Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation administers NPDES stormwater permits statewide, requiring construction sites disturbing one or more acres to obtain coverage regardless of municipal jurisdiction.
Under the Tennessee Water Quality Control Act (Tenn. Code Ann. Title 69, Chapter 3), TDEC operates the Construction General Permit (CGP) for stormwater discharges from construction sites disturbing one acre or more, including smaller sites in larger common plans. MS4 communities (designated municipal separate storm sewer systems) must implement six minimum control measures including post-construction stormwater management. Site operators must develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), conduct inspections, and maintain best management practices. State permit requirements apply uniformly even where local stormwater ordinances impose additional standards.
Violations may incur civil penalties up to $10,000 per day per violation under Tenn. Code 69-3-115, plus stop-work orders and required remediation.
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