NPDES Program
State law requires that an Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control (E&SPC) plan be developed for any projects involving earth disturbance with an area greater than 5,000 square feet (PA Clean Streams Law, Chapter 102). Projects which impact high quality or exceptional value streams as
defined by regulations promulgated under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements need special care and
have enhanced permit conditions. In either situation, E&SPC plan preparers should allow at least 90 days for review of project plans and associated documents. Requirements vary depending on the nature and scope of the earth disturbance
| E&SPC Plan Review Application ACCD Application |
Site Location on USGS Topo Map Provide Quadrangle name | Completeness Review Checklist with Page Number Column filled out |
| Complete E&SPC Plan Narrative | Plan Drawings |
Complete PCSM Plan Narrative | Plan Drawings |
Complete NOI 1 Original | 2 Copies |
| PHMC Coordination Letter Individual Permits (10+ acres) |
General Information Form Individual Permits Only |
Appendix A Land Use Questions |
| Municipal + County Notifications Proof of Receipts (Acts 14, 67, 68, 127) PNDI Review Receipt | PNDI Website Applicable Checks |
More About Checks |
General NPDES
ACCD Issued:
Reviewed under the terms of delegation agreements with PADEP. In most cases, a
General NPDES Permit is required before the start of construction.
Individual NPDES
PADEP Issued:
When a high quality or exceptional value stream is located within the project area, an Individual NPDES Permit is required.
General NPDES + Individual NPDES Review Fees
Both Individual and General NPDES submissions follow the same fee schedule
| Total Project Acreage | Regular Fees | Expedited Fees (+ regular fee) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 1.99 | $700.00 | $1,400.00 |
| 2 – 4.99 | $1,600.00 | $3,200.00 |
| 5 – 9.99 | $2,900.00 | $5,800.00 |
| 10 – 24.99 | $5,200.00 | $10,400.00 |
| 25 – 39.99 | $6,500.00 | $13,000.00 |
| 40 – 54.99 | $8,200.00 | $16,400.00 |
| 55 – 69.99 | $8,900.00 | $17,800.00 |
| 70 & Over | $8,900.00 +$150.00 per additional acre |
$17,800.00 +$250.00 per additional acre |
Clean Water Fund (CWF) Fees
Each NPDES plan review application must also include a payment to ACCD's Clean Water Fund and to the Commonwealth of PA's Clean Water Fund
| General NPDES | Individual NPDES | |
|---|---|---|
| ACCD 102 CWF FEE | $500.00 | $1,500.00 |
| PA CWF FEE | $100.00 per acre* | $100.00 per arce* |
*Rounded to the nearest acre - required for both General and Individual NPDES Permits.
Preparing Checks for Payment
Below are listed the check combinations required in order for ACCD to accept a plan submission
Payable: ACCD
Payable: ACCD CWF
Payable: Commonwealth of PA
Payable: ACCD
EXAMPLE A
CHECK ONE: Plan Review Fee: $5,200 CHECK TWO: ACCD 102 CWF Fee: $500 CHECK THREE: PA CWF: $1,200 Expedited Review Fee: N/A
12 Acres | General NPDES | Standard Review
EXAMPLE B
CHECK ONE: Plan Review Fee: $2,900 CHECK TWO: ACCD 102 CWF Fee: $1,500 CHECK THREE: PA CWF: $600 CHECK FOUR: Expedited Review Fee: $5,800
6 Acres | Individual NPDES | Expedited Review
Non-NPDES Program
Non-NPDES plan reviews are typically reserved for projects where less than one acre of land is being disturbed. If your project is disturbing more than one acre of land, it's likely that a NPDES permit will be required.
- An Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Plan
- A project narrative describing in detail how the proposed controls will reduce stream pollution and runoff of sediment-laden water from the project site
- Applicable separate checks
Non-NPDES Review Fees
Clean Water Fund (CWF) fees do not apply to the Non-NPDES Program
| Total Disturbed Acreage | Regular Fees | Expedited Fees (+ regular fee) |
|---|---|---|
| 00.0 – 0.99 | $700.00 | $1,400.00 |
Preparing Checks for Payment
Only checks for the Plan Review Fee and the Expedited Review Fee apply to the Non-NPDES Program
Payable: ACCD
Payable: ACCD
Chapter 105 Permit Program
Recently delegated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, ACCD reviews and issues multiple General Permits associated with the Chapter 105 Program. Carefully review the definitions, conditions, and requirements of the particular Chapter 105 General Permit to determine if the proposed project can qualify for authorization by ACCD.
