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Hamilton County Water Quality Department


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Sediment Control Measures

Sediment is the leading pollutant affecting Tennessee streams and rivers. Controlling the discharge of sediment caused by land disturbance is crucial for protecting the health our water resources and wildlife populations.

Conducting land disturbing activity on greater than 1 acre (or less if it is part of a larger common plan of development), will require a HCWQP Land Disturbing Activity Permit for erosion and sediment controls and a Runoff Management Permit for peak flow discharge controls and stormwater quality treatment.

Please verify that the site is in the Hamilton County Water Quality Program Area.

For locations outside of the program area in Hamilton County, NPDES Stormwater Construction Permit coverage may be required by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). Contact the Chattanooga Environmental Field Office.

If the site is in the City of Chattanooga, contact the Land Development & Water Quality office.

For the Town of Signal Mountain, contact Signal Mountain Stormwater Department.
Find a qualified SCM Inspector

  • Level 1 - Fundamentals of Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control for Construction Sites
  • This is a foundation-building course intended for individuals involved in land-disturbing activities covered by TDEC's Construction General Permit: inspection and enforcement personnel from all levels of government, plan preparers and reviewers, and designers and engineers. This course aims to build a solid working knowledge of erosion and sedimentation processes and practices. All persons assigned to inspect erosion and sediment controls are required to obtain a Level I Certification.

  • Level II - Design Principles for Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control for Construction Sites
  • Detailed instruction is given on the engineering technologies needed to control stormwater on a construction site. Workshop participants will obtain the tools needed for developing an acceptable, working erosion and sediment control plan as described in TDEC's Tennessee Erosion & Sediment Control Handbook and required by the Tennessee General Construction Stormwater Permit. This is an advanced 2-day course designed for engineers, environmental designers, plan preparers and reviewers, landscape architects, and other professionals who have completed the prerequisite Level 1 course.
Draft of the Stormwater Design Manual for September 2024.
Stormwater Quality Design Presentation for September 2024. (Downloads a Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation)
This comprehensive resource can help planners,designers, developers, contractors, inspectors, and homebuilders meet environmental and regulatory objectives.

Permit Application and Review Process

Documents
Submit documents via OpenGov at https://hamiltontn.viewpointcloud.com/ : If there are any questions or concerns that need to be addressed prior to submittal please contact the Water Quality Office at 423‐209-7851.
PDF Set of Civil Site Plans (approved set will be sent back via email)
Land Disturbance Application Form and Fee (see Program Rules, appendix A)
TDEC Construction General Permit Notice of Intent(NOI), or Notice of Coverage (NOC)
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), including Permanent Runoff Management narrative and Maintenance Plan
Stormwater Calculation Summary Sheet (located on website)
Permanent BMP Inspection and Maintenance Agreement, including BMP exhibit
Copy of Current Plat for project, or recorded page and book numbers of the parcels to be developed
TN Erosion Prevention & Sediment Control Level I Inspector for site (provide contact information and certification information)
Residential retention/detention facility fees, if applicable (see Program Rules, appendix A)

(Bold items are required for a complete application; other items will be required prior to permit issuance. For additional information see the Program Rules, Section 4.)
Forms
Review Process
All bold item documents listed above must be completed and submitted in order for the plans review process to begin. When plans are submitted for review, the following steps will be taken:
  1. All application documents will be stamped with the date when submitted, and the plans will be assigned to the Plans review staff for review and approval. A completeness review will be done within 1 week of submittal. Following the completeness review, a letter will be sent to the applicant acknowledging the receipt of a complete application; or, if the application packet is incomplete, the letter will indicate the missing items.
  2. Once the application is complete, the Plan review staff will then have 30 days to complete a technical review of the plans. If deficiencies are found or clarifications are needed an email will be sent to the applicant.
  3. Item 2 will be repeated until plans are approved. (See 4.B.5 of the Program Rules.)
  4. Approved plans will be stamped and dated electronically, and a pdf set will be returned to the applicant. Applicant/contractor will be responsible to print set to be kept onsite.
Pre-construction Meeting
Once the SWPPP (including the site plan) is approved, a Pre‐construction meeting will be scheduled for all construction sites. (See 4.B.6 of the Program Rules.) The Pre‐construction meeting is a good time to get any remaining signatures that are needed, including that of the on‐site Level 1 inspector. The primary contractor, the SWPPP designer and the property owner should attend the meeting. Any outstanding fees (e.g. application fee, retention/detention facility fees) may be collected at the meeting. The permit will be issued once all outstanding items are received.

Address and Contact Information


Hours of operation: Monday to Friday 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Except for these holidays
Address: 1250 Market Street, Suite 3044 Chattanooga, TN 37402.
Phone Number: 423-209-7851
FAX Number: 423-209-7852