Construction Sites - One Acre or More
Construction sites can pollute Nevada’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands if stormwater carries sediment and debris off the site. To protect our water resources, most construction projects that disturb one acre or more must get coverage under Nevada’s Construction Stormwater General Permit. This page explains who needs the permit, how to apply, what you need to stay in compliance, and how to keep your project moving forward.  The 2015 Construction Stormwater General Permit (NVR100000) has been administratively continued while a permit renewal is being drafted. Renewal notices will be mailed once the new permit has been reissued. NDEP recommends reading the full permit and fact sheet to better understand the requirements for your construction project. |
Who Needs Permit Coverage
Most construction projects that disturb one acre or more must get coverage under the Construction Stormwater General Permit. You may also need coverage if your project is smaller, depending on how it connects to other development or nearby waterways. You need permit coverage if:
- Your project will disturb one acre or more of land
- Your project will disturb less than one acre, but it is part of a larger common plan that will disturb one acre or more
- The Stormwater Branch determines that your project (even if under one acre) could impact a receiving water or its tributaries within a quarter mile of the site
How to Apply for Coverage
To get coverage under the Construction Stormwater General Permit, you must complete all three steps. You cannot begin construction until you receive an approval letter from the Bureau of Water Pollution Control (BWPC).
1. Develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
Your SWPPP must be finished before you apply for permit coverage. You can use the SWPPP template provided or create your own plan.
2. Complete the Notice of Intent (NOI)
The NOI is submitted online through the General Permits System. In the system, you can:
- Apply for a new NOI
- Renew an existing NOI
- Check permit status
- View permit contact information
Guidance is available to help with the online application:
3. Submit the filing fee and mail the signed Notice of Intent
Your NOI must be signed by one of the following:
- A principal executive officer of a corporation
- A general partner of a partnership
- The proprietor of a sole proprietorship
- A principal executive officer, ranking elected official, or authorized employee of a public facility
- A duly authorized representative with an authorization letter on file with BWPC
- The authorization letter must be written by someone listed above
- It must name either a specific person or a position within the organization
You must receive an approval letter from BWPC before starting any ground disturbing work.
How to Pay the Application Fee and Annual Permit Fee
You can pay the application and annual permit fees online or by check. Make sure to include your site ID with every payment.
Pay online
- Visit E-Payments
Enter your site ID when submitting your fee.
Pay by check
Include your site ID on the check and mail it to:
Nevada Division of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Water Pollution Control
901 South Stewart Street, Suite 4001
Carson City, NV 89701
For current fees and the latest fee schedule:
How to Terminate Coverage
You can end your permit coverage once you meet all termination requirements. To terminate coverage, you must submit a Notice of Termination (NOT). The NOT must be signed by one of the following:
- A principal executive officer of a corporation
- A general partner of a partnership
- The proprietor of a sole proprietorship
- A principal executive officer, ranking elected official, or authorized employee of a municipal, state, or other public facility
- A duly authorized representative with an authorization letter on file with BWPC
- The authorization letter must be written by someone listed above
- It must authorize either a specific person or a position within the organization
If you do not terminate coverage before the end of the permit year, you will be responsible for paying the next annual permit fee.
Reinspection fees
NDEP charges a $200 reinspection fee for every denied Notice of Termination.
How to Modify Permit Coverage
You can update certain details on your permit by submitting the correct form.
Update contact information or add acreage
- Download Notice of Information Change Form
This form cannot be used to change the operator.
Change the operator or add an additional operator
Additional Permits You May Need
You may need extra permits if your project includes:
- Working in a stream, river, lake, or other waterbody
- Working near a waterbody (bank repair, channel work, culvert installation)
- Dewatering or pumping groundwater
- Diverting water or changing how water flows
- Any activity that could disturb a wetland or its surrounding area
The Construction Project Permitting Flowchart gives general guidance but does not cover every situation. It is the owner or operator’s responsibility to contact all required agencies to make sure all permits are in place.
Additional Resources
Tools and forms
- Download Construction Site Stormwater Inspection Checklist
- Visit BMP Toolbox
- Visit Online Spill Report
Water quality information
- Visit Water Quality Integrated Report (includes 303(d) List)
- Visit Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL)
- Visit List of Nevada Certified Labs
Other stormwater programs
- Visit NPDES Stormwater Program | US EPA (external link)
- Visit LVStormwater (external link)
- Visit Truckee Meadows Stormwater Program - Keep Our Truckee River Clean! (external link)
- Visit Environmental Division's Stormwater Program | Nevada Department of Transportation (external link)
Need Help?
If you need assistance or can’t find the information you need, please visit our Bureau of Water Pollution Control Contacts page to connect with a staff member who can help.