Last Updated 07/20/2026
Arkansas Stormwater Laws & Regulations
The State of Arkansas operates under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program under the authorization of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) manages the permitting and compliance of stormwater discharge.
How to Receive Coverage through a General Stormwater Permit
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ADEQ considers issuing a Notice of Coverage (NOC) to facilities seeking coverage only after payment has been received. When applicable, send a completed and signed NOI, a completed Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), and permit fee to:
Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality
Water Discharge Permits Section
5301 Northshore Drive
North Little Rock, AR 72118-5317
Or email documents in PDF format to Water Permits Application.
Most General NPDES Permits may be completed and submitted online through the ADEQ ePortal site.
General Stormwater Permits
The following general stormwater permits are available in Arkansas and are listed with coverage forms and information. Select the appropriate category below.
Construction Stormwater Permits
Permit: ARR150000 Large Site (5 Acres or More)
- Expires: October 31, 2021
- Annual Fee: $200
Permit: ARR150000 Small Site (AUTOMATIC COVERAGE for 1 Acre or More but Less than 5 Acres)
- Expires: October 31, 2021
View State Page
Frequently Asked Questions
Who administers stormwater permitting in Arkansas?
The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, operating under NPDES authorization from the EPA. ADEQ manages both permitting and compliance for stormwater discharge across the state, which is why Arkansas cities like Bentonville, Fayetteville, and Fort Smith all reference ADEQ standards directly in their own municipal ordinances.
What size construction project needs stormwater permit coverage in Arkansas?
Any site disturbing one acre or more. Sites between one and five acres qualify for automatic coverage under the small site category, while sites of five acres or more fall under the large site permit tier, which carries its own annual fee.
How do I apply for a general stormwater permit in Arkansas?
You’ll need to submit a completed and signed Notice of Intent, a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, and the applicable permit fee to ADEQ’s Water Discharge Permits Section in North Little Rock, either by mail, by emailing PDF documents directly, or through the ADEQ ePortal, which handles most general NPDES permit submissions online.
Does ADEQ issue permit coverage as soon as I submit my application?
No. ADEQ only issues a Notice of Coverage after payment has been received alongside your completed NOI and SWPPP. Submitting the paperwork without the fee won’t start your coverage clock.
How much does a construction stormwater permit cost in Arkansas?
For large sites of five acres or more, the annual fee is $200. Small sites between one and five acres receive automatic coverage without that same fee structure, which makes the acreage threshold a meaningful cost consideration when scoping a project.
How can AQUALIS help my property navigate Arkansas's stormwater permitting requirements?
AQUALIS helps Arkansas property owners determine which permit tier applies to their project, prepare the Notice of Intent and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan ADEQ requires, and manage submission through the ePortal or direct mail process.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Regulations change frequently — AQUALIS makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of this content, and any reliance on it is at your own risk. Consult a qualified professional or your local regulatory authority to confirm requirements applicable to your specific property.
