Recertification deadline
No later than October 1, 2026
2026 permit transition
Recertification + SWPPP update guide
For existing Arkansas ARR150000 sites that will remain active when the 2026 Construction General Permit takes effect November 1, 2026.
New permit effective
November 1, 2026
Recertification fee
No additional fee required with the Recertification NOI
Permit: ARR150000Guide updated: August 8, 2026Current permit expires October 31, 2026
Important boundary
The SEEK recertification is the short part. The substantive transition task is reviewing and updating the SWPPP to align with Part II.A.4 of the 2026 CGP by November 1, 2026.
01
Choose the correct transition path
Do not file an NOT simply because the current permit is expiring. The site must actually qualify for termination.
Terminate only if the site qualifies
For a large site, all soil-disturbing construction must be complete, final stabilization achieved, construction stormwater discharges eliminated, and temporary sediment controls removed and properly disposed. The 2026 permit also requires photographs representing the entire site with the NOT.
Recertify if work or stabilization remains
An existing large-site permittee that needs continued coverage should submit the Recertification NOI through SEEK and update the SWPPP for the new permit.
Apply the larger-common-plan limits
Subdivision and other common-plan operators have additional termination conditions involving completion of construction, landscaping, lot development, and disposition of lots unless a stated exception applies.
Handle small sites separately
Small sites have automatic coverage and do not submit a Recertification NOI or NOT to DEQ, but they still need a SWPPP compliant with the new permit and a current small-site NOC posted onsite.
02
Know the recertification roles and numbers
The short SEEK filing still needs the correct project tracking number and the responsible official who must certify the Recertification NOI.
Existing ARR15 tracking number
Use the project-specific number shown on the existing Notice of Coverage. ARR150000 is the general permit number, not the individual site's tracking number.
Responsible official
Use the person who qualifies and must sign the Recertification NOI for the legal entity: the applicable corporate officer; a facility manager meeting every Part II.B.9.A condition; general partner; sole proprietor; principal executive; or ranking elected official.
Cognizant official
A cognizant official with a valid Part II.B.9.B written authorization may sign the SWPPP certification, reports, and other requested information, but is not an alternate signer for the Recertification NOI.
Current construction status
State what construction, stabilization, lot buildout, corrective work, or temporary-control removal remains. Do not use recertification to avoid an NOT when the site genuinely qualifies for termination, and do not claim final stabilization before the permit conditions are met.
03
Complete the short SEEK recertification
The permit allows filing up to 180 days before expiration and requires filing no later than 30 days before expiration. With the current permit ending October 31, plan to submit by October 1, 2026.
Locate the existing coverage in SEEK
Use the permittee's existing SEEK account and ARR15 tracking information. Exact menu labels may change as DEQ updates the portal.
Confirm current project facts
Review operator details, project location, acreage, receiving waters, ultimate receiving water, MS4, contacts, and current construction status. Do not simply carry forward information known to be outdated.
Complete the Recertification NOI
The responsible official reviews and certifies the Recertification NOI through SEEK. No additional fee is required with the Recertification NOI.
Retain the transition record
Save the SEEK confirmation, the new or renewed NOC when issued, and the version of the updated SWPPP placed onsite.
04
Update the SWPPP before November 1
Existing permittees must align the SWPPP with all of Part II.A.4. The items below highlight the transition work most likely to require an actual revision; they are not a substitute for a complete Part II.A.4 review.
Identify the Stormwater Team
List every person or role responsible for design, chemical handling when applicable, inspections, maintenance, repairs, and corrective action. Assign each person's stormwater responsibilities in the SWPPP.
Refresh the site and drainage facts
Verify the project sequence, total and disturbed acreage, runoff coefficients, soils, nearest receiving waters, ultimate receiving waters, MS4, 303(d)/TMDL status, special waters, losing streams, and sensitive aquatic species.
Bring the site map up to date
Show current disturbance and stabilized areas, flow directions, slopes, BMPs, entrances, support areas, concrete washout, waters and buffers, flood information, discharge points, nearby inlets, and a legible legend.
Reconcile controls with actual site conditions
Update the control descriptions, installation sequence, stabilization schedule, sediment-basin determination, off-site tracking controls, waste and washout controls, non-stormwater discharges, and post-construction measures.
05
Update inspection, maintenance, and training procedures
The 2026 permit adds or clarifies several operating requirements that should appear in the SWPPP and site records.
Inspection schedule and rainfall source
State the selected inspection frequency. If using the 14-day plus rain-event option, inspect within 24 hours after a storm of 0.25 inch or greater and identify the rainfall source: an onsite gauge, a weather station within one mile, or site-specific radar.
Reduced inspections for stabilized areas
If used, document the stabilized area and date on the site map and SWPPP, the beginning and ending dates of reduced frequency, and the required return to normal frequency if work resumes.
Electronic inspection reports only
Inspection reports may be prepared, signed, and retained electronically when they remain readable, legally dependable, and immediately accessible during an onsite inspection. The signed current SWPPP itself must still be kept physically onsite.
Repairs and delayed corrective action
Repairs should be completed before the next storm when practicable and no later than three business days after discovery. If infeasible, document the reason, completion schedule, and interim status.
Stormwater Team and inspector training
Add periodic Stormwater Team training dates and retain records. Confirm inspectors meet the EPA-course or qualifying certification pathway described in Part II.A.4.P.
06
Check whether dewatering monitoring applies
The 2026 permit adds a 50 NTU turbidity benchmark for dewatering discharges into impaired or sensitive waters.
Identify every dewatering discharge
Document the source, treatment method, discharge point, receiving water, and whether the receiving water is impaired or sensitive.
Add the monitoring procedure when triggered
For covered discharges, plan for at least one representative sample from each dewatering discharge on each day discharge occurs, after treatment and before discharge, using an approved method.
Keep the benchmark in context
The benchmark is 50 NTUs. Review the complete permit for response, documentation, and any alternative-benchmark provisions before dewatering begins.
07
Close out the transition file
Finish with a short internal check so the updated SWPPP and SEEK record stay connected.
Record the revision
Add a revision date and description identifying the 2026 CGP transition and retain the superseded version with project records.
Obtain the required signatures
The responsible official signs the Recertification NOI. The responsible official or a properly authorized cognizant official signs the SWPPP certification and other records allowed by Part II.B.9.B.
Place the current copy onsite
Maintain the signed current SWPPP onsite, make it readily available during business hours, and update the posted NOC information when necessary.
Brief the field team
Review the changed procedures, team assignments, inspection expectations, maintenance deadlines, and any dewatering monitoring before November 1.
Related Arkansas guidance
Arkansas NOI and SEEK filing guide
Official sources
- Arkansas DEQ General Stormwater Permits
- ARR150000 permit effective November 1, 2026
- ARR150000 2026 fact sheet and change summary
- Arkansas DEQ SEEK
This guide is an operational aid, not a permit, legal opinion, or determination of eligibility. Always use the permit in effect for the project and confirm current filing instructions with Arkansas DEQ.