Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Water

Stormwater Engineering Plan Review
Frequently Asked Questions

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How long does take to get a Stormwater Letter of Approval for Stormwater Engineering Plans?

If all required documents and information are provided, usually a Stormwater Letter of Approval is issued in two weeks from a date of submittal of information.

How long a Stormwater Letter of Approval is valid?

If construction has begun within two years after issuance of Stormwater Letter of Approval, the Stormwater Letter of Approval is valid until completion of the project. If construction has not begun within two years after issuance of Stormwater Letter of Approval, the Stormwater Letter of Approval is void, and plans must be resubmitted to the ADEC.

What is the fee structure for stormwater engineering plan review?

Fee structure is built on “acres of soil disturbed” and can be found in 18 AAC 72.955 Table C. Plan Review Fees (3) (A-D) . Check should be payable to “State of Alaska”.

How does my Stormwater Letter of Approval relate to the APDES Construction General Permit Notice of Intent?

Every construction project that disturbs more than one acre of land must submit an Notice of Intent (NOI) and apply for coverage under the Construction General Permit (CGP). Only projects that construct permanent stormwater controls have to obtain a Stormwater Letter of Approval. If the installation of permanent stormwater control disturbs less than an acre a stormwater letter of approval is still required, though a CGP NOI does not need to be filed.

What is the permitting process for construction projects in Alaska that have permanent stormwater controls?

Construction projects with permanent stormwater controls follow a four-step process, they are:

• Obtain a Stormwater Letter of Approval
• Develop a SWPPP
• File an APDES CGP NOI
• Submit a copy of the SWPPP (this requirement is different for each MS4 area and for non-MS4 areas)

Are there recommended design manuals to use?

There are two manuals that may be helpful in the design process and in filling out the comments on the permanent stormwater management control plan review checklist. They are the Alaska Stormwater Guide dated December 2011, and the Municipality of Anchorage Project Management & Engineering Department Design Criteria Manual Chapter 2 Construction Practices (Stormwater Treatment Plan Review Guidance Manual) Version 1.0, dated December 2017.