Tennessee SWPPP inspection requirements
- Rain trigger
- 0.5″ storm event
- Post-rain deadline
- Within 24 hours
- Routine inspections
- Every 7 days
- Permit
- TNR100000 Construction General Permit
- Agency
- Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC)
Verify against your permit. These values reflect the most common reading of Tennessee's program; permits change and projects vary. The official permit text from TDEC controls.
How Tennessee handles construction stormwater
Construction sites in Tennessee disturbing one acre or more need coverage under the TNR100000 Construction General Permit, administered by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Tennessee requires twice-weekly inspections on many site types and certified inspection personnel — one of the stricter cadences in the country.
Inspector qualifications
Inspections by personnel with TDEC Fundamentals of Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control certification.
Official sources
Common questions
What triggers a SWPPP inspection in Tennessee?
Under the TNR100000 Construction General Permit, a storm event of 0.5 inches or more triggers a post-storm inspection, generally due within 24 hours (non-work days typically extend to the next work day; check your permit). Routine inspections run every 7 days.
Who can perform SWPPP inspections in Tennessee?
Inspections by personnel with TDEC Fundamentals of Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control certification.
Who administers the construction stormwater program in Tennessee?
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) administers the NPDES construction stormwater program in Tennessee under the TNR100000 Construction General Permit.
What are the penalties for SWPPP violations in Tennessee?
Federal Clean Water Act civil penalties can reach $68,445 per day per violation, and TDEC can issue administrative orders and state penalties on top. Missing rain-triggered inspections is among the most commonly cited violations in stormwater audits.
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