Colorado Stormwater Discharge Permits Under State CDPS Program

Under the Colorado Water Quality Control Act, CRS 25-8-101 et seq., the Water Quality Control Division issues general and individual CDPS permits for stormwater associated with construction activities disturbing one or more acres, industrial facilities, and municipal separate storm sewer systems. Permittees must prepare a stormwater management plan, install best management practices, conduct routine inspections, and maintain records. The state permit program is delegated under the federal Clean Water Act and applies uniformly across Colorado regardless of local jurisdiction.

Discharging without a permit or violating permit conditions can result in administrative penalties up to $10,000 per day and civil penalties through enforcement actions by the state.