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Training & Resources

Practical, permit-aligned guidance to help you run a clean SWPPP program: inspections, stabilization, discharge control, corrective actions, and recordkeeping. Built to reduce missed requirements and prevent “paperwork gaps.”

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Note: This page provides general compliance guidance. Always follow the permit and any additional local requirements that apply to your site and discharge destination.

Inspection cadence

Choose a defensible schedule and document consistently.

Use a consistent inspection schedule that meets the CGP option you select (weekly or 14-day + storm follow-ups, where applicable).
Track rainfall using on-site observation or a representative station, and keep those records with your SWPPP files.
Inspection reports should capture BMP condition, maintenance needs, and corrective actions initiated and closed.

Review inspection guidance

Stabilization

Temporary and final stabilization are where projects get dinged.

Don’t let disturbed soil sit idle without stabilization—plan the sequence so cover is installed as soon as areas go inactive.
Ensure stabilization is appropriate for slope, flow, and traffic (mulch/ECB/seed/tackifier, etc.).
Document where and when stabilization was applied; photos help.

Dewatering / discharges

Control turbidity/sediment before it reaches storm drains or waters.

Treat and control discharge (settling/filtration) and protect conveyance routes and inlets.
If discharge becomes uncontrolled (visible turbidity/sediment), stop and adjust the method.
Keep monitoring notes and corrective actions tied to inspection records.

Core documents

The minimum references you should have ready.

Idaho CGP (IDR100000 / IDR10)

Source of truth for required SWPPP contents, inspection schedules, stabilization expectations, discharge controls, and corrective action obligations.

Recordkeeping set

Inspection reports (and any photos).
Rain log / weather documentation source used.
Maintenance log (what/when/where).
Corrective action log (trigger → fix → completion date).
SWPPP updates/amendments (changes in phasing, BMPs, site conditions).

Keep records consistent and easy to retrieve. Inspectors don’t want a scavenger hunt.

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What inspectors look for

The basics that drive most findings.

1) Consistency

Inspections happen on schedule.
Reports are complete (not just “no issues”).
Rain tracking exists and is tied to inspection timing.

2) Control of sediment

Perimeter and inlet controls installed early.
Track-out controls maintained (entrance + sweeping).
Evidence of offsite sediment is addressed immediately.

3) Closeout of issues

Corrective actions are documented and completed.
SWPPP is updated when conditions change.
Dewatering discharge is controlled and monitored.

Permit-aligned field guidance

This section is written the way compliance programs actually operate: triggers → actions → documentation. Use it as a checklist for your inspection and recordkeeping workflow.

Inspections: schedules, rain tracking, and what to document

Pick a schedule and document it

The CGP provides inspection schedule options. Choose the option that applies to your site and keep inspections consistent. If site conditions increase risk (active discharge, steep slopes, poor stabilization), tighten your routine and document why.

Minimum inspection content (practical)

Walk perimeter controls, discharge points/outfalls, and all inlets.
Check stabilized entrance and track-out conditions.
Check stockpiles, slopes, and unstabilized disturbed areas.
Note BMP condition: working / needs maintenance / failed.
Start corrective actions where needed and track them to completion.

Rain tracking

Use on-site measurement or a representative weather station.
Keep the rain log with the SWPPP files (date/time/amount/source).
If using a schedule that requires post-storm follow-ups, document the storm and the follow-up inspection timing.

Stabilization: temporary vs final, and how to avoid findings

Don’t confuse grading with stabilization

“We finished grading” is not stabilization. Stabilization is installed cover and/or a defined end condition. Plan stabilization as part of the sequence, not as a cleanup item.

Temporary stabilization

Stabilize disturbed areas as they go inactive between phases.
Choose a method appropriate for slope and drainage (mulch/ECB/seed/tackifier, etc.).
Inspect stabilized areas—repair rills, replace displaced mulch/blankets.

Final stabilization

Track final stabilization by area and date (so closeout is defensible).
Coordinate punch-list work to avoid re-disturbing finished areas.
Document final condition with photos where possible.

Dewatering / discharges: treatment, MS4 considerations, and monitoring

Plain rule: don’t put dirty water into the storm drain

If you’re discharging to an MS4 (storm drain system) or surface water, you must prevent sediment-laden discharges. Use settling/filtration and protect inlets and conveyance. If discharge becomes uncontrolled, stop and modify the approach.

During active discharge

Confirm discharge destination (storm drain vs surface water).
Use treatment BMPs (settling/filtration) before discharge.
Protect inlets and routes; prevent erosion at the discharge point.
Record monitoring notes (visual clarity/turbidity trends, adjustments made).

Documentation that holds up

Start/stop times for discharge and responsible contact.
Where discharge went and what treatment was used.
Any issues observed and corrective actions taken.

Corrective actions: triggers, timelines, and closing the loop

The goal is closure: identified → fixed → verified

Corrective actions are one of the easiest places to fail a compliance review. When something is wrong, document the trigger, take action promptly, and record completion.

Common triggers

BMP failure or BMP not installed where required.
Evidence sediment left the site or impacted inlets/conveyance.
Discharge becomes uncontrolled (turbidity/sediment issues).
Stabilization missing where areas are inactive or vulnerable.

How to document it

Date/time discovered, location, and what the issue was.
Action taken (repair/replace/install) and target completion date.
Completion date and verification note (plus photos if available).
If delayed: document why and how it will be completed as soon as feasible.

Recordkeeping: what to keep, how to organize, and audit readiness

Make records retrievable

A strong SWPPP program isn’t just controls in the field—it’s documentation that’s complete and easy to produce. Organize by date and keep “proof” together (logs, photos, updates).

Minimum file set (recommended)

SWPPP (current version) + any amendments/updates.
Inspection reports + rain log references.
Corrective action log + supporting photos.
Maintenance records (sweeping, inlet cleaning, BMP repairs).
Stabilization records (methods used, dates, photos).

Audit-ready habit

Every inspection either shows “no issues” with detail or starts actions with follow-through.
Every issue has a closure date.
Every major change updates the SWPPP (phasing, BMP changes, discharge approach).

Need help applying this to your site?

If you share your local jurisdiction (e.g., Boise MS4) and discharge destination, we can align this training hub to your exact requirements and add printable checklists.

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