That Construction Permit Isn’t Closed Until the Grass Grows Back
If your site disturbs more than one acre, you’re operating under a federal NPDES general permit and that permit doesn’t disappear when the heavy equipment leaves. Construction activity includes earth-disturbing activities such as clearing, grading, and excavating — and the permit covers stormwater discharges throughout the entire project lifecycle.
ALTThe post-construction phase is where compliance quietly falls apart. Your ESPCP (Erosion, Sedimentation, and Pollution Control Plan) must document every phase — including permanent stabilization, final vegetation establishment, and removal of every temporary erosion control. The 2025 GSWCC checklist doesn’t let you skip a single box.
Final grading ✅ Seeding ✅ Erosion matting ✅ Documented inspections ✅ Signed off ✅
That’s how you terminate NPDES coverage. Not before.



