The EPA has proposed a new Construction General Permit (CGP) to replace the current 2022 permit when it expires in February 2027. The proposal is relatively targeted, but several changes are worth following for erosion and sediment control professionals, including new electronic SWPPP submittal options, a requirement to stabilize sediment basins and associated conveyances before directing stormwater to them, revisions to perimeter control language, and changes intended to streamline inspection and permit documentation.

The proposal also retains the current framework for construction dewatering and turbidity monitoring, including the 50 NTU benchmark for applicable dewatering discharges. The EPA specifically requested input on whether monitoring frequency should be reduced for longer duration dewatering operations that demonstrate consistently low turbidity.

For North Carolina, the federal CGP does not directly replace NCG01, which is administered through NCDEQ’s NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit and remains effective through March 2029. However, EPA’s permit is still worth watching because it reflects the direction of federal construction stormwater policy and may inform future state permit revisions, technical guidance, and training priorities.

The public comment period on the proposed federal permit closed September 17. We will be watching the final permit for changes that could affect future guidance on sediment basin commissioning, dewatering and turbidity monitoring, SWPPP documentation, and construction site inspection practices.

References

Proposed 2027 Construction General Permit (CGP). (2026, August 21). [Fact Sheet]. US Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/npdes/proposed-2027-construction-general-permit-cgp-and-related-documents

Proposed 2027 Construction General Permit (CGP) for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities. (2026). US Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-07/cgp-sections-1-9-proposed-2027-cgp2.pdf