California SWPPP Template — SWRCB Construction General Permit Compliant
California's CGP is stricter than the EPA baseline — Risk Level 1-3 classification, QSP/QSD personnel requirements, more frequent inspections. The template covers all California-specific elements.
When this template is required
Required for construction in California disturbing 1+ acre. California's CGP is more rigorous than the EPA CGP — risk-level classification (Risk Level 1-3), QSP/QSD personnel requirements, more frequent inspections, and additional BMPs.
Why this template
California-specific Risk Level classification
California assigns each project a Risk Level 1, 2, or 3 based on sediment risk and receiving water sensitivity. Each risk level has different requirements. The template includes the Risk Level determination worksheet.
QSP/QSD framework built in
California requires a Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) to develop the SWPPP and a Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) to implement it. The template includes the designation forms and qualification documentation.
CASQA / Caltrans BMP guidance
California uses specific BMP fact sheets from CASQA (California Stormwater Quality Association) and Caltrans for highway projects. The template references the right CASQA/Caltrans BMPs for California conditions.
SMARTS submission guide
California requires electronic SWPPP submission via SMARTS (Stormwater Multiple Application and Report Tracking System). The template includes the SMARTS submission guide.
What you receive
- California SWPPP (Word .docx) — SWRCB WQ 2022-0057 format
- Risk Level determination worksheet (Risk Level 1-3 classification)
- QSP / QSD designation forms
- California-specific BMP guidance (CASQA / Caltrans BMPs)
- Risk Level-appropriate inspection forms
- Active Treatment System (ATS) documentation (Risk Level 3)
- Site map with California-required elements
- Notice of Intent (NOI) submission guide (electronic via SMARTS)
- Notice of Termination procedure
How you get it
This document is written and reviewed against the standard it cites, and it is ready now. The download link is emailed as soon as your payment clears.
Revisions included — if something about your operation changes what the document should say, reply to the delivery email and we will amend it.
Who buys this
- California construction ≥1 acre
- Caltrans construction contractors
- California subdivision and commercial development
- California utility and infrastructure construction
- California public works projects
Frequently asked
How is California's SWPPP different from the EPA SWPPP?
Three main differences: (1) Risk Level classification — California classifies each project as Risk Level 1, 2, or 3 based on sediment risk and receiving water sensitivity, with different requirements at each level; (2) QSP/QSD requirement — California requires certified personnel to develop and implement the SWPPP; (3) BMP-specific guidance — California uses CASQA and Caltrans BMP fact sheets, more prescriptive than the EPA's general guidance. The template covers all California-specific elements.
What are QSP and QSD?
Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) — a person with specific qualifications (training and experience) who develops the SWPPP. Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) — a person with specific qualifications who implements the SWPPP at the site. California requires both. The template includes designation forms and qualification documentation. If your team doesn't have QSP/QSD-certified people, you'll need to contract with a qualified consultant.
What's Risk Level 1, 2, or 3?
California categorizes construction projects by sediment risk and receiving water sensitivity. Inspection frequency is identical at all three levels — weekly, plus pre-, during- and post-Qualifying Precipitation Event. What the Risk Level changes is sampling and controls: Risk Level 1 collects no stormwater discharge samples; Risk Level 2 adds pH and turbidity grab sampling and the additional slope and sediment controls. Risk Level 3 adds receiving water monitoring when a discharge sample falls outside pH 6.0 to 9.0 or exceeds 500 NTU. An active treatment system is optional, not a Risk Level 3 requirement — but once a discharger chooses to deploy one, Attachment F applies in full, including numeric effluent limitations. The template includes the worksheet for determining your project's risk level.
Does this include the SMARTS submission process?
Yes. California requires electronic SWPPP submission via SMARTS (Stormwater Multiple Application and Report Tracking System). The template includes the SMARTS submission guide and the Notice of Intent (NOI) preparation worksheet.
Do I need this if I have the EPA CGP SWPPP template?
The EPA SWPPP template is the right starting point for non-California work. For California projects, the California SWRCB CGP has additional requirements (Risk Level classification, QSP/QSD, CASQA BMPs, SMARTS submission) that the EPA template doesn't cover. For California work, the California SWPPP is the right product.