PA DEP SERO WSHD SW DR rev 6/2/2008
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR NPDES STORMWATER PERMITTING
The NPDES Stormwater Application (dated May 2007) includes in-depth instructions and a Permit Summary Sheet which
contains a great deal of Q/A. Applicants are advised to thoroughly read through these instructions and upon coming
across any unanswered questions; they may contact their pertinent county conservation district or DEP regional office.
Below are common questions and their related responses:
1. Where can I find the permit application forms?
Copies of the pertinent forms can be obtained from DEP’s website:
www.depweb.state.pa.us: select “Water Topics” and scroll down to “Stormwater Management”. Select “General
Permits” from the left column.
2. What documentation is required for a complete NPDES Permit Application?
The NPDES application includes a detailed checklist which itemizes all the documentation that is required in order to
have a complete submittal.
3. Where can I find the worksheets?
All worksheets can be found in Chapter 8 of the PA Stormwater Management BMP Manual (12/26/2006). A copy of
the manual can be downloaded by following the same navigational steps as in item no. 1, except that the last step
would be to select Best Management Practices Manual from the left column. Worksheets 1 through 5 are also
attached to the permit application, however worksheets 10 through 13 can currently only be obtained from the
manual.
4. To which entity do I submit an NPDES Permit Application?
All NPDES Applications should be submitted to the pertinent county conservation district, with the exception of
Philadelphia County which shall be submitted directly to the DEP Southeast Regional Office in Norristown.
5. What is the amount of the application fee and who do I make the check out to?
This information is covered on Page 3 of the instructions. The permit application filing fee for a general permit is
$250.00 made payable to the appropriate county conservation district "Clean Water Fund" or Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania "Clean Water Fund", whichever is the processing entity. The permit application filing fee for an
Individual Permit is $500.00 made payable as indicated above. The check is to be dated within ten days of the
application submittal date.
6. Are municipalities exempt from the application fee?
No. Only State Government Agencies are exempt from the filing fee. Federal and Local Government Agencies are
not exempt.
7. Are there other fees besides the application fee?
Yes. County Conservation Districts also charge a fee for reviewing and processing the associated plans and narrative
related to Erosion and Sedimentation Control. Districts with a Post Construction Stormwater Management (PCSM)
Delegation may also charge an additional fee for performing a technical review of the PCSM Plan.
8. What do I do differently in the City of Philadelphia?
The City of Philadelphia does not have a county conservation district; therefore all NPDES Construction Permits must
be submitted to the DEP Southeast Regional Office in Norristown. Since DEP and the Philadelphia Water
Department have common plan review requirements, permit applicants are advised to go through the city land
development process and obtain conceptual plan approval through their ERSA process prior to submitting a permit
application to DEP. DEP will share a copy of the permit application with PWD upon receiving an administratively
complete submittal and coordinate with them prior to making a final permit decision. For more info, go
www.phillyriverinfo.org/.
9. When do I need an Individual Permit?
The two most common reasons for needing an individual permit are (1) when a site is totally or partially situated within
a special protection watershed (High Quality or Exceptional Value); and (2) when a project has the potential to
discharge pollutants which is typically associated with the development of a contaminated site (including Brownfields).
PA DEP SERO WSHD SW DR rev 6/2/2008
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR NPDES STORMWATER PERMITTING (CONT.)
10. Where can I find information regarding streams/watersheds that have a “special protection” status?
Applicants are advised to check two sources to verify whether their project is located within a special protection
watershed (HQ or EV). (1) Chapter 93 – Water Quality Standards which describes the designated uses for all
watersheds in PA:
www.pacode.com/secure/data/025/chapter93/chap93toc.html and (2) DEP’s website
www.depweb.state.pa.us. Go to “Water Topics” and select “Water Quality” and then select “Streams Existing Uses”
under the heading of “Standards”.
11. Where can I find information regarding “impaired” streams/watersheds?
This
information
can
be
found
on
DEP’s
website
at
www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/wqp/wqstandards/303d-Report.htm
and www.emappa.dep.state.pa.us/emappa/viewer.htm.
the
following
locations:
12. Once an NPDES permit is issued, how long is it valid?
NPDES Permits are typically only valid for a period of 5 years from the date of issuance. A permittee may apply for a
time extension by completing the necessary forms and submitting the appropriate documentation and fees to the
county conservation district. Follow the same navigations steps in item 1 to find a copy of this form.
13. When should I apply for a phased project?
An applicant has the option of applying for a phased NPDES permit should they encounter a situation where it is
warranted. A few examples are: (1) A large plan of development whose design and construction will be divided into
separate plans of development over time; (2) a project where appropriate plans have been completed for demolition
activities and are approvable prior to the other phase(s) of construction. Applicants are advised to follow the
appropriate checklist items for submitting information for subsequent phases (for permitted projects).
14. When can I start earthmoving?
For individual permits, applicants may receive an E&S Plan Adequacy Letter from the conservation district prior to
receiving an NPDES Permit. Applicants may NOT commence work until an actual permit is issued by DEP (Individual
Permits) or the Conservation District (General Permits). Applicants may also need other DEP permits or approvals
prior to starting work such at Chapter 105 Encroachment Permits and/or Act 537 Sewage Facilities Planning approval.
Many conservation districts also require a preconstruction meeting prior to commencing any earth disturbance
activities.
15. How long will it take to process my permit?
Much of this depends on the quality of the submission and its adherence to the permitting requirements. Most permit
applications go through several iterations prior to plan approval and permit issuance. The conservation districts and
DEP regional office endeavor to adhere to a 20 day administrative review timeframe and 30-60 days for each
technical plan review. Technical reviews will vary depending on complexity, overall workload and the quality of
submission. Generally speaking, applicants should plan for a minimum of 3 months for a General Permit and a
minimum of 6 months for an Individual Permit. Additional time should be allotted to any projects which stray from the
norm, push the threshold of our permitting requirements; or require significant response time to technical deficiencies.
16. How do I conduct a PNDI Search and how do I resolve potential conflicts with species of concern?
For PNDI searches, applicants are advised to go to the following website: www.naturalheritage.state.pa.us.; select
“PNDI Project Planning Environmental Review” and then follow the prompts and directions.
If search results identify any potential conflicts with species of concern, the applicant must follow up with the pertinent
resource agency to either obtain clearance or a recommendation letter prior to permit submission.
17. Who do I call if I have a question?
Direct all inquiries to your pertinent county conservation district. If they are unable to answer your questions, they will
refer your inquiry to technical staff at the DEP Regional Office.
Bucks CCD
215-345-7577
Montgomery CCD
610-489-4506
Chester CCD
610-925-4920
DEP-SERO
484-250-5970
Delaware CCD 610-892-9484