What is the purpose of the CGP permit?

The purpose of the CGP, or Construction General Permit, is to allow construction activities under specific conditions while ensuring that stormwater discharges associated with those activities are managed to minimize environmental impact. This permit is crucial for projects that disturb land, as it sets forth requirements aimed at controlling erosion and sedimentation, thereby protecting water quality. By requiring measures such as sediment basins, silt fences, and other Best Management Practices (BMPs), the CGP ensures that projects comply with the Clean Water Act and other federal and state regulations.

The focus is on maintaining water quality during construction activities, which can generate significant amounts of runoff that may contain pollutants. Therefore, obtaining the CGP is an essential step for contractors and developers to demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship while proceeding with their construction projects.