Design & Construction Assistance

Designers of University of Minnesota Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) must be certified in SWPPP design by the University of Minnesota Erosion and Stormwater Management Program (or approved equal).

The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) has specific design standards that are required on University construction projects.   The following standards and forms are of particular importance to stormwater design and are expected to be followed and included in project documents as applicable.

University of Minnesota Building Standards 

Division 31 20 - Earth Moving
Division 31 25 - Erosion & Sediment Controls
Division 32 90 - Landcare Requirements A. Construction Staging & Tree Protection
Division 32 90 - Landcare Requirements C. Subgrade Preparation, Topsoil and Finish Grading
Division 32 90 - Landcare Requirements - I. Plantings
Division 33 40 - Stormwater Utilities
Division 33 46 - Permanent Stormwater Treatment Systems
Division 33 47 - Rainwater Harvesting Systems

University of Minnesota Building Standards Appendices (Duluth Campus)

Appendix K: SWPP Plan Review Checklist
Appendix K: Addendum SWPP Plan Review Checklist Duluth
Appendix L: Construction Stormwater Inspection Checklist
Appendix M: Stormwater Treatment Design
Appendix N: Utility Standard Plates

University of Minnesota Grading Permit

University of Minnesota Environmental Protection Administrative Policy

UMD Specific Requirements

The University of Minnesota Duluth Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) has several additional SWPPP requirements that are not found in the University Building Standard Appendices.

Certification of Knowledge for SWPPP Team Members (2026)

Tree Preservation, Protection, and Planting (2025)

UMD Tree Preservation, Protection, and Planting Worksheet (Excel) is available by contacting Erik Larson ([email protected])

Storm Drain Markings - Gutter Stamp SOP (2023)

Shoreline Protection - Construction and Development Setback Requirements (2023)

UMD Standard Plates (PDF) are available by contacting Erik Larson ([email protected]).

  • LND-1000 Tree Protection Standard Plate
  • STM-4001 Catch Basin Gutter Stamp

Additional UMD Stormwater Information

Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Template (2023)

UMD Spill Contact Information

All spills on a construction site shall be contained (if it is safe to do so), reported to UMD Environmental Health and Safety (218-726-7139), and cleaned up immediately upon discovery. Spills shall be reported to the Minnesota Duty Officer (1-800-422-0798) per Minnesota Statue 115.061.

Screenshot of MPCA Search Tool
Screenshot of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Construction Stormwater Special Waters Search Tool

UMD Special Waters Information

The University of Minnesota Duluth MS4 discharges stormwater to multiple special and impaired waters. These special and/or impaired waters have additional stormwater requirements when designing SWPPP's for construction sites.

UMD Watershed Information

The University of Minnesota Duluth MS4 discharges stormwater in multiple different watersheds:

  • Campus Watersheds are Tischer Creek and Oregon Creek
  • Glensheen Watersheds are Tischer Creek, Bent Brook, and Lake Superior
  • Limnology Watersheds are Lester River and Lake Superior
  • Research Lab Building discharges to Oregon Creek
  • Natural Resources Research Institute discharges to Miller Creek

Watershed maps are only available in PDF format. For additional information or potential accommodations contact Erik Larson at 218-726-6915 or [email protected].

Quick Links

MPCA Construction Permit Portal

MPCA Guidance

MPCA Steps to Construction

MPCA How to Use the Notice of Termination (NOT)/ Permit Modification Form

MPCA Storm Water

MPCA Total Maximum Daily Loads and Minnesota’s Waterways

MPCA MS4 Program

MPCA Construction Program

MPCA Minnesota Stormwater Manual

MPCA Permitting Portal