When a permit and SWPPP are required
In California, construction that disturbs one acre or more of land, or is part of a larger common plan of development that does, needs coverage under the State Water Board’s Construction Stormwater General Permit (Order WQ 2022-0057-DWQ, effective September 1, 2023). Coverage requires a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
The permit includes a programmatic option for linear underground and overhead projects, which lets multiple non-contiguous linear projects be covered under one Notice of Intent. Linear underground and overhead projects are not subject to the permit’s post-construction requirements.
Who does what: A Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) prepares the SWPPP. A Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) oversees implementation in the field. The discharger, usually the owner, remains responsible for compliance. Arizona and Nevada have their own construction stormwater permits.
Common BMPs on utility jobs
- Fiber rolls, silt fence and gravel bags around trenches and stockpiles.
- Storm drain inlet protection near work areas.
- Covering or stabilizing spoils piles before rain.
- Stabilized construction entrances to keep sediment off streets.
- Concrete washout and proper handling of slurry from hydro excavation.
- Spill kits and secondary containment for fuels and equipment.
Dewatering and cleaning vaults
Vaults, manholes and handholes fill with stormwater and groundwater, and that water often carries sediment, oil and other contaminants. It has to come out before crews can inspect or work, and it cannot simply be pumped into the street or a storm drain.
California has a statewide general permit for discharges from utility vaults and underground structures (Order 2006-0008-DWQ), with conditions on what can be discharged and how. Water that is contaminated or does not qualify is pumped into vacuum equipment and handled for proper disposal.
Once the water is out, the structure is pressure washed to remove sediment, oil and debris, so crews can see what they are working on and inspections are accurate.
Tip: Check the utility’s and the permit’s requirements before dewatering. Testing, containment and disposal records are often required.
Site restoration
When the work is done, disturbed areas are backfilled, compacted, regraded and stabilized, with seeding or other permanent cover where required. Temporary BMPs come out once the site is stable.
How GDV Utilities helps
Our crews pump contaminated water out of vaults and manholes, pressure wash underground facilities, install and maintain BMPs, manage spoils and waste, coordinate with your QSP and restore sites after construction.