NHEPA-AdministeredSWPPP Requirements in New Hampshire
New Hampshire lacks NPDES authorization; EPA Region 1 administers the Construction General Permit directly. For sites disturbing 100,000+ sq ft (approximately 2.3 acres), a separate NH Alteration of Terrain (AoT) permit from NH DES is required and includes its own erosion control plan review. The Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act imposes additional restrictions within 250 feet of public waters.
New Hampshire SWPPP Key Facts
- ✓EPA CGP administered by EPA Region 1 — no state NPDES permit
- ✓$0 NOI fee under EPA CGP
- ✓NH Alteration of Terrain (AoT) permit required for 100,000+ sq ft
- ✓AoT permit fees range from $600 to $10,000+ based on project size
- ✓Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act applies within 250 feet of public waters
Administering Agency
- Agency
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 1 (EPA Region 1)
- Phone
- 617-918-1111
- r1-npdes@epa.gov
Permit Details
- Permit Name
- EPA 2022 Construction General Permit (CGP)
- Permit Number
- CTR100000
- Effective Date
- 2022-02-17
- Expiration Date
- 2027-02-16
- Permit Document
- View Current Permit
SWPPP Thresholds & Triggers
- Acreage Threshold
- 1 acre or more under EPA CGP; NH Alteration of Terrain (AoT) permit required for 100,000 sq ft (2.3 acres) or more of disturbed area
NH Alteration of Terrain (AoT) permit from NH DES required for disturbances of 100,000+ sq ft. Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act applies within 250 feet of public waters.
Inspection Requirements
- Inspection Frequency
- At least every 7 days and within 24 hours of a 0.5-inch or greater storm event (per EPA CGP)
- Rain Event Threshold
- 0.5 inches within 24 hours
- Certified Inspector
- Not required by state
NH DES administers the Alteration of Terrain permit separately from NPDES. The AoT permit has its own erosion control plan requirements. Both permits may run concurrently for larger sites.
Penalties & Enforcement
- Max Civil Penalty (Per Day)
- $25,000 per day per violation (federal CGP); NH RSA 482-A penalties up to $10,000/day
- Criminal Penalties
- Up to $50,000/day and imprisonment under CWA for federal violations
EPA Region 1 enforces CGP; NH DES enforces AoT permit and Shoreland Act violations independently.
Permit Fees
- NOI Filing Fee
- $0 (EPA CGP)
- NOT Filing Fee
- $0
- Other Fees
- NH Alteration of Terrain permit fee: $600–$10,000+ depending on acreage
How New Hampshire Differs from Federal Requirements
- ⚠NH has no NPDES authorization — EPA CGP applies directly
- ⚠NH Alteration of Terrain permit adds a state layer not present in federal CGP
- ⚠Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act is NH-specific
- ⚠No state fee for NPDES coverage; AoT fee is separate
SWPPP Tips for New Hampshire
- ➤Apply for AoT permit simultaneously with EPA CGP NOI — NH DES review can take 4–8 weeks
- ➤Include Shoreland Act compliance documentation in erosion control plans for lakeside or riverfront projects
- ➤NH DES requires separate E&SC Plan under AoT with specific design standards
New Hampshire SWPPP FAQs
Is the NH Alteration of Terrain permit the same as NPDES coverage?+
No. They are separate permits. EPA CGP covers NPDES stormwater discharge requirements; AoT permit covers NH-specific land disturbance and erosion control requirements. Both may be required for larger sites.
What triggers the Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act?+
Any earth disturbance, construction, or vegetation removal within 250 feet of a public water body (lakes, ponds, rivers) triggers the Shoreland Act, requiring a permit from NH DES.
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