When development occurs in the watershed, the project owner is required to obtain permits that regulate the stormwater discharges from a construction sites. With large ground disturbances from construction, controls must be put in place to prevent sediment transport off the site into the sewers and local waterways. This is regulated at the state and local level, each are described below.

State Regulations: Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE)

The DWEE provides the authorization to discharge stormwater from construction sites under the National Pollutant Discharge Eliminations System (NPDES) general permit. Click here for the DWEE NPDES Permit page.

NPDES Permit Summary

Required for land disturbances:
- Greater than or equal to 1 acre
- Less than 1 acre if the construction activity is part of a common plan of development or sale
Develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to address erosion and sediment control
Complete a Conservation Environmental Review Tool (CERT) search from Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC)
Complete online applications (all users must register an account with the DWEE)
Submit Notice of Intent (NOI) to DWEE 7 days in advance of grading
Submit Notice of Termination (NOT) upon completion

Local Regulations: Papillion Creek Watershed Partnership (PCWP)

The PCWP requires a Grading Permit above and beyond the state requirement when development occurs within Papillion Creek Watershed. This was established to monitor and enforce the policies establish by the PCWP to protect the water quality of local waterbodies by limiting erosion, sediment, and pollution during the construction process. Additionally, a is required for development projects with the potential to add pollutants to or affect the flow rate of stormwater runoff after construction is complete.

Grading Permit Summary

Required for land disturbances:
- Greater than or equal to 1 acres
- Less than one acre if the construction activity is part of a common plan of development or sale
Omaha Stormwater Program manages the oversite of the grading permits on behalf of the PCWP
Construction
- Develop Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
Post Construction Stormwater Management Plan (PCSMP)
- Required for sites 5,000 square feet or greater of new development or significant redevelopment
Enter project in Omaha Permix Portal (all users must create an account)
Upon approval of Permix, obtain grading permit from the local jurisdiction
Conduct site inspections during construction and update Permix
City of Omaha staff will monitor construction for compliance with Grading Permit requirements