A SWPPP inspection form is the written record of a construction-site inspection required by the stormwater permit. It documents who inspected, what was inspected, site conditions, control effectiveness, deficiencies, and corrective actions. The form is completed by the qualified person who conducts the inspection.
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Who is qualified to fill out a SWPPP inspection form?
The person who fills out the form must meet the inspector qualifications specified by the permit covering the site. These qualifications vary by jurisdiction and permit program.
Under the EPA 2022 Construction General Permit, inspections must be performed by a qualified person. For projects covered on or after February 17, 2023, that person must either complete EPA's construction-inspection course and pass its exam or hold a current qualifying certification or license covering comparable construction stormwater inspection subjects.
Florida's Construction Generic Permit requires inspections by a qualified inspector provided by the operator. The inspection report must identify the inspector's name and qualifications, and the report must be signed by both the qualified inspector who prepared it and a responsible authority.
The EPA CGP applies only where EPA is the NPDES permitting authority. States and other authorized jurisdictions administer their own construction stormwater permits with different inspector qualifications. More detail on inspector credentials is available in our guide to SWPPP certification: EPA course, CPESC, or state credential.
What information does a SWPPP inspection form record?
The exact fields depend on the permit and jurisdiction, but an inspection form commonly records the date and scope of inspection, inspector's name, employer, contact information, and qualifications, areas inspected and stormwater discharge points, condition and effectiveness of erosion and sediment controls, condition of pollution-prevention measures, discharges or sediment releases, deficiencies and required corrective actions, corrective-action completion or follow-up, and required signatures and certifications.
EPA's Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Template directs the plan to identify inspection personnel and qualifications, describe inspection procedures and schedules, and attach or reference the inspection form. EPA's Site Inspection Report Template requires the report to identify the person who conducted the inspection, including that person's title, company, contact information, and qualifications.
See the SWPPP plan request form.
Is the SWPPP inspection form the same as the SWPPP itself?
No. The SWPPP is the comprehensive pollution-prevention plan for the site, while the inspection form is the periodic record of inspections conducted under that plan.
The SWPPP describes the site, identifies potential pollutant sources, specifies erosion and sediment controls, and establishes inspection schedules and procedures. The inspection form documents whether those controls are in place and working as intended. The completed inspection reports are generally kept with the SWPPP and must be available to the permitting authority.
How often must SWPPP inspection forms be completed?
Inspection frequency is set by the permit covering the site. Common requirements include inspections at least every seven calendar days, within 24 hours after a storm event of a specified size, or both.
The EPA 2022 Construction General Permit requires inspections at least once every seven calendar days and within 24 hours after any storm event that produces 0.25 inches or more of rainfall at the site. Some state permits use different intervals or rainfall thresholds.
Each inspection generates a new inspection form. The forms create a compliance record showing that the site was inspected on schedule and that deficiencies were identified and corrected.
Who signs a SWPPP inspection form?
Signature requirements depend on the permit. The inspector who performed the inspection typically completes and signs the form. Some permits require an additional signature from an authorized representative of the operator.
Under the EPA CGP, the operator must ensure that inspections occur and that reports are maintained. The inspector completes the technical inspection report. A separate authorized person may be required to sign or certify permit documents; SWPPPs and related permit documents may be signed by the person authorized to sign the Notice of Intent or a duly authorized representative under the permit's certification provisions.
The operator, inspector, and signer are not always the same person. The operator is generally the party responsible for construction activities and permit compliance. The inspector completes the technical inspection. An authorized representative may sign permit documents on behalf of the operator.
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Where is the SWPPP inspection form kept?
The completed inspection form is generally kept with the SWPPP and must be available to the permitting authority. Some permits require the form to be kept on-site; others allow off-site retention as long as it can be produced upon request.
The EPA 2022 Construction General Permit requires the operator to retain a copy of the SWPPP and all inspection reports for at least three years from the date that permit coverage expires or is terminated. The SWPPP and inspection reports must be made available to EPA, state, tribal, or local agencies upon request.
Inspection forms are part of the compliance record. They demonstrate that the site was inspected on schedule, that controls were evaluated, and that corrective actions were taken when needed. Failure to maintain inspection records can result in permit violations even if the site was actually inspected.
What else should contractors know about SWPPP inspection forms and who fills them out?
Can the SWPPP preparer also fill out the inspection form?
Yes, if the SWPPP preparer is also a qualified inspector under the applicable permit. The person who prepares the SWPPP is not automatically qualified to inspect the site, and the person who inspects the site is not automatically the person who prepared the plan. The inspector must meet the qualifications specified by the permit, regardless of who prepared the SWPPP.
Does the SWPPP inspection form need to be submitted to the permitting agency?
Not routinely under most permits. The inspection form is typically retained with the SWPPP and made available upon request. Some permits require submission of inspection reports in specific circumstances, such as after a discharge or violation, or as part of an annual report. Check the permit covering your site for submission requirements.
What happens if a SWPPP inspection form is not completed on time?
Missing or late inspections are permit violations. The permit requires inspections on a specified schedule, and the inspection form is the evidence that the inspection occurred. If an inspection is missed, the operator should conduct the inspection as soon as possible, document the delay, and take any corrective actions required by the permit. Repeated or intentional failures to inspect can result in enforcement action.
Can a contractor use their own SWPPP inspection form template?
Yes, as long as the form captures all the information required by the permit. Some permits provide a template or specify required fields; others allow the operator to design their own form. The form must document the inspection scope, inspector qualifications, site conditions, control effectiveness, deficiencies, and corrective actions. Using a standardized template that meets permit requirements reduces the risk of missing required information.
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By Derek E. Chinners, CPESC — Founder & Stormwater Consultant, Pro SWPPP, LLC
Related: What is a SWPPP? · When is a SWPPP required? One acre or common plan · SWPPP inspections: every 7 days or after quarter-inch rain · How much does a SWPPP inspection cost?