chesapeake Bay and other Maryland water bodies are in accordance with an established Total Maximum Daily Load (TDML).
Individuals looking to meet the credential requirements of the Maryland Construction General Permit should consider StormwaterONE.com’s Qualified Preparer of Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (QPswppp) online certificate program.
The Maryland Department of the Environment mandates that the permittee must allow an authorized representative of the EPA or state director permission to inspect site conditions and view all related project documentation. Inspections may be unannounced and should be conducted at reasonable times during construction activities to assure permit compliance.
*ESC Plans, Stromwater Management Plans and other documents must be kept on site and readily available at all times.
Prior to the completion of any authorized construction site project within the state of Maryland, the permittee has a responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent or minimize the environmental impact caused by all construction related activities and stormwater discharges. It is required that the permittee properly operate and maintain all Best Management Practices (BMPs) which are installed to achieve compliance with permit statutes. Proper operation and maintenance includes adequate laboratory controls and quality assurance procedures as well.
The Maryland Department of the Environment constitutes “Permanent and Final Stabilization” as such:
(1) All soil disturbing activities at the site have been completed as per the approved ESC Plan.
(2) The site meets soil erosion and sediment control standards issued by the MDE.
(3) One of the following:
a. Uniform perennial vegetative cover with a density matching 70% of the pre-construction vegetation.
b. Equivalent permanent stabilization measures such as geotextiles, riprap, etc.
*Note: When background (native) vegetation located on or near a construction project site does not cover 100% of the ground area, the 70% vegetative cover standard for final stabilization compliance is adjusted. The appropriate calculation to determine the total percentage of vegetative cover needed to meet Federal and State regulations is:
(.70 X (percent of ground that native vegetation covers)) =Coverage Criteria %
*If native vegetation covers 50% of the ground, 70% of the 50% must be covered to reach final stabilization. (.70 X .50)= 35% of native vegetative cover must be restored to be in accordance with final stabilization standards.
Notice of Termination (NOT):
Once all construction activities on a site have been completed, final stabilization has been attained, and all stormwater discharges authorized by this permit are eliminated, the permittee may file a Notice of Termination (NOT) through the Maryland Department of the Environment.
The NOT must include (1) the mailing address of the Construction site where land disturbing activity occurred, (2) Permitttee’s name, address, and telephone number, (3) Project general contractor(s) contact information, (4) NOI identification number, and (5) the mandated certification statement to be signed by the permittee.
The completed NOT form should be sent to the following address:
The Maryland Department of the Environment Compliance Program
Water Management Administration
P.O. Box 2057
Baltimore, Maryland 21203-2057
The project site owner or operator is required to have an individual who has attained their “Responsible Personnel” certification through the state of Maryland on site at all times.
- “Responsible Personnel” constitutes any foreman, superintendent, or project engineer that has gone through Maryland’s Training & Certification Program for Erosion and Sediment control
- Responsible Personnel must oversee all site clearing and grading operations or sediment control associated with earth changes or disturbances.
Maryland Construction Stormwater Permit Application Process
To receive authorization to discharge any stormwater runoff from construction activities occurring within the state of Maryland, The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) requires construction professionals to submit an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESC Plan) in compliance with the requirements established in Title 4, Subtitle 1 of the Environmental Article, Annotated Code of Maryland for all sediment-control related activities. A stormwater management plan is required to receive construction authorization as well. In addition to the ESC and Stormwater Management Plans, permittees must submit a vicinity map of the construction site and the permit application fee.
Once a Notice of Intent (NOI) for the proposed construction project, an ESC Plan and a Stormwater Management Plan have been submitted to the MDE, the Water Management Administration will review the plans to determine compliance with the requirements of Construction General Permit (CGP) guidelines prior to project approval.
*Note, if the Notice of Intent (NOI) is submitted prior to the submission of the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESC Plan) it will not be considered/submitted for approval through the state of Maryland.
In order to allow for public review of plans for site activity covered by this permit, the Maryland Department of the Environment will not act on NOIs for construction activities for sites covering 3 acres or more of disturbed land within a 45 day period, beginning on the date the NOI is posted on the MDE website.
· If an individual permit is required, a written explanation as to why the erosion and sediment control plan fails to meet state erosion and sediment control or stormwater management standards is required.
· For persons seeking individual permits within the State of Maryland, he/she must submit an individual application in accordance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
Once complete, applications (NOIs) for coverage under this general permit should be mailed to the Maryland Department of the Environment.
The Maryland Department of the Environment
Water Management Administration
P.O. Box 2057
Baltimore, Maryland 21203-2057
*Note: The State of Maryland and the Maryland Department of the Environment recognize the unauthorized release of discharge pollutants into water bodies within the United States as a direct violation of the Clean Water Act (CWA).
