If your project requires routine stormwater inspections under a CDPS stormwater permit, you may be wondering what they entail. Understanding what happens during a routine stormwater inspection helps your team stay prepared, avoid violations, and keep the project moving.
In this blog, we’ll discuss what you can expect from a routine inspection.
Why Routine Stormwater Inspections Matter
Construction sites disturb soil. When rain or snowmelt moves across exposed ground, it can carry sediment and pollutants into nearby waterways. State and local agencies require stormwater compliance inspections to make sure projects manage runoff properly.
Regular stormwater inspections help:
- Protect water quality
- Maintain compliance with your Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP)
- Prevent Notices of Violation (NOVs)
- Reduce the risk of fines or stop-work orders
Most Colorado construction sites disturbing one acre or more must complete routine stormwater inspections at least every 7 or 14 days, depending on permit requirements, and after qualifying storm events.
Reviewing the SWMP First
A routine inspection usually starts with a review of the Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP). This can be done on-site, or digitally.
In reviewing the SWMP, the inspector ensures it stays up to date. They will update maps or erosion control plans to reflect active construction, and make sure that BMP descriptions match what is installed in the field.
If the SWMP does not match site conditions, or there’s room for modification, the inspector notes updates that need to be made and maintains open communication with site personnel.
Walking the Entire Site
Next, the inspector walks the site. This includes viewing disturbed areas, perimeter controls, discharge points, and material storage areas. Sometimes, the PM or superintendent on the project will walk the site with the inspector, but that’s up to their protocols and preferences.
During the walk, the inspector evaluates items including:
- Erosion and sediment control BMPs
- Stabilization of exposed soils
- Inlet protection and perimeter controls
- Concrete washouts and material storage
- Evidence of off-site sediment tracking
The goal is simple: identify problems early and correct them before they escalate.
Documenting the Inspection
After completing the site walk, the inspector prepares a formal stormwater inspection report.
The report is typically a digital form emailed to the client and applicable project personnel. The report will include the date and time of inspection, weather conditions, site observations, BMP performance, required maintenance or corrective actions, and follow-up deadlines. The inspector may also use the report to recommend any helpful suggestions if they couldn’t get a hold of anyone during the inspection.
Accurate documentation protects your project during state or local agency inspections.
How Summit Services Group Helps
At Summit Services Group, we conduct routine stormwater inspections across Colorado and even some parts of Wyoming and Utah. We work directly with contractors and project teams to identify issues early, update SWMPs, and support compliance throughout the life of the project.
Our inspectors are experienced with various different types of projects and have extensive compliance knowledge.
If you need support with stormwater inspections, SWMP management, or CDPS permit compliance, contact Summit Services Group today.