Stormwater Permitting and Management

Ecosphere is an expert with stormwater planning and permitting requirements for state and federal regulations including Colorado, Utah, and the USEPA (New Mexico, tribal lands, and federal facilities). For stormwater discharges located in Colorado (excluding tribal lands), Ecosphere prepares Stormwater Management Plans (SWMPs) in accordance with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) – Water Quality Control Division requirements. Additionally, for construction activities, Ecosphere recommends and employs Best Management Practices (BMPs) based on CDPHE and USEPA guidance documents. Projects include permitting for oil and gas construction and development, industrial facilities, utility projects, housing developments, and wetland mitigation projects. Within New Mexico and in the boundaries of tribal lands and federal facilities in Colorado, Ecosphere prepares Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans in accordance with the USEPA’s NPDES Phase II Stormwater Regulations.

Ecosphere manages stormwater permits for several clients including oil and gas, transmission, and linear transportation companies including conducting stormwater inspections as defined by the regulating agency and maintaining a compliant SWMP or SWPPP. Ecosphere also provides training for BMP installation and construction oversight for contractors performing the work. Our inspectors are certified Colorado Department of Transportation Erosion Control Supervisors.

Watershed Assessments

Ecosphere offers a multidisciplinary approach to watershed assessment with expertise in hydrology, geomorphology, GIS, wetlands, and biology. Ecosphere staff is experienced in watershed delineation, land-cover classification, aquatic habitat classification and assessment, and non-point source pollution load assessment. Areas of specialization include nutrient cycling, eutrophication, and assimilative capacity studies.