Review Construction stormwater
When stormwater drains off a construction site, it carries sediment and other pollutants that can harm lakes, streams, and wetlands. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 20 to 150 tons of soil per acre are lost every year to stormwater runoff from construction sites. MPCA issues coverage to construction site owners and their operators under the Construction Stormwater general permit to prevent stormwater pollution during and after construction, and protect Minnesota's water resources.
Who needs a permit?
You need permit coverage if you are the owner or operator for any construction activity disturbing:
Common plan of development or sale
A common plan of development or sale — such as a subdivision, phased project, or combination of construction activities — is an area where multiple, contiguous, separate land-disturbing activities may happen on different schedules, but under one proposed plan.
Check if you need construction stormwater subdivision registration from the MPCA before construction begins. If a portion of a permitted project is sold, such as a single lot in a residential development, use the subdivision registration form to transfer permit coverage to the new owner/contractor. This process allows a single permit covering an entire site to be broken up or “subdivided” to cover many different builders and sites.
Common plan of development (wq-strm2-22)
Video: Common plans of development and subdivision registration (4 min.)
Apply for coverage
Steps to construction page for full details on what to do before you apply.
Apply for construction stormwater permit coverage online.
For assistance:
Getting started with MPCA e-Services (p-gen1-17)
onlineservices.pca@state.mn.us
Reminder: All required wetland permits or determinations must be complete before application.
See Construction stormwater for Permit and program forms
Refer to:
Construction stormwater compliance staff
The MPCA provides technical assistance to help construction site owners and managers meet environmental requirements. Contact the compliance staff for your area for assistance.
Construction stormwater compliance and enforcement coverage area map (wq-strm2-112)
Application fee - $400
No annual fee.
For as long as the construction activity lasts within five years covered by the general permit. If construction goes past the expiration date of the permit, permittees can continue to operate under the expired permit for 18 months. If construction goes on for more than 18 months after the permit expires, permittees will need to update their SWPPP to contain the requirements of the new permit.