Stormwater Permits
Stormwater runoff and snow melt can pick up chemicals, bacteria, sediment, and debris from urban areas,
construction sites, and industrial facilities. Runoff that enters a storm sewer or ditch does not go to
a lagoon or treatment plant. Instead, runoff flows directly to rivers, lakes, and streams without any treatment.
Stormwater permits provide a level of treatment through planning and management that minimizes pollution in runoff
from urban areas, construction sites, and industrial facilities.
There are no fees for stormwater permits. For more information, please email stormwater@nd.gov.
With the transition to the new online permit management system, CERIS-ND, the following forms are no longer
maintained and will only be available upon request at the end of 2025.
- Notice of intent forms SFN 19145, SFN 18656, and SFN 53488
- Notice of construction transfer/modification form SFN 54242
- Notice of termination forms SFN 19146, SFN 62496, and SFN 62495
- No exposure certification form SFN 52314
Please click Electronic Reporting & Permit Systems under DEQ Resources for guidance and information about signing
up for CERIS-ND and submitting forms electronically.
Construction Permits
Construction Permits: The construction general permit applies to construction projects that disturb one or more
acres including smaller projects within or part of a large development.
1. Develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to minimize pollution from soil
erosion and other sources
2a. Submit a Notice of Intent through the Combined Environmental Regulatory Information
System – North Dakota (CERIS-ND) no later than seven days before construction starts
or
2b. Mail an original signed Notice of Intent no later than seven days before construction starts
3. Implement the SWPPP to minimize pollution from soil erosion and other sources like
fuel, oil, and waste
4. Monitor the site and complete inspections
5. Submit a notice of termination once final stabilization has been met
A project is automatically covered under the permit seven days after the department receives the notice of intent.
Coverage under the permit is required for oil and gas projects if runoff from the project
can carry eroded material to a water of the state. Coverage is not
required for oil and gas projects if runoff will not carry eroded material to
a water of the state.
Industrial Permits
Industrial facilities must follow the industrial stormwater permit, also known as the multi-sector general permit. Facilities must implement a stormwater pollution prevention plan to minimize pollutants in runoff. Facilities conduct quarterly inspections to ensure the plan is implemented. Fifteen categories of industrial activity conduct stormwater sampling.
Find your facility's SIC code on the OSHA Website. See the EPA Website to find out if your facility
requires a permit.
Mining, Extraction & Paving Material Permits
Mining, extraction, and paving material preparation (MEPM) facilities must follow the MEPM stormwater permit and implement a stormwater pollution prevention plan to minimize pollutants in runoff. Facilities conduct quarterly inspections to ensure the plan is implemented and submit annual inspection reports. Seven categories of MEPM facilities conduct stormwater sampling. Portable operations submit location reports to the department.
Municipal Seperate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4)
Municipal separate storm sewer systems, or MS4s, are public storm sewer systems in or around more populated cities in the state. Regulated MS4s are required to develop a program to minimize the discharge of pollutants from their storm sewer system. MS4s provide a summary of their program to the department each year.
