In our previous blog, we discussed the differences between stormwater and groundwater and why each plays an important role in environmental compliance. While both are regulated to protect Colorado’s water resources, the permitting requirements for each are very different.
Understanding which permit may apply to your project can help avoid delays, maintain compliance, and ensure the appropriate environmental protections are in place. Here’s a general overview of how stormwater and groundwater permitting differ in Colorado.
Stormwater Permitting
Stormwater permits in Colorado fall under the Colorado Discharge Permit System (CDPS) COR400000. This permit applies to construction activities that disturb one acre or more of land, or are part of a larger common plan of development that will ultimately disturb one acre or more.
The purpose of the permit is to minimize the discharge of sediment and other pollutants in stormwater runoff during construction. To achieve this, permit holders are required to develop and maintain a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) that outlines how stormwater will be managed throughout the project.
Stormwater permit compliance often includes:
- Preparing a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP)
- Installing and maintaining Best Management Practices (BMPs)
- Conducting routine inspections
- Documenting corrective actions
- Updating the SWMP as site conditions change
- Achieving final stabilization before permit termination
Because construction sites are constantly changing, stormwater compliance is an active process that continues throughout the life of the project.
Groundwater Permitting
Unlike stormwater permits, groundwater permits generally address water that is encountered below the surface during excavation or construction activities. Groundwater permitting is typically related to dewatering activities.
In 2020, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) updated its approach to dewatering by issuing five revised general permits covering a variety of dewatering activities. These permits (COG080000, COG317000, COG318000, COG603000, and COG608000) provide permit coverage for specific types of groundwater discharges, depending on the project and discharge characteristics.
Dewatering requires treatment or specific discharge controls before it can be released off site. Permitting requirements are determined by factors such as water quality, discharge location, and whether the water is being discharged to surface waters, sanitary systems, or other approved locations.
In some cases, groundwater-related compliance may also involve additional environmental considerations, such as long-term monitoring or site-specific water quality requirements. Because of this variability, it is important to evaluate groundwater conditions early in the project planning process to determine what, if any, permitting will be required.
Why Early Planning Matters
Environmental permitting is often easier when it’s considered during the planning stages of a project.
Identifying potential stormwater and groundwater requirements before construction begins allows project teams to develop appropriate compliance strategies and schedule permitting activities. Acquiring the required permits can often take months, so working proactively can save both time and resources.
Final Thoughts
While stormwater and groundwater permitting share the common goal of protecting Colorado’s water resources, they address different types of water and different project activities.
Stormwater permitting focuses on managing runoff from construction and industrial sites, while groundwater permitting generally addresses activities involving water below the ground surface, such as dewatering, monitoring, remediation, or discharge.
Understanding these differences helps project teams identify the appropriate compliance requirements and better prepare for successful project execution.
If your project involves stormwater compliance, groundwater management, or both, Summit Services Group can help you understand the requirements and develop a practical approach to environmental compliance.