Construction General Permit (CGP)

Disclaimer: EPA is the permitting authority for the CGP. NHDES does not have any regulatory authority over the CGP and solely provides support for permittees.

EPA reissued the CGP on February 17, 2022. The permit and authorization to discharge expires on February 16, 2027. The reissued CGP covers both the Phase I, large construction sites greater than 5 acres; and “stormwater discharge associated with small construction activity,” which includes construction sites from 1 to 5 acres (or smaller than 1 acre if part of a larger common plan of development or sale that totals 1 acre).

The permit requires the owner and operator of the construction site to, among other things:

• Develop and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
• Post a visible public notice at the main entrance of the construction site, containing confirmation of permit coverage and details on where the SWPPP may be viewed.
• As part of the SWPPP, develop a site map showing surface waters, disturbed areas, best management practices (BMPs), etc.
• Have a “qualified person” inspect all erosion and sediment control BMPs, maintain BMPs after storm events and keep records in the SWPPP of all inspections and maintenance performed.
• Control wastes, such as discarded building materials, concrete truck washout and sanitary wastes.
• Take corrective actions (e.g., fix stormwater controls, clean up spills and sediment deposits, etc.).
• File a Notice of Termination (NOT) form when the construction site is stabilized/revegetated.

CGP definitions and acronyms