SWPPP Inspection Checklist — 11 CGP Inspection Areas for NM and AZ
EPA CGP NMR100000 requires inspections covering 11 distinct site areas every 14 calendar days and within 24 hours of a storm event ≥ 0.25 inches (NM) or ≥ 0.50 inches (AZ). This checklist covers all 11 required inspection sections with NM/AZ-specific notes.
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Section 1 of 11
Disturbed Areas
Evaluate areas of active soil disturbance and areas where disturbance has temporarily ceased.
All disturbed areas are identified and mapped in the SWPPP
Active areas have appropriate erosion controls installed and functional
Areas of temporary cessation have temporary stabilization (mulch, seed, or equivalent) applied within 14 days of last disturbance
No evidence of unauthorized disturbance outside the permitted area boundary
Stockpiles are protected from wind and water erosion
NM / AZ: NM: Document all ephemeral waterway proximity. AZ: Note proximity to riparian areas and desert wash buffers.
Section 2 of 11
Stormwater Controls — Erosion Prevention
Inspect all erosion prevention BMPs: vegetation, mulching, hydraulic application, surface roughening.
Erosion prevention BMPs are installed as specified in the SWPPP
Temporary seeding/mulching applied where required (if applicable to current phase)
Hydraulic mulch or tackifier is intact and adhered to soil surface
No evidence of rill erosion or concentrated flow on unprotected slopes
Slopes steeper than 3:1 have additional erosion controls beyond standard application
NM / AZ: NM: Native seed mix required for final stabilization. High desert UV degrades organic mulch faster than humid climates — inspect mulch integrity.
Section 3 of 11
Stormwater Controls — Sediment Controls
Inspect all sediment trapping and filtering BMPs: silt fence, fiber wattles, sediment basins, inlet protection.
Silt fence is intact, properly staked, and fabric is not torn or undermined
Fiber wattles are firmly seated against the slope with no gap underneath
Sediment accumulation does not exceed 1/3 to 1/2 height of silt fence or wattle
Inlet protection is installed at all storm sewer inlets within or adjacent to the project
Sediment basin or trap has adequate freeboard — at least 1 foot below overflow elevation
Rock check dams are stable and not undermined at the downstream toe
NM / AZ: NM: Check caliche soil stake penetration depth — inspect for leaning posts. Arroyo check dams: verify wing wall key-in after any storm event.
Section 4 of 11
Construction Site Perimeter
Inspect the project boundary to confirm no unauthorized discharge or sediment transport off site.
Perimeter controls are in place and functional at all downslope property boundaries
No evidence of sediment transport to adjacent properties, roadways, or waterways
Trackout controls are present at all construction entrance/exit points
Adjacent public roads are free of visible sediment originating from the project
Perimeter fence or flagging delineates the project boundary
NM / AZ: NM: Bernalillo County requires trackout control at all entrances — Trackout Control mats or aggregate pads. Post-storm: walk the full downslope perimeter.
Section 5 of 11
Stabilized Construction Entrance/Exit
Confirm that vehicle tracking controls are installed, functional, and maintained.
Stabilized entrance is installed at all active vehicle access points
Aggregate is clean and compacted — not clogged with sediment
Minimum 50-foot length of stabilized surface (100 feet where practical)
No fresh vehicle tracking of mud or sediment visible on adjacent public roads
Trackout Control mats or equivalent are clean and properly anchored
NM / AZ: NM: Caliche-heavy sites produce fine dust — Trackout Control mats are more effective than aggregate pads for dust tracking prevention.
Section 6 of 11
Stormwater Discharge Points
Inspect all locations where stormwater discharges from the project site.
All discharge points are identified in the SWPPP and inspected
Discharge point receives adequate BMP protection (energy dissipator, rock pad, etc.)
No evidence of erosion scour at discharge point — document with photo
No direct discharge to waters of the US without permit authorization
Discharge is visually clear — no turbid, colored, or oily discharge observed
NM / AZ: NM: Note all arroyo discharge points. Monsoon flows can create new discharge paths — walk all drainage paths, not just mapped locations.
Section 7 of 11
Waste Management and Materials Storage
Inspect concrete washout, fuel storage, chemical storage, solid waste containers, and portable sanitation.
Concrete washout is designated, lined, and not overflowing
Fuel storage tanks have secondary containment and no evidence of spills or leaks
Chemical containers are properly closed, labeled, and stored under cover
Solid waste containers are covered or enclosed — no loose debris that can enter storm system
Portable sanitation units are anchored and no evidence of overflow
Designated hazardous material storage area is accessible for spill response
NM / AZ: NM monsoon: Concrete washout pits can overflow if not emptied before major storm events. Check capacity before July–September storm windows.
Section 8 of 11
Spill Prevention and Response
Confirm spill prevention measures are in place and spill response materials are accessible.
Spill kit is on site and accessible (absorbent pads, booms, bags, PPE)
No uncontrolled spills, staining, or sheening observed
Refueling operations occur on impervious surface or over containment
Spill response contact numbers are posted in the site office and at fuel stations
Previous spill events are documented and remediated
NM / AZ: NM Permian Basin / oilfield-adjacent: Verify no cross-contamination risk from adjacent industrial operations.
Section 9 of 11
Non-Stormwater Discharges
Confirm no unauthorized non-stormwater discharges to the storm system or receiving waters.
No vehicle wash water discharging to storm system without treatment
No dewatering discharge without permit coverage or authorization
No concrete washout water discharging to storm system
Authorized non-stormwater discharges (e.g., fire hydrant flushing) documented
No evidence of illicit discharge connections to storm sewer
NM / AZ: NM: Dewatering in arroyo-adjacent areas requires careful management — check for direct flow path to ephemeral channels.
Section 10 of 11
Sediment and Erosion in Receiving Waters
If site discharges during the inspection event, evaluate discharge quality and any receiving water impact.
Receiving water is not visibly turbid due to project discharges
No evidence of accelerated bank erosion at or below the project discharge point
No evidence of sediment deposition in receiving water channel
Any observed turbidity is documented with photo and GPS location
If visual evidence of impact, corrective action is initiated and documented
NM / AZ: NM: Many receiving waters are ephemeral — evaluate channel condition after storm events when flow is present.
Section 11 of 11
Overall SWPPP Implementation
Confirm SWPPP document is current, on site, and reflects actual site conditions.
SWPPP document is on site or electronically accessible for regulatory review
SWPPP reflects current site conditions, active phases, and operator information
BMP map in SWPPP matches installed BMPs in the field
Inspection log is current — no missed 14-day inspections
All previously identified deficiencies have been corrected and documented
Operator contact information is current and posted at the construction entrance
NM / AZ: NM: Update SWPPP within 7 days of any change in site conditions under NMR100000. NMPDES may require more frequent updates — monitor WQCC hearing outcomes.