How long must all storm water program records be retained?

The correct retention period for storm water program records is three years. This duration aligns with the regulations put forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. Retaining records for three years ensures that an adequate history of compliance with storm water management practices can be maintained and reviewed as necessary.

This time frame allows for effective monitoring of the program's effectiveness, supports accountability, and provides documentation during inspections or audits. Maintaining these records for less than three years may result in a lack of essential data needed to demonstrate compliance with federal and state regulations, potentially leading to penalties or other enforcement actions if issues arise.

In contrast, records kept for shorter durations do not provide a comprehensive view of compliance efforts, and longer retention without justification may unnecessarily burden organizations with paperwork. Thus, the three-year requirement strikes a useful balance between accountability and practicality.