Utah Statewide Rule

Utah Stormwater Discharge Permits Statewide

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Utah (2026)

Utah Division of Water Quality administers federally delegated NPDES stormwater permits under the Utah Water Quality Act, requiring construction and industrial dischargers statewide to obtain coverage and implement pollution prevention plans.

Key Facts

Statute: Utah Code 19-5
Program: UPDES (state NPDES)
Trigger: 1+ acre disturbance
Plan: SWPPP required
Penalty: Up to $10,000/day

Source: Utah State Legislature

Full Breakdown

Under Utah Code Title 19, Chapter 5 (Utah Water Quality Act), the Division of Water Quality (DWQ) operates the Utah Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (UPDES) under EPA delegation. Construction sites disturbing one or more acres, MS4 communities, and industrial facilities must obtain UPDES general or individual permits before discharging stormwater to waters of the state. Permittees must implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), conduct inspections, and file Notices of Intent and Termination. Local governments may impose stricter limits but cannot waive UPDES requirements. Utah Code 19-5-115 sets civil penalties up to $10,000 per day per violation for unpermitted discharges or SWPPP failures.

Violations & Penalties

Discharging stormwater without UPDES coverage, failing to implement a SWPPP, or violating effluent limits can result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per day and criminal charges for knowing violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need a Utah construction stormwater permit?

Whenever land disturbance equals or exceeds one acre, or is part of a larger common plan of development, you must obtain UPDES Construction General Permit coverage before breaking ground.

Can a Utah city require less than the state stormwater rules?

No. Local stormwater ordinances may be stricter than UPDES, but they cannot waive or weaken the state-delegated NPDES permit requirements under Utah Code 19-5.

Sources

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Full Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need a Utah construction stormwater permit?

Whenever land disturbance equals or exceeds one acre, or is part of a larger common plan of development, you must obtain UPDES Construction General Permit coverage before breaking ground.

Can a Utah city require less than the state stormwater rules?

No. Local stormwater ordinances may be stricter than UPDES, but they cannot waive or weaken the state-delegated NPDES permit requirements under Utah Code 19-5.