Why do I need a QSD?

• Hiring a QSD is required by the state of California Environmental Protection Agency State Water Resources Control Board for any project that qualifies under the General Permit.
• The QSD prepares the SWPPP plan which drives the Stormwater management on a specific project. The SWPPP plan is a living document and must be updated continuously to show corrections to BMP’s and scheduling.
• The QSD will prepare and maintain all documents necessary as required by the State of California EPA State Water Resources Control Board using the Stormwater Multiple Application & Report Tracking Systems (SMARTS) throughout the life of the project, such as: SWPPP Plan, Amendments, Erosion & Sediment Control, BMP Design, REAP (Rain Event Action Plan), and Post-Construction Measures, Notice of Intent (NOI), Change of Information (COI), Annual Report, SWARM (Storm Water Annual Report Monitoring) Summaries, and Notice of Termination (NOT)
• The QSD can provide “hands on” training to designated work site personnel, such as project management and the BMP management team. To ensure the project is compliant with all permit requirements the QSD is required to inspect the site on a regular basis, especially prior to any qualified rain event.
• Must Comply also offers an In-House contract arrangement based on your company’s needs. Instead of hiring a QSD/QSP for each project, an In-House arrangement allows for servicing numerous projects while saving you money.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Q: How do I know if my project requires a QSD?
A: Construction activity in California resulting in a land disturbance of one acre or more, or less than one acre but part of a larger common plan of development or sale must obtain the Construction Activities Storm Water General Permit (2009-0009-DWQ Permit).

Construction activity includes clearing, grading, excavation, stockpiling, and reconstruction of existing facilities involving removal and replacement. Construction activity does not include routine maintenance such as, maintenance of original line and grade, hydraulic capacity, or original purpose of the facility.

Q: Is the QSD and/or QSP responsible for project compliance, or the project owner?
A: The property owner is always the LRP “legal responsible party” for project compliance. This individual must certify the PRDs “permit registered documents” and will be the recipient of any Notices of Violations (NOVs) or Administrative Civil Liabilities (ACL; fines) for the project.

Q: Who is qualified to prepare and implement the SWPPP for your site?
A: In California, SWPPPs are required to be prepared by a Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) and inspected by a Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP).

Helpful Tips

1. Choose Wisely:
   California requires a certified professional, such as a QSD, to provide comprehensive stormwater compliance services throughout the life of the project. Beware of hiring a consultant that only wants to prepare SWPPPs for your project.
2. Initial Requirements:
   A Waste Discharge Identification Number (WDID) must be applied for to start your project. The LRP must electronically submit Permit Registration Documents (PRDs) prior to commencement of construction activities in the SMARTS. Permit Registration Documents (PRDs) consist of the Notice of Intent, Risk Assessment, Post-Construction Calculations, a Site Map, the SWPPP, a signed certification statement by the LRP, and the first annual fee.