- One original permit application package
- One copy of the permit registration package, including pertinent attachments
- Note: to ensure prompt application processing and review, ensure all information required in sections A – H is completely and accurately provided
- For non-exempt entities, submit applicable separate checks
All Chapter 105 General Permits will require a reviewed and approved E&S plan. If the Chapter 105 General Permit is associated with a Chapter 102 permit, include the appropriate erosion control measures within the narrative and drawings for the following instances:
- Activities affecting streams
- 100 year floodways
- Wetlands
Chapter 105 Permit Review + ACCD's Clean Water Fund (CWF)
For this program, permit reviews are included with the ACCD Clean Water Fund Fee
| Total Project Acreage | Regular Fees | Expedited Fees (regular fee +) |
|---|---|---|
| 00.0 – 0.49 | $200.00 | $400.00 |
| 00.5 – 0.99 | $400.00 | $800.00 |
Preparing Checks for Payment
Only checks for the ACCD Clean Water Fund and the Expedited Review Fee apply to the Chapter 105 Program
Payable: ACCD CWF
Payable: ACCD
Timber Harvest Program Fees
| Total Disturbed Acreage | Regular Fees | Expedited Fees regular fee + |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 24.99 | $400.00 | $800.00 |
| 25 – 49.99 | $1,100.00 | $2,200.00 |
| 50 – 249.99 | $1,500.00 | $3,000.00 |
| 250 & Over | $1,500.00 +$25 per additional acre |
$3,000.00 +$50 per additional acre |
Where total disturbed acreage equals or exceeds 25.0 acres, a NPDES General or Individual Permit is required.
Preparing Checks for Payment
Only checks for the Plan Review Fee and the Expedited Review Fee apply to the Timber Harvest
Payable: ACCD
Payable: ACCD
Major Modification Plan Reviews
Why a Major Modification?
It is recommended to contact the District to verify whether your submission is a Major/Minor Modification.An application for a major modification of an existing permit is required if the modification results in one of the following:
- You are increasing the number of Disturbed Project Acreage by 10% (or more) of the original permitted area
- You are adding additional point(s) of interest
- You are constructing new/additional impervious surfaces that are not already controlled by your initially approved stormwater plan
- You are submitting an additional phase not already covered under the initial permit
Requirements for Submission
An application for a major modification includes:
- A complete permit application, including NOI, drawings, narrative, etc.
- $500 permit fee (general permit) or $1,500 permit fee (individual permit) made out to the ACCD Clean Water Fund
- If you are applying for a major modification and renewal concurrently, please contact us at (412) 241-7645.
- A check for the review fee (see the Review Fee Schedule) based on the additional acreage to be disturbed under the modification
- In the event of no change in acreage, a fee for 0-1.99 acres is required
- A check payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Clean Water Fund in the amount of $100 per each acre that will be newly disturbed under the modification (rounded to the nearest whole acre)
Minor Modification Plan Reviews
Why a Minor Modification?
It is recommended to contact the District to verify whether your submission is a Major/Minor Modification.An application for a minor modification of an existing permit is required if the modification results in one of the following:
- You are increasing the number of Disturbed Project Acreage by less than 10% with a maximum of 2.4 acres of the original disturbed area
- Example: Total project acreage equals 20 acres, total disturbed acreage equals 20 acres. Adding an additional 1.5 acres to total and disturbed project equals minor amendment.
- You are realigning/relocating the location of BMPs without changing calculations
- You are not affecting rate, volume, or water quality
Requirements for Submission
An application for a minor modification includes:
- A minor modification application, including drawings, narrative, etc. (only include those items that are changing)
- A new NOI if acreage changes
- Example: Total project site (acres): 20 + 1.5 total disturbed area (acres): 20 + 1.5
- The application for a minor modification plan review must include a $500 review fee made payable to ACCD
- A check payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Clean Water Fund in the amount of $100 per each acre that will be newly disturbed under the modification (rounded to the nearest whole acre)
NPDES Renewals
After receiving initial approval of a General or Individual NPDES Permit, the permit is valid for 5 years. Sometimes more time is needed to complete the project before the NPDES permit expires. When this is the case, it is very important to renew the permit before the permit expires.
