PAState-AdministeredSWPPP Requirements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania administers construction stormwater under Chapter 102 (Erosion and Sediment Control) and Chapter 105 (Water Obstruction and Encroachment). The PAG-02 general permit covers most sites disturbing 1+ acre, but HQ/EV watersheds require individual NPDES permits. County Conservation Districts play a central role in E&S Plan review and compliance inspections alongside PA DEP.
Pennsylvania SWPPP Key Facts
- ✓Chapter 102 E&S Plan required and must be Conservation District-approved
- ✓HQ/EV watersheds require individual NPDES permit — not PAG-02
- ✓County Conservation Districts conduct independent inspections
- ✓$100 NOI application fee (county Conservation District)
- ✓Post-construction stormwater management required under Chapter 102.8
Administering Agency
- Agency
- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP)
- Phone
- 717-787-2666
- eplanduse@pa.gov
- Website
- PA DEP Stormwater Program
Permit Details
- Permit Name
- NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activities (PAG-02)
- Permit Number
- PAG-02
- Effective Date
- 2024-12-08
- Expiration Date
- 2029-12-07
- Permit Document
- View Current Permit
SWPPP Thresholds & Triggers
- Acreage Threshold
- 1 acre or more; less than 1 acre if part of a larger common plan of development
High Quality (HQ) and Exceptional Value (EV) watershed designations trigger individual NPDES permit requirement rather than PAG-02 general permit coverage.
Inspection Requirements
- Inspection Frequency
- At least every 7 days and within 24 hours of a 0.5-inch or greater storm event
- Rain Event Threshold
- 0.5 inches within 24 hours
- Certified Inspector
- Not required by state
E&S (Erosion and Sediment Control) Plan must be reviewed and approved by the county Conservation District before earth disturbance. Chapter 102 governs E&S requirements.
Penalties & Enforcement
- Max Civil Penalty (Per Day)
- $10,000 per day per violation; up to $25,000/day for willful violations
- Criminal Penalties
- Up to $25,000/day and imprisonment for willful violations under Clean Streams Law
County Conservation Districts conduct compliance inspections independently of PA DEP; both entities can issue NOVs.
Permit Fees
- NOI Filing Fee
- $100 application fee paid to county Conservation District
- Other Fees
- E&S Plan review fee varies by county Conservation District
How Pennsylvania Differs from Federal Requirements
- ⚠PA has its own NPDES program; EPA CGP does not apply
- ⚠HQ/EV watershed individual permit requirement exceeds federal CGP
- ⚠County Conservation District review layer is PA-specific
- ⚠Separate PCSM plan requirement for post-construction is more structured than federal CGP
SWPPP Tips for Pennsylvania
- ➤Contact your county Conservation District early — review timelines vary widely by county
- ➤Confirm watershed classification (HQ/EV) before assuming PAG-02 eligibility
- ➤Maintain the E&S Plan and PCSM Plan on-site and update after any design change
Pennsylvania SWPPP FAQs
What is the difference between an E&S Plan and a SWPPP in Pennsylvania?+
The E&S Plan covers erosion and sediment controls during construction and is reviewed by the Conservation District. The PCSM (Post-Construction Stormwater Management) Plan addresses long-term stormwater management. Together they function like a SWPPP.
Can a PAG-02 be used in a Special Protection Watershed?+
No. HQ and EV watersheds (Special Protection Waters) require an individual NPDES permit with stricter review and typically antidegradation demonstration.
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