Georgia Stormwater Regulations
Georgia stormwater is regulated by GA EPD for permits and enforcement, with GSWCC managing erosion control certifications (Level IA/IB). Coastal counties face additional requirements under the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act and Shore Protection Act. The state's CGP (GAR100001-3) runs through July 2028, and violations can reach $50,000 per day.
State Regulatory Overview
Georgia's stormwater regulatory framework involves three primary agencies. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GA EPD) administers NPDES stormwater permits, enforces water quality standards, and conducts compliance inspections. The Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC) oversees the erosion and sediment control certification program that's required for all construction projects disturbing one acre or more.
In Georgia's 6 coastal counties, the Coastal Resources Division (CRD) of the Department of Natural Resources adds additional permitting through the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (CMPA) and Shore Protection Act (SPA). These laws protect tidal marshlands and shoreline areas from development impacts and require separate permits for projects that may affect these resources.
Georgia's approach to stormwater is notable for its certification requirement. Every SWPPP site inspection under the state's NPDES construction permits must be performed by a GSWCC Level IB certified inspector. Design standards also differ by region: the coastal counties use the Coastal Stormwater Supplement (2009), while inland MS4s such as Augusta use the statewide Georgia Stormwater Management Manual (2016 Edition) or an equivalent local manual.
County Coverage
This hub covers 7 Georgia counties with county-level data: the 6 coastal counties, from the Savannah metro area south to the Florida border, and Richmond County (Augusta) inland. The Penalties column shows the GA EPD ceiling for a first violation, plus a county figure where the county page sets one out.
| County | MS4 Status | Key City | Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan | Phase II MS4 (partial) | Richmond Hill | State: up to $50,000/day |
| Camden | Not MS4 regulated | St. Marys, Kingsland | State: up to $50,000/day |
| Chatham | Phase I Medium MS4 | Savannah, Pooler | State: up to $50,000/day |
| Glynn | Phase II MS4 | Brunswick, St. Simons Island | State: up to $50,000/day |
| Liberty | Phase II MS4 (partial) | Hinesville | State: up to $50,000/day |
| McIntosh | Not designated | Darien | State: up to $50,000/day |
| Richmond | Phase I Medium MS4 | Augusta | State: up to $50,000/day; County: up to $2,500/day (erosion control) |
Key State Laws
- Georgia Water Quality Control Act (O.C.G.A. 12-5) - The foundation of Georgia's water pollution control program. Authorizes GA EPD to issue NPDES permits, set water quality standards, and impose civil penalties up to $50,000 per day per violation for a first violation and up to $100,000 per day for a repeat violation.
- Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Act (O.C.G.A. 12-7) - Requires erosion and sediment control plans and permits for land-disturbing activities, and a 25-foot undisturbed buffer along state waters. Local issuing authorities (cities and counties) review and approve plans under GSWCC oversight. Civil penalties reach $2,500 per day per violation.
- Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (O.C.G.A. 12-5-280) - Protects all tidal marshlands within the 6 coastal counties. Requires a Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee permit for any project that could alter, dredge, fill, or otherwise impact marshland.
- Shore Protection Act (O.C.G.A. 12-5-230) - Regulates development within the dynamic dune field and shore protection zone along Georgia's barrier islands and mainland coastline. Requires permits and imposes construction setbacks.
- Georgia Stormwater Management Manual (Blue Book) - The technical reference document for stormwater design standards. While not a law itself, all MS4 permittees must use the 2016 Edition or an equivalent manual. Augusta's local manual, for example, bases its design guidance on it. The coastal counties use the Georgia Coastal Stormwater Supplement (2009) instead.
Permit Types
Construction General Permits (CGP) - GAR100001 through GAR100003
Georgia splits its CGP into three permits by project type. GAR100001 covers stand-alone construction, GAR100002 covers infrastructure construction (roadways, railways, pipelines, and similar linear projects), and GAR100003 covers common development construction. All three apply to land disturbance of 1 acre or more, and require a Notice of Intent, a SWPPP, an erosion, sedimentation, and pollution control plan, and inspections by a GSWCC Level IB certified inspector. The current permits run from August 1, 2023, through July 31, 2028.
MS4 Permits
Georgia's MS4 permits follow the federal two-phase structure. Phase I medium permits cover Chatham County, the City of Savannah, and the other Chatham municipalities, plus Augusta-Richmond County (GAS000200). Smaller urbanized areas, including the coastal Phase II communities, are covered by the Phase II general permit (GAG610000), which expires December 5, 2027. MS4 permittees must implement stormwater management programs and enforce local ordinances that require property owners to maintain BMPs.
Industrial Stormwater Permits
Industrial facilities with stormwater exposure must obtain coverage under GA EPD's Multi-Sector General Permit. The current industrial general permit expires May 31, 2027. Facilities must develop stormwater pollution prevention plans, conduct regular sampling, and submit discharge monitoring reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who regulates stormwater in Georgia?
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GA EPD) is the primary stormwater authority, issuing NPDES permits and enforcing state water quality standards. The Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC) manages the erosion and sediment control certification program. In the six coastal counties, the Coastal Resources Division (CRD) under GA DNR regulates development through the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act and Shore Protection Act.
What GSWCC certifications are required in Georgia?
GSWCC runs three certification levels. Level IA (Fundamentals) is for builders, contractors, developers, and site superintendents. Level IB (Advanced Fundamentals) is for inspectors, and every SWPPP site inspection under Georgia's NPDES construction permits must be done by a Level IB certified inspector. Level II is for erosion, sedimentation, and pollution control plan designers and plan reviewers. Each level requires a GSWCC-approved seminar and a passing exam score of at least 70%, and each certification is valid for 3 years with 4 hours of continuing education.
What is the GA Construction General Permit?
Georgia's CGP is three permits split by project type, not size. GAR100001 covers stand-alone construction, GAR100002 covers infrastructure construction such as roads, pipelines, and utility lines, and GAR100003 covers common development construction with multiple separate activities. All three apply to land disturbance of 1 acre or more, or less if part of a larger common plan. The current permits run from August 1, 2023, through July 31, 2028. Each requires a Notice of Intent, a SWPPP, an erosion, sedimentation, and pollution control plan, and inspections by a GSWCC Level IB certified inspector.
What are CMPA and SPA requirements in coastal Georgia?
The Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (CMPA) protects tidal marshlands by requiring permits for any activity that could alter marshland. The Shore Protection Act (SPA) regulates development within the shore protection zone along Georgia's barrier islands and mainland shore. Both apply to Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Glynn, Liberty, and McIntosh counties and add permitting requirements on top of standard stormwater permits. They do not apply in inland counties such as Richmond County (Augusta).
What penalties does Georgia impose for stormwater violations?
GA EPD can impose civil penalties up to $50,000 per day per violation under the Georgia Water Quality Control Act for a first violation, and up to $100,000 per day for a repeat violation within 12 months. The Erosion and Sedimentation Act adds civil penalties up to $2,500 per day per violation. Local governments set their own fines by ordinance; Augusta's erosion control ordinance, for example, allows up to $2,500 per day. Stop-work orders are mandatory for work without a permit, significant sediment discharge to state waters, failure to maintain stream buffers, and poorly maintained BMPs.
Need help with your stormwater systems?
Request a site assessment. We'll evaluate your property's stormwater infrastructure and tell you exactly what's needed for compliance.
fact_check Site Health Audit
No obligation to hire AUE Land for any service work.