Free SWPPP inspection form template (PDF)
This is a free, printable SWPPP inspection form for construction stormwater inspections, structured around Part 4.7 of the EPA 2022 Construction General Permit — the section that dictates what every inspection report must contain. Download it as a PDF, print a stack for the job trailer, and use one per inspection.
It works for both routine inspections (every 7 or 14 days) and rain-triggered inspections (within 24 hours of a qualifying storm). Most delegated state permits require the same core content, but always check your state's form requirements — some states (California, Georgia, North Carolina) mandate their own formats. See SWPPP requirements by state.
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Stormwater Site Inspection Report
Construction General Permit compliance record — complete within 24 hours of the inspection
Project Information
Inspection Details
Erosion & Sediment Controls (BMPs)
| Control Measure | Installed per SWPPP? (Y/N/NA) | Condition OK? (Y/N) | Findings / Maintenance or Corrective Action Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silt fence / perimeter controls | |||
| Stabilized construction entrance / exit | |||
| Storm drain inlet protection | |||
| Sediment basin / sediment trap | |||
| Check dams / slope drains | |||
| Concrete washout area | |||
| Material & waste storage areas | |||
| Fueling / equipment maintenance areas | |||
| Dewatering controls | |||
| Soil stockpile controls | |||
| Natural buffer zones | |||
| Temporary / permanent stabilization | |||
Discharge Points & Outfalls
| Discharge Point / Outfall | Discharge Occurring? (Y/N) | Visible Sediment or Sheen? (Y/N) | Observations |
|---|---|---|---|
Corrective Actions Identified (record each on the corrective action log; deadlines per permit Part 5)
Locations Unsafe to Inspect (identify location and reason)
Certification
Signatures
Inspector Signature / Date
Authorized Representative Signature / Date
What the permit requires in every inspection report
Under CGP Part 4.7, the written report must be completed within 24 hours of the inspection and include all of the following:
- Inspection date, and the names and titles of the personnel who performed it
- A summary of inspector qualifications (the CGP requires a "qualified person" — see who can perform SWPPP inspections)
- Weather and rainfall data — for storm-triggered inspections, the rainfall total and whether it came from an on-site gauge or a representative weather source
- The condition of every erosion and sediment control (BMP), noting any that need maintenance, repair, or replacement
- Any discharges occurring during the inspection, and any prohibited discharges or conditions observed
- Corrective actions identified, each of which starts its own deadline clock (see the corrective action log template)
- Locations that were unsafe to inspect, with the reason
- The signature of the operator's authorized representative, certifying the report
How to use this form
- Fill out the header completely. "Site: see file" is a finding waiting to happen. Auditors read the header first.
- Record the rain number and its source. For a storm-triggered inspection, write the measured rainfall and where it came from (gauge reading or weather station). This is the single most-checked field in an audit of rain-event inspections.
- Walk every control, mark every row. A row left blank reads as "not inspected." Use N/A for controls not present on site.
- Describe failures specifically. "Silt fence down along east boundary, approx. 40 ft, sediment tracking visible" survives an audit; "fix fence" does not.
- Sign it within 24 hours. An unsigned report is an incomplete report under the permit.
- File it where it can be produced on demand. The permit requires records to be kept on site or immediately accessible for the life of the project plus 3 years after coverage ends.
Paper vs. software
A paper form documents one inspection. It does not tell you when the next one is due, notice that last night's two showers added up to 0.27 inches, chase the superintendent when the 24-hour clock is running, or assemble three years of records when a regulator asks. That coordination layer is what RainCheck automates: hourly rain monitoring per site, automatic deadlines matched to your state's trigger, mobile inspection forms with GPS-stamped photos, and signed PDF records — $29 per active site per month.
Common questions
Is this SWPPP inspection form EPA compliant?
The form covers every element EPA's 2022 Construction General Permit Part 4.7 requires in an inspection report: date, inspector names and qualifications, weather and rain data, condition of each control measure, discharges observed, corrective actions, unsafe-to-inspect locations, and a signed certification. If your project is covered by a delegated state permit instead of the federal CGP, verify your state's requirements — a few states mandate their own forms.
How soon after a rain event do I need to complete this form?
Under the federal CGP, the inspection itself is due within 24 hours of a storm producing 0.25 inches or more (state triggers range from 0.25 to 1.0 inches), and the written report is due within 24 hours of the inspection. Both clocks run on calendar time.
How long do I keep completed inspection forms?
At least 3 years after permit coverage ends (Notice of Termination), and the records must be kept on site or immediately accessible during the project. Electronic records are acceptable under the federal permit as long as they are readable, dependable, and immediately accessible.
Can I fill this form out electronically?
Yes. The federal CGP explicitly allows electronic records. Many operators use software so weather data, photos, timestamps, and signatures are captured automatically — that is what RainCheck does, with signed reports locked as immutable PDFs.