MSState-AdministeredSWPPP Requirements in Mississippi
Mississippi's construction stormwater program under the MSR100000 general permit is among the most straightforward in the Southeast. The state's $0 NOI fee, online submission system, and a permit structure closely tracking the federal CGP make compliance accessible for operators of all sizes. Inland Mississippi—covering most of the state's construction activity in the Jackson, Hattiesburg, and Tupelo markets—involves primarily sediment control challenges on the state's red clay and loess soils. The Gulf Coast strip from Pascagoula to Bay St. Louis presents distinct challenges. Hurricane Katrina and subsequent storms demonstrated the catastrophic stormwater consequences of tropical weather systems, and MDEQ expects Gulf Coast SWPPPs to address hurricane season risk. Projects near tidal waters require coordination with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. The delta region in the extreme southwest corner of the state involves extensive Army Corps jurisdiction over navigable waters and adjacent wetlands.
Mississippi SWPPP Key Facts
- ✓MSR100000 permit with $0 NOI fee—online submission through MDEQ portal
- ✓Gulf Coast projects near Biloxi/Gulfport require Mississippi Department of Marine Resources coordination
- ✓Pearl River and Pascagoula River basins designated Outstanding Resource Waters with stricter discharge limits
- ✓Hurricane season risk requires Gulf Coast SWPPPs to address tropical weather event protocols
- ✓Mississippi River delta wetlands in southwest MS require Army Corps Section 404 coordination
Administering Agency
- Agency
- Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ)
- Phone
- 601-961-5171
- msdeq@mdeq.ms.gov
- Website
- MDEQ Stormwater Program
Permit Details
- Permit Name
- NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities
- Permit Number
- MSR100000
- Effective Date
- 2018-05-01
- Permit Document
- View Current Permit
SWPPP Thresholds & Triggers
- Acreage Threshold
- 1 acre of land disturbance, or less than 1 acre if part of a larger common plan of development
Gulf Coast coastal zone near Biloxi, Gulfport, and Pascagoula requires coordination with Mississippi Department of Marine Resources for projects near tidal waters. Mississippi River delta wetlands in the southwest corner of the state require Army Corps Section 404 coordination. Pearl River and Pascagoula River basins designated Outstanding Resource Waters.
Inspection Requirements
- Inspection Frequency
- At least once every 7 calendar days and within 24 hours of a qualifying storm event of 0.5 inch or more
- Rain Event Threshold
- 0.5 inch in a 24-hour period
- Certified Inspector
- Not required by state
Mississippi's inland program is relatively straightforward. Gulf Coast projects face hurricane season (June–November) risk with potential for extreme rainfall events from tropical systems. MDEQ accepts electronic NOI submissions through its online permitting portal.
Penalties & Enforcement
- Max Civil Penalty (Per Day)
- $25,000 per day per violation
- Criminal Penalties
- Criminal penalties under Mississippi Code §49-17-43 for knowing violations
MDEQ enforces the MSR100000 permit statewide. Gulf Coast projects near Marine Resources jurisdiction may face joint enforcement. Mississippi River delta wetland violations trigger Army Corps concurrent enforcement.
Permit Fees
- NOI Filing Fee
- $0
- NOT Filing Fee
- $0
How Mississippi Differs from Federal Requirements
- ⚠Mississippi's MSR100000 closely mirrors the federal CGP—no significant additional technical requirements beyond the federal baseline.
- ⚠Mississippi Department of Marine Resources coastal jurisdiction is a state-specific additional compliance layer for Gulf Coast projects.
- ⚠$0 NOI fee in Mississippi vs. potential fees under the direct federal CGP.
SWPPP Tips for Mississippi
- ➤For Gulf Coast projects, include a hurricane preparedness annex in your SWPPP—tropical systems can deliver 10+ inches in 24 hours and overwhelm standard BMPs.
- ➤Check whether your project's receiving water is a designated Outstanding Resource Waters (Pearl or Pascagoula basins)—additional discharge limitations apply.
- ➤Jackson metro construction sites: confirm local MS4 requirements with the City of Jackson and Rankin/Madison counties, which operate MS4 programs with requirements beyond the state MSR100000 permit.
- ➤Delta region projects should assume jurisdictional wetlands are present and engage Army Corps early for Section 404 delineation.
Mississippi SWPPP FAQs
Does Mississippi have separate coastal construction requirements?+
Yes. Projects near tidal waters along the Gulf Coast require coordination with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources in addition to MDEQ's MSR100000 permit. The coastal zone is not administered by MDEQ—contact DMR for coastal construction requirements.
What are Outstanding Resource Waters in Mississippi?+
MDEQ designates certain high-quality water bodies as Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), including portions of the Pearl and Pascagoula river basins. Projects discharging to ORW watersheds face stricter effluent limits and may require individual permit review rather than general permit coverage.
How do I submit a NOI in Mississippi?+
NOIs are submitted electronically through MDEQ's online permitting portal at mdeq.ms.gov. There is no filing fee. Confirm coverage receipt before mobilizing.
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