Small project? Check Lake Martin’s special rule.

Why is the usual one-acre shortcut wrong here?

ADEM’s Lake Martin guidance says non-exempt land disturbance needs permit coverage even when it affects less than one acre. The lake’s special designation changes the usual screening question. Do not stop at the size of your lot.

Lake Martin special construction stormwater rule

Does a repair qualify for an exemption?

ADEM lists certain minor activities, including home repair/maintenance and individual home landscaping, as exempt. Whether your work falls within that description depends on the full scope. A shoreline rebuild, new access cut or larger grading operation should not be relabeled as maintenance to avoid review.

Construction stormwater applicability and exemptions

How do you request a project determination?

• Draw the property boundary and every area to be disturbed.
• Add the disturbed acreage, property address or coordinates.
• Describe demolition, excavation, grading, material storage and equipment access.
• Include the municipal contact if an office asked you to seek review.
• Send the package to cswmail@adem.alabama.gov and keep the written determination.

Construction stormwater project review

What belongs in the construction discussion?

Ask who designs, installs and maintains erosion controls during work. Locate stockpiles, runoff routes and the washout area on the plan. Ask how controls are inspected after rain and who repairs them before the next storm.

Separate stormwater compliance from shoreline authorization. Keep the ADEM determination beside the Alabama Power permit and local approvals so the contractor works from one complete file.

Martin, Yates & Thurlow residential guidelines

When is the disturbed site finished?

Agree on the final grading, stabilization and landscape restoration in the contract. Ask what records and inspections are required to close the applicable permit. A completed wall does not automatically mean the access route and upland site are stable.