Maryland Storm Water Management Plan Requirements
Prior to commencement of any land disturbing activities within a given construction site, qualified personnel must have coverage under an approved Notice of Intent (NOI) authorizing the discharge of stormwater runoff within the regulations of the NPDES and in compliance with restrictions of the Maryland Department of the Environment.
A compliant ESC Plan should contain sufficient information, drawings, computations, and notes to describe how soil erosion and off-site sedimentation will be minimized. The ESC Plan is mandated to serve as the basis for all subsequent grading and stabilization that will take place on the construction project site.
Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) Plans and Stromwater Management Plans must contain the following critical points:
(1) Environmental site design to be utilized throughout all stages of the construction project.
(2) Best Management Practices (BMPs) to alleviate total land disturbances caused by related construction activities.
(3) Control of vehicles and construction equipment entering and exiting the site.
(4) Evaluations and Inspection records throughout the duration of construction.
(5) Identification of disturbed or high risk locations within the construction site.
(6) Final and Temporary Stabilization methods to remedy all environmental site disturbances.
(7) Protective measures to ensure all discharges into the Chesapeake Bay and other Maryland water bodies are in accordance with an established Total Maximum Daily Load (TDML).
Individuals looking to meet the credential requirements of the Maryland Construction General Permit should consider StormwaterONE.com’s Qualified Preparer of Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (QPswppp) online certificate program.
Maryland Construction Storm Water Inspection Frequency
The Maryland Department of the Environment mandates that the permittee must allow an authorized representative of the EPA or state director permission to inspect site conditions and view all related project documentation. Inspections may be unannounced and should be conducted at reasonable times during construction activities to assure permit compliance.
*ESC Plans, Stromwater Management Plans and other documents must be kept on site and readily available at all times.
Maryland Construction Stormwater - Credential Requirements
The project site owner or operator is required to have an individual who has attained their “Responsible Personnel” certification through the state of Maryland on site at all times.
· “Responsible Personnel” constitutes any foreman, superintendent, or project engineer that has gone through Maryland’s Training & Certification Program for Erosion and Sediment control
· Responsible Personnel must oversee all site clearing and grading operations or sediment control associated with earth changes or disturbances.
Maryland Final Stanilization for Construction Activities
Prior to the completion of any authorized construction site project within the state of Maryland, the permittee has a responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent or minimize the environmental impact caused by all construction related activities and stormwater discharges. It is required that the permittee properly operate and maintain all Best Management Practices (BMPs) which are installed to achieve compliance with permit statutes. Proper operation and maintenance includes adequate laboratory controls and quality assurance procedures as well.
The Maryland Department of the Environment constitutes “Permanent and Final Stabilization” as such:
(1) All soil disturbing activities at the site have been completed as per the approved ESC Plan.
(2) The site meets soil erosion and sediment control standards issued by the MDE.
(3) One of the following:
a. Uniform perennial vegetative cover with a density matching 70% of the pre-construction vegetation.
b. Equivalent permanent stabilization measures such as geotextiles, riprap, etc.
*Note: When background (native) vegetation located on or near a construction project site does not cover 100% of the ground area, the 70% vegetative cover standard for final stabilization compliance is adjusted. The appropriate calculation to determine the total percentage of vegetative cover needed to meet Federal and State regulations is:
(.70 X (percent of ground that native vegetation covers)) =Coverage Criteria %
*If native vegetation covers 50% of the ground, 70% of the 50% must be covered to reach final stabilization. (.70 X .50)= 35% of native vegetative cover must be restored to be in accordance with final stabilization standards.
Maryland Stormwater Permit Termination Process - Notice of Termination
Once all construction activities on a site have been completed, final stabilization has been attained, and all stormwater discharges authorized by this permit are eliminated, the permittee may file a Notice of Termination (NOT) through the Maryland Department of the Environment.
The NOT must include (1) the mailing address of the Construction site where land disturbing activity occurred, (2) Permitttee’s name, address, and telephone number, (3) Project general contractor(s) contact information, (4) NOI identification number, and (5) the mandated certification statement to be signed by the permittee.
The completed NOT form should be sent to the following address:
The Maryland Department of the Environment Compliance Program
Water Management Administration
P.O. Box 2057
Baltimore, Maryland 21203-2057
Mid Atlantic
Elizabeth Ottinger
Email Elizabeth »
(215) 814-5783
US EPA, Region 03
1650 Arch St(3WP41)
Philadelphia, PA, 19103-2029
Heather Nelson
Maryland Department of the Environment
(410) 537-3323
Email Heather »
Agency Website »
1800 Washington Blvd. Suite 420
Baltimore, MD, 21230
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