If permit renewal is not submitted before the original permit expires, a renewal is no longer applicable.At this point, an application must be submitted for a new NPDES permit. Additionally, if permit renewal is not submitted 180 days prior to original permit expiration, an additional $1,000 fee will be required.
Note on Riparian Buffers:
Riparian Buffer Requirements are “grandfathered”, however if additional acres are proposed, the added acreage must meet the most current requirements.
Renewal Scenarios
ONE | When the permittee simply needs more time and no changes to the initially approved plan are proposed.
TWO | When the permittee needs more time before permit expiration, but they also may want or need to make modifications to the initially approved plan. Instructions for both scenarios are listed below. Please also note that different items will need to be submitted for a General NPDES Permit renewal and for an Individual NPDES Permit renewal.
What to submit with no changes to approved plan
No plan drawings or narratives should be submitted if no changes to initially approved permit are proposed.
General NPDES
- Updated Notice of Intent form, including new signatures (1 original, 2 copies)
- Updated PNDI (including agency coordination letters if applicable)
- $500 renewal processing fee
- $500 Allegheny County Clean Water Fee
- Additional $1,000 Fee (IF RENEWAL IS NOT SUBMITTED 180 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPIRATION)
Individual NPDES
- Updated Notice of Intent form, including new signatures (1 original, 2 copies)
- Updated PNDI (including agency coordination letters if applicable)
- Updated General Information Form (GIF)
- $500 renewal processing fee
- $1,500 Allegheny County Clean Water Fee
- Additional $1,000 Fee (IF RENEWAL IS NOT SUBMITTED 180 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPIRATION)
If you are applying for a major modification and renewal concurrently, please contact us at 412-241-7645.
Below are listed the check combinations required in order for ACCD to accept a renewal with no changes for submission.
Payable: ACCD
Payable: ACCD CWF
Payable: ACCD
What to submit with changes to approved plan
Determine whether changes fall under Major or Minor Modification.
General NPDES
- Updated Notice of Intent form, including new signatures (1 original, 2 copies)
- Updated PNDI (including agency coordination letters if applicable)
- Updated Act 14 letters
- Updated E&S Plan drawings and Narrative (full set, 1 copy)
- Updated PCSM Plan drawings and Narrative (full set, 1 copy)
- $500 renewal processing fee
- $500 Allegheny County Clean Water Fee
- PA Clean Water Fee, $100 per additional disturbed acre
- Appropriate Major or Minor Modification fee (depending which applies)
- Additional $1,000 Fee (IF RENEWAL IS NOT SUBMITTED 180 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPIRATION)
Individual NPDES
- Updated Notice of Intent form, including new signatures (1 original, 2 copies)
- Updated PNDI (including agency coordination letters if applicable)
- Updated Act 14 letters
- Updated E&S Plan drawings and Narrative (full set, 1 copy)
- Updated PCSM Plan drawings and Narrative (full set, 1 copy)
- $500 renewal processing fee
- $1,500 Allegheny County Clean Water Fee
- PA Clean Water Fee, $100 per additional disturbed acre
- Appropriate Major or Minor Modification fee (depending which applies)
- Additional $1,000 Fee (IF RENEWAL IS NOT SUBMITTED 180 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPIRATION)
Below are listed the check combinations required in order for ACCD to accept a renewal with changes for submission.
Payable: ACCD
Payable: ACCD CWF
Payable: ACCD
Payable: Commonwealth of PA
Returns and Refunds
Returned Checks:
- A $20.00 fee will be assessed for each returned check
Review Fee Refunds:
- Permit fees and disturbed acreage fees are not refundable
- Allegheny County Conservation District review fees are not refundable except in the event of an early permit application withdrawal
- If a permit application is withdrawn prior to the review process starting, then the review fee is refunded minus a $100 administrative fee
- Once the review process is started, no fees are refunded