What document must be submitted to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit?

To obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, submitting a completed Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is essential. This document details the practices and measures that will be implemented to manage stormwater discharges and to minimize pollution from construction activities. The SWPPP serves as a foundational requirement for the NPDES process because it outlines the anticipated pollutants, the sources of those pollutants, and the strategies for managing them effectively. By having a comprehensive plan in place, applicants demonstrate their commitment to reducing environmental impact and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

The other choices do not fulfill this specific requirement for the NPDES permit process. While a construction plan might outline how construction will proceed, and an environmental impact statement assesses broader implications on the environment, neither of these documents specifically addresses the management of stormwater pollution in the way that a SWPPP does. A maintenance schedule, though important for ongoing site management, is not a prerequisite for obtaining the permit itself.