What is a state stormwater inspection? State stormwater compliance inspections are carried out by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for construction projects that fall under the Colorado Discharge Permit System (CDPS). These inspections are designed to verify compliance with state and federal stormwater requirements by reviewing documentation, evaluating on-site conditions, and assessing the effectiveness of Stormwater Management Plans (SWMPs) and control measures.
Is your construction project ready for a state stormwater inspection? In Colorado, state inspectors typically only give 24 hours notice before arriving on-site. Short-notice state inspections can catch teams off guard and create unnecessary stress. To make it easier, we’ve compiled helpful information to ensure your project remains inspection-ready and created a free printable checklist for your convenience.
- Keep Your SWMP Complete and Current
Your Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) is the foundation of compliance. State inspectors will check that it’s:
- Up to date and reflects current site conditions and best management practices (BMPs)
- Easily accessible on-site or electronically
- Includes a narrative, site map(s), BMP details, inspection logs, and maintenance records
- Ensure BMPs Are Installed and Maintained
Inspectors will walk your site to verify that Best Management Practices (BMPs) are properly installed and functioning effectively. Main areas of concern include:
- Erosion controls (silt fence, wattles, check dams)
- Sediment controls (inlet protection, sediment basins)
- Good housekeeping (waste management, material storage, concrete washout areas)
Routinely check for signs of failure like undercut fencing, sediment buildup, or damaged wattles and document accordingly.
- Stay on Top of Inspections and Corrective Actions
Under the CDPS permit, you must perform routine inspections every 7 or 14 days and within 24 hours of a storm event that causes runoff (jurisdiction depending).
Important things to ensure:
- All inspection forms are complete and signed by a qualified stormwater inspector/manager (QSM)
- Any deficiencies noted have documented corrective actions and completion dates within the timeframe of the permit requirements
- Updates and changes are reflected in the SWMP narrative and maps
- Unauthorized discharges
Unauthorized discharges occur when pollutants enter stormwater systems or
nearby surface waters because there aren’t proper control measures in place.
Common examples include concrete washout water, paints, fuels, oils, and other
construction-related chemicals that can wash into drains or streams during
rainfall events. Even sediment tracked offsite onto roadways by vehicles can be
carried into storm drains and contribute to water quality violations. These
discharges not only harm the environment but also expose the site to regulatory
penalties and enforcement actions.
- Poor inspection and maintenance records
This is one of the most common stormwater compliance issues. Under the CDPS
Construction Stormwater Permit, sites are required to conduct routine
inspections—typically every 14 days and within 24 hours of a precipitation
event—and to document findings in detail. Records must show not only that
inspections occurred, but also that identified issues were corrected in a timely
manner. Missing, incomplete, or inaccurate inspection logs, as well as a lack of
documentation of BMP maintenance, are considered permit violations and can
result in enforcement actions or fines from the CDPHE.
The key to keeping your project compliant is understanding regulatory requirements and
working with a reliable stormwater compliance partner. Compliance can feel overwhelming,
which is why Summit Services Group is committed to guiding you through every step of the
process. Contact Summit today to prevent violations on your project!