You Might Think You’re Compliant—But Are You Really?
It’s a common scenario: you’ve submitted your SWPPP (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan), the paperwork got approved, the project started… and you assume that means you’re good to go.
But here’s the thing:
Just having a plan doesn’t mean you’re in compliance.
As environmental consultants we’ve seen the same problems over and over again—sites that look like they’re doing things right on paper, but are actually one surprise inspection away from a fine.
Whether you’re overseeing a construction site, managing a facility with an industrial stormwater permit, or running a commercial operation that needs to control runoff, common SWPPP violations tend to look the same. And they’re easier to fix than you think—if you know what to watch for.
Let’s break down the top 5 common SWPPP violations we see in the field, and how to stay ahead of them.
1. Missed or Poorly Documented Site Inspections (A Top Common SWPPP Violation)
What’s the Violation?
Weekly inspections (or post-rain event inspections) are either skipped entirely, done inconsistently, or not documented properly.
Why It Happens
A lot of project leads think inspections only matter during the early stages of construction. Others leave it up to whoever’s available that day—without proper training or understanding of what to look for.
Real Talk from the Field
We had one client call us in a panic after getting hit with a Notice of Violation (NOV). Their site was relatively clean, but they hadn’t documented any inspections in over a month. That alone was enough to trigger the warning—and a deadline to prove they had corrected the issue.
How to Fix It
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Set a schedule for inspections (weekly and after every 0.5-inch rain event)
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Assign a trained, consistent person to complete them
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Use photo logs and cloud-based forms to avoid losing paperwork
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Keep everything organized—you’ll need it during audits or inspections
2. BMPs Not Installed Correctly or Falling Apart
What’s the Violation?
Silt fences that are down. Inlet protection that’s been run over. Straw wattles that aren’t staked. We’re talking about BMPs (Best Management Practices) that aren’t functioning like they should.
Why It’s Common
BMPs get installed when the project starts and often get forgotten about. After a few weeks of wind, rain, and truck traffic, they’re no longer working—and nobody’s checking on them.
Real life Scenario
We once visited a site where a silt fence had completely collapsed and stormwater was running straight into a nearby ditch. The site manager was shocked—it had been installed right, months ago. But BMPs aren’t set-it-and-forget-it.
Why It Matters
These types of BMP failures are among the most common SWPPP violations found during site inspections.
What to Do Instead
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Walk your site weekly. If it’s broken, repair it immediately.
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Know your BMPs and make sure they match your SWPPP.
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Train the crew: if they see something off, they should flag it.
3. SWPPP Not Updated When the Site Changes
What’s the Violation?
Grading changes. New staging areas. A change in contractors. These are all changes that require updates to your SWPPP—and they often get overlooked.
Why It’s a Problem
Your SWPPP is a living document. If your site conditions change and your plan doesn’t reflect that, you’re technically out of compliance—even if everything else looks perfect.
Quick Story
We worked with a small commercial project that started off simple but expanded halfway through. The runoff area doubled. The plan didn’t change. An inspector flagged them for not updating the SWPPP and issued a formal notice.
Takeaway
Failure to update your plan is one of the most overlooked common SWPPP violations, especially on fast-moving projects.
Your Fix
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Review your SWPPP every time the site changes
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Document everything—dates, why the change occurred, how BMPs were adjusted
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Keep a change log with your inspection reports
4. Incomplete or Missing Signage
What’s the Violation?
Failing to post your SWPPP notice, permit info, or responsible party contacts clearly at the site entrance.
Why It Gets Missed
It feels like a small thing—but inspectors often check signage before anything else. If it’s not there, it signals that the site isn’t paying attention to compliance at all.
Why It Matters
It may seem minor, but missing signage consistently ranks as a common SWPPP violation in enforcement reports.
What Inspectors Expect
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A posted copy of your SWPPP or the Notice of Intent (NOI)
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Contact information for the stormwater responsible person
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Site-specific permit information
Keep It Simple
Print it. Laminate it. Post it on a weatherproof board at the entrance or near your site trailer. Check it weekly to make sure it hasn’t blown away or faded.
5. Bad Recordkeeping
What’s the Violation?
Missing inspection logs, no maintenance reports, or losing track of documentation altogether.
Why It’s Dangerous
Even if your site is spotless, poor records can still get you fined. Agencies want to see proof that you’re actively managing compliance—not just reacting when someone shows up.
Example
We helped a business owner who had done everything right—but had been storing inspection forms in the back of a truck that got cleaned out. No records = no way to prove compliance.
Reminder
Disorganized records are one of the easiest common SWPPP violations to avoid—but one of the most costly when neglected.
Easy Solution
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Switch to a digital record-keeping system (Dropbox, Google Drive, or a project management platform)
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Back up files weekly
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Keep all SWPPP-related records in one folder: inspections, changes, photos, maintenance logs, training docs
Bonus: Thinking SWPPP Only Applies to Construction
SWPPPs aren’t just for construction projects. Industrial facilities, commercial sites, and even municipalities may need a plan depending on runoff risks and local permit requirements.
If your site discharges to a storm drain, you may be subject to TPDES (Texas) or NPDES (federal) rules—and a SWPPP might be required.
Don’t fall for the trap of assuming construction is the only concern. Many common SWPPP violations happen in industrial and commercial operations as well.
Conclusion: Small Mistakes, Big Consequences
These five (okay, six) issues are among the most common SWPPP violations we see—and they’re all preventable.
Don’t assume you’re compliant just because your project started out that way. Compliance is a process, not a checkbox.
If you’re unsure whether your site is fully covered, or you’ve already had a few close calls, it might be time for a second opinion.
Want Help Avoiding Common SWPPP Violations?
Our team at CRG Texas Environmental Services Inc. has helped businesses across Texas avoid fines, stay compliant, and protect their projects from costly delays.
Schedule a SWPPP compliance check today — we’ll walk your site, review your documents, and give you real feedback.