Compliance Evaluations Inspections (CE() determine a facility’s status with regulations, permit conditions, and other program requirements. Inspectors also verify the adequacy of sampling and monitoring conducted and the accuracy of information submitted to DEQ.

Compliance Inspection Process

There are four major components of a compliance evaluation inspection. In addition, the review and submission of the inspection report package is to be completed by the permittee following the inspection:

1. Entrance Meeting
2. Records Review
3. Site Evaluation
4. Reporting Preliminary Findings
5. Inspection Report

Entrance Meeting

During the entrance meeting, the inspector will inform the on-site personnel of the reason for the Compliance Evaluation Inspection (CEI) and provide an overview of the process. Examples of information discussed during this portion of the CEI include:

• Identification/verification of the owner/operator;
• A determination of who is the authorized representative for the facility;
• A determination of whether the facility is being leased, the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the lessor and lessee;
• Address questions concerning the history of the facility including any discharges which may have occurred;
• A determination of the conditions at the facility as they exist at the time of the CEI.

Records Review

During the Records Review portion of the CEI, the compliance inspector will review the facility-specific records to ensure the permit stipulated recordkeeping and reporting conditions are being met. Depending on the type of permit, the inspector may request copies of the following information:

• General Permit/Authorization Letter
• Individual Permit
• Operational/Laboratory/Facility Monitoring Records

Facility Site Evaluation

During the Facility Site Evaluation, the compliance inspector will assess site conditions and determine if the number and location of discharges are as described in the permit, and if the discharges are in accordance with the permit provisions. The inspector will verify operational conditions, including best management practices. The inspector will also review whether nutrient reduction plans are being implemented, assess the condition and adequacy of implemented plans, and determine areas of noncompliance.

Report of Preliminary Findings

At the conclusion of the inspection, the compliance inspector will provide preliminary findings and explain the Inspection Report process. If additional information is required from the permittee to complete the CEI, the inspector will provide a list of information and specify a date for submittal. Permittees are encouraged to ask questions so issues that arose during the inspection can be clarified.

Please Note Any information presented during the exit report is preliminary. The final factual findings and observations will be documented in the Inspection Report Package.

Inspection Report

Documented areas of noncompliance that require the permittee to complete corrective action will be reported in the Inspection Report and require the permittee to complete corrective actions to return to compliance. Additional information included in the Inspection Report Package may include areas of potential noncompliance. The Final Inspection Report Package will include:

• Cover Letter
• Completed MPDES 3560 Compliance Inspection Form
• Narrative Inspection Report
• Photo Report

The permittee is required to compose a written response addressing each one of the factual findings and observations presented in the Narrative Inspection Report. The Letter of Violation will specify a date the written response is due. Please contact the inspector if there are questions regarding the content of the Narrative Inspection Report or if assistance is needed in composing a required response.

For further information, contact the Water Protection Bureau at (406) 444-5546.

The purpose of a storm water construction Compliance Evaluation Inspection (CEI) is to assess the adequacy of the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) by ensuring the plan meets the requirements of the General Permit, reviewing how pollutants are being managed, and determining whether pollutants are being discharged from the construction site and to state waters.

Storm water construction CEIs are typically completed during and/or immediately following precipitation events. During a CEI, an inspector will conduct a records review, facility site evaluation, and review the SWPPP and SWPPP Site Map to ensure compliance with the General Permit.

For additional information about CEIs, contact the Water Protection Bureau at (406) 444-5546.

Storm Water Construction Records Review Checklist