Stormwater Annual Reports Are Due July 15! Are You Ready or Already Sweating? 

What’s the Big Deal About Stormwater? 

Every time it rains, water runs off roofs, roads, parking lots, and construction sites—picking up oil, sediment, trash, heavy metals, and other pollutants along the way. This potentially contaminated runoff flows into storm drains and eventually into rivers, lakes, and oceans without treatment. 

To protect water quality and prevent environmental damage, industrial and municipal sites are required to implement Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) and submit annual stormwater reports summarizing their stormwater management efforts over the past year. 

July 15 — The Stormwater Super Deadline 

If your site is regulated under the California Industrial General Permit (IGP) or a municipal stormwater program, your Annual Report is due July 15. 

This report typically includes: 

• A summary of stormwater sampling and monitoring results 

• Documentation of BMPs (Best Management Practices) and any corrective actions taken 

• An evaluation of the overall effectiveness of your SWPPP 

• Certification by a QISP (Qualified Industrial Stormwater Practitioner) 

Missing this deadline could lead to formal notices of violation, fines, and even legal action from the State Water Board. 

Who Needs to File? 

You’re required to file if you operate: 

• Industrial facilities (from scrap yards to manufacturing plants) 

• Construction sites over 1 acre, discharging to a public access point. 

• Municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) 

• Public agencies, school districts, or transportation hubs 

• Commercial properties with outdoor storage, fueling areas, or exposed materials 

Even if you’ve had no stormwater violations all year, reporting is still mandatory. 

Why This Report Actually Matters 

Aside from avoiding regulatory trouble, your Annual Report is a valuable tool to: 

• Evaluate how well your stormwater program is working 

• Identify potential pollutant trends before they escalate 

• Demonstrate compliance during audits or inspections 

• Plan ahead for improved BMPs in the upcoming year 

This is more than paperwork, it’s a cornerstone of responsible and proactive environmental management. 

How A-Tech Helps You Stay on Track 

Stormwater compliance can be technical and time-consuming. A-Tech Consulting makes it easier. Our certified QISPs and stormwater experts offer: 

• SWPPP development and revisions 

• Stormwater sampling and lab coordination 

• Routine site inspections and corrective action guidance 

• Data analysis and annual report preparation 

• SMARTS system filing support 

We help ensure you meet all state and regional water board requirements—accurately and on time. 

Countdown to Compliance: A Sample Timeline 

• Now–July 5: Gather all monitoring data, BMP records, and inspection logs 

• July 6–10: Draft the report, identify issues, and begin review 

• July 11–14: Finalize the report with your QISP and upload it to SMARTS 

• July 15: Submit before midnight to remain in compliance 

• July 16: You’re done—until next year 

Did You Know? 

Even sites with No Exposure Certification (NEC) need to maintain up-to-date documentation. Also, if your facility exceeded Numeric Action Levels (NALs) during the year, your Annual Report must include your response actions under Level 1 or Level 2 status. 

Final Thoughts 

The stormwater annual report isn’t just another checkbox, it’s a critical tool for evaluating your site’s environmental impact. By filing on time and staying compliant, you’re helping protect local waterways, avoid penalties, and keep your operations running smoothly. 

July 15 is fast approaching. If you need help, A-Tech is ready. 

Don’t Wait — A-Tech Is Here to Help 

Behind schedule? Unsure about SMARTS? Don’t risk non-compliance. A-Tech can help you meet the July 15 deadline with confidence. 

Let’s make your workplace safer, together. Contact us today for a consultation.