What is a Notice of Intent (NOI) in relation to SWPPP?

A Notice of Intent (NOI) is a critical document submitted by a project owner or operator to seek coverage under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for stormwater discharges associated with construction activities. The NOI serves as a formal declaration to the permitting authority that the project will be initiated, detailing the intent to comply with environmental regulations pertaining to stormwater management.

By filing the NOI, the applicant is essentially requesting permission to discharge stormwater from construction sites in a manner that adheres to the requirements outlined in the NPDES permit. This includes implementing a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) that outlines measures to control pollutants and prevent contamination of water bodies.

While it is possible to communicate project goals or inform the community about construction activities, such summaries or notifications do not fulfill the regulatory requirement of establishing coverage under the NPDES program. The submission of the NOI is a formal step in ensuring compliance with federal water quality standards, making it a key document in the context of stormwater management practices and environmental protection.