Stormwater Compliance 101: Avoiding Common (and Expensive) Mistakes
Let’s be honest: stormwater compliance isn’t exactly thrilling. It’s not the sexy part of construction. No one wakes up excited to do an SWPPP inspection. But you know what’s worse...
Paying five-figure fines and getting your project shut down because you ignored it.
Yep, stormwater violations can—and will—cost you. But they don’t have to. Here are the biggest (and dumbest) compliance mistakes contractors make and how to dodge them like a pro.
1. Ignoring the SWPPP (or Not Having One at All)
A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) isn’t just some optional paperwork—it’s your playbook for staying compliant. If regulators show up and you don’t have one (or it’s outdated), expect to reach for your checkbook.
✅ Fix It: Make sure your SWPPP is updated, reviewed, and actually reflects what’s happening on-site.
2. "Inspectors Won’t Notice That…" (Spoiler: They Will)
Thinking you can “wing it” and hope the inspector doesn’t notice your missing silt fence? Bad idea. Regulators have seen every trick in the book. They will catch that sloppy erosion control, and they will make you pay for it.
✅ Fix It: Do a quick pre-inspection walkthrough before regulators show up. Better yet—hire a professional inspector (cough like me cough).
3. Ignoring the 24-Hour Post-Rainfall Rule
Most contractors don’t realize that if it rains more than 0.5 inches, you need a site inspection within 24 hours. Skip it, and that’s a clear violation. (Also, “I forgot” isn’t a great excuse when the EPA is writing you a fine.)
✅ Fix It: Have a plan in place for immediate rain event inspections. I offer on-demand storm inspections for exactly this reason.
4. Treating Compliance as an Afterthought
Stormwater management isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about keeping your project running smoothly. The last thing you want is a work stoppage because some inspector wasn’t happy with your erosion controls.
✅ Fix It: Make compliance part of the workflow, not a last-minute panic. And if it feels overwhelming? Hire an expert to handle it for you.
