Monroe County, Indiana

Obtaining Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSGP) Coverage:

As of 12/18/2021, IDEM is no longer administering the construction stormwater program through 327 IAC 15-5 (Rule 5). It is now being administered through the CSGP, a performance-based regulation designed to reduce pollutants associated with construction and/or land-disturbing activities. 

You can find a copy of the new CSGP and its new performance standards at the IDEM website, here.

The first step toward obtaining CSGP coverage is creating a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The SWPPP outlines how sediment and erosion controls will be enacted so that stormwater leaving the site carries a minimal amount of sediment or other pollutants to nearby waterways. For larger projects, the plan also needs to address any pollutants that will be associated with post-construction activity. See the section below for a more in depth description of SWPPP requirements.

How to obtain CSGP coverage:

1. Submit a construction plan that contains a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan via your stormwater grading permit.
   1. We will review and provide feedback for any modifications that need to be made. When the SWPPP is sufficient, we will provide you with a technical review form showing approval of your SWPPP.
2. Simultaneously, select an option below for notifying the public, as outlined by IDEM:
   1. Ten (10) calendar days prior to the submittal of the notice of intent (NOI) post a notification at a visible and publicly accessible location at the project site.
      • Note: If this option is used it must also include the date of the posting, signature of the project site owner or representative. The notification must be on an 8.5-inch X 11-inch sheet and remain posted in a legible condition for the duration of the project.
   2. Local, state, and federal agencies may post a notification on their publicly accessible website for a minimum of ten (10) calendar days prior to the submittal of the notice of intent (NOI). We can post the public notice to the main page of our website, and will provide you with proper proof of public notice.
      • Note: If this option is used it must also include the date of the posting. The notification must be legible and maintained as part of the project management log.
   3. If options (a) or (b) are not met, the applicant must publish a notice in a printed or digital newspaper of general circulation in the affected area for at least one day.
      • Note: If this option is used it must also include the date of the posting. The published advertisement and affidavit must be legible and maintained as part of the project management log.
3. Once you have received SWPPP approval, submit a notice of intent (NOI), with SWPPP approval and proof of public notice, and permit fee to IDEM via their ePortal site. 
4. Obtain any other necessary local permits, such as county-issued building or floodplain permits, prior to land disturbance. Construction can begin when all county permits are obtained.

SWPPP - Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans

A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) must be developed for all projects meeting CSGP applicability standards.

The purpose of the SWPPP is to identify:

• potential sources of stormwater pollution
• practices to reduce pollutants and the volume of stormwater discharges
• the person responsible for managing stormwater
• each major phase of construction

Some of the elements to be included in the SWPPP are:

• construction company information
• site map
• potential pollutants
• identification of receiving waters
• BMPs for managing stormwater
• employee training log
• documentation of compliance - inspections, sampling, spill reports, etc.  

Further information on SWPPPs can be found on the IDEM website and in this IDEM CSGP Plan Development Guidance document.

Single family residential projects that are simple in nature, may utilize this CSGP Guidance Document and template, but larger, more complex residential and commercial projects should have their SWPPP developed by a design engineer.  

Please contact the Stormwater Inspector, Erica Penna, epenna@co.monroe.in.us or 812-803-6345 if you have any questions or concerns.