Stormwater runoff from construction sites and industrial facilities is one of the leading sources of water pollution in the United States. The Clean Water Act requires facilities that discharge stormwater to obtain permits and implement best management practices (BMPs) to prevent pollutants from reaching waterways. Regular inspections are a cornerstone of stormwater compliance. This checklist provides a systematic framework for evaluating stormwater controls, identifying deficiencies, and maintaining the documentation required by your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
Why Stormwater Management Inspections Matter
Stormwater permits, whether issued under the NPDES Construction General Permit or the Multi-Sector General Permit for industrial activities, require routine inspections of stormwater controls. Failure to conduct and document these inspections is one of the most commonly cited violations during regulatory audits, carrying penalties that can exceed $50,000 per day. Beyond regulatory risk, inadequate stormwater management leads to sediment-laden runoff that degrades streams, causes downstream flooding, and harms aquatic ecosystems. A structured inspection checklist ensures that every critical control measure is evaluated consistently, deficiencies are corrected promptly, and inspection records satisfy permit requirements.
Stormwater Management Inspection Checklist
1. SWPPP Documentation Review
The SWPPP is the central planning document for stormwater management at your site. Before conducting a field inspection, verify that the plan is current and accurately reflects site conditions.
- Confirm the SWPPP is available on-site and accessible to all relevant personnel and inspectors
- Verify that the site map accurately reflects current conditions including disturbed areas, BMP locations, and discharge points
- Check that all required amendments have been made for changes in site activities, BMP installations, or drainage patterns
- Review the list of authorized non-stormwater discharges and confirm no unauthorized discharges are occurring
- Ensure all required certifications and signatures are current and on file
2. Erosion and Sediment Control BMPs
Erosion and sediment controls are the primary line of defense against polluted stormwater runoff. These measures must be properly installed, maintained, and functioning to provide effective protection.
- Inspect silt fences for tears, undermining, overtopping, and sediment accumulation exceeding one-third of fence height
- Check sediment basins and traps for accumulated sediment, outlet structure condition, and adequate dewatering capacity
- Evaluate erosion control blankets and mats for proper anchoring, ground contact, and coverage of exposed slopes
- Verify that inlet protection devices on storm drains are intact, functional, and free of excessive sediment buildup
- Assess temporary and permanent seeding or mulching for adequate coverage and establishment
3. Construction Entrance and Perimeter Controls
Construction entrances and perimeter controls prevent sediment from being tracked onto public roads and stop sediment-laden runoff from leaving the site. These high-traffic areas require frequent inspection and maintenance.
- Inspect stabilized construction entrances for adequate stone depth, proper dimensions, and effectiveness at removing mud from tires
- Check for sediment tracked onto adjacent public roads and document any street sweeping performed
- Verify that perimeter controls such as berms, diversions, and barriers are directing runoff to treatment areas as designed
- Confirm that wash-out areas for concrete trucks and equipment are properly contained and maintained
4. Drainage Conveyance Systems
Stormwater conveyance systems must function properly to direct runoff to treatment BMPs and authorized discharge points. Blockages or failures in the conveyance system can cause uncontrolled releases and erosion.
- Inspect ditches, swales, and channels for erosion, blockages, and proper flow capacity
- Check pipe inlets and outlets for blockages, structural damage, and erosion at discharge points
- Verify that energy dissipation measures at outfalls are intact and preventing downstream erosion
- Evaluate check dams in channels for structural integrity, proper spacing, and accumulated sediment levels
5. Material Storage and Spill Prevention
Improper storage of construction materials, chemicals, and fuels is a common source of stormwater contamination. Inspections should verify that all materials are stored in a manner that prevents contact with stormwater runoff.
- Verify that chemical and fuel storage areas have adequate secondary containment and are covered to prevent stormwater contact
- Check that spill kits are readily available, fully stocked, and located near material storage and fueling areas
- Confirm that waste containers and dumpsters are covered and not leaking
- Inspect portable toilet locations for stability, proper placement away from drainage pathways, and evidence of leaks
6. Post-Storm Event Inspection
Post-storm inspections are required within specific timeframes following qualifying rain events. These inspections evaluate how BMPs performed under actual storm conditions and identify needed repairs or improvements.
- Conduct inspections within 24 hours of a qualifying rain event (typically 0.25 inches or more) as required by permit
- Document observed runoff quality including color, odor, turbidity, and presence of floating materials or sheens
- Identify any BMP failures, overtopping, or bypass conditions that occurred during the storm
- Assess whether additional or modified BMPs are needed based on observed performance
- Record rainfall amount and duration from on-site or nearby rain gauge data
7. Inspection Documentation and Corrective Actions
Thorough documentation of inspection findings is not only a permit requirement but also provides evidence of your facility's commitment to stormwater compliance. Corrective actions must be tracked to completion.
- Complete all required fields on the inspection form including date, time, inspector name, weather conditions, and qualifications
- Photograph and describe all deficiencies with sufficient detail to support corrective action planning
- Document corrective actions taken, including completion dates and responsible parties
- Retain inspection records for a minimum of three years or as specified by your permit
Best Practices for Stormwater Inspections
- Conduct routine inspections at least every seven calendar days, or every 14 days and within 24 hours of a qualifying storm event
- Use qualified inspectors who understand stormwater permit requirements and BMP design and maintenance
- Establish a rapid-response process for correcting BMP deficiencies identified during inspections
- Integrate stormwater inspections into the daily site management routine rather than treating them as a separate compliance task
- Maintain communication with the project team about upcoming grading, paving, or other activities that affect stormwater controls
- Review and update the SWPPP at least quarterly and whenever significant site changes occur
How Checksheets Helps
Checksheets offers purpose-built digital stormwater inspection checklists that make routine compliance documentation fast and thorough. Inspectors can complete checklists on mobile devices, attach photos directly to inspection items, and flag deficiencies for immediate corrective action. Automated reminders ensure inspections are never missed, and centralized records provide instant access to your complete inspection history for permit audits and regulatory inquiries.
Stormwater compliance requires consistent, documented inspections that demonstrate your facility is actively managing runoff quality. A structured checklist approach eliminates guesswork, ensures nothing is overlooked, and builds the robust inspection record that regulators expect to see when they review your stormwater program.