Which two plans in the SWPPP must be approved?

The approval of erosion and sediment control plans and stormwater management plans is critical within the framework of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Erosion and sediment control plans are designed to prevent soil erosion and sediment discharge during construction activities, thereby minimizing the amount of polluted runoff that can enter nearby water bodies. These plans include practices and procedures that help manage the earth disturbance that occurs during construction.

Similarly, stormwater management plans address how stormwater will be managed post-construction to reduce the quantity and improve the quality of runoff. They often include measures such as the design of detention basins, green infrastructure, and other management practices aimed at treating the stormwater before it is released into the environment.

The requirement for approval of both plans ensures that adequate measures are taken to protect water quality and reduce potential ecological impacts during both construction and the subsequent operational phases of a project. Compliance with these plans demonstrates that the project adheres to local, state, and federal regulations aimed at managing stormwater effectively.